Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the Pancreas

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. pancreas, which is the chief exocrine gland responsible for the secretion of pancreatic juice that helps in the digestion of food.

Pancreatitis is of two types: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.

Etiology

• Obesity is one of the primary causes for pancreatitis: fat accumulation around the pancreas and more lipogenesis results in a change in enzyme structure, thereby causing auto-digestion (inflammation of the gland).
• Biliary tract disease: As the biliary tract is very much closer to the pancreas, any ongoing infectious agent is likely to get transferred to the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis, as lymphatic supply to the biliary tract and pancreas is the same, which may lead to pancreatitis.
• Prolonged corticosteroid therapy.
• Systemic conditions like uremia.
• Some of infectious diseases like canine distemper virus can localize in pancreas and cause pancreatitis.
• Immune mediated destruction due to auto-antibodies may also lead to pancreatitis.

Clinical Signs

Lethargy, recurrent episodes of vomition and diarrhoea, and signs of abdominal pain are indicated by typical posture. Examples are prayer like stance, giving extension to xyphoid, and seeking cooler surfaces. Signs of abdominal pain are more pronounced after a fatty meal. Bloated appearance and going down in condition can also be seen.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pancreatitis depends on typical symptoms and clinical signs, and affected dogs are middle-aged or senior. Serum amylase is elevated. An abdominal radiograph reveals a ground-glass appearance in the duodenal loop, which is characteristic of pancreatitis. Fasting hyperlipidemia is also an important biochemical finding.

Treatment

Treatment of pancreatitis is as follows:

• Provide rest to the pancreatic gland: Feed intake is restricted. An attempt should be made to reduce weight or obesity. Animals are kept on analgesics like NSAIDs.
• A course of antibiotics is advised to check the ongoing infection.
• Few people suggest Heparin at 150 IU/kg b.wt. by IV administration, which decreases the possibility of clot formation in the gland. Improves microcirculation, prevents ischemia, and helps in clearing lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL).
• Dehydration is corrected by lactate ringers (RL) or normal saline (NS).
• Until the signs of recovery are shown, the animal is supplemented with pancreatic enzymes for proper digestion.

Several preparations of pancreatic enzymes are available:

• Festal tabs
• Enzyme: Suspension and Syrups
• Aristozyme