The pancreas is an organ that has 2 main functions: endocrine and exocrine. The endocrine pancreas produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels. The exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that are essential for the digestion of complex dietary components such as proteins, triglycerides, and complex carbohydrates. The exocrine pancreas also secretes large amounts of bicarbonate, which buffers stomach acid.
Disorders of the exocrine
Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can sometimes cause disease. They may be free-living or parasites. Some of the more common diseases caused by protozoa in dogs are discussed below.
Amebiasis
Amebiasis is a disease caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. It causes inflammation of the large intestine, which leads to persistent diarrhea. Amebiasis is common in tr
Many parasites can infect the digestive system of dogs ( see Table: Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs). The most common ones are described below. Some gastrointestinal parasites of dogs can also cause disease in people ( see Table: Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs and Cats That Also Infect People).
Table
Gastrointestinal
Certain bacteria may cause gastrointestinal disease in dogs. The most common of these are discussed below.
Campylobacter Infection
Gastrointestinal campylobacteriosis is a bacterial disease. It is caused by related bacteria of the Campylobacter and Arcobacter genera. These organisms, along with a number of o
Diseases that affect the stomach and intestines are common in dogs. They include infectious diseases such as bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases and noninfectious disorders, such as tumors, bloat, and obstruction.
Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus infection is a potentially fatal viral disease that most often affects puppies or unvaccinated adult dogs. The virus itself is resistant to a number of c
Vomiting is the forceful ejection of the contents (such as food, fluids, or debris) of the stomach and upper small intestine. It is typically preceded by other signs, such as nausea, excessive drooling, retching, and forceful contractions of the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. Vomiting can be caused by many disorders, including digestive system disease, kidney or liver failure, pancreatitis, nervous system disorders, and ingestion of irritating substances and poisons.
Signs of problems with the esophagus include difficulty swallowing and regurgitation (return of food or liquid before it has reached the stomach). Regurgitation is effortless and has few warning signs, in contrast to vomiting which is an active process preceded by signs of nausea.
Congenital abnormalities of the esophagus (those present at birth) are discussed earlier in this chapter.
Disorders
The upper throat is called the pharynx. Pharyngeal paralysis refers to paralysis of the upper throat (pharynx) that makes swallowing difficult or impossible. It may be caused by a nervous system disorder, other disease in that area, or trauma that causes collapse, obstruction, or malfunction of the pharynx. In some instances, the condition may be partial or affect only one side of the throat and the dog may be able to swallow, although complicatio
The primary function of the mouth is to obtain and introduce food into the digestive tract. Some of its additional functions include communication and social interaction, grooming, protection, and heat regulation (particularly in dogs). Picking up food, chewing, and swallowing require a complex interaction of the muscles of the jaw, the teeth, the tongue, and the upper throat. When any of these functions becomes compromised through disease or trauma, malnutrition and dehydration
Many of the dental disorders of dogs are similar to those found in people. Proper dental care, including preventive methods like tooth brushing, can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.
Table
Dental Terms
Table
Dental Terms