Your dog is being discharged from the hospital after a nasty bout of pancreatitis. You have a special diet, antibiotics and a medication called sucralfate that will treat the gastrointestinal ulcers caused by the disease.
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Pancreatitis
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Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. When that happens, digestive enzymes are released and they attack the pancreas.
Concern
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Vomiting is one of the signs of pancreatitis. The vomiting is usually frequent and severe. This continuous vomiting can create ulcers in your dog's digestive tract.
Sucralfate
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One medication that can help heal the ulcers is sucralfate. It is a gastroprotectant and it works by reacting with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and attaching to the surface of the ulcers. Sucralfate "patches" the holes and forms a protective lining in the stomach and esophagus. It can increase mucous production and absorb bile acids, helping to prevent new ulcers. It's usually given three times a day on an empty stomach.
Warnings
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The most common side effect of sucralfate is constipation. Yet, animals that are allergic to it can have more severe reactions, including hives, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, shock or coma. Sucralfate isn't recommended for use in pregnant and nursing animals, and it can affect the way other medications are absorbed.
Bottom Line
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Sucralfate can be a helpful medication for pancreatitis in dogs when used as directed.
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