CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

Chronic pancreatitis involves multiple episodes of pancreatic damage that usually results in progressive destruction of the pancreas and possibly the Islets of Langerhans. The signs of chronic pancreatitis are similar to those of acute pancreatitis, but this disease may evolve to cause exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and diabetes mellitus. Some cases of chronic pancreatitis may be associated with liver disease due to the fact that the pancreas and liver are closely associated. Otherwise, the individual bouts of (chronic) pancreatitis will mimic the symptoms of acute pancreatitis. ((Pancreatitis))

TREATMENT OF PANCREATITIS

Treatment of chronic pancreatitis involves the administration of intravenous fluids, withholding food and water to rest the organ, using antiemetics to control vomiting, analgesics to control pain and other treatments as specifically indicated. This care most always involves a stay in the hospital for your dog. Long term weight reduction and the feeding of low fat, high fiber and/or highly digestible foods with the avoidance of scraps and other fatty treats will help prevent recurrence. Diet is especially important in cases of chronic pancreatitis.

 

EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY

This disease occurs when the pancreas fails (usually due to an inability to produce) to secrete digestive enzymes into the intestine. The cause of this problem will either be a congenital atrophy (incomplete formation present at birth) of the pancreas or secondary to recurrent bouts of pancreatitis which will destroy normal tissues.

Signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency include weight loss (or poor weight gain in young animals), diarrhea (large voluminous rancid stools) and a ravenous appetite. Diagnosis is based on history, physical exam, fecal enzyme analysis and other more specialized tests that measure the digestion and absorption of certain drugs by the dog. X-rays and ultrasound analysis may also prove useful to diagnosis.

TREATMENT OF EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY

The administration of a digestive enzyme replacement, the use of cimetadine if needed to reduce gastric acid secretion, and the use of an easy to digest diet that is low in fat will help stabilize patients suffering from this problem. Dogs will vary in how well they are able to respond to this type of therapy and treatment must be continued for life.