Pancreatitis in dogs: symptoms and signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment of the pancreas

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There are two types of pancreatitis in dogs, and depending on what form the animal is suffering from, the symptoms can vary significantly. By what signs and characteristics can you determine the development of chronic and acute pancreatitis?

Thus, chronic inflammation of the pancreas in dogs manifests itself over a long period of time, during which the intensity of manifestation of symptoms is then reduced, then on the contrary increases.

The presence of this disease can be determined by frequent and abundant molting, from which the dog suffers regardless of the season. Also, a characteristic sign of pancreatitis is weight loss, despite the fact that the dog eats well and does not show much anxiety.

But acute pancreatitis manifests itself suddenly, usually after eating, as a result of which the animal may show strong vomiting. A similar situation will appear after each meal, not corresponding to the ration prescribed by the doctor. In some cases, tachycardia occurs in animals.

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As a rule, exacerbation of pancreatitis is accompanied by severe painful sensations, which can be determined by the behavior of the dog. An alarming sign becomes if the pet hunches, arches its back, tries to cuddle the chest to the floor, stretching the front paws and keeping the hind legs semi-bent. Often observed swelling of the intestine. Cal, as a rule, has a sharp, acidic and pronounced unpleasant odor.

Often, when the initial symptoms and signs of pancreatitis appear, the dog owners do not give them due attention, as the temperature of the animal remains normal, as does the appetite. And this is a very dangerous, albeit common mistake. After all, in the initial stages the probability of saving a pet and preventing possible complications is much higher. But if the fever has already appeared, and the dog refuses to eat and looks haggard, then the point is that the exacerbation of pancreatitis has reached a critical state, and therefore if the measures are not taken in an emergency, the pet can simply die.

Signs and symptoms of both acute and chronic pancreatitis in dogs are quite typical and, if not left unattended, it is possible to determine the onset and development of this disease early on and, accordingly, in a timely manner, take all necessary measures.

Causes of pancreatitis in dogs

  • Excess weight and food with a high percentage of fat content, a change in diet in adults and elderly dogs;
  • Hyperlipidemia( high concentration of fats in the blood test) due to pathological conditions, for example: diabetes, Cushing's syndrome, elevated thyroid hormones. It is also observed with idiopathic hyperlipidemia of the schnauer schnauzers;
  • Hypercalcemia, i.e.a high quantity of calcium in the blood serum due to poor quality tumors, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D poisoning can also cause pancreatitis;
  • Breeding factor - in some breeds there is a disposition to this disease. For example, in such breeds as: zwergschnauzer, yorkshire terrier, toy terrier, collie, chihuahua and some kinds of spaniels.
  • Another side can be the side effects of: thiazide and loop diuretics, estrogens, azathioprine, L-asparaginase, sulfonylamides, tetracycline, cimetidine and ranitidine, paracetamol, novocaineamide;
  • Phosphate poisoning;
  • Injuries, shock, low blood pressure for a long time, pathological conditions in the digestive tract, liver, bile ducts.

Diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs

Unlike human pancreatitis, the course of this disease in dogs can not be reflected at the level of these enzymes in the blood. Therefore, when diagnosing a disease, you need to take into account the whole picture of the disease, that is: symptomatology, clinic and biochemistry of blood tests, ultrasound and X-ray. Due to the fact that the signs of pancreatitis are similar to the symptoms of intestinal obstruction, it is important to exclude pathology requiring urgent surgical intervention.

Treatment of pancreas in dogs

  • Droppers that help to eliminate dehydration and electrolyte disturbances;
  • Anesthesia and / or use of analgesics, eg butorphanol, epidural anesthesia;
  • the animal tears, it is necessary to regulate the secretion of gastric juice by the use of omeprazole, famotidine and other blockers of PP and H2-histamin blockers, as well as suppression of the vomiting reflex by means of cerukal, ondansetron, and sulfur;
  • Heparin and plasma for the prevention and control of DIC syndrome;
  • Monitoring of the level of glucose;
  • With a possible threat of inflammation of the pancreas, antibiotics are prescribed in the dog as a treatment;
  • Methods of water and, subsequently, food in the absence of vomiting.
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