The pancreas is a V-shaped gland found within the tissue located at the angle formed by the pylorus and the duodenum. Ducts leading from the pancreas deliver the digestive enzymes formed within the gland to the duodenum. The pancreas has a number of functions, including the release of digestive enzymes that aid in the breakdown and absorption of ingested nutrients, and the secretion of protective agents that counteract stomach acid when digesta enter the duodenum. The protection of the gland itself from autodigestion by the enzymes it produces is another important function of the pancreas.
Inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis, is caused by the failure of the gland to prohibit activation of the digestive enzymes while they are still within the gland. Pancreatitis may be acute, with no long-term effects, or chronic, involving a permanent abnormality of the gland. Chronic pancreatitis cases usually involve recurrent bouts of acute illness.
Some common causes of pancreatitis include obesity, elevated levels of lipids in the blood, ingestion of a very fatty meal, other diseases, and steroids. Numerous cases of pancreatitis are diagnosed following holidays, during which dogs often are given meat or fat scraps. However, in some cases of pancreatitis, no cause can be determined.
Symptoms associated with pancreatitis may be obscure and mild or very clear and severe. Some dogs recover completely with appropriate medical therapy and dietary modifications, whereas others die from severe illness and secondary complications. The course of pancreatitis is usually unpredictable, and may be slow.
Complications of pancreatitis include shock, inflammation and fluid accumulation within the abdomen, sepsis, respiratory compromise, heart arrhythmias, liver and kidney failure, and abnormal bleeding and clotting. Chronic recurrent pancreatitis, pancreatic abscesses, diabetes mellitus, and insufficiency of pancreatic enzyme secretion also may be caused by chronic pancreatitis. The presence of one or more of these problems worsens the dog's chance of recovery.
