Keeping a dog happy means keeping a dog healthy. Vaccinations, regular checkups, healthy food and exercise all contribute to a dog's well-being. But when something goes wrong, a dog can't say where it hurts. Panniculitis mesenterialis is an extremely rare condition that affects humans and dogs.
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Definition
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According to the United States Library of Medicine, Panniculitis mesenterialis is an inflammation of the fatty tissue of the mesenterium of the small intestine. It is an extremely rare phenomenon. The inflammation can be caused by several things, but is most often the result of a bacterial infection.
Symptoms
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Because it is inflammation, one of the first signs of Panniculitis mesenterialis is pain. According to the National Institutes of Health, in humans, the pain is described as being similar to the pain of acute appendicitis, the pain and irritation becoming worse when the abdomen is pressed. The second symptom, as the disease progresses, is weight loss.
Treatment
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Determining the cause of the inflammation is the first step in treatment. A correct diagnosis usually requires a laparoscopy. If bacteria is found, it will be treated with antibiotics. The prognosis is usually good.
Panniculitis
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Beneath the skin, there is a layer of fatty tissue. Panniculitis is an inflammation in this fatty layer. It can be visible or it may be felt under the dog's coat. While this lesion is often called a tumor, it generally isn't cancerous.
Treatment
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A case of panniculitis is fairly rare. Occasionally, if left alone, the lump will resolve without medical intervention. It's most often treated by surgically removing the lesion. Whether treated surgically or not, it is important that the site be kept clean and the dog kept from licking it.
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