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Causes of Canine Pancreatitis
Canine pancreatitis is mainly caused by factors such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, biliary tract diseases, infectious diseases, and duodenal reflux. Additionally, some dog breeds are prone to obesity and therefore susceptible to pancreatitis indirectly. For example, Dachshunds. Furthermore, as dogs enter their senior years, their bodily functions gradually decline, including pancreatic function, making them more susceptible to pancreatitis compared to adult dogs.
- Obesity
Clinical data shows that obese dogs are more prone to pancreatitis. Overfeeding or feeding a high-fat diet long-term can lead to obesity in dogs. Moreover, a high-fat, high-salt diet increases the enzyme content in pancreatic cells, making it easier to trigger pancreatitis.
- Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia can also cause pancreatitis. When the lipid metabolism is impaired, such as in hypothyroidism or diabetes, pancreatitis can occur.
- Biliary Tract Diseases
When the bile ducts become inflamed, they can spread inflammation to the pancreas through lymphatic drainage, easily causing pancreatitis.
- Infectious Diseases
Once a dog contracts an infectious disease, pancreatitis can easily become one of the complications, such as toxoplasmosis or infectious hepatitis.
- Duodenal Reflux
When a dog vomits, duodenal fluid or bile can reverse into the pancreatic duct and pancreatic interstitium due to intestinal blockage, causing acute pancreatitis.
- Breed
Compared to other dog breeds, Miniature Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds are more prone to obesity and thus indirectly susceptible to pancreatitis, similar to the genetic bone disease in Scottish Folds.
- Age
As dogs age, their bodily functions gradually decline, including pancreatic function, making them more susceptible to pancreatitis compared to adult dogs.
Note: Pancreatitis is fatal for dogs. During the illness, dogs should not be given water, or it can cause severe abdominal pain. If a dog has pancreatitis, it is recommended to take it to a veterinary hospital for treatment, including fluid therapy, fasting, and maintaining electrolyte balance.