Canine Specific Issues

Canine Pancreatitis – What you need to know!

Samantha J. Schultz CVT

Canine pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can involve surrounding tissues and organs such as the liver. Pancreatitis can be chronic or acute. Pancreatitis usually develops after consumption of a meal high in fat. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine to promote digestion of proteins and starches. Consumption of a fatty meal can stimulate overproduction of enzymes thus causing a hazardous build up. When the pancreas becomes inflamed it can no longer effectively carry out it’s job.

Pancreatitis can come in forms ranging from mild to severe and even with prompt and thorough veterinary care, death can occur. Diabetes Mellitus, respiratory failure and whole body inflammatory responses can result from pancreatitis.

Symptoms to look for are vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, anorexia, painful abdomen, respiratory distress and depression.

If you note any of these symptoms it is best to contact your veterinarian promptly. Treating pancreatitis as quickly as possible delivers best outcome for your pet.

Your veterinarian may want to do some diagnostic testing. Diagnostic tests may include blood tests such as cPLI, CBC, Electrolyte and chemistries checking pancreatic function as well as liver function. Other diagnostic tests that are used are radiographs, ultrasounds and sometimes direct biopsies of pancreatic tissue.

It is very important that animals be taken off of oral nourishment to prevent further irritation to the pancreas. Hospitalization is likely in the event of pancreatitis to provide supportive care fluid therapy, electrolyte supplementation and blood chemistry monitoring. During a hospital stay for pancreatitis, it is likely that your pet may require pain relief. Pain Relief can be acquired through patches, a constant i.v. drip or injections given subcutaneously. It is incredibly important to sustain proper pain control because pain will inhibit the healing process.

To avoid pancreatitis, avoid feeding your pet diets high in fat and fatty table scraps. Dogs that are more likely to get pancreatitis include overweight, middle to older aged female dogs. Dog breeds that are more susceptible to pancreatitis include Pit Bull Terriers, Bichons, Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers.

ÕPancreatitis is considered a “holiday” disease or illness because dogs are often given fatty holiday foods such as turkey or ham as an extra treat during these times. These fatty foods can easily trigger the pancreas to have an inflammatory response. To avoid this, do not feed table scraps and be sure to tell your house guests to avoid feeding table scraps at all times but especially around the holidays.

Essential Oils and Supplementation to aid in Healing of Pancreatitis

Mary Hess, DVM

Once acute pancreatitis is under control there are holistic options to promote healing of the pancreas. Essential oils and supplements are used to aid the pancreas in recovery. Essential oils do not have to be ingested to help with this condition. Replenishing vitamins and minerals as well as using pre and probiotics, essential oils such as ginger, nutmeg and peppermint can all help aid in the healing process as well as help to maintain pain relief.

It is important to contact a veterinarian who is experienced in using supplements and essential oils before using them on a pet recovering from pancreatitis. Administration of essential oils and other nutritional supplements should be done only under Dr. recommendation due to the potential for re-disruption of the GI tract.

For more questions on using Essential Oils and Supplements please contact MaRiLa Veterinary Clinic at 608-798-1887.

Hand -out by Sarah Willard C.V.T.

Canine Influenza

Many of the essential oils used can be combined into a respiratory specific blend using the oils from Y.L.

The combinations are more specific for the particular pet or need.

Most of the oils are diffused which is an excellent way to get the oils to a group of pets. This is important for those in a kennel situation or in a home with more than one dog.

Placing the oils are the chest on both sides, placing the oils on pillows and blankets, or placing oils are the throat area is a good way to administer them topically.

The oils can be used internally as well. Using a gel capsule to give the oils by mouth is an excellent way to get the essential oils into the body.

BREATHE AGAIN ROLL-ON is in a dispenser that aids in getting the oils to areas like between the pads, on the ear pinnas, on the throat , and along the gum line to increase absorption of these important respiratory oils.

Canine Specific Issues

Sprayed by a SKUNK

Recipe for getting rid of skunk smell:

1.Shampoo with animal scents brand with 1/2 tablespoon Purification added. Let the shampoo sit on the pet for 10minutes. Rinse.

2.Make up solution of:

1 quart hydrogen peroxide

½ box baking soda (large)

1 tsp animal scents shampoo

1 tsp purification

Soak the pet in the solution for 10-15 minutes. Rinse.

3.Repeat shampoo in step 1.

4.May have to repeat several times as the protein unbinds from the hair.

5.Mu use the peroxide mix within 1 hour.