Pancreatitis in Dogs

What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs?

The pancreas is an internal organ in the abdominal cavity that is located adjacent to the stomach. This important organ is responsible for production and release of enzymes that helps break down food products. Pancreatitis refers to an inflammatory reaction within the pancreas and can happen both suddenly (Acute Pancreatitis) or over a period of time (Chronic Pancreatitis). This potentially debilitating condition occurs when the digestive enzymes are activated too early upon release resulting in inflammation and damage to the pancreas as well as surrounding organs. This condition can happen is cats too! However, it is less common and symptoms may be less obvious than in dogs.

Causes

Mostly pancreatitis occurs when the dog is on a high fat diet, or from obesity. Some other causes are include hyperthyroidism and even blunt force trauma. However, the exact cause of pancreatitis can often be completely idiopathic (cannot be determined).


A dog that has Acute Pancreatitis will have more serious clinical signs, such as:

  • Severe lethargy
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting frequently
  • Severe dehydration
  • Collapse and shock (sometimes)



While A dog with Chronic Pancreatitis is typically not as sick and can suffer from:

  • Lethargy
  • Decreased/ No appetite
  • Abdominal pain and/or vomiting



Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose pancreatitis, your veterinarian will often perform blood tests (Canine Pancreatic Lipase testing) and Ultrasonography to accurately confirm the pancreatic inflammation.


Treatment is most often supportive care regardless of whether the patient has acute or chronic pancreatitis. Patients with severe, acute pancreatitis often require more extensive medical intervention and treatment such as:

  • Intensive intravenous fluid and electrolyte support
  • Pain-control medication
  • Anti-nausea medication
  • Stomach-protectants
  • Antibiotics
  • A bland, low-fat diet is recommended during recovery
    (this may be a home-cooked and/or home-prepared diet)

Blocked Cats (Feline Urethral Obstruction)

June 25, 2022
What is a blocked cat? The term ‘Blocked cat’ describes a physical obstruction of the cat’s urethra resulting in the inability for successfully urination. This painful condition falls under a wider group of feline abnormalities known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, and usually come in the form of mucoid plugs or urinary crystals. Interestingly, this condition is more common in male cats due to their long and narrow urethra! Furthermore, studies have also shown that urethral blockage occur more often in cats that live indoors and in multi-cat households, suggesting that stress might be a key contributor. If left untreated, blocked cats are a medical emergency. When urine is unable to be excreted, significant tension is placed on the bladder as it continues to strain and stretch in its attempt to contain an increasing amount of urine. When this happens, the bladder wall may rupture internally resulting in leakage of urine in the abdominal cavity. This can most certainly be fatal. Other complications that can happen include severe electrolyte imbalances and life-threatening cardiovascular problems. 

Pyometra

June 18, 2022
Pyometra  What is Pyometra? Pyometra is a term used to describe an infection of the uterus in an animal. This serious condition affects unsterilised female dogs & cats and can be life threatening! Interestingly, pyometra is actually hormone driven hence creating an optimal condition in the uterus for bacterial infection. After a heat cycle, the hormone progesterone is produced from the ovaries in high amounts to thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for possible pregnancy. During this time, the immune defence system in the uterus is weakened and is susceptible to bacterial infection. In most animals, the body releases a counter hormone to prevent prolonged period of uterine susceptibility. However, in some animals, this period is sustained and an overwhelming bacterial invasion ensues. Over a short period of time, the infection continues to build up and the uterus will begin filling with pus.