Acute Pancreatitis

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                      General Information



The pancreas lies within the abdominal cavity beside the small

intestine.  It produces enzymes (chemicals that break down food

for digestion) and insulin, which regulates blood sugar.  Acute

pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas.  It is a

serious condition that occurs most frequently in overweight,

middle-aged, female dogs but it may occur in any individual.

The disorder causes pain, vomiting, depression and occasionally

shock and death.  Causes of acute pancreatitis include eating

large amounts of fats, infection, blockage of the pancreatic

duct, injury, or a diet that stimulates excessive pancreatic

activity.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Because affected pets usually cannot keep down medication or

    food given by mouth, hospitalization and use of injectable

    medication and fluids are usually necessary.  Laboratory

    tests are necessary for diagnosis and evaluation of the

    response to treatment. 



2.  Give all medication as directed.  Please call the doctor if

    you cannot give the medication. 



3.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked. 



    ____Feed the normal diet. 



    ____A special diet is required.  Feed as follows: 





4.  Activity:  Follow the instructions checked. 



    ____Allow normal activity. 



    ____Restrict activity as follows:





5.  Water:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow free access to fresh water at all times.



    ____Restrict water intake as follows:





       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet's signs recur following an apparent recovery.



    * Your pet is reluctant to eat or drink.



    * Your pet drinks and urinates excessively.



    * Your pet's abdomen seems to increase in size.