Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas produces lots of enzymes to digest food that we eat. The enzymes in the pancreas are usually inactive and only become activated once secreted into the intestines. However, in pancreatitis these enzymes become activated while they are still in the pancreas and start to digest the pancreas itself. Several risk factors cause pancreatitis including obesity and fatty food. Fatty left-overs should be avoided all year round but people tend to share more fatty treats to their dogs at Christmas time.
Pancreatitis can potentially be very serious and life threatening. In some severe cases, it can cause systemic inflammation and multi- organ failure or even death. Dogs with pancreatitis will look like having bad tummy upset with clinical signs such as lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Blood tests are often required to make the diagnosis. Treatment usually includes supportive care in the hospital with intravenous fluids, anti-emetic drugs, pain relief and prophylactic antibiotics until the pancreas recovers itself.
The best way to prevent pancreatitis is to avoid very fatty meals. Some dogs that have had pancreatitis are probably more prone to it and may need special low fat diet for the rest of their lives to decrease chances of recurrence. So don't be tempted to load fatty treats into your dogs' bowel and just keep them to yourself.
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