Canine Pancreatitis and Lyme Disease
Canine pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas, an organ that produces enzymes to break down food, starts producing enzymes that break down body tissue instead. Canine Lyme disease is caused by the bite of a tick that has the bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. Both can become life-threatening diseases if left untreated, but they are both treatable diseases.
-
Pancreatitis Causes/Symptoms
-
Pancreatitis in dogs can be caused by several different things, and usually occurs in middle-aged or elderly dogs. A hormonal imbalance that alters the dog's metabolism can be a cause. Obesity, trauma to the pancreas, medication or toxins are all other potential causes. Symptoms of pancreatitis include pain in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea and appetite loss. The first organ to be affected by this disease is the pancreas, because it is the first to contact the enzymes. Other organs can be damaged if it is not treated quickly.
Pancreatitis Treatment
-
The first step in treatment of pancreatitis is to keep your dog from eating or drinking for 24 hours. You should also not give your dog any medication. The pancreas will stop producing any digestive enzymes during this time. A veterinarian likely will prescribe anti-nausea medication to stop the vomiting. Antibiotics or surgery may be necessary if the disease has become severe.
-
Lyme Disease Causes/Symptoms
-
Deer ticks are the most common carrier the Lyme disease bacteria. Lyme disease can be found all over the United States, but is most common in the Northeast. If a carrier tick bites your dog, it can pass the disease to the dog. The most common symptoms exhibited in dogs are a high fever, joint swelling, lymph node swelling and lethargy.
Lyme Disease Treatment
-
If a blood test determines that your dog has Lyme disease, antibiotics likely will be prescribed. The length of time may vary, but it is recommended that the dog remains on the antibiotic for two weeks to more than a month in some cases. Some dogs never fully get rid of the bacteria, although most do not show symptoms after antibiotics.
Prevention/Solution
-
Pancreatitis is difficult to prevent, because there are many causes. However, maintaining a healthy diet and weight will make it less likely that your dog will get the disease. Lyme disease can be prevented with a variety of tick repellent medications available at your veterinarian. These usually come in a liquid form that you squirt onto your dog's skin monthly. There is also a vaccination for Lyme disease, but monthly medication is still recommended to protect against other diseases. Dogs can be reinfected with Lyme disease, so protection should continue for these dogs as well.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit street dog image by Cherry-Merry from Fotolia.com
