Pancreatic Disease Causes and Treatment

The two main functions of the pancreas are the production of insulin which is passed into the blood to aid in the utilization of sugars, and the production of enzymes that are passed into the the first part of the small intestine for the digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis. It is associated with obesity, poor nutrition, trauma, and tumors. Obstruction of the bile or pancreatic ducts can also lead to pancreatitis. Bacterial infections are not a primary cause, but can complicate pancreatitis once it has occurred.

Signs

Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. The signs of acute disease are:

• Sudden onset
• Severe abdominal pain. The dog will be reluctant to move and will stand with an arched back and tensed abdomen.
• Vomiting may occur some hours after eating (rather than immediately, which is more diagnostic of acute pancreatitis).
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Depression, collapse and shock

The signs of chronic or less severe disease are:

• Increased thirst and excessive urination
• Bulky, fatty, foul-smelling gray stool, particularly after a high-fat meal is fed.
• Loss of weight
• Occasional vomiting, flatulence, and other signs of digestive upsets.
• Poor general condition, particularly of the skin and coat.
• Signs of diabetes mellitus in progressive cases.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis is made from the history, the clinical signs, a physical examination, and confirmed by laboratory tests on the blood, urine, and feces. X-rays can be helpful.

Acute pancreatitis needs emergency treatment for shock. Antibiotics and pain-relief drugs will also be necessary. No food can be given by mouth, so intravenous fluids and feeding will be part of treatment. Some cases will require surgical intervention if this will reverse the cause.

The prognosis is generally not good for acute pancreatitis, although up to 5% of affected dogs can be saved with early treatment. Some cases tend to recur and become chronic, and require careful watching for signs and feeding of special diet available from veterinarians. Pancreatic extracts and vitamins will also be part of the chronic case's treatment and are often needed for the rest of the dog's life.

In either the acute or chronic disease, if the pancreas is severely damaged, the dog will become diabetic.

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