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Pet of the Month April 2014
by on March 31st, 2014
Category: Pet of the Month, Tags:
Poor Coco is currently in our clinic suffering from her second bout of pancreatitis. She is a delight to look after and is making good progress.
The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen which is responsible for releasing enzymes to digest food. The pancreas also releases important hormones, such as insulin, into the bloodstream. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, tender and swollen. In most cases pancreatitis occurs for no apparent underlying reason, although sometimes it can have a particular cause such as scavenging food. Pancreatitis most commonly affects middle aged to older dogs, but in addition, dogs of certain breeds (e.g. Cocker Spaniels and Terrier breeds) are more prone to developing the condition.
Pancreatitis can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from relatively mild signs (e.g. a reduced appetite) to very severe illness (e.g. multiple organ failure). The most common symptoms of pancreatitis include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain (highlighted by restlessness and discomfort) and diarrhoea such as was the case with Coco.
Coco’s diagnosis was confirmed through the combination of clinical signs, a positive result to a specific blood test called ‘canine pancreatic lipase’ as well as an ultrasound scan.
There is no specific cure for pancreatitis, and fortunately most dogs recover with appropriate supportive treatment such as intravenous fluids and the use of medications which combat nausea and pain. As with Coco most dogs with pancreatitis need to be hospitalised to provide treatment and to undertake necessary monitoring. In some instances, dogs can suffer repeated bouts of the condition (called ‘chronic pancreatitis’) and this may require long term management with dietary and other means.
