The pancreas is an important organ of vital importance for every organism. It is a gland in the abdomen, which takes part in basic functions such as digestion and blood glucose regulation. It also contributes by secreting substances necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12, which is essential for the metabolism of cells in every organism.
The pancreas, as a glandular organ, has both exocrine and endocrine functions that coordinate the process of digestion and metabolism in general. It is essentially a gland that produces two types of substances:
The exocrine substances produced by the pancreas, or digestive juices , consist of enzymes, proenzymes, zymogens of digestive enzymes, etc. When your pet eats, the cells of the pancreas are activated and begin the synthesis of these digestive juices, which are released into the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum. These digestive juices are necessary for the digestion of dietary components such as proteins, triglycerides and complex carbohydrates. The endocrine substances, or digestive hormones (insulin and glucagon), are released by the pancreas directly into the bloodstream and are necessary for the regulation of blood sugar levels. Numerous pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal system disrupt the smooth production of these substances, often leading to generalized inflammation of the organ, pancreatitis.
But what is pancreatitis?
The term pancreatitis describes the pathological condition caused by inflammation of the organ, often followed by diseases of the gallbladder or intestines or as a result of poor dietary choices. More specifically, the pathological conditions that can lead to pancreatitis are the following:
1. Idiopathic pancreatitis: When we cannot identify the pathological causes of the disease.
2. Genetic predisposition: Some animals have a genetic predisposition to developing the disease (common in dog breeds such as Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier, Boxer).
3. Nutritional pancreatitis: When caused by poor eating habits or abuse.
4. Hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing's disease : It is a disease of the adrenal glands, which increases the risk of secondary pancreatitis.
5. Serious, non-penetrating or penetrating injury: Injury e.g. from a car accident, fall, etc.
6. Infectious pancreatitis: It is caused as a derivative of infectious diseases.
7. Iatrogenic pancreatitis: A rare case in which it is caused by medication or after surgical intervention.
Pancreatitis is categorized into two main categories: chronic pancreatitis (CP) and acute pancreatitis (AP). The distinction between the two is based on the duration of the disease and whether the disease has led to permanent changes in the pancreatic parenchyma (CP) or not (AP).
In the case of chronic pancreatitis, our animal is subject to repeated episodes of inflammation, which over time can destroy a significant part of the organ, reducing its functional capacity.
In the case of acute pancreatitis, we are talking about a sudden onset of inflammation of the organ which usually does not last long. Mild to severe symptoms may appear, often threatening the life of our animal.
The diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis is easier compared to the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, as it also involves intense symptomatology. Chronic pancreatitis, which most animals usually suffer from, is characterized by milder symptomatology, even subclinical, which makes its diagnosis more difficult. For this reason, chronic pancreatitis is considered one of the most underdiagnosed diseases in the field of veterinary medicine.
How do I know if my animal may be suffering from pancreatitis?
In its mildest form, pancreatitis in dogs displays non-specific clinical symptoms such as loss or decreased appetite and/or restless behavior.
In chronic pancreatitis, symptoms such as: depression, weight loss, sporadic vomiting, diarrhea, and non-specific abdominal pain are often observed.
The most common clinical signs of acute pancreatitis are: anorexia (91%), vomiting (90%), weakness (79%), abdominal pain (58%) - which may be indicated by the so-called "prayer pose", pyrexia, dehydration (46%), diarrheal stools (33%), or steatorrhea - fatty stools.
It should be noted that any form of pancreatitis is important to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible, as it can cause irreversible conditions or in some cases even death.
So if we suspect any of the above symptoms, we should contact and possibly visit our treating veterinarian.
In order for the veterinarian to make a correct diagnosis of the disease, a clinical examination, a complete blood count with emphasis on the canine pancreatic lipase index (cPLI), which is indicative of the disease, is necessary. Elevated cPLI levels are a common sign of acute pancreatitis. In addition, two other signs, although not specific, are serum amylase and lipase. In addition, further imaging investigations may be necessary, e.g. abdominal ultrasound, to exclude other possible causes of the symptoms and/or more detailed imaging of the organ to identify possible inflammation or other possible lesions.
In animals diagnosed with possible acute pancreatitis, hospitalization for close monitoring is recommended and treatment is usually symptomatic and supportive, including serum therapy, antiemetics, analgesics, and a clinical diet.
Nutrition and pancreatitis in dogs:
From the above, we understand that pancreatitis is a complex disease with many variations, symptomatology and difficulty in its valid and correct diagnosis. For these reasons, it is clear that prevention is one of the most important, if not the most important factor in avoiding the disease. The diet and body weight of our animal is an important pillar for its overall health, while contributing to the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Many commercial premium foods are highly processed and usually consist of indigestible carbohydrates, high fats and processed proteins of low nutritional value. Containing colorings and preservatives, most of which are harmful to our pet's health, they are not only not suitable for a proper and balanced diet but also increase the risk of multiple diseases, including pancreatitis.
Regardless of the type of pancreatic disease that our dog may suffer from, it is important to implement a personalized nutritional plan for its needs each time. In chronic forms of the disease, adequate daily feeding of the animal should be ensured because often sick dogs suffer from selective appetite or anorexia, and the result is usually a loss of body weight and muscle mass, which leads to weakening of the animal and possibly difficulty in administering specific oral treatment. It is not uncommon for guardians of dogs with chronic pancreatitis, to ensure that their dog will eat, to choose to combine a special clinical diet with a complementary and often inappropriate canned food or kibble. The use of petchef's delicious and balanced recipes with its abundance of nutrients, easily digestible proteins of high biological value, vitamins and essential omega-3 fatty acids, can benefit the chronically ill dog by offering it additional well-being and energy, while enhancing the natural antioxidant processes in its body. In asymptomatic dogs that show selective or reduced appetite, we suggest the lowest fat concentration recipe "fish with rice and turmeric" . In any case, the consent of the treating veterinarian should be sought in everything regarding the further clinical - nutritional management of the sick dog with pancreatitis.
Iro Vingou DVM
Alexandros Spyrliadis DVM, MSc.
Athens Vet - Modern Veterinary Clinics