Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis

May 23, 2010

Many of you will recognize Quimby, our official greeter. Quimby, along with a couple of our other patients, was recently diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is not unusual in dogs and is also seen in cats. Since it can be life threatening we thought it would be helpful to give you an overview of pancreatitis and its symptoms.

The pancreas is a small organ that is pink in color. It is located under the stomach and rests next to the duodenum. It is responsible for protecting the duodenum, the first portion of the small intestine, by releasing digestive enzymes to further digest the proteins (protease), carbohydrates (amylase), and fats (lipase) of the stomach contents. The pancreas also secretes insulin and glucagon and produces bicarbonate, a substance that neutralizes the acid from the stomach and prevents it from burning the walls of the small intestine.

When an animal suffers from inflammation of the pancreas, he has pancreatitis. It is painful and can even be life-threatening. When the pancreas becomes overworked or irritated, it can become inflamed. Once the tissues of the pancreas become swollen, the pancreatic duct to the small intestine can become obstructed. The digestive enzymes continue accumulating within the pancreas, and the small intestine, not sensing their presence, then triggers a signal for more production of the pancreatic enzymes. As a result of the over-production and accumulation of enzymes in the pancreas, the enzymes now become active in the organ and begin to create havoc within the pancreas – creating further inflammation, scarring and digestion of the body itself. The body’s digestive system begins working incorrectly. The small intestine is no longer able to recognize the undigested state of nutrients, and is therefore not able to absorb nutrients.

Some of the visible signals that your dog has suffered an attack of pancreatitis include vomiting partially digested food and/or yellow frothy bile, mucous-coated loose stool, an arched back, a painful belly, loss of appetite, depression, restlessness or inability to get comfortable.

There are two types of pancreatitis. The first type is "acute" pancreatitis, which is a form that does not leave lasting damage on the pancreas or surrounding organs. It is generally sudden onset. The second type is called "chronic". Chronic pancreatitis is typically mild, with similar but less severe symptoms than acute pancreatitis, but it will frequently recur after being treated. Chronic pancreatitis can leave lasting damage on the pancreas and surrounding organs so it is critical that it be effectively managed. In severe cases of pancreatitis there may be signs of shock or total collapse. Pancreatitis can strike both dogs and cats. Cats are more likely to have chronic pancreatitis, characterized by a decrease in appetite, lethargy, loss of weight, chronic vomiting and low body temperatures. Cats sometimes have diarrhea or difficulty breathing.

Though the exact cause for an attack of pancreatitis is not fully understood, some contributing factors are prior liver problems, Cushing’s disease, chronic bowel disease, hypothyroidism and diabetes. Certain sulfa drugs or injury to the pancreas such as from being hit by a car can also initiate an attack. Some animals are genetically predisposed to this condition, especially miniature schnauzers. Pancreatitis is most common in overweight animals that eat highly processed commercial diets, particularly foods with lower protein and higher fat and carbohydrate levels. We often see an increase in acute pancreatitis during the holidays. Use caution when letting your dog celebrate with a very rich, fatty meal of leftovers, especially older dogs or those with weakened systems.

Pancreatitis can be treated conventionally or holistically or both. Severe cases may require a hospital stay. While in the hospital, fluids and nutrients are given intravenously. In order to give the pancreas time to “rest” and heal, food, water and oral medications are not given during this time. In addition, pain medications and antibiotics may be given. Chronic pancreatitis and milder acute cases respond well to acupuncture, vitamin injections and herbs.

If you have questions about this subject or think your animal may be exhibiting symptoms, give us a call right away and we’ll set up a consultation with Dr. Peggy.