What is the importance of the pancreas?
 |
| (Animal Pet Doctor) |
High fatty foods, along with other pre-existing conditions, can cause what's known as pancreatitis. When breaking down this word, it means an inflammation of the pancreas. To understand what pancreatitis is, you must first understand how the pancreas works. The pancreas is located underneath the stomach and part of the intestines. "It has 2 main functions: to produce insulin to help digest glucose, and to produce enzymes to help digest foods."(Vetmedicine.com) Fatty foods can cause an over production of these digestive enzymes which can cause the pancreas to "digest itself," therefore causing pancreatitis.
What are the causes of pancreatitis?
As stated, high fatty foods is a major contributor to starting the process of pancreatitis. Along with this, there are other causes as well; certain medications (specific chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics), Cushing's Disease (hormonal disease), obesity, and abdominal trauma (i.e: hit by car).
What to look for in a pet with pancreatitis?
One of the most common signs that you will see in a pet that has pancreatitis is vomiting. Other signs include: lack of appetite, diarrhea and dehydration. Your pet may also experience pain in its' abdomen.
How is pancreatitis diagnosed?
There are a few ways that pancreatitis can be diagnosed. Of course the most obvious and helpful way is observing that present signs and determining whether pancreatitis should be considered. Another common way is by using a snap test. This consists of collecting blood from your pet and running a test that will tell your veterinarian if his or her pancreatic enzymes are abnormal. (Picture is shown on the right) Running a full blood work panel to check your pets' pancreatic enzymes is also an option to diagnose this problem.
What is the treatment for pancreatitis?
Unfortunately, there is no real "treatment" or "cure" for pancreatitis. Starting your pet on supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, is where most veterinarians will start. Medications for pain and nausea will also be administered to keep your pet comfortable. Letting the pancreas heal on it's own and addressing any other concerns that may be causing the bout of pancreatitis (diabetes, Cushing's Disease) is the most likely path your veterinarian will choose to help your pet become healthy again!
Home care for the pancreatitis patient
After your pet has spent a few days in the hospital with supportive care and helpful medications, your veterinarian will more than likely prescribe a low-fat, high-fiber diet. This will help prevent any future bouts of pancreatitis. Depending on the age of your pet, this diet may be a life-long change to ensure quality health.
I hope this helps you, the pet owner, realize the importance of a good, quality diet for your furry friend. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call Tenth Street Animal Hopsital and we will help you in anyway we can!
Please contact me on Facebook and let me know Tenth St Times sent you! Send me any requests or ideas that you have!
Here's to a tail waggin' day!
Noelle
P.S- I know that pictures are small, if they are to large it distorts everything! Sorry for any inconvenience!
*Information for this blog was obtained via Vetmedicine.com
*Pictures can be viewed and obtained from the website listed underneath.
What are the causes of pancreatitis?
As stated, high fatty foods is a major contributor to starting the process of pancreatitis. Along with this, there are other causes as well; certain medications (specific chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics), Cushing's Disease (hormonal disease), obesity, and abdominal trauma (i.e: hit by car).
 |
| (Life-Learn-Cliented) |
One of the most common signs that you will see in a pet that has pancreatitis is vomiting. Other signs include: lack of appetite, diarrhea and dehydration. Your pet may also experience pain in its' abdomen.
How is pancreatitis diagnosed?
There are a few ways that pancreatitis can be diagnosed. Of course the most obvious and helpful way is observing that present signs and determining whether pancreatitis should be considered. Another common way is by using a snap test. This consists of collecting blood from your pet and running a test that will tell your veterinarian if his or her pancreatic enzymes are abnormal. (Picture is shown on the right) Running a full blood work panel to check your pets' pancreatic enzymes is also an option to diagnose this problem.
 |
| Pancreatic Snap Test with Abnormal and Normal results. (Website) |
What is the treatment for pancreatitis?
Unfortunately, there is no real "treatment" or "cure" for pancreatitis. Starting your pet on supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, is where most veterinarians will start. Medications for pain and nausea will also be administered to keep your pet comfortable. Letting the pancreas heal on it's own and addressing any other concerns that may be causing the bout of pancreatitis (diabetes, Cushing's Disease) is the most likely path your veterinarian will choose to help your pet become healthy again!
Home care for the pancreatitis patient
After your pet has spent a few days in the hospital with supportive care and helpful medications, your veterinarian will more than likely prescribe a low-fat, high-fiber diet. This will help prevent any future bouts of pancreatitis. Depending on the age of your pet, this diet may be a life-long change to ensure quality health.
 |
| (Vets-now.com) |
Please contact me on Facebook and let me know Tenth St Times sent you! Send me any requests or ideas that you have!
Here's to a tail waggin' day!
Noelle
P.S- I know that pictures are small, if they are to large it distorts everything! Sorry for any inconvenience!
*Information for this blog was obtained via Vetmedicine.com
*Pictures can be viewed and obtained from the website listed underneath.
No comments:
Post a Comment