Diva's battle with Pancreatitis

My baby, Diva, is so sick with pancreatitis again.  2 years ago she almost died from it because I did not understand what was happening to her.  Now I am always on the look-out for the symptoms because once a dog has pancreatitis, there is a very good chance that they will have it over and over again. It is like the pancreas has been reset to be extremely sensitive to fat in the diet and responds immediately to any high-fat item ingested.

Diva has been showing the symptoms of this illness for a few days and I took her to the vet to be tested (there is a blood test for it).  Of course, it came back positive and she was given IV fluids and new medications and sent back home.  However, her symptoms did not improve so I took her back for an ultrasound of her abdomen.  

The ultrasound  showed a very inflamed pancreas and possible gall bladder involvement.  She stayed overnight to get more IV fluids, but now I am ready to go pick her up and bring her back home.  I don't like it when she is gone!

So, I have decided to post some information here about pancreatitis in dogs in case someone else needs this information:

Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas, a gland located near the stomach, becomes inflamed. This condition can affect dogs, and it can be a serious health issue if left untreated. In this post, we'll discuss the causes, treatment, why there is a chance of recurrence, and how to help your dog with pancreatitis.

Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of pancreatitis in dogs, including:

• Obesity
• High-fat diet
• Trauma or injury to the pancreas
• Certain medications
• Infection
• Autoimmune disease

It's worth noting that while any dog can develop pancreatitis, certain breeds are more prone to it, such as Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels.

Treatment of Pancreatitis in Dogs

The treatment of pancreatitis in dogs depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may only require a short period of fasting and supportive care, while more severe cases may require hospitalization and intensive treatment. Treatment options may include:

• 
  Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration
• Pain medication to manage discomfort
• Antibiotics to treat or prevent infection
• Nutritional support to maintain the dog's weight and health
• In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged tissue or drain fluid from the pancreas.

Why There is a Chance of Recurrence

Pancreatitis can be a recurring condition in dogs, and there are several factors that can contribute to this, including:

• Obesity
• Feeding a high-fat diet
• Failure to follow a recommended diet after the initial episode
• Certain medications
• Underlying health conditions

How to Help Your Dog with Pancreatitis

There are several things you can do to help your dog if they have pancreatitis or to prevent it from occurring again:

• Follow your veterinarian's recommended diet plan, which will likely be low-fat and easy to digest.
• Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or high-fat treats.
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
• Monitor your dog for any signs of recurrence, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
• Be sure to follow up with your veterinarian for regular check-ups to ensure your dog is staying healthy.

Just to reiterate, pancreatitis is a serious condition that can affect dogs, but with proper treatment and care, it can be managed. If you suspect your dog may have pancreatitis, it's important to seek veterinary care right away. Following your veterinarian's recommended treatment plan and making lifestyle changes can help reduce the chances of recurrence and improve your dog's overall health and quality of life.

Further reading includes:

Pancreatitis In Dogs: Signs to Watch For

Pancreatitis In Your Dog

Pancreatitis in Dogs