Ask the Expert
‘Tis the Season for Pancreatitis!
By Dr. Carley
Pancreatitis is a condition defined as inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is one of the major digestive organs in the body. Pancreatitis can occur in both cat and dog companions, however it often manifests differently in different species. In dogs, the most common symptoms include vomiting, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and sometimes diarrhea. Severity of symptoms varies greatly. Symptoms run the spectrum from a decreased appetite and intermittent vomiting to more severe vomiting, abdominal pain and lethargy, to potentially life-threatening disease. Even if pets do not show outward signs of pain, pancreatitis is usually extremely painful. Some humans with pancreatitis have reported that it feels like "fire in the abdomen".
The underlying cause of pancreatitis is often undetermined, however eating a higher fat diet is considered to be a predisposing factor. For this reason, it is oftentimes seen more frequently around the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Other predisposing factors include certain types of medications (including specific chemotherapy medications), inflammatory intestinal disease and certain breeds of dogs including Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Poodles. Under normal conditions, digestive enzymes that are made in the pancreas remain inactive until they reach other enzymes in the small intestine. However, with pancreatitis, the enzymes are prematurely activated, thus causing self-digestion of the pancreas with secondary inflammation. Surrounding organs such as the intestines and liver can also become inflamed.
 There are different forms of pancreatitis. Pets, especially dogs, with acute pancreatitis are often suddenly ill, whereas those with chronic pancreatitis have long, ongoing illness including decrease in appetite, intermittent vomiting, occasional signs of abdominal discomfort, and sometimes diarrhea. The acute form often does not recur after the inflammation subsides and there are no long-term changes, whereas the chronic form is usually persistent with irreversible changes in the pancreas.
There are multiple tests available for diagnosing this condition. Abdominal ultrasound is a helpful test, though does not reveal every case. Other tests for diagnosing pancreatitis include blood tests to evaluate pancreatic enzymes. One newer test, called pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI), has become the test of choice in both dogs and cats. General blood tests including a complete blood count and chemistry panel should also be run in order to evaluate a pet’s other organ functions and overall status.
 Treatment for acute pancreatitis depends on severity, but normally consists of hospitalization, IV fluids, pain medications, and injectable medications because many pets are unable to keep food or oral medications down. It is recommended to avoid feeding dogs for 24-48 hours in order to give the pancreas a rest from producing digestive enzymes. When feeding is started again, small, frequent feedings of a bland, low-fat diet should be given. This diet may be given only for a short time, or may be for the life of the pet. For chronic pancreatitis, life-long feeding of a bland, low-fat diet, avoidance of table scraps, and sometimes pain medications are recommended for treatment. In general, avoiding feeding of table scraps and higher fat meals can be helpful to prevent pancreatitis.
With early diagnosis and appropriate care, recovery rates from pancreatitis can be quite high. If your pet is showing vague signs of abdominal discomfort, decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, or not acting like him or herself, you may want to ask your veterinarian about pancreatitis. If needed, referral for further testing such as abdominal ultrasound can be performed through the C.A.R.E. Internal Medicine Service.
Dr. Carley (and another internist Dr. Andrea Wells) are available at C.A.R.E. full time and welcome consultations and/or referrals from your veterinarian in the service of your four legged companion. Referral appointments are made by calling (805) 899-CARE (2273). You may also log on to the C.A.R.E. web site for further information at www.carehospital.org Happy (and Healthy) Holidays!
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Barkimonial
 Hello, my name is Corrie and I am a 2-year old white, female English Lab. My owner says that since I have been going to Dioji that I am "The World's Greatest Doggie..."
You see, at Dioji I can run and play and swim with all the other doggies, so when I get home I have all that out of my system and I can concentrate on being cute and cuddly and loving (which are all things that make me "The World's Greatest Doggie").
In addition, since Dioji picks me up and delivers me back home every day, my owner does not have to go through any trouble; Dioji does all the work for him!
Some days, I run and play and have so much fun at Dioji that by the time my owner gets home, he says that I am more of a Dog Rug then a dog, because I go right to sleep after my nightly walk and dream about all the fun I had during the day, running and playing and swimming at Dioji!
- Corrie (aka "The World's Greatest Doggie") |
Dioji Family
 Each
month we would like to introduce one of our valuable team members to
you so you can get to know the Dioji staff even better.
Who
Joanna Burton
Position at Dioji
Dioji Dog Associate
Hometown
Santa Barbara, born and raised
Pets of your own
A Boxer named Max (pictured) and partial ownership of my sister's Chihuahua
Something people may not know about you
I am a professionally trained make-up artist and hair stylist. I’ve worked on TV shows, Editorial photoshoots, movies, weddings and more!
Favorite activity with the dogs
Finger game in the hole of the barrel, and watching dogs literally dive into the pool
Final thoughts
If I am reincarnated, I want to come back as a dog who gets to come to Dioji everyday!
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Happy Holidays to all my four legged pals!
Kirby Wendel
