By Dr. Laura Hady
Recently I was reminded how the pancreas plays a pivotal role in our pets’ digestion. In the span of one week, three animals were brought to my office with pancreatic inflammation. No less important than the stomach and intestines to digestion, this small, pink, spongy organ secretes insulin to help regulate blood glucose, amylase to break down starch, and lipase to break down fats. So, it’s vital to keep it healthy. The following are some disease symptoms, diagnostics and treatment for pancreatic issues.
- Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, usually following intake of a fatty meat with or without seasonings and/or poultry skin. With the inflammation comes a release of digestive enzymes into the abdomen, which can cause damage to the liver, gall bladder and intestines. Pancreatitis symptoms include fever, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, a painful abdomen, dehydration, and loss of appetite due to nausea.
If you notice these signs, I recommend withholding food from your pet for at least eight hours, while offering small amounts of water. Later, offer a small amount of rice and chicken breast. If the vomiting does not stop, take your pet to a veterinarian for an exam, bloodwork, and possible radiographs to rule out foreign bodies, such as bones. Advanced diagnostics include an abdominal ultrasound and a blood test called SPEC-CPL (Specific Canine Pancreatic Lipase test).
Treatment may include intravenous fluids, pain medications, and antibiotics, as well as anti-vomiting and nausea relief meds. More severe cases require feeding tubes and a new drug called Panoquell-CA1 (dogs only) to help reduce the body’s over-protective response of sending white cells into the tissues. Some dogs and cats may become more prone to pancreatitis after their first bout. These pets often benefit from a long-term, low-fat diet.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) can be present at birth in certain dog breeds, such as the German shepherd. Or, it can occur after a bout of pancreatitis. Dogs with EPI tend to lack a sufficient amount of the digestive enzymes amylase and lipase. These patients often are thin and have large amounts of fatty stool. After a physical exam and medical history review, a vet typically will eliminate other causes of weight loss by performing bloodwork, a fecal analysis, and an abdominal ultrasound. The Trypsin Like Immunoassay is a special blood test to help confirm EPI. While probiotics help can improve gut bacteria, specific enzymes and cobalamin (an essential B-vitamin) are the mainstay of treatment. Dogs should be fed a readily digestible food with a quality source of protein, without too much fiber or fat.
- Diabetes mellitus can be due to a lack of insulin secretion by the beta cells in the pancreas (Type 1) or due to decreased sensitivity to insulin (Type 2). Increased levels of glucose are noted in the blood because it is not being stored properly. Pets with diabetes often have weight loss despite an increased appetite. They usually drink excessively and urinate and vomit frequently. They may even develop cataracts if left untreated.
Type 1 diabetes is more common in dogs, and Type 2 is more common in cats. Treatment includes insulin injections twice a day for the rest of their lives in dogs. Cats will sometimes respond to the insulin and diet changes (increased protein with low carbohydrate type foods) so well that they can eventually be weaned off the insulin. Dogs will need a diet lower in fat and higher in fiber, with a high-quality protein source. Both cats and dogs have better insulin absorption and utilization with regular exercise. New oral daily medications have been developed specifically for cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus.
If owners notice weakness or seizures, which can be the result of very low blood sugar, it is recommended that they give the pet a high sugar substance such as syrup to bring the blood glucose values up to a normal level. Owners can also purchase at-home blood glucose monitoring systems, such as the Alpha Trak 3 or the Freestyle Libre 3 remote sensor. The latter gets attached to the animal’s skin and pairs with smartphones. These systems allow for more day-to-day monitoring in a less stressful environment, and owners can report values to their veterinarians, allowing for better decision-making in the doses or timing of diabetes medications.
- Insulinomas are the most common pancreatic tumors in dogs and cats, followed by adenocarcinomas. Pets with insulinomas have a greater amount of secreted insulin in their bodies and may exhibit weakness, low blood sugar episodes, and potential seizures as the brain uses glucose as its only nutritional source. Exams, bloodwork, and abdominal ultrasounds are the best ways to diagnose this tumor in pets. Treatment includes small meals frequently; medications such as steroids, which promote a release of glucose into the blood; and the human drug diazoxide, which helps reduce the release of insulin from the pancreas. Treatments specific to the tumor include surgery and chemotherapy.
Please be aware of the digestive issues that can occur with pancreatic problems, especially as the season of rich holiday meals and treats approaches.
