Festive Season Pancreatitis
IS YOUR DOG AT RISK OF PANCREATITIS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen that helps the body digest food.
Acute pancreatitis can occur after a dog eats fatty food such as pork, beef, and some other human foods; dogs that get into garbage can develop pancreatitis.
The pancreas releases enzymes (proteins that are involved in chemical reactions in the body) into the digestive tract to help break down fats and promote digestion. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the condition is referred to as pancreatitis.
When pancreatitis occurs, the pancreas releases enzymes and other substances into the surrounding area of the abdomen. These substances cause localized inflammation that damages the pancreas and nearby organs and can lead to life-threatening complications.
The clinical signs associated with pancreatitis can be mild or severe, and the acute and chronic forms of the disease can look very similar:
Vomiting
Appetite loss
Depression and lethargy (tiredness)
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Fever
Severely ill dogs may have a high fever, low blood pressure, and dehydration.
Contact GEOvet for veterinary assistance or in any doubt. 