Pancreatitis in Dogs
The pancreas has two primary functions. The first is secretion of digestive enzymes that break down ingested foods into molecules which the body can digest. The second function is regulation of the blood sugar level through the production of insulin. We are going to focus on its part in digestion in this article, but it is important to note that chronic pancreatitis can damage the pancreas, decreasing its ability to produce insulin, possibly resulting in diabetes. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. This inflammation allows the digestive enzymes to "leak", causing damage to the pancreas itself and surrounding organs such as the liver and intestines.

What is the cause of pancreatitis?
The cause of pancreatitis is often unknown; however there are several factors that may be implicated as the cause:

• High fat and high protein diet - as commonly happens when a dog gets into the garbage or is given a "treat" of a fatty food.
• Trauma to the pancreas
• Reflux disease
• Pancreatic duct obstruction
• Chronic kidney disease
• Drugs and poisons
• High blood calcium
• Obesity

What are the signs of pancreatitis?
Signs of acute (sudden onset) pancreatitis can be very non-specific: fever, increased heart-rate, increased respirations, lethargy, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression are all symptoms related to pancreatitis. These can be seen in any combination, or you may see just one. All of these symptoms also can be related to other conditions, so proper diagnosis is imperative. Signs of chronic pancreatitis are more consistent: soft, pale stools, often in larger than normal quantities, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is generally made through clinical signs, physical examination, laboratory tests, and if necessary, an ultrasound examination or x-ray. Blood tests showing elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes are the most helpful criteria, but some dogs with pancreatitis will have normal levels. That is when the additional tests may be recommended.

Treatment
Pancreatitis is a serious disease, which requires hospitalization for several days. The patient is generally severely dehydrated and must be given intravenous fluids to help reverse this condition. Food and water are withheld in order to "rest" the pancreas. In addition, anti-inflammatories, anti-emetics, antibiotics, and pain control medications are sometimes administered. Once the patient is showing improvement, oral fluids are offered. If no vomiting occurs, small amounts of a bland diet are given. Gradually, the food intake will be increased. If the pet continues to improve and shows no more signs of pain or vomiting, he is sent home. The owners are given strict feeding instructions and a diet specific for dogs with digestive system disorders.

Prognosis
The extent of the disease is the primary factor in determining the patient's prognosis. Mild pancreatitis has a good prognosis, but a dog with a more severe case has a much more guarded prognosis.

Chronic pancreatitis
Pets who suffer frequent bouts of pancreatitis are at a much higher risk for diabetes mellitus. Also, because of the damage done to the pancreas each time it becomes inflamed, pancreatic insufficiency may result, causing the patient to have a decreased ability to properly digest his food.

Good weight management and proper nutrition are the keys to reducing the risk of pancreatitis in your pet.

It's Time to Get Prepared for Heartworm, Flea, and Tick Season

• We start seeing ticks as soon as the weather begins warming up. It is best to get started on your tick prevention program before the ticks become active. And remember, ticks live in un-mowed areas. Your pet cannot get ticks if it doesn't go into brushy areas.

• Fleas begin hatching when the environmental conditions are right for their survival. In Ohio, that could be as early as the first part of March. Flea control is best achieved through prevention rather than treatment. Be sure your pet is protected right away.

• Since heartworms are carried by the mosquito, warm weather means your pet is at risk for heartworm disease. If you stopped for the winter months, it is time to restart your pet on his heartworm prevention medication.

If you are unsure which products will offer the best protection against these parasites, call your veterinarian right away.

March Weight Loss Stars!
Congratulations Lefty, Juliet, and Maggie!! Trina Anthony's three dogs Lefty, Juliet, and Maggie have all successfully attained their weight loss goals.

Lefty Then	Lefty Now	Lefty, an eight and one-half year old Beagle, started at 27 lbs. At her most recent weigh-in she was 21 lbs.
Juliet Then	Juliet Now	Juliet, also an eight and one-half year old Beagle, was as high as 28.5 lbs. She weighed in at 23.3 lbs at her last visit.
Maggie Then	Maggie Now	Maggie, a five year old Beagle, started the weight management program at 27 lbs. She is currently 21.3 lbs.

We also want to congratulate Trina and the rest of the Anthony family. We know it is hard to look into those sad Beagle eyes and remain firm in your resolve to achieve their goal weight.

It may not seem like a "big deal" that these dogs lost a few pounds. However, if you do the math, these dogs were nearly 25% over their ideal weight. That would be about the same as a 120 lb woman weighing 150 lbs. Yes, that is a "big deal"!

We have some other pets that are close to attaining their weight loss goals. As they achieve their goals, they too will be highlighted in upcoming newsletters.

We love these pictures!
This is Gaelin Sparks; working hard on the treadmill to maintain his slim and trim figure. Gaelin belongs to Kim Sparks, one of our technicians. Kim says Gaelin started using the treadmill on his own after watching her run. She sets the speed low and he just loves it. He'll only quit when she turns it off.

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