How To Treat Pancreatitis In A Dog

Introduction

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is a common and sometimes fatal condition in dogs. It can be acute, meaning that it has rapid onset, or chronic, which means it comes on gradually. Since acute pancreatitis in dogs can be fatal if not treated properly, it’s important to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect he has this condition. The good news is that pancreatitis is treatable and you should expect your dog to make a full recovery in most cases. Weighing the medical risks of pancreatitis against the enjoyment you get from sharing your life with your dog can help motivate you to do everything you possible can so that he’ll lead a healthy life for many years to come:

Identify any unusual behaviors.

You can identify many of the symptoms associated with pancreatitis by watching for signs of pain or discomfort. If your dog is in pain, they may sleep more than usual, be irritable or restless, less active than usual and less playful than usual.

It’s important to note that some dogs will not show any outward signs of illness when experiencing pancreatitis. This can make it difficult to properly diagnose a condition you are unfamiliar with.

Look for absence of appetite.

Anorexia is a common symptom of pancreatitis. If your dog has not eaten for two days, seek medical attention immediately.

If you’re concerned that your dog may be showing signs of anorexia (including refusal to eat, vomiting, and lethargy), it is always important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you suspect your pet may have pancreatitis and the symptoms are severe enough that he/she refuses food or water and becomes dehydrated, go straight to the emergency room or call 911.

Observe for vomiting.

The first sign of pancreatitis is often vomiting. You should observe your dog for vomiting, which can be caused by infection and other diseases in addition to pancreatitis. If you notice that your dog has been vomiting for more than 24 hours or if the vomit contains blood, it’s time to take action.

Pay attention to diarrhea.

Diarrhea is a common symptom of pancreatitis. It can be bloody or watery and may be accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

Check your dog’s abdomen for tenderness or pain.

Check your dog’s abdomen for tenderness or pain.
Check for swelling in the abdomen.
Check for distension of the abdomen (swollen belly).
Check for a fever.
Check on how long he’s been sick and if he has other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite.

Be alert for dehydration.

Dehydration occurs when the body has lost too much water, and its ability to function properly is compromised. As with pancreatitis, it’s important to be alert for dehydration in your dog. Dehydrated dogs may exhibit signs such as dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes, loss of appetite and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet after treating them with a canine pancreatitis diet, seek veterinary care immediately—even if they seem otherwise well on their way to recovery from the disease.

Additionally, keep an eye out for these other conditions which can occur alongside pancreatitis:

Kidney disease: This is one of the biggest risks with having this condition because it will often cause fluid retention (a symptom) or dehydration (a complication). If your dog has kidney disease or another condition that affects its ability to retain fluids due to poor kidney function then you need extra help keeping them hydrated at home by providing plenty of fresh water throughout each day so they don’t become dehydrated.
Liver failure: This can also cause fluid retention so make sure they’re getting enough fluids while recovering from their illness!

Watch for increased thirst and urination.

A dog with pancreatitis may drink more water than usual.
An increase in urination can be a sign of pancreatitis, so watch for this as well. If your dog is drinking or urinating more frequently than usual, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Know that fever is a symptom of pancreatitis in dogs.

Fever is a symptom of pancreatitis in dogs. Fever can also occur with other conditions, so it’s important to rule out other causes for your pet’s illness.

Stay alert to the presence of lethargy.

Lethargy is a sign of pain, which can be caused by pancreatitis. If you notice your dog is lethargic or unresponsive, then it’s time to get him or her to the vet immediately. Lethargy can also indicate another serious medical condition, so it’s important not to assume that it’s just a side effect of the pancreatitis if your dog is slowing down. If this happens, take them to see their veterinarian right away so they can be examined and given any necessary treatment for other possible conditions as well.

Pancreatitis is a condition that can cause serious medical problems in your dog, so it’s important to know how to recognize the symptoms and seek help from a veterinarian if they occur

Pancreatitis is a serious medical condition that can cause your dog significant discomfort and even death. If you recognize any of the following symptoms, it’s important to get your dog to a vet as soon as possible:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy (a lack of energy) or depression
Abdominal pain

Conclusion

If you suspect that your dog has pancreatitis, don’t attempt to diagnose or treat it on your own. Pancreatitis is a serious condition that can have life-threatening complications. The veterinarians at Mayfield Heights Animal Hospital are highly trained in diagnosing and treating pancreatitis in dogs. They can help you determine if your dog is experiencing the condition and provide the right care to get them back to good health. Contact us today if you suspect that your dog may be suffering from pancreatitis, or if any of these symptoms occur suddenly or unexpectedly