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Pancreatic problems

A representation of Pancreatic problems

The pancreas is an important organ that is responsible for your dog's digestion and metabolism. It produces enzymes that break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the intestines, as well as the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. If the pancreas is not working properly, this can lead to various diseases that can cause serious problems for your dog. In this article, you'll learn more about the most common pancreatic problems in dogs, how to recognize them and what you can do about them.

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Pancreatitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas caused by premature activation of the digestive enzymes in the gland itself. This leads to the pancreas digesting itself and damaging other organs in the process. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary treatment.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pancreatitis can vary depending on the severity and progression. The most common signs include

Causes

The exact cause of pancreatitis is often unknown, but there are some factors that can increase the risk, such as

  • High-fat diet
  • Obesity
  • Abdominal trauma
  • infections
  • Medication (e.g. cortisone or antibiotics)
  • Hormonal disorders (e.g. Cushing's syndrome or diabetes mellitus)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on the patient's medical history, clinical examination and various blood tests that measure the levels of specific enzymes (lipase and amylase) or biomarkers (cPLI or fPLI). An ultrasound examination can also help to assess the pancreas and other organs.

Treatment

Treatment for pancreatitis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and stabilize fluid and electrolyte balance. This includes:

  • fluid infusions
  • painkillers
  • Antibiotics (for bacterial infection)
  • Antiemetics (against vomiting)
  • Stomach protectors
  • Fasting (for 24 to 48 hours)
  • Special diet (low-fat, easily digestible, enriched with vitamins and minerals)

The duration of treatment depends on the dog's condition, but can last from several days to weeks. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove necrotic tissue or to treat complications such as abscesses or pseudocysts.

Prognosis

The prognosis of pancreatitis depends on the severity of the disease, the response to treatment and the occurrence of complications. Acute pancreatitis has a better prognosis than chronic pancreatitis, which can lead to irreversible damage to the pancreas. Some dogs may be more susceptible to further inflammation after pancreatitis and need to follow a special diet for life.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to break down food in the intestine. This leads to inadequate absorption of nutrients, weight loss, diarrhea and bloating. EPI cannot be cured, but with appropriate treatment, the dog's quality of life can be improved.

Symptoms

The symptoms of EPI can vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition. The most common signs include

  • Weight loss despite a good appetite
  • Large eating (polyphagia)
  • Great thirst (polydipsia)
  • Large amounts of urine (polyuria)
  • Greasy, foul-smelling diarrhea
  • Flatulence
  • Abdominal noises
  • Loss of fur
  • Weakness
  • Anemia

Causes

The most common cause of EPI is idiopathic atrophy of the pancreas, which occurs mainly in certain breeds such as German Shepherds, Collies and Chow Chows. This results in a loss of the cells that produce the digestive enzymes, without a clear cause being known. Other possible causes of EPI are

  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Congenital malformations of the pancreas
  • Tumors of the pancreas
  • Infections of the pancreas

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of an EPI is based on the patient's medical history, clinical examination and a special blood test that measures the level of trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI). A low TLI level indicates an EPI. Other blood tests can also help to determine vitamin B12 levels, folate levels and cobalamin levels, which are often altered in EPI. A fecal examination can also be useful to rule out other causes of diarrhea.

Treatment

The treatment of an EPI consists of replacing the missing digestive enzymes with special preparations that are added to the feed. These preparations usually contain pancreatic powder from pigs or cattle, which contains amylase, lipase and protease. The dosage must be adjusted individually, depending on how the dog responds to the therapy. In addition to the enzyme preparations, it may also be necessary to give the dog additional food supplements, such as

  • Vitamin B12 (for cobalamin deficiency)
  • Folic acid (for folic acid deficiency)
  • Antibiotics (for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine)
  • Probiotics (to improve the intestinal flora)

The dog's diet also plays an important role in the treatment of EPI. The food should be of high quality, easily digestible and low in fat. The dog should be fed in several small meals throughout the day.

Prognosis

The prognosis of an EPI depends on the severity of the disease, the response to therapy and the occurrence of complications. EPI is not curable, but with lifelong therapy the dog can lead a normal life. However, some dogs may be more susceptible to infections or other diseases.

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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