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Chronic Pancreatitis This develops after recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis, or after pancreatic infection. These impair the production of the pancreatic enzymes, which in turn interferes with the digestion of food, it can also interfere with the production of insulin leading to diabetes mellitus. It may be more common in obese animals and those that have high fat diets. This problem is likely to have a prior history of episodes of acute pancreatitis involving periods of inappetance, fever and vomiting. The clinical signs involve dullness, increased appetite and large quantities of pale, rancid smelling faeces. If diabetes develops then excessive thirst and urination will follow. Weight loss and a poor coat are common. In order to diagnose this condition blood tests will reveal a low functional level of pancreatic enzymes (using the TLI test) and some other changes that may be associated with diabetes mellitus. The treatment involves treating the diabetes with insulin and adding pancreatic enzymes to the food. The diet should contain a high level of protein, low fat and no starch. |
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