Over a lifetime, many dogs will develop digestive problems that show in diarrhea and vomiting. While this is distressful to owners, most of these problems are easily diagnosed and treatable. There are, however, diseases involving the dog's pancreas that caregivers need to be aware of and that need immediate veterinary care.
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Function
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The pancreas gland in a dog functions in two ways. It secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine and stomach to aid in the absorption of vitamin B12, to neutralize stomach acids, and to inhibit overgrowth of bacteria in the lumen of the small intestine. The pancreas is also responsible for creating insulin hormone, which regulates glucose concentration in the animal's body. Any disturbance of these two functions can create disease.
Diseases/Symptoms
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Pancreatitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas that happens when the digestive enzymes it secretes turn inward and begin destroying pancreatic tissue. More prevalent in obese animals, it often occurs when a dog overeats a fatty meal and begins vomiting uncontrollably. They may develop diarrhea, run a fever and become dehydrated. There may be signs of abdominal pain, and the dog could go into shock and collapse.
Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas either ceases to produce insulin or the dog's body tissues become resistant to the action of the insulin. In either case, the glucose levels in the blood become elevated and the body, which would normally use glucose for energy, instead begins eating its own fat cells. Diabetic dogs will often show a marked weight loss in spite of increased appetite, drink and urinate excessively, may become dehydrated and may suddenly develop cataracts.
Prevention/Solution
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Diabetes can result from cases of chronic pancreatitis, so dog owners can often prevent both diseases by doing the same things. Regular exercise is an important component to fighting obesity and digestive health as is feeding a high-fiber, low-fat diet. Treats may include low-fat foods such as raw carrot chunks or cut-up apples, never table scraps. Making sure a dog has ample access to water and is well hydrated is also important for digestion.
Once the dog is diagnosed by a veterinarian with either pancreatitis or diabetes, the treatment will vary. Dogs with pancreatitis usually need to be hospitalized so they can be hydrated with intravenous fluids and electrolytes. They may be kept off solid food for three to four days and given antibiotics. After the vomiting stops, a low-fat dietary food can then be introduced.
Diabetic dogs will be placed on insulin therapy, usually as twice-a-day injections. They will need their blood glucose levels checked periodically and are often restricted to a high-fiber, complex carbohydrate diet. This type of diet helps avoid spikes in glucose levels after eating.
Considerations
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Pancreatitis in dogs can become a chronic illness, with symptoms coming back time and again. Close monitoring of what the dog ingests while watching for symptoms, may help prevent a recurrence. Diabetic dogs will need to be treated at home every day for the rest of their lives, and the owner will need to learn how to give insulin injections. They will also need periodic checkups with the veterinarian to help monitor their blood glucose levels.
Warning
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Both pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus are life-threatening diseases, and the onset of symptoms can be considered a veterinary emergency. While most dogs with pancreatitis can recover with prompt treatment, diabetes is incurable and the dog will need ongoing care.
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