Pancreatitis in dogs

How pancreatitis develops in dogs

Under the influence of provoking factors, an inflammatory process occurs in the pancreas. The release of enzymes that provide digestion in the intestine stops. The food is not digested, and the intake of nutrients into the body stops.

As the enzyme systems in the organ continue their work, under the action of enzymes, the tissues of the pancreas itself are digested. This leads not only to its destruction, but also to the release of toxic decomposition products into the blood, poisoning of the body, the development of numerous complications from organs of other systems.

Types of pancreatitis in dogs

By origin, there are two types of pancreatitis in dogs.

• Primary. It occurs under the influence of provoking factors as an independent disease (for example, with improper nutrition).
• Secondary. It is a consequence of already existing pathologies, for example, hepatitis, helminthiasis, neoplasms. This type of pathology is considered irreversible, therefore, it will be necessary to maintain the condition of the dog's pancreas at the right level throughout its life.

Two forms are distinguished by the course of the disease:

• acute pancreatitis – manifested by pronounced symptoms, characterized by intense disintegration of organ tissues, the development of necrosis (necrotizing pancreatitis), abscesses, sepsis, peritonitis;
• chronic – proceeds with subtle signs, gradually destroying the pancreas.

With timely access to a specialist, the probability of recovery of the pet is quite high, especially in the acute course of the disease. The chronic form, due to the weakly expressed clinical picture, in most cases ends in a fatal outcome. The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis worsen and become noticeable when the animal has less than 20% of healthy tissue in the organ.

Causes of pancreatic inflammation

Among the numerous causes of pancreatitis in dogs, the most common ones can be noted.

Pancreatitis can develop in any dog, but the following breeds are genetically predisposed to it: miniature Schnauzers , german shepherds , poodles , collie , yorkshire terriers , cocker spaniels , boxers , cavalier-king Charles spaniels .

How pancreatitis manifests in dogs

The symptoms of acute and chronic pancreatitis in dogs are different. The acute form, as a rule, begins with signs resembling an intestinal disorder, which gradually worsen. Chronic pathology manifests itself when the gland is severely destroyed.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnostic measures are primarily aimed at eliminating a condition requiring urgent surgery. To do this, the veterinarian will prescribe the following procedures:

• laboratory examination of blood for enzymes, nitrogenous compounds, lipids and so on;
• X-ray examination of the organ;
• ultrasound examination;
• ultrasonography;
• duodenography;
• biopsy of the gland.

If necessary, it is possible to conduct a laparoscopic examination of the organ.

Treatment of pancreatitis in dogs

The direction of pancreatitis treatment in dogs is based on diagnostic data. At the moment, there is no medicine in domestic veterinary medicine that could save the animal from suffering, so the therapy is symptomatic. At the same time, the dog's nutrition is of great importance – only with an appropriate diet, medications will be able to have a therapeutic effect.

Drug therapy

Prescription of medications is determined by symptoms.

Surgical treatment

In the presence of irreversible destruction in the pancreatic tissues, surgery is indicated. During surgery, the doctor can clean the excretory ducts of the organ, excision cysts or ulcers.

Diet

Following a diet during the treatment of pancreatitis in dogs is the key to improving the condition and recovery. A number of products are subject to exclusion from the pet's diet:

When feeding an animal, the following recommendations should be followed:

• give small portions;
• exclude smoked meats, fried and fatty dishes, salt;
• food should be a little warm;
• feed frequently, up to 6 times a day;
• avoid large and hard pieces in a bowl, bring food to a state of porridge;
• make sure that the pet always has clean water.

You can feed a four-legged friend with lean meat, buckwheat, millet porridge, adding chopped boiled vegetables and cottage cheese that does not contain fat. If the pet is used to industrial mixtures, then a special food for pancreatitis should be selected, for example, Royal Canin Gastro Intestinal Low Fat.

Complications of pancreatitis in dogs

In the absence of timely treatment, the inflammatory process in the pancreas in dogs can lead to serious consequences:

• necrosis of organ tissues, necrosis;
• intoxication of the body;
• blood poisoning;
• blockage of the bile ducts;
• peritonitis;
• diabetes mellitus and other consequences, up to the death of the animal.

First aid for an attack of pancreatitis

During an attack of pancreatitis, the owner, unfortunately, can do little to help the pet. First of all, you need to call a veterinarian or take the animal to the clinic. If a quick examination by a specialist is not possible, it is recommended to take the following actions:

• put the injection of No-shpa, carefully calculating the dosage of the drug;
• remove food, ensure the dog is completely hungry;
• pour clean water into a bowl, preferably filtered, without chlorine;
• leave your pet in complete peace and quiet.

In no case should you give your pet "tested" medicines, use folk methods, try to feed. All subsequent actions are determined only after diagnosis and identification of the cause of the pathological condition.

Pancreatitis in puppyhood

Puppies can also get pancreatitis, various negative factors contribute to this, most often infections. Babies who are being intensively fattened are predisposed to inflammatory processes in the pancreas. Excess weight leads to a weakening of the immune system, malfunctions of internal organs, including the pancreas, disorders in the digestive system. Feeding puppies should be age-appropriate. Due to the imperfection of the digestive tract enzyme system, "adult" food is not suitable for them.

The symptoms of acute pancreatitis in puppyhood are the same as in adult dogs. If vomiting, diarrhea and other signs appear, the dog should be taken to the clinic as soon as possible for examination and first aid. The puppy's body is not able to resist the disease on its own, so the baby may die in a short period of time.

Preventing the development of chronic pancreatitis in a puppy is the primary task of the veterinarian and the owner. During the rehabilitation period, the owner must strictly follow the instructions of a specialist: give the animal medicine in a timely manner, feed it in accordance with the diet, put preventive vaccines and so on.

Prevention of pancreatitis in dogs

The most important preventive rule is to provide the dog with a healthy and adequate diet. You can not give the animal food "from the table" or feed it with low-quality food. It is necessary to monitor the pet during a walk – released from the leash, he can pick up leftover food from the ground. In addition, the dog should not be allowed to take food from strangers, in most cases it is something delicious, but prohibited.

The owner needs to add raw meat and vitamins to the food of a four-legged friend every day. If the animal is commercially fed, it is recommended to carefully study the composition of the feed to exclude the presence of harmful substances and an abundance of fats. It is forbidden to feed the dog with fatty foods, sweets, salty, smoked and fried dishes.

If it is known that the pet's parents have suffered liver or pancreatic diseases, it is worth undergoing preventive diagnostics to identify the dog's predisposition to pancreatitis. With positive results, periodic administration of a number of medications is recommended to maintain the activity and healthy state of the gland.

Prevention of pancreatitis in dogs will be the following measures:

• timely vaccination (will prevent the development of infection in the body);
• regular checkup by a veterinarian;
• complete exclusion of self-medication.

Do not hope that the removal of symptoms will lead to a cure. Pancreatitis cannot be cured quickly and forever: even if an acute attack is eliminated and a full course of treatment is completed, the slightest error in nutrition can provoke deterioration. Diet and attention from the owner will require a long period of time, and in the case of a chronic course of the disease – until the end of the dog's life.