PANCREATITIS FRIDAY by Amanda Cvengros, Tuskegee University CVM, Class of 2020
As the holidays are approaching quickly, ‘tis the season for dogs to be fed more table scraps. From turkey bones to mashed potatoes, these wonderful food-filled holidays can take a turn for the worst if your pets are indulging in these high fat meals with you. While my family is guilty of giving our pups their own small plate of thanksgiving foods, it puts them at a much higher risk of developing pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis in dogs is typically a result of eating a high-fat meal after a holiday during this
time of year. Tere are many risk factors that can bring pancreatitis about, including a history of dietary indiscretion, obesity, hypothyroidism, trauma, diabetes mellitus, or genetic predispositions. It is essential to discuss the symptoms of pancreatitis with your friends and family in order to keep your dog healthy this season, especially if he/she has suffered the ravages of this disease before. Te warning signs are not always very obvious at first. Tey can be mistaken for something less serious; however, it can be a life-threat- ening disease. Pancreatitis is defined as inflammation of the pancreas, but there is more to it than that. Te pancreas is responsible for releasing enzymes that help your system digest. Normally the enzymes are active inside the small intestine after a meal. When pancreatitis occurs, the enzymes activate when they’re released causing inflammation and damage to the pancreas and all of its surrounding tissues and organs. As you can imagine, this is extremely painful.
Clinical signs can often be vague. Be on the lookout for any episodes of vomiting, pain or distention of the abdomen, diarrhea, loss of appe- tite, hunched back, dehydration, lethargy, or fever. It is imperative to catch onto these symptoms quickly as it will be helpful to get your dog back on his feet and begging at the table yet again. Owner diligence is required around the holidays and any festive events that may encourage younger kids or even adults to slip your dog a fatty piece of turkey or even cookies. Without observation, instead of finding Black Friday bar- gains, you may end up spending more money on “Pancreatitis Friday” at the vet’s office than with holiday shopping. Diagnosis can include several blood tests to measure pancreatic enzymes, radiographs or ultra- sound, or even fine needle aspirates of the pancreas.
Once your pet has a bad bout of pancreatitis, the chance of recurrence is high.
Tere is not a quick fix for treating acute pancreatitis. It often requires extended periods of hospitalization. It is important to get your dog’s pain under control and early intervention to prevent further complications is a must. Most common treatments include intravenous fluid therapy, intensive monitoring, antiemetic medications to prevent vomiting and dehydration, and withholding food and water in order to rest the pancreas. Once the acute attack is under control, the owners must monitor fat intake meaning no table scraps allowed. Prescription diets of low-fat gastrointestinal support food, smaller and more frequent feed- ings, and regular blood testing by your veterinarian is required. Once your pet has a bad bout of pancreati- tis, the chance of recurrence is high. Te best defense is a good offense, so be on the lookout for the warning signs and ensure your pet has good exercise along with their normal meal this holiday season.
6 KVMA News
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