[Cagdu] Pancreatitis In Dogs And Cats (article)

[Tina Thomas]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM 
Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 7:12 AM
Subject: [New Blog Post] Pancreatitis At Home Remedies That Work Fast


This common disease can be treated at home.

Here's How:

Pancreatitis In Dogs And Cats: Natural Solutions That Work Fast

By Dr. Andrew Jones | May 8, 2013

http://www.theinternetpetvet.com/pancreatitis-dogs-cats-natural-solutions-wo
rk-fast

The pancreas is one of the key organs responsible for digestion of food, as
well as production of insulin, helping to regulate blood sugar. It is found
next to the small intestine (duodenum), and up beside the stomach. It is the
digestive enzymes which cause the problems in pancreatitis.



Pancreatitis is described as inflammation of the pancreas. The digestive
enzymes 'ooze' from the pancreas, as opposed to being released into the
intestinal tract. These enzymes digest and inflame adjacent tissues, (i.e.
liver, intestines, stomach wall) causing a variety of problems, and a severe
inflammatory response. In some cases of pancreatitis, diabetes can also
result.



Pancreatitis is one of the primary causes of a very serious condition called
DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation). This leads to abnormal
bleeding, and blood clotting at the same time, and often results in death.



Fortunately most cases of pancreatitis are localized, affecting the pancreas
and liver, and do respond to treatment.



SIGNS



03/fat-dog



In dogs the classic signs are loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, painful
abdomen, and fever. In cats, being lethargic and having a loss of appetite
are the most common signs. Only a small percent of cats vomit with
pancreatitis, while virtually all cats with pancreatitis lose their
appetites. Nearly 1/2 of cats with a condition called fatty liver (hepatic
lipidosis), have pancreatitis.



CAUSE



There is no specific cause. We see it more commonly in overweight dogs, in
specific breeds, such as Miniature Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles, Cocker
Spaniels and Siamese cats. The condition can happen quickly and be very
severe (acute) or be an ongoing problem with mild flare-ups (chronic).



In dogs it is often happens after consumption of a high fat meal (i.e.
bacon); the pancreas gets overworked in production of the enzymes to digest
all the fat and becomes inflamed.



Some medical conditions predispose dogs to pancreatitis; hypothyroidism, and
diabetes mellitus. Certain drugs can trigger the disease; the sulfa
antibiotics, chemotherapy drug azathioprine, drug for epilepsy, potassium
bromide and the diuretic, furosemide (lasix). In cats it is associated with
inflammatory bowel disease, and exposure to flea medications
(organophosphates), and the previous mentioned medications. The diagnosis of
pancreatitis is based on clinical signs, along with blood tests assessing
pancreatic function; newer tests that are pancreas specific are more
effective (PLI test).



SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. Pancreatitis can be life threatening, especially when
it happens quickly. Your veterinarian can perform blood tests to determine
if the pancreas is the source of the problem and discuss action steps.
Severely affected pets need to be hospitalized and placed on IV fluids. Some
of the chronically affected pets may respond to some of the following home
treatments.



FLUIDS. Pets with pancreatitis frequently become dehydrated. Give them small
amounts of water frequently. Giving them too much water all at once will
stretch the stomach and trigger the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes.
They often respond better when water is supplemented with an electrolyte
solution such as Pedialyte. Give a 10 lb dog or cat 1/4 cup every 3 hours, 6
doses daily.



SUBCU FLUIDS. The mainstay of treatment for pancreatitis is not giving your
pet anything orally that inflames the pancreas and allows it to heal. In
practice I often sent clients home with directions on administering
subcutaneous fluids. This involves an IV Fluid pack, along with an 18-20
gauge needle; 100 ml per 10 lbs twice daily is an average amount given. Your
veterinarian can give you specific instructions.



24 HOUR FAST. Along with fluids, this is the primary mode of treatment for
dogs; for cats you want to encourage feeding, or force feed ASAP. The
pancreas produces digestive enzymes in response to food entering the
stomach. Stop all food intake for 24 hours. Then begin feeding bland cooked
rice for the next 24 hours. Do not introduce regular food again until Day 3.



BLAND DIET. Prevent pancreatitis from recurring in your pet by altering the
diet. Your dog should be on a lower fat, low carbohydrate diet. Your cat
should be on a canned high protein, higher fat diet. Any cat with
non-specific signs (such as occasional loss of appetite, fever, and
intermittent vomiting) should be suspected of having pancreatitis. There are
commercial higher protein diets for cats, but as of now none developed for
dogs.



ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY. There are two antioxidants that seem to reduce the
severity and frequency of pancreatitis. They even seem to speed recovery in
an attack. They are Vitamin C and Selenium, and every pet that has recurring
pancreatitis should be on them: give 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily
of Vitamin C, and 5 ug of Selenium per 10 lbs of body weight daily.



HOMEOPATHICS.

Homeopathy is particularly helpful in that your dog or cat does not have to
swallow the tablets to have the positive benefits. IRIS VERSICOLOR. These
can be particularly helpful: give one 30C tab 3 times daily for 3-5 days
during an attack. ARSENICUM. The major remedy for Garbage Gut, and food
poisoning. Dose 30C every 2 hours for 1- 2 days.
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