Understanding Canine Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Causes, an

Is pancreatitis in dogs caused by eating too much meat? Do you know what canine pancreatitis is?

Canine acute pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors such as foreign objects, leftover food, obesity, oxidative stress, high blood calcium, and high blood triglycerides. It may also be associated with a sudden highfat diet, although the exact cause is often unclear, and the trigger is difficult to pinpoint.

The foundation of treating canine pancreatitis involves rehydration, pain management, and antiemetics. During the treatment, a lowfat diet is recommended, and fasting can also be an option. However, fasting may not be necessary as it can slow down recovery. After discharge, dogs can start with a lowfat diet and gradually transition to a diet suitable for their age and development.

What is the pancreas's role?

The pancreas has two primary functions: it secretes insulin to balance blood sugar levels, and it produces digestive enzymes like proteases, lipases, and amylases. Pancreatitis, simply put, is an abnormality in the secretion of digestive enzymes, which manifests as symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's challenging to diagnose based on these symptoms alone, and chronic pancreatitis is even harder to determine. Many pet owners opt for home treatment, but if symptoms don't improve, it's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly.

Why is the incidence of canine pancreatitis increasing?

Many commercial dog foods contain high levels of carbohydrates and are processed at high temperatures, which means they lack natural enzymes. This puts a heavy burden on the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, leading to an increased risk of pancreatitis over time. Additionally, some studies suggest that chronic pancreatitis might be an immune response, as the digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas also have the function of digesting abnormal cells, including cancer cells. Although this is still theoretical and not yet experimentally proven, there is a notable correlation between the incidence of cancer and pancreatitis. Moreover, frequent vaccinations can also increase the pancreas's workload due to immune reactions.

How to prevent canine pancreatitis?

Preventing canine pancreatitis primarily involves diet, exercise, and regular fasting.

Opt for fresh foods instead of highly processed dog food, as the latter lacks natural enzymes. Fresh foods contain natural enzymes that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, reducing the pancreas's workload. This is one of the reasons why raw feeding is recommended.

Exercise is also essential, as overweight dogs are more susceptible to pancreatitis. Regular physical activity is beneficial for a dog's health.

Lastly, regular fasting is crucial for the rest and repair of the digestive system.

How to prevent the recurrence of canine pancreatitis?

Canine pancreatitis is a highly recurrent disease. Even if it's cured, recurrence can occur if dietary and lifestyle habits don't change. To prevent recurrence, the focus should be on reducing the pancreas's workload.

Firstly, improve the diet by choosing fresh, homemade food whenever possible, and keep fat intake below 10%. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help reduce the pancreas's workload.

Secondly, supplement with vitamin E, which can help improve the pancreas's stability and aid in selfrepair.

Thirdly, consider supplementing with digestive enzymes. If you feed your dog a raw diet, you can use fresh animal glands. Alternatively, you can opt for human pancreatic enzymes, which can be found by searching online.

Remember, don't fall for the myth that pancreatitis is caused by eating too much meat. Let's stop the spread of misinformation and rely on facts for our beloved pets' health.