Miniature Schnauzer PancreatitisPancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas become inflamed and do not produce the proper enzymes for digesting food. Unfortunately, Miniature Schnauzers are prone to this disease due to the high levels of lipoproteins in their blood streams. As a Miniature Schnauzer owner, it is therefore imperative that you make sure your dog does not eat a high fat diet or become obese. Learn to read and understand your dog's food label and don't feed your Schnauzer table scraps. The pancreas is a a small gland that serves two separate functions in the body:
 The picture above shows the location of the pancreas. Here is a description of how food is processed and digested, in the simplest of terms: When your dog eats, the food is transported to the stomach where gastric juices begin to mix and break down the food further. The partially digested food can now pass from the stomach to the duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine where the digestive juices from the pancreas begin to aid in the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The duodenum also receives secretions of bile from the liver and intestinal juice from the glands in the intestinal wall. The digestive enzymes that are produced and stored in the pancreas include trypsin (which breaks down proteins), amylase (which breaks down starches), and lipase (which breaks down fats). If the pancreas is not functioning as is should, the proteins, starches, and fats cannot be absorbed through the cells of the intestinal wall to provide the nutrients the dog needs (pancreatic insufficiency). Instead they remain in the gastrointestinal tract and pass out in feces. And although your dog may be eating, his body is not receiving any of nutrients and actually begins to starve! Repeated bouts of an inflamed pancreas or pancreatitis, is a direct cause of pancreatic insufficiency. Again, pancreatitis is the actual breakdown of the pancreas themselves usually brought on by high fat foods which trigger the pancreas to secrete large amounts of digestive enzymes which then leak out and destroy the pancreas itself. Any time your Miniature Schnauzer exhibits unexplained signs of pain, pancreatitis should be suspected. Tests used to evaluate the performance of the pancreas include x-rays, ultrasound, urine tests, and blood tests to help determine the levels of certain digestive enzymes in the blood.
Warning Signs of Pancreatitis
Most cases will require the hospitalization of your Miniature Schnauzer for several days to a week. And your vet will probably place your Miniature Schnauzer on a strict diet plan that restricts fat consumption completely. dog health tip: It only takes one high fat meal to cause the onset of pancreatitis. Many veterinarians have reported sharp increases in cases during the holidays (like Thanksgiving)! No fattening table scraps for your Miniature Schnauzer!
With this in mind, you might want to also ask your vet about supplementing your Miniature Schnauzer's diet with Enzymes & Probiotics. PLUS, used in conjunction with Total-Biotics® To find out more on how these supplements can help improve the overall health of your Miniature Schnauzer and read success stories:
 Total-Zymes plus Pro-Biotics Sucess Story: Review by Yvette I wanted to thank-you for the Total-Zymes plus Pro-Biotics. I have a mini Schnauzer(Boost) that is 13yrs. old and has many health problems (cushings, diabetes, allergies, cataracts, ear and skin infections, and most recently pancreatitis). She has seen many specialists and been on many medications (Atopica, Simplicef) that could harm her liver even more than it is already. We did/ and do everything we could for her and spend lots of money trying to help her the best way possible. She was always sleepy and tired, and any little thing that upset her would make her sick. Since she has been using your product she is like a puppy. She plays, runs around, and stays awake longer an she use to. I know nothing can cure her with everything she has but its alot better now . Most of her problems are less and she is more happy. So again Thank-You very much for giving me my puppy back. Yvette (Total-Zymes Plus Posted on 12/14/09)  Also check out: "PetAlive LiverAid".
Consult with Your Vet About Supplements  Bio case V Homeopathic is an excellent pet medication that acts as a digestive aid in replacement therapy. It is especially useful in conditions where digestion of protein, carbohydrate and fat is inadequate due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Pancrezyme Tablets are a supplemental tablet form of pancreatic enzymes for cases of pancreatic enzyme deficiency. This formula is FDA-approved for use in dogs and cats. Viokase-V (8 oz) Pancreatic Amylase, Lipase and Protease Supplement. Medication used to aide in digestion when given with meals. Epizyme Powder (8 oz) For use in animals with deficient pancreatic secretions. As a digestive aid in enzyme replacement therapy where digestion of carbohydrates, protein and fat is inadequate. Panakare Plus/PancreVed (8 oz)" For use as a digestive aid in replacement therapy where digestion of protein, carbohydrates and fat is inadequate due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
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