As loving and concerned dog owners, we all want what's best for our dogs health.
When we notice that our dog's behaviors or appearance change, we tend to dig up all of the information we can find online for what ever the cause of the health issue may be.
If you suspect that you have to perhaps help treat pancreatitis in dogs, here is some information to get the treatment process started.
Why is the Pancreas Important? Humans and dogs both have a pancreas.
This organ is tucked right up under the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.
The reason why we need a pancreas: a) Exocrine production: Enzymes we need in order to digest our food b) Endocrine production: Enzymes required to produce hormones such as insulin, a key player in our ability to store sugars and amino acids What are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis in dogs? Pancreatitis in dogs is referring to the inflammation of the pancreas.
When this occurs, then there is a leaking of the two digestive enzymes mentioned above.
As a result, the pancreas actually begins to digest or "eat" itself.
Pancreatitis in dogs can either be acute (meaning it happens suddenly and quickly) or it can be one of the slowest developing of the dog diseases.
Both are equally life threatening and require immediate treatment.
Some of the most prominent symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include: - Lack of appetite - Vomiting - Swollen and painful abdomen - Fever, or a lowered body temperature - Depression - Diarrhea - Dehydration What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs? A lot of the time, your veterinarian will not be able to narrow down a cause behind the pancreatitis.
Some risk factors you may want to consider include: - Fatty foods - Obesity - Hyperlipidemia - Suffering from another disease, such as Cushing's disease in dogs and diabetes - Bacterial or viral infections - Drugs/medications - Contaminated food and water sources How to Treat Pancreatitis in Dogs The dog will probably need to stay at the veterinarian's office for an overnight stay or two.
The vet will take care of your dog's fluid and nutritional needs and make the dog comfortable by practicing pro-active pain management by use of medications.
Your vet will also look over your dog to make sure that no other diseases are the cause for the pancreatitis.
Your dog's pancreas will need to "rest", which means that no food or water will be provided to your dog by the mouth for up to 5 days.
All nutritional needs and fluids are entering into your dog's body via intravenous.
Most dogs will only need treatment for 1 or 2 days, though it depends on the severity of the problem.