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Welcome to June which is adopt a cat month! This
months newsletter incudes an article about
Pancreatitis, fun facts, and the monthly trivia
question.
We
love input on the newsletter so any recommendations
or suggestions of articles are very welcome. I hope
you are enjoying our newsletter and I thank you for
your time!
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Pancreatitis
The pancreas is a glandular organ located under the
stomach and upper small intestines. It produces
enzymes to digest food and hormones, including
insulin, which regulates sugar and protein uptake.
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancrease becomes
inflammed causing leakage of digestive enzymes and
the pancrease actually starts to digest itself!!
The
exact cause of pancreatitis is unknown. Many of the
patients that I have seen with this disease have a
recent history of eating high fat or high sugar foods
such as a box of donuts. Some of the
causes and at risk factors include the following:
- Trauma (hit by car)
- tumor
- drugs or toxins
- disease conditions: Cushing's disease and
diabetes in
dogs or toxoplasmosis, FIP, or Feline herpesvirus in
cats
- Minature Schnauzer, Minature Poodle, Cocker
Spaniel, Siamese cat
- Obese animals
- Animals fed high fat diet (people food)
The signs of pancreatitis are not specific for
pancreatitis and can be seen with other diseases and
conditions. Your pet may show the following signs
with pancreatitis:
- Fever or below normal temperature
- vomiting/diarrhea
- dehydration
- depression
- weight loss
- painful abdomen
Pancreatitis is diagnosed by physical exam
and bloodwork to check pancreatic enzymes and rule
out other diseases. A xray, ultrasound or biopsy may
also be recommended.
Treatment requires
hospitalization with fluid therapy, medications for pain
and nausea, and treatment of any other disease
conditions present. A low fat high fiber will be
introduced to the pet during recovery.
The
prognosis for pancreatitis is variable. If pancreatitis
was mild the chance of recovery is good if high fat
foods are avoided in the future.
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Thank you for your time and I wish you a fantastic
month!! We constantly strive to provide the best care
for your family pets and exceptional service to our
clients. I offer appointments while parked at Discount
Pet Store on Gull Road and offer house calls as
available. If I can be of service to you please give us a
call at 269-731-PETS to schedule an appointment
today. Remember if your refer a friend or family
member, both of you will be entered in our 2007
referral drawing program for many great prizes. Our
next drawing is at the end of this month (please see
our website for more info about our prize drawing).
Our previous newsletters are on our web
page. Thank you and Good Luck!!!
Sincerely,
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