Is your dog at risk of Pancreatitis?
There are number of reasons/factors that can contribute to canine pancreatitis.
A high fat diet is one of them, however just as some fat is good – even essential for humans, some fat is good and beneficial for dogs. Raw meat fat is best for dogs and cooked fat is not. Pork fat is not recommended. Dogs can tolerate more fat than humans in general but they are also individuals with varying nutritional requirements and varying genetics. However, if a dog develops pancreatitis it will be switched to a low fat diet.
Certain medications or toxins can throw a dog out of balance. Obesity, other endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes and even genetic factors can predispose a dog to pancreatitis. Symptoms can include vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of appetite or dehydration. In short, the pancreas begins to digest itself.
Symptoms can appear quickly (in the case of acute pancreatitis) and inflammation can pose a threat to other organs. Chronic pancreatitis describes a case where the condition has developed over time and occasionally no symptoms have been noticed. The condition can be long or short term but this depends on how much damage has been caused to the pancreatic tissue.
Diagnosis usually involves a blood test to begin with and x-rays or ultrasound may follow.
Treatment often begins with restriction of food and water by mouth for a few days if the dog has been vomiting. Intravenous fluids my be necessary and pain medication is usually administered to alleviate abdominal pain.
Aim to keep your dog at a healthy weight and avoid table scraps wherever possible. Also, dietary indiscretion (which means a dog will consume anything he can get within reach of) can also be a contributing factor.
The benefit for a dog consuming meat comes from the meat itself first. Your vet can advise you about the appropriate quality and quantity of fat for your dog’s consumption.
Remember also that if you are feeding your dog any processed foods it’s unlikely you are unaware of the ingredients and their percentages.
Leah & Angela O’Meara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Cares Brisbane)