PANCREATITIS IN DOGS

Canine pancreatitis occurs when there is inflammation in a dog’s pancreas which results in pain and interruption of normal digestion processes. A canine pancreas has two primary roles. It produces digestive enzymes that will assist in the breakdown of consumed foods.

Additionally, the pancreas produces hormones that will regulate the levels of glucose within the bloodstream. When a pancreas is inflamed, its own digestive enzymes will be activated prematurely, resulting in damage to the pancreas as well.

There are acute forms of pancreatitis and chronic forms. The acute form develops quickly and generally requires immediate veterinary treatment. The chronic form develops gradually and will result in long-term digestive disorders if the chronic disorder is not effectively managed.

Causes

Pancreatitis can have multiple causes and sometimes there isn’t an identifiable reason. A diet that contains too much fat, especially if eaten all at once, will often trigger pancreatitis.

Fried food, table scraps, etc., can cause this. Being obese can increase the chance of developing pancreatitis. Dogs that scavenge for food or eat anything they shouldn’t could develop pancreatitis.

Other factors that could play a role include certain medications, hormonal disorders (such as Cushing’s) and metabolic disorders. Certain breeds appear to have a higher risk of developing pancreatitis, including Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels and some other small breed dogs.

Symptoms

The signs of pancreatitis are usually based on the level of severity and will frequently start immediately in an acute case.

Some common signs that develop quickly include:

• Vomiting repeatedly
• Lack of appetite
• Pain in the abdomen
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea or soft stools
• Dehydration
• Fevers occur in some cases
• Reluctance to move or touch around the abdominal area

In chronic cases, the signs may be less severe but recurring and may include occasional vomiting and loss of appetite.

Risks

If left untreated, pancreatitis is a potentially serious/life threatening disease.

If the inflammatory process spreads past the pancreas, it can cause problems with nearby organs such as the liver, intestines and abdominal cavity. In extreme cases, this could result in systemic inflammation, dehydration and shock.

Recurrent or chronic pancreatitis can cause permanent pancreatic damage, potentially leading to digestive insufficiency (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) or diabetes mellitus due to impaired insulin production.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians use clinical signs along with diagnostic testing, such as blood work and radiographic images to identify whether your dog has pancreatitis.

Blood work is frequently employed to determine enzyme levels from the pancreas and to find evidence of inflammation. An example of this would be a test called canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) which provides an even more accurate result.

Abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the pancreas and surrounding tissues. CT scans are less commonly performed and are generally reserved for selected cases. Depending on the results of these initial evaluations, there may need to be further testing to confirm that pancreatitis was the sole contributing factor to your dog’s symptoms.

Treatment

Depending on how severe the pancreatitis is, treatment will vary; however, the primary objectives include stabilizing your dog, reducing inflammation and controlling pain.

Hospital and Supportive Care

In addition to supportive care at home, many dogs with severe pancreatitis will require hospitalization so that IV fluids can be given to replenish lost fluids and maintain electrolytes.

Also, during their hospital stay, anti-nausea medication and pain medication will likely be prescribed to help alleviate your dog’s discomfort and vomiting.

Dietary Management

Current treatment approaches often encourage early nutritional support once vomiting is controlled, as prolonged fasting is no longer routinely recommended in many cases.

Once vomiting has been controlled, a gradual introduction to a low-fat, easily digestible diet will begin in small, frequent feedings. The long term goal of dietary restriction is to prevent future episodes of pancreatitis.

Medications

Managing pain is a large component of treating this disease, as the discomfort associated with pancreatitis can be extreme.

If there is evidence of a secondary infection, antibiotics may be used, not all infections require antibiotic treatment.

Prevention

Most people agree that reducing your dog’s risk of developing pancreatitis begins with their dietary and lifestyle habits. Dogs should never be fed table scraps or fatty foods; they should also avoid sudden diet changes.

By keeping your dog at an ideal weight, you will help to lower the strain on its pancreas and decrease your overall risks. Dogs who have experienced pancreatitis should be placed on a lifetime feeding plan that consists of a low fat diet.

In addition to a low fat diet, regular veterinary visits are essential in monitoring your dog’s health and identifying any underlying conditions which could elevate your dog’s risk.