Pancreatitis
By Dr. Scott A. Koenig, DVM

Puppies & Kittens

Pets Who Look Like Their Kids

Forever Holiday

FAQ's

Links

Mail

What is the pancreas and what is pancreatitis?

The pancreas is a thin, tan-colored organ that lies just underneath the stomach next to the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.  This is in an area on the right side of the abdomen adjacent to the liver.  The pancreas is responsible for two main functions.  First, it produces hormones that play a big part in the body’s metabolic functions.  The most common hormone it produces is insulin, which is responsible for maintaining blood sugar levels.  The second function of the pancreas is the production and storage of certain digestive enzymes.  When the animal eats, food enters the stomach and small intestine where digestive enzymes are released by the stomach lining, liver and pancreas in order to digest the food so it can be absorbed.   

Pancreatitis is a severe, often life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.  This can be either a very severe acute problem or a less severe chronic problem. Under normal circumstances, the strong digestive enzymes that are stored in the pancreas are inactive while in the pancreas and thus do not damage it.  The enzymes only become active when they enter the intestine.  Pancreatitis occurs when these digestive enzymes for one reason or another become active while in the pancreas.  When this occurs, the enzymes actually start to digest the pancreas itself, as well as anything near it.  The digestive enzymes can also affect the liver, stomach and small intestines that lie near the pancreas and can even cause widespread damage throughout the abdomen.  The animal can also develop secondary heart problems, clotting disorders and hypotension (low blood pressure).  This severe inflammation and destruction of the affected cells and tissues is what causes the signs and symptoms that we see in our pet. 

What causes pancreatitis?

Any animal can get pancreatitis…. even yours.  However, there are some animals that are more likely to develop pancreatic problems than others.  Dogs are more likely than cats to develop a severe acute case, but cats do occasionally suffer from chronic mild cases.  Small, middle-aged to older spayed female dogs seem to have more of a predilection for disorders of the pancreas. Dogs that routinely eat a diet that is high in fat have more pancreatic episodes.  Overweight dogs have a much higher incidence than dogs that are at a more optimum body weight.     Miniature Schnauzers as a breed also tend to have higher rates of pancreatic problems than other breeds.   

While many different things can bring on a case of pancreatitis, many of the cases veterinarians see are dogs that have recently eaten a large fatty meal.  People love to pamper their pets, and one of the ways they do that is by giving them “treats” of people food.  These “treats” of a fast food hamburger and fries or a big chunk of grilled steak or even a pile of greasy chicken bones can easily bring on a bad case of pancreatitis.  Some dogs have been known to help themselves to a nice helping of brisket or other food left unattended on the kitchen table.  Sometimes they get it by digging through the trash.  However they manage to get it, the result could be pancreatitis and a trip to the veterinarian’s office. 

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?  How do I know if my dog has it?

Only your veterinarian can determine whether or not your dog has pancreatitis.  The symptoms are mainly related to the gastrointestinal tract and include:

            Vomiting (usually severe and acute)

            Diarrhea (sometimes with blood in it)

            Fever

            Lethargy

            Inappetance (does not want to eat or drink)

            Painful abdomen (groaning/grunting, standing in a prayer position, etc.)

            History of a recent dietary indiscretion  

These symptoms are non-specific and could be seen with many different problems or disorders.  If your pet has any of these symptoms, especially if they came on suddenly and are pretty severe, you should make an appointment to see your veterinarian as soon as possible.                                    

Back to top

How will my veterinarian be able to diagnose pancreatitis in my dog?

Usually a good physical exam and an accurate discussion of the dog’s symptoms, history and recent diet are enough to make your veterinarian suspect a possible pancreatitis.  Even if you are a little embarrassed for making “Fluffy” that grilled cheese and hot dog sandwich for her birthday, it is very important to be completely honest and up front with your veterinarian so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and treatment started as soon as possible.  Any information regarding your pet’s routine dietary habits or recent dietary indiscretions is very important.  

In most cases, routine blood work will be run to help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms and to determine any other problems that need to be addressed in the animal’s treatment ( electrolyte and mineral imbalances, dehydration, low blood sugar, etc.).  The enzymes lipase and amylase are released by the pancreas and are usually very elevated during pancreatitis.  These may be checked as well.  Your veterinarian may also take radiographs or perform an ultrasound of the abdomen to help make the diagnosis and determine the severity of the problem.  In some cases, abdominal fluid analysis and even biopsy of the pancreas may be necessary to make an accurate assessment.   

What is the treatment for pancreatitis?

Because of the potentially life-threatening nature of pancreatitis, immediate and aggressive treatment is required.  Most pets need to be hospitalized for several days on IV fluid therapy.  Severe vomiting very quickly causes dehydration and decreased blood pressure as well as electrolyte imbalances that can only be corrected with IV fluids and supplementation.  Since the pancreas is stimulated to produce and release more enzymes when the animal eats, it is imperative that the dog gets nothing by mouth (food, water, medications, etc.) for 48-72 hours.  Injectable antibiotics and medications are given to control vomiting, inflammation and secondary infections resulting from tissue damage and necrosis.  Once the pet’s vomiting has been controlled and dehydration has been corrected, the dog can be switched over to oral medications and will slowly be reintroduced to very bland and easily digestible food and small amounts of water.  If the dog continues to improve and vomiting episodes do not return, they can usually be discharged from the hospital.  Most cases if treated promptly and aggressively, can go home after a couple of days.  Dogs with severe cases, those that do not respond well to treatment and those that develop complications, may require extended hospitalization and treatment.  Some of these cases will need IV nutritional support, plasma transfusions or other intensive supportive treatments. 

What is my dog’s prognosis?  What should I expect?

Most dogs with mild acute cases of pancreatitis have a good prognosis for recovery.  As long as they are denied access to table scraps, fatty dog foods and garbage, most will have minimal, if any, recurring bouts in the future.  In some cases though, dogs that have had even mild cases of pancreatitis will need to be on special veterinary diets indefinitely to prevent recurrence.  Unfortunately, pets with very severe cases of pancreatitis and those that develop secondary complications have a more guarded prognosis for recovery.    

SUMMARY!

1. Pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
2. Pancreatitis has many causes but is very commonly seen in dogs after eating table scraps and fatty foods or getting into the garbage.
3. Signs and symptoms include severe vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, fever and inappetance.
4. Pancreatitis is diagnosed by your veterinarian through history and physical examination, blood work, radiology and/or ultrasound and in some cases surgical biopsy.
5. Treatment of pancreatitis involves hospitalization, IV fluid and electrolyte therapy, injectable antibiotics and other medications, withholding of food and water and occasionally even plasma transfusions or other intensive treatments.

Prognosis is different for each dog and depends on the severity of the case, time before going to your veterinarian for initiation of treatment and development of complications.

Home                Next