The pancreas is the organ that administers insulin, glucagons hormones, and lipase and amylase enzymes, all of which help digestion. Pancreatic disease, of which there are multiple types, can be generalized as something that affects the enzymes needed for digestion or that affects the control of blood sugar. Pancreatic disease can hit puppies or adult dogs once or become an affliction that is with the dog the rest of her life.
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Pancreatitis
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Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, caused possibly by a fatty diet, corticosteroid use or trauma. Bouts of pancreatitis can be chronic or acute, with severe inflammation potentially causing long-term damage. Symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Dogs with pancreatitis, depending on the severity, are fed fluids intravenously until they are able to eat and drink normally. Many dogs are able to go back to their normal diet after a bout of pancreatitis, but some must remain on a strict low-fat, moderately high-fiber diet.
Pancreatic Hypoplasia
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Pancreatic hypoplasia, also known as juvenile congenital pancreatic hypoplasia, is one of the most common afflictions for puppies. This disease refers to the underdevelopment of the pancreas, where the portion of the pancreas that makes insulin is normal but the part that secretes digestive enzymes is not. This genetic condition primarily affects German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Saint Bernards, Irish setters and Labrador retrievers. Because they are unable to digest properly, puppies with this condition produce loose, foul-smelling stools, have dry and brittle coats and voracious appetites. To help puppies digest, there are commercially made enzyme formulations, such as Pancrezyme and Viokase, that are taken as supplements.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
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Acinar cells in the pancreas produce digestive enzymes needed to break down food. When dogs have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, they are unable to produce these enzymes and thus are unable to break down proteins, starches and fats enough to be absorbed by the body. The nutrients therefore stay in the gastrointestinal tract and are relieved as feces undigested. If untreated, the dog begins to starve to death despite constant eating. This affliction is thought to be inherited and affects mainly larger breeds. Dogs who get this disorder will show rapid weight loss, loss of body fat and muscle atrophy and may have constant diarrhea. As with pancreatic hypoplasia, the dog will be given enzyme supplements to aid digestion.
Necrotizing Pancreatitis
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Necrotizing pancreatitis, also known as hemorrhagic pancreatitis, is a life-threatening condition that can lead to acute renal failure, pleural effusion and death. The recovery rates for dogs with this disease is considered poor if not caught early and treated quickly and aggressively. Necrotizing pancreatitis is considered the most severe form of the disease, in which portions of the pancreas are literally dying because the inflamed portions burst, spilling digestive acids that affect it and, potentially, surrounding organs. Dogs suffering from this disease will look severely ill and display obvious pain and discomfort. The dog will require hospitalization to receive intravenous fluids and injectable antibiotics, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhea medications. At times surgery is required.
Considerations
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Keep a close eye on your dog's digestive habits and take note of anything different or seemingly suspicious. While the dog may display symptoms right away---excessive eating with weight loss and a dull or brittle coat---pancreatic disease can sometimes take a while before displaying severe symptoms. With exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, for example, about 90 percent of the pancreas is affected before the dog displays more outward, obvious symptoms. It is highly important that pancreatic disease be detected early, so consult your veterinarian with any concerns straight away.
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