Section: Overview
Acute pancreatitis results from sudden inflammation of the pancreas and is characterized by activation of pancreatic enzymes that can cause the pancreas to begin digesting itself. The pancreas lies in the upper abdomen alongside the first portion of the small intestine (called the duodenum) and between the stomach, liver and right kidney. It produces bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid and several enzymes that facilitate digestion.
The cause of acute pancreatitis is poorly understood. Predisposing causes include obesity, high fat diet, liver disease, infection and recent abdominal surgery. For unknown reasons, miniature schnauzers tend to be predisposed to pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. The body's reaction (systemic reaction) to the inflammation often determines the severity and prognosis. Recurrent bouts of acute pancreatitis can lead to chronic pancreatitis and may contribute to other disorders such as diabetes mellitus or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
What to Watch For
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Fever
Weakness
Related Articles
-
1
Obesity in Dogs
The primary causes of obesity in dogs are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat on your dog.
» Read More
-
2
Anorexia (Loss of Appetite) in Dogs
Anorexia is a term used to describe the situation where an animal loses his appetite and does not want to eat or is unable to eat. Appetite is psychological, as compared to hunger, which is aroused by...
» Read More
-
3
Vomiting in Dogs
At one time or another your dog may have a bout of vomiting, usually from eating too much or too fast. Vomiting may be just a sign of a minor problem – or it could be something very serious.
» Read More
-
4
Dietary Related Gastrointestinal Disorder in Dogs
Dietary related gastrointestinal disorders are adverse reactions to foods that result in the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms, most notably vomiting and diarrhea, that may be caused by an abnormal immune...
» Read More
-
5
Pain in Dogs
Pain is the perception of distress, suffering or agony caused by stimulation of specialized nerve endings. It is a protective measure that often serves as a warning that tissues are being damaged.
» Read More
