The pancreas is a glandular, V-shaped organ located along the base of the stomach and first portion of the small intestine. A system of ducts drains enzymes produced in the pancreas into the small intestine near the stomach. Some of the ducts join with the common bile duct, which empties bile into this same area.

The pancreas, an exocrine gland, produces digestive enzymes that break down fats, proteins and starches into their smallest subunits that can then be absorbed into the blood stream. The Islets of Langerhans are located on the pancreas. These are the cells that release insulin into the blood to regulate blood sugar levels and do not play a part in the enzymatic activities of the gland.

Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and digestive enzymes contained within the gland are released into surrounding tissues. These enzymes will digest organs and tissues close to the pancreas and cause shock and other circulatory complications. Depending on the amount of damage, this may produce a mild illness or be of such a severe nature as to quickly cause the death of the dog. The cause of this disease is usually nonspecific, but a high fat diet, obesity, certain drugs, infections of the liver or pancreas and trauma have all been implicated as predisposing and/or causing this disease. Many dogs seen in clinical practice will have a history of having recently eaten some "people" or "table" foods before the attack of pancreatitis started and most are commonly fed these foods on a regular basis.

Signs of pancreatitis include severe vomiting, depression, abdominal pain, diarrhea, increased thirst, weakness and dehydration. In severe cases, shock, collapse and death also occur. Diagnosis is based on history, physical exam, blood counts, serum enzyme levels, urine analysis, X-rays and ultrasound studies. Sometimes abdominal fluid analysis or exploratory surgery is necessary for a final diagnosis. ((Pancreatitis))

Treatment of pancreatitis should be started quickly and 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 will involve a stay in the hospital for a dog with the condition. Long term weight reduction and the feeding of low fat, high fiber and/or highly digestible food with the avoidance of scraps and other fatty treats will greatly help prevent recurrence.

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 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.

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.

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.

Back to Dog Index

HOME PAGE | HOSPITAL INFORMATION | PET HEALTH INFORMATION

©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.