Pancreatitis

 

With the festive season looming, the chefs amongst us are preparing to cook up all sorts of goodies. However, what is inknown to a lot of pet owners is that quite a number of delicacies are dangerous to our favourite pooches.

 

Of most concern are lamb, hams and sausages. These foods are high in fat and while tasty for both us and them, we can digest them without fuss. Occasionally if a dog eats too much of these, they will develop signs of vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. This is because the pancreas has started to secrete all the digestive enzymes required to cope with the food, but eventually becomes overwhelmed. The end result is a painful condition called pancreatitis where the pancreas begins to digest itself!

 

Sometimes fatal, this condition needs to be treated aggressively to slow down the process in order to prevent further damage to the pancreas which could result in diabetes. But remember, the best treatment is always prevention, so try your best to ignore those big puppy dog eyes and you may be giving Fido the best Christmas present ever- saving him a scary trip to the hospital!