How to Know If Your Canine Has Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a common disease in canines in which their pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is responsible for secreting insulin and digestive enzymes. It is located between the stomach and small intestine. When it becomes inflamed it can leak enzymes. The leakage of enzymes can cause severe tissue damage, making it important to know whether or not your dog may be suffering from pancreatitis.

Instructions

1


Watch your canine to see if it is suffering from vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog is an inside dog, it is easy to notice vomiting and diarrhea. However, if your dog is an outside dog, you may have to spend a little time outside.




2





Check to see if your dog is eating its food. Many dogs tend to avoid food if they have pain in their abdomen. If your dog usually eats all its food and you notice that it isn’t interested or is only eating small portions, it should be a red flag that it is having stomach trouble.




3





Apply pressure to your canine’s abdominal. Try pressing in several different places to see if your canine is having any type of tenderness in those areas. If your dog has tenderness in its abdomen, it should exhibit a sign of pain or discomfort, such as yelping, whining or trying to move away from the pressure.




4





Watch your dog’s behavior. Your canine may exhibit lethargy, which is excessive tiredness, if it is suffering from pancreatitis. This is also a sign of many other diseases and illnesses besides just pancreatitis and should be taken seriously if it continues from more than a couple days.




5





Take your canine to the veterinarian if you suspect it has pancreatitis. These signs are similar to that of gastroenteritis, peritonitis, inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal obstruction, so it is important that your dog gets medical attention if it is exhibiting these signs.