Pancreatitis in dogs
Pancreatitis in dogs happens when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Your dog will most probably stop eating and throw up. The condition can come and go just as quick or it can stay on your dog for a longer period of time.
Causes of pancreatitis in dogs
There can be many causes for pancreatitis in dogs. Experts are not that sure about what could be the causes as many times it appears to simply come out of the blue. Some causes that have been identified to produce pancreatitis in dogs are:
- Fatty food in large amount. A high-fat diet is a major cause of pancreatitis
- Dog obesity
- Diabetes mellitus in dogs
- Dietary indiscretion (medical term used to say that a dog will eat anything)
- Hypothyroidism
- Severe blunt trauma
- Side-effect of a toxin or medication
Some dog breeds, especially Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels, are more prone to the disease. The same goes for older and overweight dogs.
Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs
Some of the classic signs of pancreatitis include:
- Vomiting in dogs
- Loss of appetite
- Hunched back (caused by mild to severe abdominal pain)
- Fever
- Diarrhea in dogs
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Increased heart rate
- Labored or difficult breathing
When you monitor your dot, note if these symptoms come and go to frequently or if they stay for too long. Either way, it could be an indication of pancreatitis. It is important that you call your veterinarian.
Most of the time, symptoms will come and then go. But if the condition is chronic, it can even lead to death.
Treatment
The first step of a treatment consists of soothing your dog’s pain. This includes an IV fluid therapy, especially for the most severe cases. Once the vet has determined what could be causing the inflammation, he will remove it from your dog, either be a medication or a diet.
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