Canine Pancreatitis

The Difference Between Canine Pancreatitis
and a Dog With Diabetes

When the pancreas stops making insulin to convey blood sugar into the cells for energy, that is diabetes. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, that is pancreatitis.

Causes of Pancreatic Attack

An inflamed pancreas is a food provoked condition seen more often in middle aged, overweight dogs. Triggers for a pancreatic attack could be an overindulgence in rich fatty foods, a successful raid of the garbage can, or maybe even a large dose of a decaying compost pile or animal.

And honestly, cheap, crappy dog food over time can really ruin your dog's health. If you're new to my site, that means 99% of all the dog foods sold in grocery and large chain pet food stores.

I know. I can hear you sigh but you need to do your homework on dog foods and stop listening to the commercials. Here's a little something you should know about dog food manufacturing.

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis

These symptoms can range from mild and hardly noticeable to a severe shock-like collapse:

• Complete loss of appetite
• Frequent vomiting
• Diarrhea that may contain blood
• Reluctance to walk
• Weakness
• Crying, whining and restlessness from abdominal pain

Frequent attacks can result in the lack of insulin production and the onset of dog diabetes. See Symptoms of Canine Diabetes. Believe it or not, this disease is also food provoked.

Causes of Pancreatitis

Since the pancreas is overburdened, it leaches enzymes into the abdomen instead of sending them to the intestines.

The intestines need those enzymes to do their job. Without them, the belly becomes distended and painful. Never mind what happens to those enzymes in the wrong place. Yuck!

Pancreatitis Treatment Options

If you look at this in a more holistic way, knowing all organs work together for the greater good, pancreatitis would be part of a larger problem. Since we are what we eat, a change in food should be at the top of the list, such as the canine diabetes diet.

No matter which of the options you choose, give the pancreas a short vacation! How? No food! Since food triggers the problem, letting your dog fast for 24 - 48 hours is a must. He's probably not hungry anyway and forcing food will only aggravate the problem.

Of course good clean water is very important and if you just can't bear the thought of not feeding your dog, you can make a healthy vitamin rich broth, but NO SOLIDS. See Fasting for Health.

Then feed small mini meals ( low in carbohydrates and preferably raw meat ) several times a day. If any vomiting or diarrhea occur, cut back food again.

Option One

A conventional allopathic veterinarian will treat with antibiotics. Acute cases where dehydration is a factor will include time at the vet's office for an IV to replace lost fluids.

Option Two

Holistic measures recommended by a Naturopath would be a good course of action. They would include homeopathic "Pancreas" and "Inflammation", and an appropriate glandular supplement.

Option Three

In addition to a permanent change in diet, preferably raw, you can help your dog heal and strengthen her organs with the following targeted natural support.

Liquid Silver Shield to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation ( in place of antibiotics )

Target P14 contains 14 herbs to support pancreatic function, maintaining blood sugar levels and the function of B vitamins.

Especially if canine pancreatitis is something you have dealt with more than once, keeping these two aids in the medicine cabinet and a permanent change to a healthy dog diet will help your dog immensely and calm your frazzled nerves.




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