Pancreatitis in dogs and cats

Pancreatitis is the most common exocrine pancreatic disease in both dogs and cats. It can be short or longterm, depending on whether or not the disease has permanently damaged the pancreatic tissue. Both forms can be severe.

For most cases of pancreatitis no specific cause can be identified. However, eating trash, large amounts of table scraps, or other inappropriate food is believed to be a common risk factor in dogs. Severe trauma or surgery can lead to pancreatitis. Use of some drugs may also be linked to pancreatitis.

In the initial stages of disease, the secretion of pancreatic juice decreases. This is followed by a series of steps that lead to activation of pancreatic enzymes inside the pancreas, rather than in the intestinal tract. The enzymes begin to digest the pancreas itself, causing damage within the pancreas and triggering inflammation, which leads to damage in other parts of the body. Loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, abdominal pain, dehydration and diarrhea are the common signs reported in dogs and cats with severe pancreatitis.

Early intervention will help prevent complications. If the cause is known, specific treatment may be started. Resting the pancreas by restricting all food or water by mouth for 3 to 4 days is recommended when a dog or cat is vomiting. Severely ill dogs and cats are given intravenous fluids. In mild cases of pancreatitis, dogs and cats will usually be switched to a low-fat diet and low-fat treats. Pancreatic enzyme supplementation may help in cases when abdominal pain is present or for animals with consistently poor appetites, which may be the only indicator of abdominal pain. The outlook in mild cases is good.

One natural supplement, Yucca Intensive extract, provides natural steroidal saponins, which effectively reduce inflammation with the digestive system, including the stomach and intestinal lining as well as the liver, gall bladder, spleen and pancreas.

If your dog or cat are showing any signs of pancreatitis please visit your Veterinarian immediately for proper diagnosis.