Parkside Animal Hospital / PANCREATITIS

PANCREATITIS

By Kaye Wigginton, D.V.M.
published in the Northeast Times

What is the pancreas and what does it do?

The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes used to break down food so it can be absorbed by the intestines and it is also the source of insulin for the body. It is located just beneath the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. This happens when digestive enzymes are activated within the pancreas before they are released into the intestines. This will cause the pancreas to begin digesting itself. There are two types of pancreatitis: acute (occurs suddenly) or chronic (an ongoing condition).

What causes pancreatitis?

Well, that is the difficult question. The exact cause in dogs and cats is not well understood. We know that there are several contributing factors. Fatty diets, hyperlipemia (high blood fat content), obesity, infectious disease (bacterial or viral), trauma or injury that involves the abdomen (like being hit by a vehicle), and genetics can all play a part in pancreatitis.

What are the signs of pancreatitis?

In dogs, the most common clinical signs will be depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal pain. A painful abdomen may be exhibited as restlessness, reluctance to lie down, or panting. Cats typically have the chronic type and their clinical signs can be a little more vague. We suspect that the number of cats who have pancreatitis far outnumber the cats who are suspected of having it. They are less likely to have vomiting or abdominal pain. Decrease in appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and diarrhea are more common signs for cats with pancreatitis. In cats, pancreatitis tends to occur in combination with other conditions, especially cholangiohepatitis (liver disease) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If all three of these conditions occur at the same time it is known as the “triad syndrome”. “Triad syndrome” occurs in a fair number of cats, especially older ones and it is a very serious combination of diseases. It is important to remember that your pet (dog or cat) could have one, all, or any combination of these signs listed.

How is pancreatitis diagnosed?

Since the signs of pancreatitis can vary and because many diseases and conditions can have the same signs, it will be necessary to use many diagnostic tools to definitively diagnose it. First, your veterinarian will take a complete history of what you have noticed about your pet, then he or she will perform a full physical exam on your pet. Generally a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel is done. Also, for dogs a specific pancreatitis test called a specCPL can be done if pancreatitis is suspected based on the exam and history. Radiographs (X-rays) and/or ultrasound may be needed as well to actual visualize the pancreas for diagnosis. For cats, along with the CBC and chemistry panel, there is a test, recently developed by Texas A&M, called feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI). This is currently the best specific test available for cats.

How is pancreatitis treated?

The treatment of pancreatitis will depend on whether the patient is a dog or cat, how severely ill the pet is and the type (acute or chronic) of pancreatitis the pet has. The goal of treatment is to rest the pancreas and the gastrointestinal system by withholding food, water, and everything else that is given orally including all medications. Supportive care consists of intravenous fluids, antibiotics, anti-nausea drugs, and because this is a very painful disease, pain medication is mandatory to keep your pet comfortable. Some patients may require plasma transfusions. Generally in cats, corticosteroids are essential in treating pancreatitis caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or cholangiohepatitis (liver disease). Generally in cats, feeding them sooner than later is best; therefore, many cats will require a feeding tube for either short term or long term feeding. The feeding tube is removed once the cat is eating and drinking on his or her own. Dogs can go longer without eating if all the supportive care is continued and if their electrolytes and protein values are monitored.

If your pet is diagnosed with pancreatitis, your veterinarian will discuss with you the best treatment plan for recovery, ways to help prevent it from recurring and how you will manage your pet at home. This most likely will involve dietary changes and the treatment of any underlying causes. Pancreatitis can be very unpredictable. It is a serious and life threatening disease. Even with early diagnosis and intensive treatment, your pet may not survive; however, there are just as many success stories. Chronic or severe acute pancreatitis could lead to secondary complications such as diabetes, peritonitis, and pancreatic insufficiency. The key is knowing that anytime your pet is ill, be sure to see your veterinarian as soon as you can. Remember, the holidays are coming and the cases of pancreatitis that we see increase because of the table food that pets receive in celebration of this special time. Be sure to keep you pet on his or her regular pet food diet during the holidays and all year long.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Parkside Animal Hospital!
... just remember to keep your pets safe!