Pancreatitis is severe inflammation of the pancreas that often occurs due to eating too much rich, fatty food or getting into the garbage. Miniature Schnauzers and obese dogs have the highest incidence of this disease. Dogs allowed to sample the feast at holiday celebrations often end up with indigestion and pancreatitis. With repeated episodes of inflammation, the pancreas loses its ability to function properly which can lead to diabetes.
SIGNS of Pancreatitis
* Vomiting.
* Diarrhea.
* Abdominal pain.
* Depression and lethargy.
WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* Diagnosis is based on history, signs, and blood work if necessary. Treatment is geared to allow the intestinal tract to rest by withholding all food and water for up to 24 hours. Fluids may be given under the skin (subcutaneously), or in cases with vomiting fluids are replaced intravenously. Most dogs and cats respond to treatment and in a few days are gradually put back onto food, starting with a bland diet given in small portions several times daily.
* Prevention using moderation is the best policy. Avoid fatty foods and feed several small meals daily. If necessary use a plant based, natural digestive enzyme supplement containing lipase, lactase, protease, cellulase and amylase. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium help reduce pancreatic damage due to free radicals.
COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
Digestive enzymes are very helpful and let the pancreas rest and allow your pet to digest the nutrients in his or her diet. Half of the pancreas normally produces digestive enzymes; the other half of the pancreas produces insulin.
Probiotics are “friendly bacteria” that allow your pets body to absorb the digested nutrients in his diet. With bouts of vomiting and diarrhea as occurs with pancreatitis the “good bacteria” get replaced by “bad” gas forming bacteria. Probiotic supplementation takes care of this issue very effectively for dogs and cats.
Natural balanced vitamin supplements such as Paaws and Vitalife are very helpful to support your pets body, take the burden off the pancreas and promote a speedy recovery while also boosting internal immunity to help prevent future recurrences of pancreatitis and help prevent the onset of Diabetes in dogs and cats.
HERBAL REMEDIES
The use of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) can bring some relief, particularly where there is also bad diarrhea. Fresh yarrow leaves can be chopped and added to your dog’s food, three times daily for up to one week.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Iris versicolor 6x may help to overcome the effects of pancreatitis. Treatment is usually recommended every four hours until the symptoms have disappeared. If this is going to be effective some relief should be apparent within the first 24-hours.
Thank you so much for this information on pancreatitis.
Our dog Lucky almost died on us because of this.
I went with what seemed right and he is doing much better.
Now we will have to watch him closely for the rest of his life and he is so worth it.
Hi Desiree,
I am glad your dog is doing better and glad to help. I am curious as to what therapy you are using
Thank you
Dr Carol
Hi Desiree,
I am very glad your dog, Lucky recovered from his pancreatitis and did not end up with Diabetes.
Once dogs begin to experience multiple episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, veterinarians refer to this as Pancreatitis.
unfortunately, in many cases these dogs are put on multiple medications, often with steroids like prednisone which initially
solves the problem but the results in many dogs are only temporary, and in time the next episode of an upset stomach
with or without diarrhea occurs again.
In our veterinary clinic, we have had excellent results by supplementing their Pancreas with Digestive Enzymes,
re-balancing their intestinal tract with Probiotics and feeding them a natural. bland home-made diet.
Generally we recommend pet owners make their dogs a fresh, bland but tasty diet such as
1/3 lean chicken, 1/3 brown rice and 1/3 fresh vegetables. They cook it up any way they like and
add a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil enhances the smell and taste and is a great source of
Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Then they flavor the food with one of the 3 canine favorites: barbecue sauce, pasta sauce or low sodium Tamari sauce.
We have them feed 2-4 small meals daily as small meals are much easier for dogs to digest.
Finally we place our canine pancreatitis patients on a natural, comprehensive vitamin supplement called PAAWS,
that is rich in antioxidants. PAAWS not only boosts internal immunity, and supports the pancreas,
it also balances out the home-made diet.
This protocol also allows the dogs pancreas to rest and heal so that developing Diabetes, which is the biggest risk
with multiple episodes of Pancreatitis is avoided.
I am hoping more pet owners will become aware of the fact that natural products can be extremely effective.
Pet owners today are willing to do just about anything to help their pets!
With time and education many pet owners will realize the fact that natural products are not only effective
to relieve immediate health issues like pancreatitis but also help to avoid many adverse
side effects, in this case Diabetes.
Once pet owners begin to ask their vets for natural alternatives to prescription medications and try eliminate excess use of steroids,
like prednisone, the incidence of many serious, expensive pet health problems, including Diabetes will decrease dramatically!
My hope is that in time, veterinarians, encouraged by their pet loving clients will become more comfortable
with using natural pet solutions and begin to take pro-active steps, to protect the health of their 4-legged patients.
This would be a big step to truly promoting “REAL” health and wellness for dogs and cats.
In addition, instead of pet owners spending their hard earned dollars on prescription pet medications, veterinary medical bills
and emergency room visits they could, for example, spend a weekend together enjoying a “great getaway” with their 4-legged companions.
Best Wishes
Dr. Carol
WOW. You took the words right out of my mouth!! I have a 13yr old Toy Poodle, who is immune compromised. She came from a Tijuana, Mexico puppy mill and every vet I have ever been to, tries to charge me as much as possible (as in THOUSANDS of dollars), for her Stomatitis issue. Recently, she developed Pancreatitis and (something this new knucklehead vet I’m seeing) Protein Losing Enteropathy. After getting conned out of $1000 for blood tests and a sonogram, I declined his recommendation of $700 more for tests (GI, Iodide & Calcium) and another $40 for low-fat dog food (dry food, when she barely has any teeth in her mouth?!?). I gave her Apple Cider Vinegar ($3 pills from Big Lots) and her pain diminished within 20mins. I ordered the digestive enzymes online ($18) and by the 2nd day of usage, her stools were solid. Soft still, but solid. No more diarrhea. I am feeding her chicken gravy with finely chopped Broccoli and cooked/well drained ground chicken, along with fresh ginger. And plenty of supplements. I can see by her face, that she feels so much better and I know I am on the right track.
I really wish more vets were like you. The ones I have used here in So, CA, are a bunch of money-grubbing charlatans—they now have the reputation that used car salesmen and mechanics used to have. And *I’m* not the only one who feels that way!! This guy I’ve been going to, didn’t prescribe anything, just wanted more and more $$$$$ for tests. He also mentioned that she will need close monitoring, Prednisolone and Cyclosporine (translation more $$$$$). No thanks. I’ll try the natural way first and if that doesn’t work, THEN I’ll consider the drug route.
OOPS, forgot to mention the rice, along with cooked chicken, gravy and broccoli.
Fascinating reading. My 21yr old jack Russell has pancreatitis and is on Samylin to support her liver and low-fat diet. She in obvious pain so much of the time but is otherwise a happy little girl. I’m going to show her vet your website and persuade him to maybe consider taking a different stance with her treatment. I will update you once we trialled your approach for a few months many thanks, you have given me hope of giving her a pain free life.
Hi Molly,
Please keep us posted! There is no reason your dog can’t enjoy a happy, pain free life despite the pancreatitis.
We have many canine patients doing well with this condition. If we can help further please give us a call.
Best Wishes, Dr Carol
Can you please tell me exactly what supplements you recommend? I checked Paaws and they have a variety of supplements. Thank you!