What is pancreatitis in pets? 

The pancreas is a small glandular organ located below the stomach that produces the hormones insulin and glucagon. The pancreas also secretes digestive enzymes that are essential to break down nutrients in the small intestine. 

A disruption in normal pancreatic function can result in pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition that is common in dogs and cats. Abnormal release and activation of digestive enzymes like lipase can lead to pancreatic inflammation, tissue damage, toxin release, and damage to other organs such as the liver. Additionally, pets with pancreatitis have an increased risk for developing diabetes, abnormal bleeding or clotting problems, and brain damage. 

In some cases, there is no definitive cause for pancreatitis in pets. Breeds such as miniature schnauzers, cocker spaniels, dachshunds, and Yorkshire terriers also have an increased risk of developing pancreatitis. However, feeding your dog a rich, fatty meal or treat is the most common culprit. It is unknown if ingesting a fatty meal can cause pancreatitis in cats because more than 95 percent of cat pancreatitis cases have no identifiable underlying cause. Numerous pancreatitis risk factors exist for cats and dogs, including:

• Trauma to the pancreas 
• Pancreatic tumors
• Hormonal imbalances (i.e., hypothyroidism, diabetes)
• Insecticide exposure (i.e., organophosphate)
• Certain medications (i.e., chemotherapy agents, sulfa drugs)
• Irritable bowel disease in cats
• Toxoplasmosis in cats
• Feline distemper infection

Pancreatitis signs in pets

Signs of pancreatitis vary in pets and depend on the underlying cause and duration. Many affected cats will not show any obvious disease signs, and some cats may develop a concurrent fatty liver. Common signs may include: 

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Irregular heartbeat
• Low temperature in cats
• Yellow skin in cats 

Pancreatitis diagnosis and treatment in pets

Bring your pet in for immediate veterinary care if they have pancreatitis signs. Pancreatitis is painful to pets and can be deadly without treatment. Diagnosing pancreatitis can be challenging because it is not uncommon for multiple organ systems to be affected, and signs often mimic other diseases. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has had access to the garbage, a new treat, or any human food. Diagnostic testing may include a complete blood count and serum biochemistry test to check for systemic inflammation and overall organ function and to rule out underlying medical problems. Specialized blood tests to measure pancreatic enzyme levels also may be recommended. Other diagnostics may include advanced imaging such as an ultrasound or X-ray to examine the size, shape, and function of the pancreas.

In most cases, pets with pancreatitis will require a long-term hospitalization for stabilization and treatment. Fortunately, most pets who receive aggressive care and who do not have underlying medical conditions will recover. Treatments may include:

• Blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature monitoring 
• Intravenous fluids for dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and pancreatic support
• Pain medication
• Anti-nausea medication
• Gastroprotectant medications
• Antibiotics
• B12 vitamin injections
• Specialized diet

Financial options for your pet’s pancreatitis treatment

Pets undergoing pancreatitis treatment may require an extended hospital stay and several checkups, which can be expensive. Purchasing a pet health insurance plan like Trupanion when your pet is young will ensure funds are available for their emergency care. Trupanion can pay your veterinary clinic directly, which eliminates the need to submit paperwork and wait for reimbursements. Other financial options available to cover treatment costs include: 

• Care Credit 
• Scratch Pay 
• Pet health savings account 
• Short-term loans 

Pancreatitis prevention in pets

Pancreatitis is not always preventable because the underlying cause cannot always be determined. However, you can decrease your pet’s risk by: 

• Not feeding them any people food, especially rich, fatty food
• Providing them with a complete and balanced diet, including pet-safe treats
• Bringing them in for yearly or more frequent veterinary visits to identify any underlying diseases and pancreatitis risks
• Not changing their diet without consulting your family veterinarian
• Helping them maintain a healthy weight 

Call your family veterinarian right away if your pet has pancreatitis signs. If you need help after hours, contact Animal Emergency Care and bring your pet in for immediate treatment. #AECprevents

Sources:

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952412

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951457

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/the-exocrine-pancreas/pancreatitis-in-dogs-and-cats

https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Pancreatitis-in-Pets

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-pancreatitis

The post The Trickiness of Treats: Understanding Pet Pancreatitis appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

What is diabetes in pets?

Diabetes mellitus (i.e., sugar diabetes) affects one in nearly 300 cats and dogs. In rare cases, pets also may develop diabetes insipidus (i.e., water diabetes), a condition caused by an abnormally functioning pituitary gland. Diabetes mellitus is the most commonly diagnosed diabetes type in pets, and occurs when the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas do not function properly. Insulin is required for sugar (i.e., glucose) absorption in the body, which is vital for energy and overall organ function. Pets who do not produce adequate insulin become hyperglycemic because the sugar is not able to reach their cells and accumulates in their bloodstream and in their urine in some cases. Pets who are diagnosed have an increased risk for secondary bacterial and fungal infections, which can lead to long-term skin infections, bladder inflammation, lung problems, or an inflamed prostate in male pets. Pets who have uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes also are at risk for collapse and possible death. Such breeds as Australian terriers, beagles, and Samoyeds have an increased risk for developing diabetes because of a genetic predisposition. Other diabetes mellitus risk factors may include:

• Obesity
• Long-term use of steroid medications
• Adrenal disease, such as Cushing’s disease 
• Pituitary disease

Diabetes signs in pets

Disease signs are variable, and pets with advanced forms of diabetes are at risk for life-threatening ketoacidosis (DKA). Diabetes mellitus signs may include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Dull fur coat
• Cataracts in dogs
• Abnormal gait in cats

DKA signs may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Disorientation
• Depression 
• Lethargy 
• Coma 

Diabetes diagnosis and treatment in pets

Bring your pet in for emergency veterinary care if you suspect they have DKA, or bring your pet to your family veterinarian if they are showing signs of diabetes. Diagnosis is based on consistently high blood glucose and glucosuria, or sugar in the urine. Other diagnostic work may include a complete blood count and serum biochemistry test to check for an underlying infection and overall organ function. A urinalysis and urine culture test may be recommended to check for infection. Other diagnostic tests may include hormone level testing and advanced imaging such as an X-ray or ultrasound to check organ structure and function, and for any underlying disease. Your pet’s diabetic treatment may include:

• Insulin injections
• Specialized diet
• Antibiotics for secondary infections
• Regular blood glucose monitoring 
• Blood pressure monitoring

Diabetic dogs will require lifelong insulin treatments in most cases. Some cats may achieve remission. Pets who are diagnosed with DKA will require hospitalization for stabilization and treatment which may include:

• Electrolyte monitoring 
• Blood and urine glucose monitoring 
• Intravenous fluids for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
• Short-acting insulin injections
• Anti-nausea medications
• Gastroprotectant medications

Financial options for your pet’s diabetes treatment

Diabetes treatment may require your pet to be hospitalized. In addition, your diabetic pet likely will require lifelong insulin injections, monitoring of their blood glucose, and regular veterinary checkups. Such long-term care can result in a larger veterinary bill. Fortunately multiple payment options are available to help you pay for your pet’s diabetic treatment. Pet health insurance providers like Trupanion offer policies that can pay your veterinary clinic directly, which eliminates the need to submit paperwork and wait for reimbursements. Care Credit and Scratch Pay allow you to spread payments over longer periods with delayed interest rates in some cases. Pet health savings accounts and short-term loans are also available to help. 

Diabetes prevention in pets 

Diabetes cannot always be prevented in pets. However, feeding your pet a well-balanced diet, ensuring they receive regular exercise, and helping them maintain a healthy weight will decrease their chances of becoming sick. Yearly or more frequent veterinary visits will ensure an early diabetes diagnosis and aid in the identification of underlying medical problems or diabetic risk factors.

Call your family veterinarian if you suspect your pet has diabetes. However, call Animal Emergency Care if your pet has any diabetes or DKA signs after hours, and bring them in for immediate care. #AECprevents

Sources:

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951506

https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/diabetes-dogs-and-cats-everything-you-need-know

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952917

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/endocrine-system/the-pancreas/diabetes-mellitus-in-dogs-and-cats?query=diabetes

https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/diabetes-pets

The post The Sugar Crash: Understanding Pet Diabetes appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.