Dog Pancreatitis Treatment
The pancreas is a glandular organ that helps make insulin and the enzymes to digest food. When this organ is inflamed, it's called pancreatitis. This is a non-contagious condition that often affects dogs that are overweight or who are fed a diet too high in fat and sugars. Pancreatitis can kill a dog in a matter of days, so treatment needs to be as soon as possible.
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Types
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There are two types of pancreatitis--acute and chronic. Dogs with acute pancreatitis will become dehydrated very quickly through repeated vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs with chronic bronchitis have milder symptoms, but still need vet care.
Immediate Treatment
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The dog usually needs to stay in the vet hospital a couple of days in order to recover. The dog is given IV fluids, force feedings if necessary and anti-nausea medications such as dolasetron and ondanestron. Sometimes painkillers are also given.
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Long-Term Treatment
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"Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" recommends preventing new pancreatitis attacks through the use of low-fat prescription diets, regular exercise and medications such as Zantac (ranitidine), if needed.
Considerations
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Many dogs with pancreatitis are overweight or are prone to eating garbage or carrion. The garbage needs to be dog-proofed and human food stopped to prevent future attacks.
Misconceptions
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Human antacids will not work to help treat dogs with pancreatitis, but they can sometimes be used to ease nausea ("A Pain in the Pancreas" by Mary Straus, "The Whole Dog Journal," Vol. 11, No. 11).
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Resources
- Photo Credit Image of obese dog from Wikimedia Commons.
