Sharing food with our animal family members is a wonderful way to include them! However, it is important to choose foods that won’t harm their health when sharing meals with our companions. Rich, fatty foods, in particular, can lead to serious issues like pancreatitis— painful inflammation of the pancreas that can cause significant discomfort and even life-threatening complications in dogs and cats.
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, a vital organ that aids in digestion and regulates blood sugar. When inflamed, the pancreas releases digestive enzymes prematurely, causing damage to surrounding tissues. This condition can be painful and potentially life-threatening if untreated, making early detection and care essential.
Causes of Pancreatitis
The exact cause of pancreatitis often remains unknown, but several factors may increase the risk:
- Breed Predispositions: Breeds like Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, and Siamese cats may have a higher risk.
- High-Fat Diets: A sudden intake of fatty foods is a common trigger, especially for dogs. Cats are more sensitive to dietary changes in general.
- Obesity: Excess weight can increase inflammation, putting added stress on the pancreas.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The symptoms of pancreatitis are not very unique, which makes diagnostics necessary to narrow down the reason for their symptoms. Diagnosing pancreatitis can involve bloodwork to check organ values, ultrasound, or X-rays to check for inflammation and related complications.
Treatment of the acute signs involve rehydration, and veterinary anti-nausea medication. Pain relief is also provided, as inflammation of the pancreas is highly painful to your animal family member. Long-term treatment involves diet change, and routine monitoring for symptoms. While fatty foods like bacon scraps are no longer on the snack menu for pancreatitis patients, other foods with little to no fat content such as carrots or apples may be shared!
We’re Here to Help!
At Pilina Vet, our mission is to guide you as you seek wellness for your animal family members. If you have any questions or concerns about pancreatitis, sharing meals with your companions, or other health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support you and your pet’s long-term health!
