Practice Tip: Dissolution Diets for Patients with Pancreatitis
Christine Willis, DVM of the Internal Medicine service
Diets available for dissolution/management of canine uroliths (struvite and urate) are commonly higher in fat and have lower protein content (Hill’s s/d, u/d, and Royal Canin SO). On average, these diets contain 40-50% of their metabolizable energy content from fat and 5-15% from protein. Normal adult maintenance dog foods contain approximately 30% of the metabolizable energy from fat; therefore, extra care should be used when prescribing these diets to overweight dogs or breeds already predisposed to pancreatitis (Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frises, Yorkshire Terriers, Malteses, Shelties,
The feeding of a high fat diet (more than 40% ME) can be associated with the onset of pancreatitis. Although no direct evidence is available to prove this association, several theories are proposed and clinical experience alludes to such a relationship. It is recommended that serum triglyceride levels be evaluated before initiating a dissolution diet. An obese, hyperlipidemic or patient with a history of pancreatitis should probably not be fed this type of diet. For example, a potential alternative may include Hill’s w/d, k/d or
Should an animal develop pancreatitis while receiving a dissolution/management diet, the treatment remains the same: supportive care (IV fluids, anti-emetics and pain management) while withholding food. When food is offered, it should be of a lower fat content than before — a food with moderate-fat (30% ME) could be fed rather than the more stringent low fat (20% ME) options.
To learn more about Angell’s Internal Medicine service, please visit www.mspca.org/internalmedicine. To refer a patient, please contact Referral Coordinator Eleanor Cousino at 617 522-5011.
