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SigMT Vol 13 Iss 4

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SiG MT 90 PET HEALTH 101 TEXT BY DAWN MILLIGAN hen your family dog doesn't want to eat and is throwing up, you hope it's a passing thing. Many times, it is -- but it could be a condition called pancreatitis. If so, they'll need treatment. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a common health issue in dogs. It occurs when digestive enzymes that are stored in the pancreas get activated prematurely (typically they aren't active until they are released into the intestine) and start to "digest" the pancreas itself. ese enzymes can cause mild to severe damage to the pancreas. ere are many potential causes of pancreatitis. In dogs, it is associated with high levels of fat in the blood, especially triglycerides, which is more common in certain breeds such as miniature schnauzers. It can also be associated with "dietary indiscretion" – a dog getting into garbage or stealing food off the counters, especially high-fat foods for a dog that is not used to eating a high-fat diet. Pets with pancreatitis can be quite ill. Severe vomiting and abdominal pain are frequent signs in dogs with acute pancreatitis, but more chronic cases can result in less dramatic signs such as reduced appetite or lethargy. Pancreatitis is typically separated from other causes of vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy and reduced appetite by specific blood tests or abdominal ultrasound. Unfortunately, in most cases there is no specific treatment. Fluids, pain meds, and medications to reduce nausea and vomiting are used to keep the pet more comfortable while the pancreas heals. Symptoms • Loses appetite • Vomits • Has belly pain Other symptoms are: • A fever or low body temperature • Diarrhea • No energy • A hard time breathing • Dehydration • Irregular heartbeat If your dog has some of these problems for more than a day, or if these symptoms keep coming back, take them to the vet. It could be pancreatitis, or it could be something else. Either way, you should get it checked out. Symptoms & Prevention Pancreatitis in Dogs: W

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