Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an important gland located in the abdomen, near the stomach. It plays multiple roles in the body. First, the pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine to help break down food for nutrient absorption. Second, it is responsible for producing insulin and glucagon, hormones that are crucial for regulating metabolism and controlling blood sugar levels.

What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by infections, gastrointestinal discomfort, or idiopathic reasons. It can be acute and severe or chronic and mild. Animals with pancreatitis experience inflammation, swelling, and pain in the pancreas. Enzymes that are typically released during digestion may be released prematurely, leading to severe self-digestion damage. This condition can further cause inflammation in surrounding tissues, potentially affecting the nearby liver.
Pancreatitis is often accompanied by extreme pain and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It can affect dogs, cats, and other animals, and pets that have previously suffered from pancreatitis are prone to recurrence, making careful management and dietary control key to prevention.

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

Common symptoms of pancreatitis include:
● Abdominal pain
● Vomiting: especially severe or frequent vomiting
● Refusal to eat
● Diarrhea
● Weight loss
● Fever
● Lethargy
If your dog or cat experiences severe vomiting, nausea, or gastrointestinal discomfort that does not respond to treatment, seek veterinary care immediately.

How is pancreatitis treated?
Most pets with acute pancreatitis require hospitalization, which may include intravenous fluids (IV), antibiotics, pain relief medications, anti-nausea medications, and dietary adjustments. With careful treatment, pancreatitis can potentially be resolved.
Due to the possibility of recurrence, proper aftercare and management are crucial. Veterinarians may recommend special diets, such as Royal Canin gastrointestinal prescription food or Hills gastrointestinal health formula, to improve long-term health and promote recovery.
Regardless of the severity of the condition, most pets can recover from pancreatitis after hospitalization.