Pancreatitis in Pugs

Pugs are a toy breed that will eat anything you allow and sometimes things you don't. Though this can be an endearing trait, it can also be hazardous to your Pug's health. Foods, like chocolate, can be toxic to your pet but also high fat foods given by hand or left accessible in the trash may actually lead to a dangerous condition called pancreatitis.

  1. The Disease

    • The pancreas is a v-shaped organ tucked behind the stomach and it plays an important role of metabolizing sugar by producing insulin. It also digests nutrients through the enzymes it produces. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. This disorder is commonly found in all breeds of dogs no matter the gender or age. It can range from a mild onset to chronic episodes and even a more severe stage of the disease, which could result in hemorrhaging.

    Causes

    • There is no known cause of pancreatitis, although many factors may factor in the onset of an attack. These include genetics, where some breeds appear more prone to develop the disorder. It could also occur as the result of medication, such as potassium bromide. For Pugs, a high fat diet can often be the culprit. Dogs that steal people food or nose around in the trash tend to have an increased risk for the disease.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of pancreatitis range anywhere from mild stomach pain and discomfort to severe conditions, including hemorrhaging and organ damage. Be watchful of signs such as painful or distended stomach, yellow, greasy stools, depression, dehydration or loss of appetite. Your Pug may appear hunched over, unwilling to walk or have more dire symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea. Fever may accompany any of these symptoms. More severe complications include heart arrhythmias, the body-wide infection known as sepsis and difficulty breathing.

    Take Action

    • Because pancreatitis can lead to life-threatening problems like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or organs around the pancreas being "digested" by the enzymes released by a damaged pancreas, it is critical to get your Pug medical treatment as soon as possible. For a mild bout of pancreatitis, the vet will allow your Pug's digestion system to rest by replacing oral fluids and food with intravenous fluid. Your vet will likely take the conservative treatment approach, which may include hospitalization.