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What is the pancreas, and why is it needed?
The pancreas is a
glandular organ that is tucked under the stomach and duodenum (first part
of the small intestine) in the dog and cat. It has two functions: 1)
exocrine - to produce the enzymes needed to digest food, and 2) endocrine
- to produce hormones, including the hormone insulin, which facilitates
the uptake and storage of glucose (sugar) and amino acids (proteins).
What happens during a bout of Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is
an inflammation of the pancreas, causing leakage of the digestive enzymes
whereby the pancreas literally starts to "digest itself". Pancreatitis can
be acute (sudden) or chronic (happening over a course of time).
Both acute and chronic forms are serious and can be
life-threatening, especially the acute form.
What causes Pancreatitis?
For the majority of cases, the
cause is unknown. Pancreatitis can occur in both dogs and cats, but is
generally more common in dogs, especially the acute form. Cats more
commonly have the chronic form, and it can be difficult to diagnose. In
dogs, obese middle age to older animals have a higher incidence, as do
females. Even though exact causes are not known, there are identifiable
risk factors. Here are some potential risk factors:
- Hyperlipidemia (high fat content in blood)
- High fat meal (trigger for hyperlipidemia)
- Obesity (especially dogs)
- Concurrent disease - i.e. Cushing's, Diabetes
- Contaminated food or water
- Certain drugs and toxins - i.e. some types of diuretics,
antibiotics, and organophosphate insecticide
- Bacterial or viral infection
What are the signs of Pancreatitis?
The signs can vary from
mild gastrointestinal upset to collapse and death. Most animals present
with common gastrointestinal signs of upset, such as:
- Vomiting
- Not eating
- Painful abdomen, hunched appearance (more common in dogs
- Fever or below-normal body temperature
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Dehydration, evaluated by noting sunken eyes, dry mouth, and
increased skin turgor (skin tents when pinched)
These signs are not specific for Pancreatitis, and can be seen with
many gastrointestinal diseases and conditions. All or some of the signs
may be noted in an individual patient with Pancreatitis. Cats can be
especially difficult to diagnose due to the vague signs they exhibit with
chronic Pancreatitis - depression/lethargy and poor appetite are seen with
regularity, and gastrointestinal signs of vomiting, diarrhea, and / or
pain are seen intermittently.
How is Pancreatitis diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will
evaluate your pet's history (i.e. getting into the garbage, eating a lot
of "people food", etc.), do a thorough physical examination, and likely do
blood tests to rule out other diseases and to check pancreatic enzymes.
Radiographs may also be done to rule out a gastric or intestinal foreign
body or other GI diseases or conditions.
What is the treatment for Pancreatitis?
Treatment for this
disease is supportive, meaning that there isn't usually a direct cause and
cure, but supporting the animal while allowing healing. The veterinary
team will take care of the animal's nutritional and fluid needs, pain
management, and addressing any other disease processes (infection,
diabetes, etc.) while letting the pancreas heal on its own. Resting the
pancreas and gastrointestinal system is key, and this means no food or
water by mouth for 1 to 5 or more days. This is dependent on the severity
of each case, and the animal must be on fluids and other support to
survive and heal the pancreas while off of oral food and water.
What about follow up care post-recovery, and what is involved in the
management of chronic Pancreatitis?
Your vet will likely prescribe
a low-fat, high-fiber diet to aid in your pet's recovery and to prevent
future bouts of Pancreatitis. Depending on your pet's case, the diet
recommendations may be for life for optimal health and preventative care.
Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved
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