Page 9 - Martin Downs Bulletin - November '19

Martin Downs, Page 9

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Pancreatitis enzymes to help break down food; its endocrine function difficult than in dogs. Vomiting occurs in up to 90 percent
includes secretion of insulin to help regulate blood sugar.
of dogs with pancreatitis but in only 35 percent of cats.
Pancreatitis, or The exocrine function of the pancreas is the concern during Abdominal pain occurs in up to 60 percent of dogs but in only
inflammation of the acute pancreatitis. Normally, pancreatic enzymes are produced 25 percent of cats. The symptoms of pancreatitis also overlap
pancreas, can be in an inactive state, travelling from the pancreas through with other abdominal diseases, including acute gastroenteritis,
described as acute the pancreatic duct to the duodenum. In the duodenum, the gastrointestinal obstruction, and inflammatory bowel disease.
or chronic. Acute enzymes are activated and they begin to digest food. With Miniature schnauzers are predisposed to pancreatitis, as they
pancreatitis results cases of pancreatitis, the digestive enzymes are activated commonly have altered fat metabolism.
in sudden clinical prematurely in the pancreas, which results in digestion of Oftentimes a diagnosis of pancreatitis involves utilizing
symptoms without the pancreas itself. The digestive enzymes can also leak into more than one diagnostic modality. A combination of
any permanent the abdomen, where they can cause damage to other organs, physical examination findings, abdominal imaging (including
changes to the pancreas. With chronic pancreatitis, persistent including the liver and kidneys. If pancreatitis enters a chronic radiographs and/or ultrasound), and a variety of blood
inflammation causes irreversible changes to the pancreas and stage, irreversible changes can affect pancreatic endocrine tests may be needed for a diagnosis. Physical examination
possibly permanent damage to pancreatic function. function, resulting in diabetes mellitus. findings may include abdominal pain or fever. Blood tests
The pancreas is located on the right side of the abdomen The symptoms of pancreatitis can vary in severity, may show an elevated white blood cell count or elevations of
adjacent to the stomach and duodenum. The pancreas serves depending on the extent of damage. The most common pancreatic enzymes. Abdominal imaging may show evidence
two main functions: exocrine functions and endocrine symptoms are anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and of pancreatic inflammation. Some animals may not show
functions. Its exocrine function consists of secreting digestive abdominal pain. Diagnosing pancreatitis in cats can be more abnormalities on these tests, and a presumptive diagnosis is
made based on clinical symptoms and medical history.
The cause of acute pancreatitis is usually unknown. Some
risk factors include high fat diets, obesity, diabetes mellitus,
prior gastrointestinal diseases, and certain medications
(including diuretics, chemotherapeutics, and anti-seizure
medications).
Two people. Treatment of pancreatitis depends on the severity of
symptoms. Many affected animals will be treated with
analgesics to help control pain and with intravenous fluids
One great to help maintain normal hydration. Additionally, anti-emetic
medications may be administered to help control vomiting.
Antibiotics are used in certain circumstances. Usually, food
is restricted temporarily and then slowly re-introduced once
deal. vomiting has been controlled.
The prognosis for pancreatitis depends on its severity. In
mild forms of acute pancreatitis, with aggressive treatment,
the prognosis is usually good. Most animals recover without
any permanent pancreatic damage. However, in cases of severe
or repeated pancreatitis, the prognosis can be guarded, even
with aggressive therapy.
Prevention of pancreatitis may include weight reduction
if an animal is obese or providing a fat-restricted diet, as well
as avoiding certain medications. However, as many cases of
pancreatitis have an unknown cause, preventative measures
are not always effective at avoiding pancreatitis.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics,
and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center
combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy
for pets and their owners. For more information, call (772)
283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find
us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
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Dig Up Your Ancestral Roots
For free. For the first year. With The Martin County

That’s a savings of up to $12,000! Genealogical Society

How’s that for the buddy system? There are many ways to explore your ancestry, and land
records can be a rich source of genealogical information. The
Martin County Genealogical Society (MCGS) invites you
to learn more about this valuable resource at its November
And what will the two of you find when you get here? A community meeting. “Digging for Genealogical Gold in Land Records,”
a presentation by long-time Florida genealogists Clyde
founded on expert and compassionate caregivers, maintenance-free and Kathy Stickney, will focus on the sale of land from
living and amenities that matter. government entities to individuals and various federal land
distribution programs from colonial times to the present.
• Chef-prepared dining options The Stickneys have been researching their ancestry for 26
• Beautifully landscaped courtyards years. Clyde’s family traces from Key West to The Bahamas
and Barbados, while Kathy’s roots go back to England and
• Life-enriching activities Germany. Graduates of the National Institute on Genealogical
• 24-hour emergency call system Research and the Institute of Genealogical and Historical
Research, they are active members of the Florida State
• Onsite therapy and fitness center Genealogy Society and their local Halifax Genealogical Society
of Ormond Beach. Both hold undergraduate and graduate
To take a personal tour, or for more information on this limited-time degrees from Florida State University, and they have authored

offer, please contact us at (772) 291-1095. numerous articles for genealogical and historical publications.
Free and open to the public, the meeting is 1 to 3 p.m.,
Nov. 15 at Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road in Stuart.
Light refreshments will be served. In addition to its monthly
meetings – where local and national experts speak about how
to explore your family roots – the society offers a variety of
Of Stuart 3400 SE Aster Lane | Stuart, FL 34994 services at the Genealogy Room in the Blake Library which
is manned by MCGS volunteers all year long. For more
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information about membership, activities and services go to
mcgsfl.org, visit the Genealogy Room or call Lisa Tompson,
MCGS president, (772) 888-2422.