Being a pet parent means taking care of your dog and expecting the unexpected. But sometimes, some sneaky health issue can sneak up before we even know what happened. One of these is pancreatitis.
A dog’s pancreas produces digestive enzymes and regulates blood sugar. It’s a powerhouse, a much-needed part of a dog’s digestion and metabolism. Without it, food won’t be digested properly, and blood sugar levels can become unbalanced.
In pancreatitis, the pancreas itself becomes inflamed and damaged. When this happens, your dog’s bodily functions will take a hit. Pancreatitis in dogs can be acute or chronic. It often requires immediate veterinary attention.
What Are the Types of Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Pancreatitis in dogs is classified into two main types: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Both types involve the inflammation of the pancreas. Here’s what makes them different:
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis happens abruptly and can be anywhere from mild discomfort to a life-threatening emergency. Affected dogs will have severe vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, diarrhea, and weakness.
Some dogs may assume a "praying position.” This is when they stretch their front legs forward and raise their hind legs to alleviate pain.
Acute pancreatitis is generally triggered by fatty foods, table scraps, and greasy snacks. It can also come from injuries, drugs, genetics, and other health disorders.
Chronic Pancreatitis
On the other hand, chronic pancreatitis develops gradually over time. It’s caused by recurrent episodes of inflammation, all of which could damage the pancreas.
Similar to acute pancreatitis, dogs can experience intermittent vomiting, loss of appetite, and mild abdominal pain. Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, and Collies are considered to be prone.
Over time, the ongoing inflammation can damage pancreatic tissue. This can result in several health issues, such as diabetes mellitus or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Canine pancreatitis can develop for various reasons, but in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. However, several factors and risks have been linked to pancreatitis in dogs.
Dietary Issues
One of the most well-known causes of pancreatitis in dogs is fatty foods. Dogs that eat table scraps, greasy human foods, or a fat diet are at a much higher risk of developing the condition.
Additionally, some dogs have a tendency to eat things they shouldn’t. This is called dietary indiscretion. Dogs that raid the trash, steal food from the counter, or consume spoiled or toxic substances are at an increased risk of pancreatitis.
Obesity
Obese and overweight dogs are significantly more prone to pancreatitis. This is because the excess body fat contributes to inflammation and interferes with normal pancreatic function.
Some studies suggest that obese dogs have a higher chance of experiencing chronic low-grade inflammation. As a result, they can be more susceptible to pancreatic diseases.
Breed Predisposition
As previously mentioned, this often includes Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds.
Miniature Schnauzers, in particular, are known to have high blood fat levels. Because of this, they tend to be more at risk.
Certain Medications and Toxins
Canine pancreatitis can also be triggered by specific medications, drugs, and toxins. This includes corticosteroids, antibiotics, seizure medications, chemotherapy drugs, organophosphates, and household chemicals.
Underlying Health Conditions
Dogs with other medical conditions may be at a higher risk of pancreatitis. Metabolic, gastrointestinal, and endocrine issues such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, hypothyroidism, and Cushing's disease can contribute.
Trauma or Surgery
Physical trauma can sometimes cause pancreatitis. Strong blows and hits directly to the pancreas can cause the condition. Plus, dogs that underwent major surgery may also develop pancreatitis as a secondary complication.
Unknown or Idiopathic Causes
On some occasions, pancreatitis in dogs can be caused by unknown factors. This means that it’s idiopathic, or has no clear cause. Here, dogs may develop the condition without having any signs at all.
What Are the Signs of Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Pancreatitis can manifest in dogs as mild symptoms or severe illness. This includes:
Vomiting. Your dog may vomit repeatedly or just once. In some cases, the vomit may contain foam, bile, or undigested food.
Loss of appetite. Even if your dog is normally food-obsessed, they may refuse their meals and treats altogether.
Abdominal pain. Your dog may seem restless, whimper when touched, or take on the "praying position" to relieve discomfort.
Lethargy. Affected dogs tend to be lethargic and devoid of energy. You might notice your dog preferring to lie down and rest rather than play outside.
Diarrhea. You may notice soft, greasy, or watery stools. This can sometimes have a particularly strong odor.
Fever. Your dog may feel warm to the touch. The nose might also be warm and dry instead of its usual moist nature.
Dehydration. If your dog seems to pant more often and drink water excessively, this might be a sign of dehydration.
Swollen or bloated abdomen. Your dog’s belly may appear distended or tight when touched. This is apparent in severe cases of canine pancreatitis.
How Is Pancreatitis in Dogs Diagnosed?
If you suspect your dog has pancreatitis, a veterinary visit is essential. We use a series of tests, such as physical exams, blood tests, and imaging, to confirm the condition.
Vet examination. A vet exam is always the first step in diagnosing your dog’s condition. We’ll start by feeling your dog’s abdomen and checking for other symptoms. Our vets will also ask you for the medical history. Once we’ve gathered the information, we can proceed to other tests.
Blood tests. We use the Specific Canine Pancreatic Lipase test to identify pancreatic enzymes and markers. Other blood tests will assess your dog's overall health and condition.
Imaging. Ultrasounds and X-rays will be used to rule out any blockages, tumors, or other abdominal issues. Ultrasounds are particularly helpful because they detect changes in echogenicity and fluid along the pancreas.
How Is Pancreatitis in Dogs Treated?
Our goal is to provide supportive care and management to help your dog recover. Pancreatitis has no definite cure, so we'll do a combination of treatment options.
Intravenous Fluids. IV fluids restore hydration levels, maintain blood circulation, and support overall organ function.
Pain Management. To alleviate the pain and discomfort, our vets will prescribe opioid-based pain relievers.
Anti-nausea and Antacid Medications. Other medications, such as anti-nausea and antacid medications, can help control symptoms and reduce stomach acid production. This can help ease GI tract irritation.
Antibiotics. We may administer broad-spectrum antibiotics for secondary infection or sepsis.
Dietary Management. Introduce food slowly once vomiting stops. The food should be in the form of bland, low-fat meals. These meals should be in small amounts, given frequently throughout the day. In severe cases, dogs will require pancreatic enzyme supplements.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Pancreatitis in Dogs
Protecting your dog from pancreatitis starts with diet and nutrition. Feed your dog a balanced diet and specialized dog food for pancreatitis. Never give greasy meats, table scraps, and fatty foods. Stick to the high-quality dog food and treats our vets recommend.
Because obesity can trigger pancreatitis and other disorders, make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight. This will involve controlling how much they eat and allowing time for exercise daily. If you need help, you can consult with our pet nutritionists.
Next, keep chemicals and toxins out of your dog's reach. Finally, schedule routine checkups to catch any signs of issues before they worsen.
A healthy dog is a happy dog. Nourish them with love, feed them with care, and watch them thrive for years to come.
- Dr. Rokas Proscevicius
Final Thoughts
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas that stems from several causes. While it’s challenging to prevent it, there are ways we can protect our dogs from it. It just takes the right knowledge and help you can trust from our vets.
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