Feeding Pets With Pancreatitis: An Integrative Approach
A Complete Guide to Managing Diet for Pancreatic Health
Pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas that can occur in dogs and cats. It's a serious condition that requires veterinary treatment and careful management of your pet's diet during recovery. Integrative veterinarians take a holistic approach to treating pancreatitis that combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies like nutritional therapy and herbal medicine. Read on to learn more about an integrative approach to feeding pets with pancreatitis.
What is Pancreatitis?
The pancreas is an organ that sits next to the stomach and small intestine. It has two main jobs:
Producing enzymes that help digest food
Producing hormones like insulin that regulate blood sugar
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. This causes it to produce an excess of enzymes that begin "digesting" the pancreas itself, leading to severe abdominal pain and illness.
Some common causes of pancreatitis in pets include:
High fat diets
Obesity
Some medications or toxins
Underlying diseases like diabetes or cancer
Dogs usually show symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. They may take on a "prayer posture" with a hunched back due to cranial abdominal pain. Cats display more vague symptoms like lethargy and decreased appetite. Severe pancreatitis can lead to dehydration, bleeding disorders, and other systemic complications.
While pancreatitis cases have increased over the years, this is likely due to better diagnostic testing rather than more disease frequency. Diagnosing pancreatitis can be complex, using clinical signs, blood tests, imaging, and evaluation of lipase levels. Prompt veterinary attention is key for accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment.
The Integrative Approach to Feeding Pets with Pancreatitis
Integrative veterinarians use a balanced approach to treating pancreatitis that combines conventional veterinary medicine with complementary therapies. This includes tailoring the diet to the individual patient's needs.
There are three main dietary goals for pets with pancreatitis:
1. Low Fat Diet
Dietary fat triggers pancreas enzyme secretion. Limiting fat intake gives the inflamed pancreas a chance to rest and recover.
Veterinary prescription low fat gastroenteric diets are commonly recommended. These provide key nutrients but contain under 10% fat. They're typically highly digestible and come in wet and dry forms.
Homemade diets may also be an option. Lean sources of protein like egg whites, boneless skinless chicken breast, or white fish can be combined with carbohydrates and vegetables. Supplements provide balanced nutrition.
2. Small, Frequent Meals
Feeding smaller, more frequent meals puts less demand on the pancreas at one time. Four or more small meals spaced throughout the day is recommended.
3. Easily Digestible Ingredients
Avoiding difficult to digest fat, protein and carbs reduces pancreatic workload. Well-cooked white rice, lean proteins, and cooked vegetables are good choices.
Herbal Medicine for Pancreatitis
Herbal medicines can help prevent and manage pancreatitis episodes when used alongside dietary changes. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herbs help resolve chronic mild inflammation.
For acute severe pancreatitis, conventional medical treatment takes precedence first. But herbs can aid recovery and prevent future recurrences.
Several Chinese herbal formulas are beneficial:
Three Seeds Combination (San Ren Tang) increases insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation. It helps reverse insulin resistance that predisposes to pancreatitis.
Four Marvels Combination (Si Miao San) provides antioxidant effects and protects the pancreas. It's used to manage acute flare ups.
Minor Bupleurum helps resolve endothelial dysfunction that impairs pancreatic microcirculation and causes inflammation. It targets chronic pancreatitis.
Herbal extracts can be given as enemas to bypass oral intake issues in severely ill pets. Veterinarians determine appropriate dosing.
Complementary Integrative Therapies
Integrative vets may recommend combining conventional treatment with complementary therapies that support the body's natural healing mechanisms. This can include:
Antioxidants: Vitamins like vitamin E, amino acids like methionine, and herbs like milk thistle help neutralize damaging molecules called free radicals that contribute to inflammation.
Digestive Enzymes: Oral pancreas glandular supplements provide digestive enzymes to aid the overloaded pancreas.
Anti-inflammatories: Herbs like curcumin or foods like omega-3 fish oils have natural anti-inflammatory properties without the side effects of steroids or NSAIDs.
Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas tailored to the individual pet can assist the body in self-regulation and healing.
Homeopathics: Homeopathic remedies like Phosphorus promote cleansing and support recovery in a gentle way with no risk of side effects.
Transitioning Back to a Normal Diet
The pancreas needs time to fully recover before returning to a normal diet. A veterinarian guides the transition process, usually over a period of 2-4 weeks.
Reintroduce normal food slowly and only if the pet is showing no more signs of pancreatitis. Start with small amounts of low fat protein like lean ground meat or boiled chicken. Gradually increase portion size and variety over several days to weeks.
Closely monitor the pet's reaction at every stage. Reduce portions or return to the special diet if any symptoms recur. Fatty foods and table scraps should be permanently restricted to prevent another inflammatory flare up.
Preventing Pancreatitis Relapses
Once a pet has had pancreatitis, they're at higher risk for recurrence. Follow these tips to keep pancreatitis from coming back:
- Feed a low fat diet long term
- Avoid unhealthy table foods and snacks
- Maintain an ideal body weight
- Follow Dr. Bhatt’s advice on appropriate medications
- Have regular veterinary check ups to monitor pancreas health
Catching early signs like lethargy or decreased appetite can prevent another painful flare up. Contact your vet promptly if any concerns arise.
The Takeaway on Feeding Pets with Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis requires close partnership between pet parents and integrative veterinarians. Customized nutritional therapy combines with conventional care, herbal medicine, and complementary therapies for a patient-centered approach.
Healing the inflamed pancreas starts with providing complete nutrition from easily digestible, low fat ingredients. Small, frequent meal portions give the pancreas a break. Gradually transitioning back to a normal diet prevents recurrence.
Integrative nutrition and herbal therapy allows pets with pancreatitis to fully recover and go on to enjoy a high quality of life long term. Consult with Dr. Bhatt to develop a specialized diet and wellness plan for your dog or cat.