Healthy Dog Series: Vancouver Veterinarians About Pancreatitis in Dogs

There are two major disorders of the pancreas, acute pancreatitis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency that affect the secretion of insulin.
Acute pancreatitis: this condition, often, though not necessarily, follows the eating of a large, fatty meal. In its most severe form it may cause death very rapidly, often because of shock from the severe abdominal pain. Most animal are subject to recurrent attacks of lesser severity referred to as chronic relapsing pancreatitis. Several factors are believed to initiate the disorder, including obesity, infection and disturbances of immunity. During an attack dogs show a high body temperature, vomiting and diarrhoea, which is often blood-stained.

To relieve the abdominal pain many adopt a ‘praying’ position with the hind quarters in the normal standing position but the front legs and head lowered to lie along the ground. During such an attack nothing should be given by mouth because the stimulus of substances in the digestive tract only intensifies the signs. If such an attack happens, immediately call a Vancouver vet emergency clinic as all drugs and fluids should be injected. Early treatment obviously gives a much better chance of survival.

Exocrine pancreatic...

Vancouver Animal Hospital, Veterinary Knowledge Base: Dog Health Care

Keeping a dog healthy and content is neither easy nor as difficult as many people think.  What it takes is an owner who is willing to devote the necessary time and energy to exercise, train, groom, and attend to the other needs of their dogs.

Conscientious dog care actually begins before you buy the dog, by realistically evaluating the time you have to spend on a dog and opting for  a breed whose needs do not out outstrip your resources.  Good dog care is the dog owner's responsibility.  A healthy dog requires proper nutrition, regular grooming and exercise sessions, training for good behavior, and plenty of love.  And don't forget that even a well-cared-for, healthy dog needs to be examined and vaccinated regularly by a veterinarian at our Vancouver Animal Hospital .

Although dogs can't come right out and announce how they feel, the alert owner can always tell something is not quite right by changes in the dog's normal appearance or behavior.  This series of blog posts describes signs of healthy dogs.  The upcoming posts will share our Vancouver veterinarians knowledge on nutrition, grooming, and training to help you maintain your dog's good health and well-being.

Each dog is unique, with its own characteristics, appearance, and personality.  What may be normal for...