Symptoms of Canine Pancreatitis: What to Watch Out For

The pancreas and bile ducts of dogs converge at the duodenum. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, a large amount of pancreatic juice may mix with the bile ducts, subsequently entering the bloodstream and reaching other organs, where it can "digest" the dog's own tissues. Once the dog's other organs begin to be digested, a variety of symptoms may arise, ranging from mild ones like abdominal pain and vomiting to severe conditions such as liver and kidney failure, which can be lifethreatening.

Acute pancreatitis is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, fever, constipation, or diarrhea, jaundice, abdominal tenderness, bloating, and ascites.

Chronic pancreatitis presents with symptoms like indigestion, increased appetite, increased stool volume, diarrhea, feces that contain a large amount of fat and protein with an unpleasant odor, and a grayish or yellowish sheen. Persistent vomiting, recurrent diarrhea, polydipsia, and polyuria may also occur. A fecal examination may reveal fat globules and muscle fibers.

Diagnostic methods primarily include:

Blood tests, pancreatitis detection kits, and biochemical tests.

Blood tests are used to check the level of white blood cells in the body, which helps determine the severity of inflammation.

The pancreatitis detection kit can quickly detect the presence of pancreatitis.

Biochemical tests are mainly used to assess the function of the liver and kidneys, helping to determine whether the disease has progressed to the point of affecting vital organs.

Prevention:

Avoid overeating and consuming inappropriate foods.

Treatment:

In the initial stages, the dog should be kept on a fasting and waterrestricted diet. As the condition improves, offer small amounts of liquid and easily digestible food.

Inhibit pancreatic secretion: Administer atropine at a dose of 0.05mg per kilogram of body weight, given subcutaneously every 6 hours.

Correct water and electrolyte balance: Administer 500ml of compound sodium chloride solution intravenously in two divided doses, along with 500mg of vitamin C and 100mg of vitamin B1 to correct water and electrolyte balance.

Targeted treatment: For severe vomiting, administer metoclopramide intramuscularly at a dose of 1mg per kilogram of body weight twice a day. For kidney failure, peritoneal dialysis can be performed. In cases of pancreatic necrosis, the affected pancreas should be promptly removed.