The pancreas is an organ located on the right side of the abdomen. It performs a number of vital functions in the body including producing digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin.
Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. The disease can occur in cats and dogs of any age, size, and breed. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, digestive enzymes can leak into the abdominal area causing inflammation of internal organs, infection, and even death.
There are two main forms of the disease: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. The former is the most common form of the disease and is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms. By comparison, pets with chronic pancreatitis suffer from continuous and progressive inflammation of the pancreas.
Causes of Pancreatitis
The cause of pancreatitis is not fully understood. However, factors such as high-fat diets, obesity, trauma to the pancreas, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are thought to contribute to the development of the condition.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Symptoms of pancreatitis can vary, depending on the type and severity of the disease. It’s very important to visit your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms as pancreatitis can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal swelling
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Generalized weakness
Diagnosis of Pancreatitis
Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset of symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for clinical signs of the disease.
Several diagnostic tests will usually be performed to rule out other causes of your pet’s symptoms. These may include bloodwork, a urinalysis, and imaging techniques such as X-rays or ultrasounds to check for abdominal abnormalities. Specialized blood tests which measure pancreatic enzymes will also be performed to diagnose or rule out the disease.
Treatment of Pancreatitis
Successful treatment of pancreatitis will rely on early diagnosis and medical intervention. Depending on the severity of their symptoms, hospitalization may be required to stabilize your pet’s condition.
Treatment will typically focus on supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy and medications such as antibiotics, anti-nausea drugs, and analgesics to manage symptoms of pancreatitis.
After initial treatment, your veterinarian may prescribe a specialized diet along with supplements and medications to manage your pet’s condition. Please make sure to follow any dietary recommendations closely and administer all medications and supplements as instructed.
Prevention of Pancreatitis
There is no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatitis, but there are steps you can take to reduce your pet’s risk of developing the disease.
Always make sure to feed a healthy, balanced diet and avoid feeding your pet fatty foods and table scraps. It is also important to manage your pet’s weight by providing regular exercise. Please ask your veterinarian for further advice on preventing pancreatitis in pets.
