Pancreatitis in dogs is as common as in humans. In normal dogs the pancreas produces enzymes for digestion. They are allocated in the 12-duodenum. But when occurrence of pancreatitis this process is disrupted. Pancreatitis in dogs is as common as in humans.
What is a pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is called the inflammatory process occurring in the pancreas. This breaks the digestive system of the animal. In the body of the dog no longer stand out enzymes necessary for the breakdown of food. Food stops normally digested, and the body begins to suffer from lack of nutrients.
Despite the fact that the enzymes are not allocated in the 12-duodenum, in the pancreas, their production continues. Destructive processes occur, since iron starts to digest itself.
Pancreatitis in animals can cause other serious diseases (diabetes mellitus). Of toxins generated during the destruction of the pancreas, affects many organs and systems.
The vets there are several reasons for the development of the disease.
The main factors that affect the pancreas in dogs are:
- improper diet;
- infectious disease;
- uncontrolled medications;
- heredity.
Most breeders and veterinarians believe that a poorly composed diet, not taking into account the basic needs of dogs is the main cause of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Every dog owner should remember that these animals are carnivores and should eat raw meat.
If you pay attention to the feeding of them at the present time a large part of the diet is raw meat and the cooked. Also the owners often give their Pets cereals, meats, food from the table. Is feeding in most cases lead to diseases of the digestive system.
Most breeders and veterinarians believe that a poorly composed diet, not taking into account the basic needs of dogs is the main cause of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastrointestinal tract dogs are designed to digest raw meat. Without sufficient quantities of this product, the dog’s body is unable to fully consume produced for its cleavage enzymes. As a result, the activity of the pancreas is disturbed, and developed pancreatitis.
Pathology can contribute to infectious disease. The inflammation begins due to the penetration of pathogens in the digestive tract. Create a strong risk of intestinal infection.
Sometimes various disorders in the body occur in dogs with high immunity, correctly eating. In this case, doctors say about the genetic predisposition of an animal to a particular disease. Therefore, if pedigree dogs were found pancreatitis, its owner is urged to observe the rules of feeding. Some breeds are prone to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, a common pancreatitis in York (Yorkshire Terrier).
Very dangerous when you have any symptoms of illness in your pet to start his treatment. Incorrectly chosen medication can not alleviate, but only worsen the condition of the animal. Uncontrolled, their use is also a common cause of pancreatitis in dogs. To prevent drug poisoning and its effects on the dog owner should seek the help of a specialist.
The symptoms of the disease
The course of the disease depends on its shape. There are acute and chronic forms of pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis in dogs is characterized by rapidity of occurrence. The symptoms of the disease develop suddenly and have a vivid manifestation. In acute course of pathology is possible the full recovery of the digestive tract (changes in the gland reversible).
The chronic form is characterized by mild symptoms. The signs of sickness appear gradually, and the changes in the gland are irreversible (it is death). Usually chronic pancreatitis is a consequence of other disease and begins long before the onset of visible symptoms. In advanced cases, there are complications such as sepsis, peritonitis, cancer, etc.
Often seen the following symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs:
- severe vomiting (especially after feeding);
- lethargy, weakness;
- feed refusal;
- drowsiness;
- bloating;
- pain when pressing on stomach;
- high sugar in the blood.
A symptom of pathology is sometimes a rise in blood sugar, which an inexperienced physician may mistakenly diagnose diabetes. This symptom is due to the fact that inflammation causes the pancreas to stop to select not only the enzymes but also insulin. Diabetes is often a consequence of chronic pancreatitis.
Owner it is crucial to notice the signs of illness and to seek help to the veterinarian. A specialist will be able to correctly diagnose pancreatitis in dogs symptoms and treatment the correct approach is able to restore the digestive system of the pet.
Diagnosis and treatment
The blood analysis on the content of enzymes is not a reliable study. In the presence of acute pancreatitis enzyme levels in the blood may be normal. Deviations from the norm can speak not only about this disease, but also about enteritis and other disorders of the digestive tract.
Therefore, diagnosis of the disease should be comprehensive. The doctor must consider all symptoms in the animal and the findings from these studies as the biochemical analysis of blood, ultrasound and x-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract of the dog.
Only a specialist should decide how to treat the disease. In the presence of prolonged vomiting, the veterinarian gives the dog antiemetic drugs in the form of injections. Then put the dropper to the animal. Washing blood with a saline solution helps to normalize the water-salt balance (to avoid dehydration). Drug therapy includes anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and in some cases, and antibiotics. Sometimes the doctor prescribes Pancreatin (enzyme).
How to treat pancreatitis in dogs
Further treatment of pancreatitis in dogs in most cases does not require surgery and is at home. An important part of healing pet is proper feeding. Many doctors recommend in 1 day animal does not feed and only watering with clean water. This recommendation is relevant in the acute form of pathology.
Diet for pancreatitis in dogs consists of easily digestible foods. Provides the fractional mode of feeding in which the dog is eating often and in small portions. From diet to exclude all fatty foods (pork, eggs, dairy products high fat content, etc.). Dog food for pancreatitis should be based on lean meat (it should give at least small amounts). Allowed dairy products low fat.
The first time you should not feed your pet cereals. Their number in the dog’s diet should be limited. In any case, do not feed her from the table . Owners whose animals are accustomed to dry food, it is recommended to translate them into special feed for dogs with gastrointestinal disease.
