Everything you need to know about pancreatitis in dogs

Pancreatitis is a common condition in dogs. Diagnosing pancreatitis can be difficult because its primary symptoms occur with a number of different illnesses. Chronic pancreatitis can be especially difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are mild and come and go without treatment. However, pancreatitis can be life-threatening, so it is important for dog owners to recognize the signs and risk factors. Read on to learn:

• What is pancreatitis in dogs?
• How do I know if my dog has pancreatitis?
• How do dogs get pancreatitis?
• How is canine pancreatitis diagnosed, treated, and prevented?

The pancreas releases digestive enzymes to help with food digestion. When the pancreas is inflamed, these enzymes damage the pancreas itself, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Acute pancreatitis appears suddenly with severe symptoms and requires immediate veterinary care. A dog may have chronic pancreatitis for several months or even years, so if you have a dog who seems to have a sensitive stomach, it’s important to have them checked out by a vet.

Pancreatitis is the medical term for inflammation of the pancreas, but that doesn’t fully describe this complex disease. In healthy dogs, the pancreas aids digestion by releasing digestive enzymes and helps regulate blood sugar levels by producing insulin. A healthy pancreas is protected from the action of its own digestive enzymes, but when the pancreas is inflamed, the enzymes leak out and cause damage. The condition is common in dogs but can be difficult to detect and diagnose.

Pancreatitis in dogs is potentially life-threatening due to its severe symptoms and the risk of damage to the pancreas and surrounding organs by leaked pancreatic enzymes.. If the pancreas is damaged severely, it can lead to diabetes mellitus as well as chronic pancreatitis.

Types of pancreatitis in dogs

Canine pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly, often with severe symptoms. Chronic pancreatitis occurs slowly over time, often with more mild symptoms. However, multiple bouts of acute pancreatitis or repeated episodes of acute flare-ups can develop into chronic pancreatitis.. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can be mild or severe and life-threatening.

Pancreatitis symptoms are similar to other, less severe conditions and may be overlooked by dog owners. Symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• Repeated vomiting
• Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or lethargy
• Excessive drooling
• Appetite loss
• Dehydration
• Fever

Not all dogs with pancreatitis show every symptom, and the clinical signs may not seem severe. Connect with an online veterinary professional if you’re concerned about your dog’s vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms that might be due to pancreatitis. It’s important for pet parents to contact a veterinarian whenever their dog has:

• Multiple symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea
• Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
• A painful abdomen
• A loss of appetite

If you are unsure about the significance of your dog’s symptoms, or even if you are simply worried, contact a veterinarian. It’s better to be proactive when it comes to pancreatitis.

Many cases of pancreatitis in dogs have no known cause. However, there are some known risk factors associated with the development of pancreatitis. They include, but are not limited to:

• High-fat diets
• Dietary indiscretion
• Obesity
• Other endocrine disorders
• Blunt force trauma
• Toxins
• Genetic predisposition

A large helping of fatty food is a major cause of acute pancreatitis. This includes helpings of human foods and table scraps.

Is my dog at risk for pancreatitis?

Dogs who get portions of high-fat foods on special occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas are at risk. In fact, the day after Thanksgiving is known as “Pancreatitis Friday” in the veterinary community due to the high number of patients seen for the condition after eating foods such as turkey and gravy over the holiday. Dogs who frequently get into the trash, get fed from the table, or have had other forms of dietary indiscretion are also at an increased risk for pancreatitis.

Dogs that have other endocrine diseases, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, are also more likely to experience a bout of pancreatitis. Some dog breeds, including miniature schnauzers and small toy or terrier breeds, also seem to be predisposed to pancreatitis. In addition, obese dogs are at a higher risk of pancreatitis.

The diagnosis of pancreatitis can be difficult, especially in its chronic form. Diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs involves a physical examination and a patient history that outlines any new foods, treats, or recent dietary indiscretion. Because the results of specific pancreatitis blood tests can be difficult to interpret, general blood tests may be recommended to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an ultrasound, may also be recommended to look for swelling within or around the pancreas.

Whether pancreatitis is suspected or diagnosed definitively, treatment is needed. There is no singular treatment for pancreatitis. Instead, supportive care is needed to manage symptoms and stop the inflammation. Treatments for pancreatitis in dogs include:

• IV fluids
• Injectable medications for vomiting and diarrhea
• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• Pain medication
• Supportive care for other symptoms
• Surgery

The odds of successfully treating pancreatitis are better if the dog is hospitalized, especially in cases of severe pancreatitis. Dogs are often dehydrated and in need of injectable medications to help with pain management and other symptoms. Since oral medications are unlikely to work if the dog is repeatedly vomiting and IV fluids are necessary for dehydration, home treatment for a severe bout of acute pancreatitis isn’t usually recommended.

Can I treat my dog’s pancreatitis at home?

Pancreatitis is potentially life-threatening. Hospitalization is often recommended for the best prognosis. At-home treatments for pancreatitis symptoms such as pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are usually not effective and can even be dangerous. “Human pain medications are unlikely to provide sufficient relief,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “In addition, many over-the-counter medications for people, such as ibuprofen, are toxic to dogs.” Delaying veterinary care for pancreatitis can be deadly and cause permanent damage to the pancreas, potentially leading to chronic pancreatitis and diabetes.

Dogs with chronic pancreatitis are managed at home, typically with special diets. If they experience a bout of severe symptoms, however, hospitalization is often necessary.

Not all cases of pancreatitis can be avoided, but the risks of developing pancreatitis can be significantly reduced. Avoid giving fatty table scraps, treats, and human foods. In addition, keep human foods, garbage, and other items that may be ingested out of reach. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of pancreatitis, and getting regular wellness checks can catch other health conditions that may lead to bouts of pancreatitis. Dogs who have had pancreatitis in the past or have chronic pancreatitis may benefit from a low-fat diet. Always check with a veterinarian before switching your dog to a new food. If you have questions about pancreatitis in dogs or if you want to reduce your dog’s risk, talk to an online vet through Vetster for advice.

How do I know if my dog has pancreatitis?

Common symptoms of pancreatitis include repeated vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a lack of appetite. These symptoms commonly occur with many other conditions, and not all dogs with pancreatitis show all of these symptoms. It’s best to check with a veterinarian whenever your dog has multiple symptoms or has had vomiting or diarrhea for longer than 24 hours, even if they seem fine otherwise.

What foods trigger pancreatitis in dogs?

Eating foods with a high fat content is a common cause of acute pancreatitis in dogs. This includes table scraps, food waste, and portions of human foods. Veterinary practices often see multiple cases of pancreatitis on the days following major holidays when dogs are more likely to receive fatty foods such as turkey and gravy.

What does pancreatitis dog poop look like?

While some dogs with pancreatitis have normal poop, some dogs with pancreatitis have loose stools ranging from slightly soft to bloody diarrhea. Not every dog with pancreatitis has severe diarrhea, but it is a common sign of pancreatitis. Acute flare-ups of pancreatitis often lead to more severe diarrhea.