Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas.
As part of the functioning of the pancreas, digestive enzymes are produced
and secreted. A normally functioning pancreas maintains the production
of these enzymes at appropriate levels. The imbalance of enzyme production
results in the leakage of enzymes, which damages the pancreas and nearby
tissues. The damaged pancreatic tissue becomes inflamed, resulting in pancreatitis.
Initiating causes of enzyme imbalance can
be numerous and multiple. High fat diets, "life-style" (obese with lack
of exercise), medications (corticosteroids or azathioprine), hyperadrenocortism
(Cushing's disease), predisposition (some breeds are far more susceptible
than others) or any condition which interferes with blood flow to the pancreas
or the release of the enzymes produced by the pancreas - can lead to pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis most often occurs in middle-aged
or older, overweight dogs. Some of the indications of pancreatitis are:
abdominal pain, vomiting, depression, some animals are restless, while
others are reluctant to move, irritable, diarrhea, dehydration, lack of
appetite, some animals simply don't appear to feel well. As you will notice
from the variations of the symptoms, pancreatitis does not have a "set"
pattern of appearance. Often time pancreatitis will occur when the dog
has been given a "special meal" (very rich in fat) as part of a celebration.
The sudden change in diet can overtax the digestive system.
With the wide variety of symptoms, diagnosing
pancreatitis can be difficult. Pancreatitis can be acute (rapid onset)
and can occur only once, or the first occurrence can develop into a chronic
condition. With rapid veterinary treatment the long term prognosis is excellent.
Left untreated pancreatitis can be fatal.
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