Dogs and humans are very different species, although we do share some biological similarities. However, while humans do have an appendix, dogs do not. Similarly, cats do not have an appendix, but some mammalian species including wombats and primates, do have them.
Scientists have long been baffled by the purpose of the appendix in those species that do have one, but recent studies show that this organ plays a role in the immune response. Specifically, it is believed that the appendix collects and retains beneficial gut bacteria.
In humans, the first many of us even think about the appendix is if we, or someone we know, suffers from appendicitis. This is a painful inflammation of the organ that typically requires its removal before it ruptures or bursts. Because dogs don’t have an appendix, they cannot suffer appendicitis, but some painful conditions have similar effects and present similarly to appendicitis that dogs may suffer.
What Is the Appendix?
The appendix is a tube-like outpouching of the large intestine that is several inches long and attaches to the colon. It was once considered a vestigial organ, or a small organ that no longer serves a beneficial purpose. This view was compounded by the fact that patients with appendicitis could safely have the organ removed and seemingly not suffer any adverse effects following the removal.
However, following more extensive studies of the tube-like organ, it has been determined that the appendix might be responsible for holding good gut bacteria.
Can Dogs Get Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is an infection and swelling of the appendix. It is a painful condition that, if left untreated, can lead to the rupture or bursting of the appendix, which can be fatal. Because dogs do not have an appendix, therefore they cannot get appendicitis.
Conditions Causing Severe Abdominal Pain in Dogs
Pancreatitis In Dogs
While dogs cannot develop appendicitis, they can suffer other conditions that present with similar signs to the condition. The pancreas is a digestive organ that both humans and dogs have. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.
Inflammation of the pancreas is very painful and the cause is not always known in dogs. As a digestive organ involved in the production of digestive enzymes and glucose control via insulin, malfunction of this organ can have serious consequences. Signs of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, adoption of the “prayer stance”, vomiting, diarrhea and inappetence. It is a complex condition that can, if untreated, cause damage to other organs as enzymes from the pancreas start to digest the pancreas and other nearby organs. If pancreatitis is caught early, there is a good chance of recovery. However, if organ damage has already occurred, pancreatitis can prove fatal.
In some cases, pancreatitis can develop very quickly, while in others, it has a more chronic waxing and waning course. If you suspect your pup has this condition, you should visit a vet urgently.
Peritonitis
Another very painful condition with some similar signs to pancreatitis is peritonitis. This is inflammation of the lining inside your dog’s abdominal cavity. It is a very serious condition with fatality occurring in more than half of all cases. It can be caused by damage to the cavity caused by foreign objects or by abdominal surgery.
Quick action is vital, to increase your dog’s chances of survival, so if you suspect your pup is suffering from peritonitis, contact a vet immediately.
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Conclusion
Unlike people and some other mammals, dogs do not have an appendix. This means that they cannot suffer appendicitis, and any pain that seems to be coming from the colon or stomach region is being caused by some other problem.
Dogs can suffer sore stomachs and gastrointestinal upset as a result of eating foreign objects as well as other conditions, while pancreatitis and peritonitis are considered serious conditions that cause acute pain and need urgent veterinary treatment to help ensure they do not prove fatal.
Featured Image Credit: Dragon Images, Shutterstock