Key highlights
Requires earliest veterinarian attention due to its adverse effects
Could be life-threatening
Attacks other organs of the body if not treated in time
Acute or chronic pancreatitis condition
Pancreatitis is a condition of inflammation (pain and swelling) of the pancreas, a glandular organ located
close to the stomach that makes enzymes to help digest food as well as produce insulin which regulates
glucose metabolism and blood sugar. It is a common and potentially dangerous gastrointestinal
condition in canines. The condition could be acute or chronic which can also attack other organs of the
body making it life-threatening.
The exact reason behind the pancreatitis is still not fully understood. However, there are some breeds in
canines that are prone to gastrointestinal sensitivity leading to this health issue. In addition to this,
diet also plays an important role in it.
What causes Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis can be triggered in dogs by :
High-fat diet or people food
Eating non-suitable stuff
Overweight
Hypothyroidism
Being unwell or recent surgery
Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Canines
In canines, the following symptoms can be associated with pancreatitis:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Anorexia or unhealthy appetite
Fever
Dehydration
Lethargy
Pain (Praying posture)
If the condition gets worse, your dog might also have:
Hard abdomen
Blood in vomiting and/or bloody diarrhea
Panting or trouble breathing
Unable to move or stand
Seizures
It is highly advised to go to the vet as soon as possible if you see the above-mentioned symptoms in your
dog!
Treatment of Pancreatitis
The veterinarian needs to run some tests to diagnose Pancreatitis in your dog, and the treatment plan will
be determined based on the severity of the condition.
For mild pancreatitis:
Anti-sickness medicine and strong pain relief
Reduce excessive activities
Transition to a low-fat diet
For severe pancreatitis, with the above-mentioned treatment, the dog might also need:
Hospitalization
IV fluid administration
Supportive medications
Veterinary Nursing
The prognosis of recovery depends on the severity of the dog’s condition. In most cases, the dog with mild
pancreatitis recovers fast and well, however, reoccurring episodes are possible. It should be taken into
consideration that pancreatitis could be fatal and must be treated aggressively.
Some frequently asked questions about Pancreatitis in canines?
1. Can it be transferred to other dogs?
No, pancreatitis is not transmittable. However, some breeds are more prone to get pancreatitis than
others. A few examples of that could be: Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles,
or other breeds.
2. How to know if my dog has pancreatitis?
The best and the only way to know if your dog has pancreatitis is through a proper physical examination
and running some tests by the vet. Some of the tests include but are not limited to, blood work, Snap
cPL, and/or ultrasound if required.
3. What to do if my dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis?
Proper care and medical treatment are required if your dog is diagnosed with pancreatitis. There might be
repeated episodes of this issue so close monitoring of the pet is highly advised. In case of severe
pancreatitis, it is advised to do regular checkups by the vet for the earliest suspect. As an owner, it is
instructed to switch the pet’s diet to low fat only, which helps to keep the pancreas stable and
healthy. It should also be taken into consideration that rich or fatty treats or table scraps can trigger an acute
episode of pancreatitis in prone dogs, which is why it should better be avoided.
4. What if I don’t treat the pancreatitis of my dog early?
Ignorance of pancreatitis can lead to life-threatening conditions. An instance of that could be multiple organ
failure and death. So, it is always better to have your dog looked at by the veterinarian even if you are in
doubt of pancreatitis.