Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. In chronic cases, the pancreas is permanently damaged, causing fibrous scar tissue. This can result in diabetes mellitus due to insufficient insulin production. According to the American Diabetes Association, in Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, “the body does not produce insulin, which is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.” Golden Retrievers are prone to Type 1 diabetes.
The Pancreas
The pancreas is an elongated, tapered gland that lies behind the stomach and across the back of the abdomen, except for its head, which lies within the curve of the duodenum. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), one function of the pancreas is to secrete “digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids.” The second function is to “secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate the level of glucose in the blood.”
Diabetes
Diabetes, according to the AMA, is “a disorder in which the pancreas produces insufficient or no insulin, the hormone responsible for the absorption of glucose into cells for their energy needs and into the liver and fat cells for storage.” Consequently, blood glucose levels elevate, causing excessive urination, constant thirst and hunger, weight loss and fatigue. Type 1, the more severe form of diabetes that can afflict Golden Retrievers, requires insulin dependency. It develops rapidly, probably due to an immune response after a viral infection, and destroys the pancreas’ insulin-secreting cells.
Canine Pancreatitis
Many things–certain medications, infections, metabolic disorders, trauma and shock–can cause canine pancreatitis. High-fat diets and greasy table food can also cause pancreatitis in dogs. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever, which may lead to severe dehydration and hypovolemic shock. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, “Acute pancreatitis commonly occurs in the middle-aged, obese female dog.” Treatment begins with fluid therapy to restore hydration and to balance electrolytes, and may also include a low-fat diet.
Canine Diabetes
According to Washington State University (WSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, juvenile diabetes occurs in young dogs, is often genetic and may occur in related animals. Type 2 diabetes most commonly occurs in middle age to older dogs. Females are more prone to both types. In addition, overweight dogs and dogs with pancreatitis are predisposed to diabetes. Untreated diabetic dogs are more likely to acquire all types of infections–including bladder, kidney and skin–as well as cataracts, and possibly nerve or muscle dysfunction.
Diagnosis and Treatment
WSU states that “the diagnosis of diabetes is made by finding a large increase in blood sugar and a large amount of sugar in the urine. A blood screen of other organs is obtained to look for changes in the liver, kidney and pancreas.” Treatment depends upon the type of diabetes, the severity and complications, if any. Dogs may require once or twice daily insulin injections, which owners administer. If your dog exhibits any signs of pancreatitis or diabetes contact your veterinarian immediately for a complete health care assessment.
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