Essay On Pancreatitis

Canine Pancreatitis

Acute and chronic pancreatitis is a common problem that can affect canines, felines, and people. In all species there is not one exact cause of pancreatitis, but rather many factors that can contribute to the contraction of the illness. For dogs, there are genetic factors that can increase an animal's likelihood to develop pancreatitis. Some breeds (miniature schnauzers, terriers, miniature poodles) are predisposed to be more likely to have pancreatitis. Other factors that can lead to the development of pancreatitis is high fat diets, obesity, and food indiscretion. Treatment for pancreatitis almost always consists of use of a low-fat diet either short-term for acute episodes or long-term for patients with chronic pancreatitis.

To understand pancreatitis, it is important to know the role of the pancreas in dogs. The pancreas releases inactive enzymes that aid in digestion. In a healthy dog the enzymes do not become active until they reach the small intestine. In a dog that has pancreatitis the enzymes are active as soon as they are
An owner should always offer their pet a balanced, complete diet and should watch out for high fatty diets and observe their pets body condition to determine if they are being fed correctly. Weather suffering from a single acute episode of pancreatitis or dealing with on-going chronic pancreatitis feeding a low-fat diet is necessary for treatment directly following the flare up. “In dogs, feeding an ultra-low-fat diet is crucial for treatment success” (Merck Veterinary Manual). Depending on the severity of the pancreatitis, along with a low fat diet many dogs will also require fluids, anti-inflammatory medication, anti-vomiting medications, or in very few cases some veterinarians will prescribe antibiotics. Usually dogs are hospitalized for a few days until the pancreatitis is under