Pancreatitis Friday!!!!!!

In the veterinary world, the day after Thanksgiving has long been known as Pancreatitis Friday. Pancreatitis basically means inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a V-shaped organ located behind the stomach and the first section of the small intestine. This organ aids in the metabolism of sugar and the production of insulin. 



Why Pancreatitis Friday you ask??? 
During the holidays, while we humans are over indulging in rich, fatty foods, some of us allow our dogs  to indulge as well. Giving our dogs table scraps or a small dish of our Thanksgiving meal may seem like a loving gesture but, this influx of high fat food is often the cause of Pancreatitis. 

Symptoms that are associated with Pancreatitis include: 

• Painful, distended abdomen 
• Decreased appetite 
• Depression 
• Dehydration 
• Vomiting 
• A ‘hunched up’ posture 

When a dog with symptoms associated with Pancreatitis is presented to the doctor, the doctor will likely perform some or all of the following diagnoses:   

• A physical exam 
• Complete blood count 
• Urinalysis 
• Canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity tests (CPL) 
• X-rays 
• Abdominal ultrasound 

 If a diagnosis of Pancreatitis is confirmed, the treatment will likely include some or all of the following:   

• Correction of dehydration 
• Pain relief 
• Control of vomiting 
• Nutritional support 
• Prevention of secondary complications and infection 
• In severe cases your dog may need to hospitalized 

The cost associated with the treatment of Pancreatitis can range from a few hundred dollars to well into the thousands depending on the severity of the case. The best way to avoid this unplanned expense is to keep your dog on their regular diet, even during the holidays. If you must give your furry friend something special, make sure it’s a dog friendly treat. Most dogs really just want to be loved by us, so give your dog what they really crave, love and attention. Take your buddy on a relaxing walk, go on a trip to the pet store, or cuddle up and watch TV together.  Your dog will love spending the extra time with you! 

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Location of pancreas.