Pancreatitis in Your Dog A Holistic Approach
Pancreatitis is inflammation of your pet’s pancreas. The pancreas has two vital functions: it secretes insulin, which balances blood sugar, and it secretes digestive enzymes for the breakdown of food — amylase, lipase and proteases which digests raw fats and proteins in carnivores.
Inflammation of the pancreas can be very, very mild or it can be extremely life-threatening with haemorrhage and even fatal in some cases.
Onset can be sudden and quick (acute pancreatitis). Some dogs, after suffering and recovering from an acute pancreatitis attack, may continue to have recurrent bouts of the disease, and the symptoms may also worsen over time progressively (chronic pancreatitis).
If the pancreas is severely inflamed, the pancreatic enzymes can leak into the abdominal cavity from the pancreas and start to digest other body organs, causing permanent damage to other organs nearby (e.g. the liver, bile ducts, gall bladder, and intestines).
When a number of cells that produce the digestive enzymes are damaged, insufficient food digestion results. This condition is known as pancreatic insufficiency. When a large number of cells that produce insulin are destroyed, Sugar diabetes can result and insulin therapy may be needed.
Risk Factors
Age – Common in middle-aged or older dogs
Breed – Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more prone to develop dog pancreatitis and German Shepherds can be born with pancreatic insufficiency causing enzyme deficiency symptoms from birth.
Diet -Dogs with diets high in cooked fats, high carbohydrate diets, dogs that have recently gotten into the trash or have been fed ‘greasy’ table scraps, seem to have a higher incidence of the disease. Ham, bacon, meat fat from our plates that we won’t or shouldn’t eat processed meats, ice cream, and greasy junk foods can cause an outbreak of pancreatitis.
A single high fat meal can cause pancreatitis in a dog whose normal diet is moderate or low in fat. That’s why there’s a rash of pancreatitis cases at vet clinics around Christmas and Easter every year. People just can’t resist sharing their ‘high fat’ leftovers with the family dog.
Some other factors contributing to the development of pancreatitis in dogs include:
• Obesity
• Trauma
• Liver disease
• Compromised Immune System
• Lack of exercise
• Certain medications
• Cushing’s disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Recent abdominal surgery
• Blood clotting disorders
• Long-term use of corticosteroids
• High calcium levels in the blood
• High triglyceride and/or cholesterol levels in the blood
Signs & Symptoms
Dogs suffering from pancreatitis usually show the following signs and symptoms:
• poor appetite
• anorexia
• severe vomiting and diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
• yellow, greasy stool
• abdominal pain (dog is crying and hunching his back)
• Bloating
• Dehydration -sunken eyes, dry mouth and dry skin
• Lethargy and Weakness
• Depression
• Fever
• Reluctance to walk
Some other pancreatitis symptoms may include:
• Irritability
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Difficulty breathing
• Redness of the gums
• Signs of shock
Causes of Pancreatitis
Improper Diet
Carbohydrate based diets that most dogs eat are extremely taxing to pets’ insulin levels, which are, in turn, taxing to the pancreas. Commercial dog foods are entirely processed and devoid of natural enzymes, which help supplement your pet’s diet and reduce pancreatic stress. So, the pancreas really lives in a state of chronic inflammation and stress. The average pet diet is dead food, processed at high temperatures to create an extensive shelf life and is therefore devoid of any naturally occurring amylase, lipase and protease enzymes that would naturally be found in raw foods.
The canned or dry food diet that you feed your pet causes the pancreas to have to secrete abundance of digestive enzymes and over time as the pancreas has to work harder it gets inflamed and pancreatitis results. In recurrent pancreatitis episodes many dogs eating a diet that is much too high in cooked fats is also an inciting cause of low-grade, recurrent pancreatitis.
Pharmaceutical Drugs
There are also some drugs that are well known to incite episodes of pancreatitis. For instance, anti-seizure drugs are well known to predispose pets to pancreatitis. Prednisone and other catabolic steroids are also well known to cause pancreatitis. Even diuretic medications have been implicated in pancreatitis attacks in dogs.
Conventional Treatment
Conventional treatment of this condition usually requires hospitalization.
Food, water and all oral medications are withheld for 24 hours or more in order to give the pancreas a rest. If the dog’s symptoms improve in the course of a few days, food intake in small portions can resume but the food given is easily digestible, and low-fat but good quality protein. Fluid replacement therapy will be given to the dog to maintain normal fluid and electrolyte balance. If the dog is in severe pain, they may be treated with pain-relief medications. Antibiotics are also often administered to protect against infection. You should seek medical attention — especially if your pet is vomiting, lethargic, dealing with anorexia or has a fever.
Pancreatitis Often Recurs
A few dogs that have and recover from an acute episode of pancreatitis may continue to have recurrent bouts of the acute disease, known as chronic, relapsing pancreatitis if their diet and life style is never addressed.
Prevention of Pancreatitis in Dogs
Feed Species Appropriate of BARF Diet
To prevent a subsequent attack, if your pet has suffered a bout of pancreatitis:
• Feed a natural raw diet low in fat and high in quality protein
• Don’t allow indulgences in junk food
The diet should be 100% raw foods, species appropriate diet or BARF diet is the best which is easily digested by our carnivorous pets. Natural, raw fats are normally well tolerated by healthy dogs and should be the only source of energy. It is the cooked, processed fats that tend to cause the problem. So, unless your dog has chronic pancreatitis, there is really no need to switch to a lower fat diet for the dog, just a healthier one over all with quality proteins such as muscle meat, whole eggs, plain yoghurt, offal meat and sardines, vegetables, fruits, healing supplements and herbs such as the BARF diet. This quality diet provides good proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, trace-minerals and amino acids that your pet needs to heal and get better.
The pancreas is in control of insulin production, which controls blood glucose regulation. This means that often dogs with diabetes can be prone to pancreatitis, and pancreatitis can lead to diabetes. This means it would be a good idea to watch the amount of sugar in the diet as well. Processed kibble and canned food are quite high in glycemic foods, sweeteners, salt, synthetic vitamins, supplements and grains as fillers. High glycemic foods and grains convert to sugar which is not an ideal diet if your dog has pancreatitis as this can lead to diabetes too.
Exercise
Most of our dogs these days are left indoors all day while we go to work. They get very little to no exercise as a general rule. Exercise moves the lymph, improves digestion and intestinal movements, resulting in a healthier immune system and digestive system, which is important in preventing pancreatitis. Exercise can also keep the dog from becoming obese, as Obesity is one predisposing factor to pancreatitis.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations should be minimized or avoided for any animal with pancreatitis.
Should you give your Dog a Bland Diet?
Most Vets will recommend you feed a “bland” diet of cooked rice and boiled chicken. This may be very easy on a human digestive system but it is by no means easy for a carnivore such as a dog to digest and may only make matters worse. Dogs, being carnivores were designed to eat meat and bone in its raw state. They are not equipped with enough of the right kind of enzymes necessary to digest cooked meats let along grains such as rice. The easiest foods for a dog to digest under any circumstances are raw.
Raw meat and bones digest very quickly and do not require the pancreas to tax its self in producing enzymes in an attempt to digest something it was never intended to eat. Cooked food and grains have to remain in the dog’s stomach and intestines for many hours to ferment and breakdown before they can be digested. This is taxing to the digestive system. Fasting your dog for a couple of days is much healthier than feeding it and taxing the pancreas again so soon. Dog’s digestive systems are well equipped to handle fasting for a few days.
Sunlight
Our domestic dogs have moved into our homes and sadly, much like us, they do not get near enough exposure to sunlight and its healing and life promoting benefits. If you have a fenced yard, let the dog out to play or nap in the early morning sun for a while each day. Sunbathing in moderation is great for the overall health of our dogs. Vitamin D is actually a pro-hormone; it actually plays an important role in regulating the entire canine genome! According to the groundbreaking research, humans exposed daily to natural sunlight, which is the most abundant source of natural vitamin D, are nearly 50 percent less likely to develop pancreatic cancer than others who are not exposed.
Supplementation for Your Dog with Pancreatitis
Digestive Enzymes
After the crisis has passed, the very best “insurance” that you can buy to lower your pet’s chances of having a repeat episode is to supply them with a rich source of digestive enzymes. We know that dog’s pancreases cannot secrete enough digestive enzymes to adequately process their foods. Dogs were meant to acquire supplemental enzymes from the foods they consumed: living foods that contained abundant enzymes.
Historically dogs and cats consumed parts of their preys’ GI tracts which provided adequate enzymes for them to process their food. Carnivores also consumed their preys’ glands, including pancreatic tissue, which was a rich source of naturally occurring enzymes.
Although we advocate feeding a balanced, raw food diet, we don’t recommend feeding stomach contents of prey species, as this is how parasites can be transmitted to your pets. This means even pets consuming a species appropriate, raw food diet can be enzyme deficient.
By you supplying a source of digestive enzymes in their diet, such as pancreatin from animal source you can help reduce the stress and strain the pancreas is under to continually come up with enough enzymes to process their food.
Enzymes are heat sensitive and easily destroyed in the processing and cooking of all commercial foods as well as in any cooked diet. If you are still feeding a cooked and or processed diet, it is urgent that we put dietary enzymes back into the diet, in order to maintain proper wellness and not deplete their body of this important resource.
Loaded with digestive enzymes, amino acids and beneficial bacteria, Green Tripe has enormous health benefits for your canine who is suffering from pancreatitis. Green tripe is banned and not sold in Victoria, but available in some other states such as QLD. White tripe is not the same so please do not feed your dog white tripe which has been bleached and all the goodness taken out of it.
Enzymes have other important functions in the body as well, such as helping or preventing the following: Allergic reactions, Arthritis, Orthopaedic problems, Epilepsy and Seizures, vaccine reactions, enzymes act as a natural anti-inflammatory, enzymes cleanse residual toxins from medicines, flea and parasite preparations. Enzymes boost the immune system, reduce shedding, reduce itchy ears, prevent and aid in healing yeast infections, bladder infections, hotspots. Enzymes reduce healing time from injury and or surgery and reduce recovery time from anaesthesia.
Probiotics & Prebiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms necessary for a healthy and balanced intestinal tract. There are two types of bacteria found in the intestinal tract, good and harmful bacteria. Good bacteria, or Probiotics, ensure good health, as they are absolutely vital to help: Produce natural antibiotics, which can fight harmful bacteria, regulate and increase hormone levels, make B group vitamins, biotin and folic acid, stimulate the immune system, reduce food intolerance, increase energy levels, inhibit the growth of some yeast, absorb nutrients, antioxidants and iron from food, reduce inflammation, increase digestibility of food and enhance Immune function Prebiotics such as Flaxseed meal should also be taken with Probiotics.
Bovine Colostrum
The insulin-like growth factors help with regulating blood sugars.
Deep Sea Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, helps decrease inflammation and improve immune system health.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw apple cider vinegar has been touted as one of the best remedies for pancreatitis. Raw component is very essential as the vinegar is required to be alive with active culture and enzymes. ACV triggers the pancreas to release digestive enzymes and liver to aid digestion. ACV can be mixed into food daily.
Lecithin
Helps with digestion of fats. Aids in fat emulsification.
Pancreas Supporting Herbs
Botanical herbs can be used to support the systemic organs related to pancreatic function at the onset of dog pancreatitis. It is also vital to use support of the liver, digestive system and immune system as well.
Yarrow
Yarrow is thought to be the best herbal remedy for pancreatitis, and is often used with some of the other herbs listed below. It reduces pancreatic inflammation and improves blood circulation in the pancreas.
Gymnema
Gymnema promotes digestion and pancreatic health in pets.
Fringe tree Bark
A traditional herb used in pancreatic disease, inflammation, diabetes and promotes effective digestion of fats.
Holy basil
Holy Basil is an antioxidant and can help control blood sugar levels.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea has an abundance of antioxidants. Antioxidants will help in combating free radicals that can cause oxidative stress on the pancreas. Use the herbal powder, capsules or as tea made from tea bags. When making green tea from teabags use the non caffeinated alternative drink, as caffeine can stimulate and further more aggravate an inflamed pancreas.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is considered an “adaptogen” that helps the body adapt to various stresses. It’s also an immune system booster and can help regulate blood sugar levels for diabetics and protect the liver from toxins.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s Claw is a herb used in pancreatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and immune boosting qualities.
Indian gooseberry
This herb is a powerful antioxidant and one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. Studies suggest that this herb can be used to prevent pancreatitis in dogs
Oregon grape extract
Oregon Grape extract is used in treating pancreatitis due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant qualities. The bitter taste possessed by this herb is effective in stimulating pancreas to produce bile and other hormones that control blood sugar.
Other Supportive Supplements
Vitamins B Complex
B Vitamins are important for fat and carbohydrate metabolism
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant which has been proven to help fight pancreatic cancer. This is important because chronic pancreatitis increases pancreatic cancer risk.
Vitamin E
This vitamin may also help your body repair damaged pancreatic cells and may improve blood circulation to your pancreas, supplying this organ with oxygen necessary for proper function.
Chromium Picolinate
This mineral helps maintain stable blood sugar levels so the pancreas doesn’t have to work overtime secreting insulin to move sugar out of the blood into cells.
Liver Supporting Herbs
The liver can be adversely affected by an attack of pancreatitis when the enzymes seep into the abdomen, and may also be stressed by the higher level of toxins in the system. Support of the liver may be useful for animals recovering from pancreatitis.
Dandelion
Dandelion herb is effective for flushing out the liver and intestines. It can help heal the damaged pancreatic tissues. It strengthens and stimulates the Pancreas and improves bile production.
Burdock Root
Burdock root can increase bile and enzyme production in the liver; therefore they can aid digestion and reduce stress on the pancreas.
Milk Thistle
One herb that supports and benefits the liver is Milk Thistle. It is effective in regenerating and restoring normal function to the liver that is damaged as a result of infection, drugs, etc.
Red Clover
Red Clover is a herb that cleanses the liver and blood.
Licorice
Used for its anti inflammatory properties and it helps to increase bile production as well as relieve indigestion and ulceration.
Immune Boosting Herbs
Immune-boosting herbs are effective in promoting and maintaining a dog’s overall health, but can also deal with all kinds of health issues, such as liver impairment and immune system stress.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal has antibiotic properties and also helps stimulate the secretion of bile often used in herbal blends with Echinacea and Reishi mushroom.
Echinacea
Enhances pancreatic function and strength.
Astragalus
Immune-boosting herbs such as Astragalus can be given to a dog with pancreatitis to strengthen the body, especially if bacterial infection is the trigger of the pancreatitis attack.
Reishi mushroom
Reishi Mushrooms is an anti-inflammatory and immune system booster.
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract serves as an anti-inflammatory and helps with infection and inflammation.
Glandular Therapy
Glandular pancreas, intestines, stomach and liver supply the intrinsic nutrients to reduce cellular inflammation and improve organ function and healing.
Daily Herbal Intake Based On Dog’s Weight