Emergency Guide: What to Do If Your Dog Has Pancreatiti

It's a concerning fact that both young, middleaged, and elderly dogs, as well as those who are overweight, are at a high risk for pancreatitis. Some owners have expressed concern, saying, "My little darling only eats meat and not dog food." These pet parents need to be aware that their beloved pets might be part of the highrisk group for pancreatitis!

Understanding Canine Pancreatitis:

The exact causes of canine pancreatitis are not yet fully understood. The primary issue is ischemia leading to necrosis in the pancreas, which then releases active proteolytic or lipolytic enzymes that digest the pancreas and surrounding tissues. Many factors, including obesity, trauma, hyperlipidemia, bile duct diseases, certain infectious diseases, and toxic conditions, are associated with the development of this condition.

Symptoms of Canine Pancreatitis:

Acute pancreatitis in dogs may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, occasional fever, constipation or diarrhea, jaundice, abdominal tenderness, abdominal rigidity, distension, and sometimes ascites. Severe cases can lead to shock.

Chronic pancreatitis in dogs can manifest as poor digestion, increased appetite, growth stunting, significant weight loss, increased fecal volume, diarrhea, feces containing large amounts of fat and protein with an offensive odor, and a grayish or yellowish sheen. Dogs may also experience persistent vomiting, recurrent mild abdominal pain, polydipsia, and polyuria. Fecal examination may reveal fat globules and muscle fibers.

Dogs with acute pancreatitis may exhibit an increased white blood cell count, an elevated neutrophil percentage, an initial rise in amylase levels that decreases 72 hours later, an increase in serum lipase levels 48 hours after onset, and the presence of protein or casts in urine. In severe cases, the disease can spread to surrounding organs, causing ascites. The measurement of amylase levels in ascitic fluid is crucial for diagnosing pancreatitis.

Diagnosis of Canine Pancreatitis in a Veterinary Hospital:

Veterinarians primarily use blood tests, pancreatitis test strips, and biochemical tests to determine if a dog has pancreatitis. Blood tests are used to check the dog's white blood cell count to assess the degree of inflammation. The pancreatitis test strips are a quick tool to determine if a dog has pancreatitis. Biochemical tests help determine if pancreatitis has caused damage to liver and kidney function.

Treatment Options for Canine Pancreatitis:

Once a dog is diagnosed with pancreatitis, the first step is to withhold water and food. This is because any food or water can stimulate the digestive glands to produce digestive juices, exacerbating vomiting or diarrhea symptoms. Additionally, providing the dog with energy is crucial, which is achieved through intravenous fluids. At the same time, administer antibiotics and medications to inhibit the secretion of digestive juices, including using Prazosin and Cimetidine tablets to prevent vomiting and necessary painkillers as needed to help the dog through this difficult time.

1. Analgesic antispasmodic: Intramuscular or intravenous injection of 1mg of butyl scopolamine; or 510mg of Durogesic per kilogram of body weight, intramuscular injection; or 0.25g of procaine dissolved in 200500ml of normal saline, intravenous injection.

2. Inhibition of pancreatic secretion: Use 0.05mg of atropine per kilogram of body weight, subcutaneous injection, every 6 hours. Probenecid 5mg, oral, three times a day; or 100mg of Etozamide, oral, twice a day.

3. Correction of water and electrolyte balance: Use 250500ml of compound sodium chloride or 5% glucose saline, intravenous infusion twice. 500mg of vitamin C and 100mg of vitamin B1, intravenous or intramuscular injection, to correct water and electrolyte balance and meet nutritional needs.

4. Antimicrobial and shock treatment: Intramuscular or triple meridian injection of ampicillin, ceftriaxone, or gentamicin. In cases of shock, use 520mg of hydrocortisone or 25mg of dexamethasone, dissolved in normal saline, intravenous infusion.

5. Symptomatic treatment: For severe vomiting, intramuscular or spleen meridian injection of Metoclopramide (not for pregnant dogs) 1mg per kilogram of body weight, twice a day; for dogs with marked abdominal pain, subcutaneous injection of morphine hydrochloride 0.10.5mg per kilogram of body weight; for expensive dogs with acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis complicated with acute peritonitis or acute renal failure, peritoneal dialysis can be performed. When pancreatitis leads to necrosis, timely surgical resection is necessary.

6. Fasting therapy: To avoid stimulating pancreatic secretion, do not consume anything. Administer 100500ml of isotonic glucose chloride solution, 500mg of vitamin C, intravenous infusion in divided doses.

7. Diet therapy: For chronic pancreatitis cases, use diet therapy, applying highprotein, highcarbohydrate, and lowfat foods, feeding three times a day at regular intervals. You can also mix trypsin with feed for substitute therapy.

4. Prevention is better than treatment for pancreatitis.

Preventing pancreatitis requires the following: try to feed only dog food, maintain a regular diet, balance the diet, and pay attention to any abnormal behaviors in your dog! If you notice any problems, seek veterinary care promptly.

Tip: Click on "The Ins and Outs of Canine Pancreatitis" to learn more about this condition in dogs.