As the holidays approach (in particular Thanksgiving), I felt it a good time to discuss a very serious condition called pancreatitis. The pancreas is the organ responsible for producing the enzymes that digest fat and other nutrients. These digestive enzymes are normally prevented from harming the pancreas by a variety of safeguards. When these safeguards fail, however, the digestive enzymes can actually damage the pancreas itself leading to inflammation and destruction.
Several causes of pancreatitis include high fat diet, trauma to the pancreas, select drugs and toxins, pancreatic duct obstruction, chronic renal disease, hypercalcemia, and some infectious agents. Regardless of the initiating cause, the end result is a pancreas that is inflamed and functioning abnormally. This results in making the animal lethargic and depressed usually with a high fever. Animals with pancreatitis are inappetant, vomit, have diarrhea, and exhibit abdominal pain (stand hunched over, reluctant to rise, etc). Because of the lack of appetite and lethargy, affected animals rapidly become weak and dehydrated with subsequent electrolyte abnormalities
Diagnosis is made based on history, breed (Miniature Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels are predisposed as are Siamese cats), clinical signs, and supportive bloodwork findings in particular elevated TLI levels. Treatment is supportive to correct dehydration, correct electrolyte abnormalities, suppress vomiting and diarrhea, and provide pain relief. Food is withheld to prevent further stimulation of the pancreas to release digestive enzymes for a minimum of 3 days but more typically 5 days. Fluids are then gradually tapered and food slowly introduced with very close monitoring for relapse. Once the animal is able to eat a normal diet and drink enough to maintain hydration without relapsing, it can then be released from hospitalization. Untreated pancreatitis can be fatal.
Acute pancreatitis may be a single occurrence or may recur periodically. If it does recur then the animal is restricted to a low-protein and low-fat diet. Avoiding meals excessively high in fat (in particular ham and turkey around the holidays) will help prevent pancreatitis from developing.
For more information -- Please contact your veterinarian or email me.