Introduction to dog pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a digestive enzyme secreted by the pancreas. Due to inflammation and other reasons, it digests the pancreas itself and even surrounding organs, causing lesions in the pancreas and surrounding organs. Dog pancreatitis can be divided into three types: acute, chronic and recurrent. Usually dogs suffering from this disease are almost all acute, and once this disease is discovered, the mortality rate is extremely high if not treated in time, so pets Friends must pay attention to this disease.

Acute pancreatitis in dogs

Acute pancreatitis causes severe pain because abnormal pancreatic function causes the release of digestive enzymes into the pancreas and surrounding organs and tissues. In effect, the body begins to digest itself. This stage is called necrotizing pancreatitis. The attack is fierce, and without quick intervention and active treatment by a veterinarian, the dog's survival rate is low.

Chronic Pancreatitis in Dogs

Chronic pancreatitis takes time to develop and is therefore more likely to occur in animals older than two years of age. It's called EPI, and it's characterized by the inability of the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes. Symptoms may not appear until 85%-90% of the pancreas' function has ceased. Fewer digestive enzymes mean reduced digestion of proteins and fats. These undigested fatty acids in the intestines lead to the yellowish-gray oily diarrhea that is the main characteristic of the typical stools of chronic pancreatitis. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis are less severe than acute pancreatitis and are associated with indigestion. Symptoms include weight loss, hair loss, flatulence, increased appetite, feces eating (eating feces due to nutritional deficiencies), and diarrhea.

Causes of pancreatitis in dogs

Overnutrition: Long-term feeding of high-fat food is common in obese dogs.
Ischemia: hypovolemia (acute massive bleeding), disseminated vascular coagulation.
Drug causes: chemotherapy drugs, organophosphates, corticosteroids, furosemide.
Other infections: caused by abdominal trauma and infectious diseases.

Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs

Clinically, dogs with acute pancreatitis occur in all age groups, mostly middle-aged and obese small dogs. But in recent years, there has been a trend of getting younger.
The main manifestations are depression, severe vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), sensitivity and nervousness to abdominal palpation (often in a praying posture, unwilling to be touched, and not allowed to be held by the owner), severe cases may occur Coma or shock or even death.

Diagnostic methods for pancreatitis in dogs

Currently, the most effective diagnostic method for pancreatitis is cPL, with a sensitivity of 64~93% and a specificity of 93%. Compared with B-ultrasound and Lipase, amylase, X-ray and other inspection methods are more accurate.
1. Hematology and blood biochemical tests: early detection and early treatment.
2. Ascites fluid analysis, biochemical tests, radiological tests and ultrasound tests: used to determine the disease.

Treatment options for pancreatitis

How to treat is a matter for professional pet doctors. Ordinary dog ​​owners don’t need to know too much. To put it simply, the main thing is symptomatic treatment.
No food or water: Reduce stimulation of pancreatic secretion.
Analgesia: Painriding can be used to relieve severe abdominal pain.
Anti-inflammation: Use antibiotics to control infection, such as Baili, Sucosun, ampicillin, etc.
Fluid rehydration: replenish energy electrolytes, regulate acid-base balance, and maintain pancreatic microcirculation. Sugary liquids are temporarily prohibited. Normal saline, compound sodium chloride, lactated Ringer's solution, etc. can be used.
Anti-emetic: Atropine sulfate, cimetidine, etc. can be used when vomiting is severe.
Hepatoprotective and diuretic: You can use Hepatolysin, Vitrein, Qianjiedu Sen, furosemide, etc.
Control blood sugar: Long-acting or short-acting insulin can be used to control blood sugar and monitor it in real time.
I would like to tell you here that there are two specific drugs for pancreatitis: ulinastatin and octreotide. They are more expensive, but pancreatitis is a clinically difficult disease for dogs. Everyone should Be mentally prepared.