Chronic Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen attached to the first part of the intestine just below the stomach. It prevents diabetes by producing insulin to regulate the blood sugar level, as well as producing various chemical products needed for proper digestion of food. After repeated attacks of “acute pancreatitis,” scarring of the pancreas prevents the ability of the pancreas to produce sufficient digestive enzymes to allow proper food digestion. Pancreas attacks can be caused by various infections, traumatic injury such as automobile accidents, or improper diets causing the pancreas to overwork.

Signs of chronic pancreatitis include abnormal stools, weight loss while the animal continues to eat well, chronic vomiting, and flatulence (gas). Stool volume often is increased, greasy, and discolored.

Diets high in protein and carbohydrates, but low in fat are required. Needed digestive enzymes will be required to be added to the pet’s food for the rest of the pet’s life to insure proper food digestion required to maintain a healthy body.

Response to treatment will vary with the extent of permanent damage done to the pancreas.