Canine Pancreatitis

The Canine Pancreas

The pancreas is a small organ that is pink in color. It is located under the stomach and rests next to the duodenum. Its function is to release digestive enzymes into the stomach to break down starches and proteins that have passed through the small intestine. The pancreas also secretes insulin and glucagon.

Causes of Canine Pancreatitis

Several things can cause inflammation of the pancreas in dogs. Health conditions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus can cause canine pancreatitis because they alter fat metabolism in the body.

Injuries to the pancreas such as being hit by a car can also cause inflammation. Sometimes pancreatitis can result from surgical procedures that required handling of the pancreas.

Medications can also cause canine pancreatitis. Some sulfa drugs and chemotherapy agents may cause this condition.

Inflammation of the Pancreas

In canine pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed and disrupts the normal functions of the organ. The digestive enzymes that are normally kept safely inside the pancreas are released too soon and they begin to digest the body itself. The healthy living tissues of the pancreas then become inflamed, and soon the liver becomes involved as well. The enzymes being released from the pancreas and liver are normally safe, but during this inflammatory process, they become toxins and soon cause an inflammatory response throughout the body.

Most of the time, inflammation of the pancreas only affects the areas of the pancreas and the liver. Even if it does not progress, this is painful for the dog and can be life threatening. Sometimes the inflammation progresses and can cause an even more serious situation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of canine pancreatitis include:

• Fever,
• vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

Further Complications

Several of the disastrous heath effects of canine pancreatitis include:

• Diabetes mellitus: This condition is likely to develop if the pancreas is unable to secrete insulin.

• Destruction of the surfactants in the lungs: Surfactants are what keep the lung's aveoli from collapsing; without them they close, resulting in respiratory failure.

• Weber-Christian Syndrome: This is a condition where fats throughout the body are destroyed.

• Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: This condition causes abnormal blood clotting throughout the body.

• Brain damage: This can occur if the fats that protect the central nervous system are destroyed during an attack of pancreatitis.

Diagnostic Tests

Currently, there are no reliable blood tests for canine pancreatitis. Normally, the blood is tested for elevated levels of lipase and amylase. If the levels of these enzymes are very high, then an assumption of pancreatitis is made. These tests are not considered to be sensitive or specific enough by many veterinarians. Elevated levels of lipase and amylase can also indicate kidney disease, perforation of the intestine, and dehydration.

A newer test that is specific to pancreatic lipase called a PLI or pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity test is available on a limited basis. Although it is a more accurate test, it can only be performed at certain facilities on certain days, and test results are not expedient. This test is not always helpful to very ill dogs.

The new test of choice among most veterinarians is the specific pancreatic canine lipase test. This test is 83% accurate and can be performed by a reference lab, with results available the next day.

Radiographs and ultrasound may also prove helpful in diagnosing canine pancreatitis.

Treatment for Pancreatitis

In order to prevent stimulating the pancreas, food and water must be withheld for two or three days. This means that intravenous fluids must be administered during this period. Potassium is often supplemented to offset the potassium depletion caused by pancreatitis. An affected dog will have to be monitored around the clock to keep his condition stable.

Pain management is also part of treatment. Controlling pain helps immune function and reduces mortality. Pain is often managed with IV drips, injections or patches.

Long Term Treatment Plan

When the dog is able to eat again, he will need to be placed on a low fat, high fiber diet. Keeping pancreatic stimulation under control through diet can most easily be accomplished by feeding a prescription diet dog food.