The most common non-infectious disease of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs is pancreatitis, accompanied by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The diagnosis is sometimes difficult, so a mild illness may go unnoticed. If measures are not taken in time, then the disease can cause complications that can cause peritonitis, sepsis, diabetes mellitus, and in advanced cases - and the death of the pet.
Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs
The pancreas is an organ in the upper abdomen that secretes enzymes: lipase, amylase and protease. When pancreatitis occurs, they are activated earlier than the onset of digestion and ferment the texture of the organ, starting the process of its self-destruction. The disease is accompanied by the death of tissues and cells, which causes obstruction of the ducts of the gland.
The following factors influence the appearance of pancreatitis in dogs:
Diseases of the endocrine system and gastrointestinal tract, such as diabetes mellitus, an increase in the concentration of free fatty acids in the blood, hepatitis, helminthic invasion, hypothyroidism, hormonal disorders, enteritis.
Overweight and unbalanced diet. Stale foods, cheap dry food, fatty, smoked food and food from the owner's table provoke inflammation of the pancreas.
Vitamin deficiency, hypercalcemia, taking medications: cortisone, diuretics, antibiotics, estrogen, pain medication.
Poisoning with chemicals and toxic substances, including household products.
Boxers, Chow Chow, German Shepherd Dogs, Dwarf Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Collies, Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Toy Terriers, Chihuahuas are genetically predisposed to the disease.
Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs
The unclear clinical picture that often accompanies the onset of the disease can cause late recognition of the disease and subsequent improper treatment. Distinguish between chronic and acute types of pancreatitis. The most dangerous form is chronic - a slow, often asymptomatic course of the disease can cause intoxication of the body and scarring of the pancreatic tissue. The acute form is characterized by pronounced manifestations and is successfully diagnosed.
The owner must immediately show the pet to the veterinarian if the dog has warning signs:
pain in the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by anxiety of the animal (running in a circle, screeching, whining, refusal to eat);
vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
weakness, depression;
bloating;
colic
thirst;
fever;
nose bleed;
frequent urination
tremor;
dehydration, drying and yellowing of the mucous membranes;
weight loss;
cardiac arrhythmia;
itchy skin;
hair loss;
labored or rapid breathing.
A full-fledged diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs includes palpation, analysis of urine and blood (general and biochemical), X-ray and ultrasound scanning of the abdominal cavity, biopsy, test to measure the level of trypsin-like pancreatic immunoreactivity. Examination of the animal allows the veterinarian to find out the exact cause of the disease and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.
Drug treatment of pancreatitis in dogs
Therapy of the disease is based on three pillars: elimination of symptoms, elimination of causes and protection of the stomach.
Treatment begins with the relief of vomiting with the help of Latran, metoclopramide, and cerucal preparations. For pain relief, every 8 hours the dog is given analgesics and antispasmodics: butorphanol, ketophen, aminophylline, papaverine. The most important control measure for pancreatitis is to compensate for fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea. Water-electrolyte balance is restored by means of droppers with colloidal solutions or injections of saline solution (subcutaneously or intravenously).
If there is a risk of infection, the veterinarian prescribes a course of antibiotics to the patient: amoxicillin, sodium ampicillin, aminoglycosides. The final stage of treatment is the restoration of the gastric mucosa and the suppression of the irritating effect of hydrochloric acid. For these purposes, famotidine, orthanol, elk, omeprazole are used.
Sick Pet Care
One of the conditions for successful treatment is ensuring the proper care and nutrition of the animal. The owner of a sick dog should take care of the complete rest of the pet, protect it from drafts, dampness and temperature changes. Reducing the risk of complications and alleviating the course of the disease depends on a balanced enteral nutrition. The diet for pancreatitis in dogs reduces the load on the digestive tract and implies the presence of components that restore pancreatic function.
The first day the animal every hour give a small amount of warm water. Feeding begins on the third day, after the cessation of vomiting. The best option is a special therapeutic feed containing carbohydrates, easily digestible proteins and lipids. If your dog is accustomed to natural food, completely review its daily menu. For several days, give your pet only pureed boiled meat, low-calorie yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese. Exclude fatty foods, rich broths, fresh bread.
After a week, you can supplement the diet with water-cooked porridge (oatmeal or buckwheat), steam omelet, mashed potatoes, boiled beef, rabbit or turkey poultry. Potatoes are useful in small quantities - it helps lower the level of hydrochloric acid. In the recovery period, you need to feed the animal in small portions 4-5 times a day.
Dog Pancreatitis Prevention
The main task of the owner who wants to prevent the onset of the disease is to normalize the nutrition of the animal. It is necessary to exclude beans, peas, sweets, mushrooms, flour products, fatty, spicy, fried, salty, smoked, spicy foods. The ideal pet menu includes protein foods (eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, kefir), boiled fish, buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, vegetables, fruits and greens.
The daily diet should include raw lean meat and beef moslaki. These products contain enzymes necessary for normal digestion. In small amounts, a scar is useful - a source of enzymes of parietal microorganisms that perform the function of digesting fiber and plant components.
If the dog suffers from endocrine disorders or is genetically predisposed to pancreatitis, the owner should consult a veterinarian. In such cases, the doctor prescribes special preparations for the animal, the action of which is aimed at normalizing the production of digestive enzymes and maintaining a healthy pancreas.
