Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Pancreatitis In The Shih Tzu

Title: Pancreatitis In The Shih Tzu
Author: Connie Limon

It is very important to feed your Shih Tzu a well-balanced diet
of pet food and not table scraps. Pancreatitis is a severe
inflammation of the pancreas that can result from feeding your
Shih Tzu table scraps.

A Shih Tzu with pancreatitis may suddenly vomit, become
dehydrated, be lethargic and have diarrhea. These symptoms are
common to a lot of different canine diseases; therefore, the
diagnosis of pancreatitis is very difficult for a vet to make.
He will depend a lot upon a good history from the Shih Tzu
owner.

High amounts of fat in the Shih Tzu's diet, a high-fat meal or
allowing your Shih Tzu to get into the garbage and consume
leftover food may cause pancreatitis Pesticides. Some canine
drugs can cause side effects of pancreatitis as well. There is a
higher incidence of this disease in obese Shih Tzu.

Pancreatitis can also lead to diabetes and loss of some liver
function in your Shih Tzu. It is very important to introduce an
easily digestible diet to avoid diarrhea.

Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis or has signs of
diabetes may be chronic pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis can
appear suddenly, but doesn't last as long. There is little or no
permanent damage to the organ. In chronic pancreatitis the
pancreas undergoes permanent damage and possible loss of
function.

Once a Shih Tzu is diagnosed with pancreatitis, the intestinal
tract must be rested. All food and water is withheld from the
dog for a period of time, usually 24 hours. If the Shih Tzu is
dehydrated, intravenous fluids will have to be given. The Shih
Tzu normally responds to treatment in a few days and can
gradually be put back on food.

You need to avoid acute or chronic pancreatitis at all times
with your Shih Tzu. Feed your Shih Tzu a well balanced
commercially prepared diet to be certain your Shih Tzu is
getting all the nutrition it needs.

The best choice of food for your Shih Tzu is a veterinarian
formulated product inspired by nature and made using good
science. Your Shih Tzu depends upon you to make the right
choices when it comes to his or her health and happiness. Your
Shih Tzu is a part of your family and you probably want the very
best for him.

You might think all pet food manufacturers have your pet's best
interests in mind. This is not always the case. Current pet food
regulations allow manufacturers to use ingredients that you
would never give to your pet. You probably would be shocked to
learn what some brands of pet food really contain.

For example, the use of by-products on the label of a dog food
actually means "feet, bones and intestines, etc.). You will
often see listed on the dog food label, chemical preservatives
(BHA and BHT), and grains that are often difficult to digest
(corn, wheat, gluten and soy). These things are often used as a
protein source instead of meat. These types of ingredients can
also cause acute pancreatitis and possibly even chronic
pancreatitis in your Shih Tzu.

Choose a dog food for your Shih Tzu that is made with the
freshest, human-quality ingredients, which can give your Shih
Tzu the best quality possible. This would be also a dry dog food
that contains all natural chicken and top quality catfish with
the best fresh fruit, vegetables and select farm foods. The dog
food you choose for your Shih Tzu should contain no artificial
flavors, colors, sugars, or chemical preservatives. Be sure to
read the labels on the dog food before purchasing for your Shih
Tzu.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

About The Author: Connie Limon, Trilogy Independent Field
Representative/HealthyPetNet. Visit Trilogy Online at:
http://www.healthypetnet.com/healthypetsandpeople for healthy
products for yourself, your pets and your environment. Also
please visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com I raise
Shih Tzu puppies for pets or show prospects. Visit our Shih Tzu
Article Collection at http://shihtzuarticles.com

.

__,_._,___