It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to develop inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which is very painful and can quickly become life-threatening.
The exact causes of pancreatitis in both cats and dogs have not yet been conclusively researched. It is assumed that many different factors play a role in its development. In cats, bacteria rising from the intestines often trigger the disease. However, medication, injuries, or infectious diseases can also lead to pancreatitis.
In dogs, on the other hand, there are only partially substantiated assumptions about possible triggers. Many different factors are suspected of promoting inflammation. These include a high-fat diet, obesity, lack of exercise, infections, injury-related circulatory disorders, certain medications, and disorders of the immune system.
The various triggers lead to a failure of the normally present protective mechanisms, resulting in the self-digestion of the glandular tissue. In severe cases, this decomposition process can also spread to the fatty tissue in the abdomen and surrounding organs. A distinction is made between acute and chronic inflammation, each of which can take a mild or severe course.
The signs of the disease can vary greatly depending on its severity and progression. The involvement of the digestive system and liver can lead to a wide range of possible symptoms.
In mild forms, only very unspecific symptoms such as loss of appetite or slight fatigue often occur, which are often overlooked. Severe cases are characterized by sudden loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, pain, and tension in the abdomen. The so-called "prayer position" is a typical position that dogs with pain in the front abdomen adopt. As the disease progresses, rapid dehydration, depression, circulatory failure, and fever may occur. If left untreated, this can develop into a life-threatening shock.
Due to the rather unspecific symptoms, especially at the onset of the disease, your veterinarian will usually perform a blood and urine test in addition to a general examination. The blood and urine values will give them clear indications of pancreatitis.
An ultrasound examination is recommended for further diagnosis, as this allows the structure and size of the pancreas and other organs to be assessed. An X-ray examination can help rule out other possible diseases. Even if a definitive diagnosis can only be made after examining a tissue sample, treatment should be started after the above-mentioned examination methods, as general anesthesia is not recommended for taking samples in cases of acute inflammation.
The treatment of acute pancreatitis requires close monitoring of the patient, which is why affected animals are usually admitted to hospital and receive intensive care for several days. Fluid loss and circulatory disorders are compensated for by infusion therapy. The animals also receive painkillers, antiemetics (medication to prevent nausea and vomiting) and are not fed for the time being to protect the pancreas. Once the gastrointestinal symptoms have improved, the animals should be fed a low-fat diet and then permanently fed a diet rich in carbohydrates but low in fat and protein to prevent relapses.
Continuous intravenous fluid administration and force-feeding are essential, especially in cats, to prevent excessive weight loss and severe liver damage. Acute pancreatitis can easily lead to permanent diabetes in cats, which must be treated with insulin.
The chances of recovery depend greatly on the severity of the inflammation and any complications. Mild cases have a good chance of recovery, whereas acute, severe cases with accompanying illnesses have a significantly poorer prognosis.
Since the causes are unknown in many cases, comprehensive prevention of the disease is not possible. However, regular veterinary check-ups including laboratory and ultrasound diagnostics, as well as avoiding obesity and fatty foods, can significantly help to reduce the risk of developing the disease. With the petsXL health passport, you can clearly store and monitor your dog's weight data.
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