Pet Pancreas Problems:Pancreatitis in Dogs and Cats

Pet Pancreas Problems:Pancreatitis in Dogs and Cats

Pancreatitis is severe inflammation of the pancreas that often occurs due to eating too much rich, fatty food or getting into the garbage. Minature Schnauzers and obese dogs have the highest incidence of this disease. Dogs allowed to sample the feast at holiday celebrations often end up with indigestion and pancreatitis. With repeated episodes of inflammation, the pancreas loses its ability to function properly which can lead to diabetes.

SIGNS of Pancreatitis
* Vomiting.
* Diarrhea.
* Abdominal pain.
* Depression and lethargy.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* Diagnosis is based on history, signs, and blood work if necessary. Treatment is geared to allow the intestinal tract to rest by withholding all food and water for up to 24 hours. Fluids may be given under the skin (subcutaneously), or in cases with vomiting fluids are replaced intravenously. Most dogs and cats respond to treatment and in a few days are gradually put back onto food, starting with a bland diet given in small portions several times daily.

* Prevention using moderation is the best policy. Avoid fatty foods and feed several small meals daily. If necessary use a plant based, natural digestive enzyme supplementcontaining lipase, lactase, protease, cellulase and amylase. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium help reduce pancreatic damage due to free radicals.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
Digestive enzymes are very helpful and let the pancreas rest and allow your pet to digest the nutrients in his or her diet. Half of the pancreas normally produces digestive enzymes; the other half of the pancreas produces insulin.

Probiotics are “friendly bacteria” that allow your pets body to absorb the digested nutrients in his diet. With bouts of vomiting and diarrhea as occurs with pancreatitis the “good bacteria” get replaced by “bad” gas forming bacteria. Probiotic supplementation takes care of this issue very effectively for dogs and cats.

Natural balanced vitamin supplements such as Paaws and Vitalife are very helpful to support your pets body, take the burden off the pancreas and promote a speedy recovery while also boosting internal immunity to help prevent future recurrences of pancreatitis and help prevent the onset of Diabetes in dogs and cats.

HERBAL REMEDIES
The use of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) can bring some relief, particularly where there is also bad diarrhea. Fresh yarrow leaves can be chopped and added to your dog’s food, three times daily for up to one week.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Iris versicolor 6x may help to overcome the effects of pancreatitis. Treatment is usually recommended every four hours until the symptoms have disappeared. If this is going to be effective some relief should be apparent within the first 24-hours.

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Holistic veterinarian and author, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health questions and consultations for dogs and cats. Contact Dr. Carol’s office toll free at 1-866-372-2765.