Pancreatitis in Dogs: Understanding the Risks, Symptoms and Prevention
By Jackie LaGinestra
Pancreatitis, in simple terms, means “inflammation of the pancreas.” The pancreas is an organ in close proximity to the stomach and small intestines, and one of its major purposes is to release enzymes that aid in digestion. Generally, these digestive enzymes are not activated until they reach the small intestine. However, in a dog experiencing pancreatitis, these enzymes activate prematurely and inflame, upset, and damage the pancreas and surrounding organs, such as the liver and gallbladder.
Pancreatitis can be caused by a variety of factors. We commonly treat dogs experiencing pancreatitis that arose as a result of the patient eating a high-fat diet. For example, the dog who gets turkey, chicken, or other meat off of the table. (Keep this in mind this holiday season!). Risk factors for developing pancreatitis include obesity, trauma to the abdomen, endocrine disease like Diabetes mellitus, as well as genetic predispositions (like those commonly found in Mini Schnauzers).
Unfortunately, sometimes dogs can be diagnosed without being able to identify the exact cause. Pancreatitis in dogs can also be acute or chronic. A case of pancreatitis can be described as “acute” if it is the patient’s first time diagnosed, for example. It is considered a chronic case where the dog is experiencing recurring bouts of the disease, meaning some dogs are predisposed to re-injury of the pancreas.
Some signs that owners can look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, a painful abdomen, decreased appetite, lethargy, and fever. Sometimes, the clinical signs are not very specific but owners feel that their pet is “just not right.” Pancreatitis can be diagnosed by your veterinarian in a variety of ways, including a thorough history, physical examination, lab work which checks pancreatic enzymes, and running further diagnostic tests such as abdominal x-rays or an ultrasound.
These cases range significantly in severity, with some dogs needing supportive care that is outpatient, meaning continued at home, whereas unfortunately some dogs require hospitalization to get better. Some treatment options include anti-nausea therapy, fluid therapy to correct for dehydration, pain control, and critical care, depending on the case. Some patients need to be kept temporarily fasted to allow the pancreas to heal, while those that are fed need a low-fat, gastrointestinal friendly diet.
Although some of these cases cannot be avoided, it is important for owners to avoid feeding their dogs high-fat foods or foods that their dogs are not used to eating. This especially includes avoiding feeding your dogs human food, as this can be a common cause. As always, prompt diagnosis and treatment can get patients feeling better more quickly, so bringing your pets to the veterinarian when they are not themselves is always important!
