One pancreatitis or. inflammation of the pancreas is a very painful illness and is relatively common in dogs.
In this article you can find out how the disease progresses, whether it can be treated and whether and when it makes sense to put your dog to sleep if you have pancreatitis.
In a nutshell: Should I put my dog to sleep if he has pancreatitis?
The decision to euthanize a dog with pancreatitis should be made not immediately to be discussed with the diagnosis.
Rather, the decision depending on the course and stage the disease and other factors such as age and other health conditions of the dog.
How dangerous is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is not readily diagnosable. The symptoms are often similar to other, more harmless, gastrointestinal infections, which is why many dog owners try to treat the symptoms themselves.
A vet isn’t going to do a double push on the stomach and say, yes, the dog has pancreatitis.
A series of tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound and a blood test for a specific enzyme, are carried out here in order to clearly diagnose pancreatitis.
Acute or untreated pancreatitis can be life-threatening and fatal.
Danger:
If you are not sure whether your dog «only» ate something wrong when it shows symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.
Can pancreatitis be cured?
Pancreatitis is in dogs generally curable. However, the chances of recovery are depends on several factors.
One recognized in time acute pancreatitis can at one mild course and good medical treatment should be completely over after one to two weeks. In the case of complications, however, the course can extend over several weeks and months.
At a severe course a cure is not possible.
Of course, success here depends on consistent veterinary treatment and the cooperation of the dog owner, for example by changing their diet.
When pancreatitis has healed, the pancreas has normally fully recovered and has no effect on the dog’s life expectancy.
One chronic pancreatitis is far more difficult to diagnose. The typical symptoms are less pronounced and often only appear in staggered episodes.
The frequently occurring inflammations change the tissue significantly and the function of the pancreas is gradually restricted.
In the case of chronic pancreatitis, it is quite possible that a Lifelong, more or less intensive medical care is required.
In the event of a severe course, chronic illnesses or relapses, other organs such as the heart, liver or lungs can also be affected, which significantly reduces the prognosis of a long life expectancy.
It should also be mentioned that a dog with healed pancreatitis has a higher risk of recurrence than dogs that have not yet been affected.
How does the vet help your dog?
First, as already described, a series of tests is used to definite diagnosis placed.
In the case of pancreatitis, intensive medical care of the sick dog is necessary. Often there is one Stay in a veterinary clinic necessary.
The first and most important therapy for pancreatitis is infusion therapy, as the affected dogs cannot keep food or water down. This will be over a period of at least 24 hours carried out.
Since pancreatitis is associated with great pain for your dog, it will also painkillers provided.
As soon as the four-legged friend can eat food again, there is a switch to low-fat foodto protect the pancreas.
This change should be maintained in the long term in order to prevent a relapse as much as possible.
What can I do myself to help my dog?
Experimenting with any home remedies makes little sense for pancreatitis.
It is important that your dog during the healing phase enough liquid eats.
Even beyond the healing process, you should low-fat and easily digestible food regard. There is special diet food for this, but you can also prepare this light food yourself.
In addition to veterinary treatment, you can also use homeopathic remedies, such as Nux vomica. However, you should discuss the application with the treating veterinarian.
Put to sleep with chronic pancreatitis?
When pancreatitis becomes severe, other organs irreversibly damaged become or even one multiple organ failure threatens, you should release your dog.
The same applies to a chronic illness, when your dog increasingly loses quality of life and its general condition deteriorates to such an extent that life with acceptable limitations is no longer possible.
This is how you prevent pancreatitis
The causes of pancreatitis include certain medications and diabetes high-fat meals and obesity.
A healthy and balanced diet is the best means of prevention.
Conclusion
If pancreatitis is recognized and treated in good time and has a mild course, your dog’s chances of recovery are very good.
In the event of a severe course or chronic illness, the decision to put the dog to sleep depends on whether other organs have already been affected and how restricted the dog’s quality of life is.
However, this decision should not be taken lightly and with people you trust, such as B. the veterinarian, are discussed.
Did you already have to think about putting your dog to sleep or did you experience healing success with your dog? We look forward to your comment!