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Pancreatitis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Pancreatitis in dogs is a painful abdominal condition characterized by an inflamed pancreas. It makes dogs feel quite sick and can be life-threatening. Although the causes of pancreatitis are not well understood, certain dog breeds are more prone to developing this inflammatory problem. Read on to learn about pancreatitis in dogs and how it's treated.

What Is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, an abdominal organ that sits next to the stomach. The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine functions. It makes insulin and other hormones which enter the bloodstream to help regulate blood sugar (endocrine). However, its main function is to create and store enzymes necessary for the digestion of food (exocrine).

The digestive enzymes made by the pancreas are usually stored in an inactive form, but certain triggers can activate them within the pancreas and cause leakage into the surrounding tissues. This causes serious damage as the enzymes essentially begin digesting the tissues in the body.

Typically, pancreatitis in dogs is referred to either as acute or chronic depending on how long the symptoms of discomfort and vomiting have been present. Acute versus chronic cannot be definitively differentiated based on clinical signs, but generally acute pancreatitis has more severe symptoms.

Chronic flare-ups can result in scarring of the pancreas, which may cause loss of both the endocrine and exocrine function of the organ. The loss of endocrine hormone production can be a cause of diabetes in dogs, while the loss of digestive enzyme production can result in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) if over 90% of exocrine function is lost.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs

The signs of pancreatitis involve the abdomen but are generally non-specific and may resemble other problems with the gastrointestinal system.

Pancreatitis is a painful condition that may cause a dog to stop eating and lay around more because they feel uncomfortable. The dog may tense their abdomen, hunch their back, or stretch out their belly in a bowing posture to try to relieve discomfort. Vomiting and diarrhea often occur and may lead to dehydration. Even if a dog with pancreatitis is still drinking water, they're losing fluids in the vomit and stool faster than they can replenish them. Contact your veterinarian if you notice these or any other signs of illness in your dog.

What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?

Pancreatitis occurs when its digestive enzymes are "activated" before reaching the small intestine, where they are supposed to begin digesting food. If these enzymes begin their digestive action too early, then they can break down the tissue of the pancreas, creating inflammation—in effect the pancreas begins digesting itself.

Pancreatitis can occur in any dog, regardless of age, sex, or breed. Miniature schnauzers are particularly susceptible to pancreatitis, as well as other terriers, poodles, and cocker spaniels.

The exact cause of pancreatitis is not always known, but veterinarians suggest that certain factors may be involved, including:

The majority of pancreatitis cases are caused by dietary indiscretion, which is a nice way of saying that a dog got into foods they shouldn't have. While some dogs may be sensitive to higher-fat commercial dog foods, food intended for humans tends to be more of the issue here. The term "high fat" may conjure up images of cookies, pastry, and other desserts, but that's not the only fatty food to worry about. Savory foods, such as casseroles, gravies, sauces, and even some proteins like ham and other pork products can bring on a bout of pancreatitis.

Some anti-convulsants, including potassium Bromide and phenobarbital, can predispose a dog to pancreatitis. Certain diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide can also predispose a dog to pancreatitis.

How Do Vets Diagnose Pancreatitis in Dogs?

Pancreatitis in dogs is diagnosed by a veterinarian who will observe physical symptoms and perform a physical examination in addition to running some laboratory tests. Tests may include checking your dog's white blood cell and red blood cell counts as well as organ function tests and a specific test called a canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity test (cPLI). X-rays and an ultrasound may also be recommended.

How to Treat Pancreatitis in Dogs

Treatment of pancreatitis in dogs involves a combination of supportive therapies. Most dogs will be hospitalized for several days while these treatments are being administered. Your veterinarian will focus on correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, addressing nausea and pain, and encouraging nutrient absorption. Supportive care typically includes:

  • Fluid therapy (usually intravenous)
  • Pain medications
  • Anti-vomiting and anti-nausea medications
  • Dietary support (often a specially formulated low-fat diet)
  • Gastrointestinal protectants to help soothe symptoms and resolve inflammation
  • Diabetic dogs with pancreatitis may require more aggressive treatment

However, dogs with chronic pancreatitis may occasionally experience flare-ups that can sometimes be treated at home under veterinary supervision. At-home supportive care includes managing vomiting, syringing fluids, and administering oral medications. Some flare-ups are severe enough that veterinary intervention is needed.

Prognosis for Dogs with Pancreatitis

Mild pancreatitis typically has a good prognosis when treated early and appropriately. Severe, acute cases of pancreatitis are more dangerous and may require more aggressive veterinary treatment. If not treated, acute cases may be fatal.

Dogs with chronic pancreatitis can often live happy, healthy lives with attentive management, but occasional flare-ups may occur.

How to Prevent Pancreatitis in Dogs

To decrease the likelihood of acute pancreatitis or chronic flare-ups, some common preventative measures include:

  • Low-fat diet
  • Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
  • Feeding several small meals throughout the day
  • Healthy weight management

Because most cases of acute pancreatitis are induced by dietary indiscretion and high-fat foods, prevention can be as simple as limiting table scraps and rich treats. Some dogs might be able to open a cupboard or pantry doors or be crafty enough to figure out how to counter-surf, so they require more vigilance. Try installing child locks on cabinet doors or putting food and snacks where your dog simply won't be able to get to them.

Pancreatitis can be a painful, sometimes even life-threatening illness for your dog. If you have concerns about your dog's risk of pancreatitis and its complications, speak to your veterinarian.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
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