Raising Awareness: Pancreatitis

You need to know about doggy pancreatitis.

Unfortunately, we just had a first-hand experience with Mickey, Royal Pet Box's chief dog product tester, being diagnosed with pancreatitis. He was misdiagnosed three times before a local veterinarian, who recently graduated from vet school, tested him for pancreatitis. Thank goodness he did - Mickey required a two-day hospital stay to get him back to good health. After researching his issue, we found that pancreatitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect dogs of any breed, age, or size and it is often misdiagnosed. It turns out that the pancreas, an organ located near the stomach, plays a crucial role in digestion by producing enzymes that help break down food and regulate blood sugar levels. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, a condition known as pancreatitis occurs, disrupting its normal function and causing a range of symptoms that can vary in severity.

Causes of Pancreatitis

The exact cause of pancreatitis in dogs is often unknown, but research shows several factors can contribute to its development. These include:

• Dietary Indiscretion: Consuming high-fat foods, especially in large quantities, can trigger pancreatitis in some dogs.
• Obesity: Overweight dogs are at an increased risk of developing pancreatitis, as excess body fat can put strain on the pancreas.
• Certain Medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, have been linked to pancreatitis in dogs.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Dogs with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or Cushing's disease may be more susceptible.
• Genetics: Certain breeds, including Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, and Miniature Poodles appear to be predisposed.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

The symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition. Common signs to watch for include:

• Loss of Appetite: Dogs with pancreatitis may lose interest in food or refuse to eat altogether.
• Vomiting: Persistent vomiting, sometimes accompanied by yellowish bile, is a common symptom.
• Abdominal Pain: Dogs may exhibit restlessness, pacing, or reluctance to be touched around the abdomen.
• Diarrhea: Some dogs may experience diarrhea, which can be watery or contain blood.
• Lethargy: A general lack of energy or enthusiasm for normal activities is often observed.
• Dehydration: Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may exacerbate the condition.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Keeping a detailed log of your dog's symptoms, diet, and vet visits is invaluable when managing a condition like pancreatitis — our My Pet Journal gives you a dedicated space to track everything in one organized place. If pancreatitis is suspected, a veterinarian will typically perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork with a specific test for pancreatitis, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or X-rays), and additional tests. In Mickey's case, he had both x-rays and a pancreatitis-specific Canine Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity test (also known as cPLI or Lipase), and they performed a standard blood panel. The "Lipase" test clearly showed he had pancreatitis. I always ask my veterinarian for the actual printed test results so I can compare and track the results over time.

Treatment for pancreatitis in dogs typically involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms and allow the pancreas to heal. This may include:

• Fasting: Withholding food for 24 to 48 hours allows the pancreas to rest and reduces the workload on the organ.
• Intravenous Fluids: Hydration is essential, especially if vomiting or experiencing diarrhea.
• Pain Management: Medications may be prescribed to help alleviate abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Anti-nausea Medications: Drugs to control vomiting may be administered to provide relief and prevent further dehydration.
• Dietary Management: Once stabilized, a low-fat, easily digestible diet may be recommended to prevent future episodes.

In severe cases, such as what Mickey had, hospitalization and intensive care may be necessary. We are sure glad we have Healthy Paws medical insurance for him! Prognosis varies depending on the severity of the condition and how promptly treatment is initiated.

Preventing Pancreatitis

While it may not always be possible to prevent pancreatitis, there are steps pet owners can take to reduce their dog's risk:

• Feed a Balanced Diet: Avoid feeding dogs high-fat or greasy foods, and stick to a balanced diet formulated for their specific nutritional needs.
• Limit Table Scraps: Resist the temptation to feed dogs leftovers or table scraps, as these can be high in fat.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keep dogs at a healthy weight through regular exercise and portion control.
• Monitor Medications: Be aware of the potential side effects of any medications your dog is taking.
• Regular Veterinary Care: Schedule routine wellness exams, and seek prompt veterinary attention if you notice any signs of illness. If you suspect pancreatitis, ask your doctor to test for it specifically.

Through our journey, we learned that pancreatitis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, pet owners can take proactive steps to help protect their canine companions' health and well-being. We are glad we found a veterinarian that was able to correctly diagnose Mickey and he is now his happy and playful self again!

Pancreatitis is a serious medical condition that requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms described here can overlap with many other illnesses, so please don’t try to diagnose or treat your dog at home — if you suspect pancreatitis, contact your veterinarian right away. Any feeding plan, supplement, or medication change for a dog recovering from pancreatitis should be made under direct veterinary supervision.

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Paris Deesing holds a degree in Biological Anthropology from UCLA. Her articles draw on careful research and a long-held curiosity about the animals who share our lives.