What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?
November 29, 2021
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is really just a fancy word meaning “inflammation of the pancreas.” The pancreas is responsible for the secretion of important digestive enzymes and factors necessary for vitamin absorption. It also secretes hormones to regulate blood glucose levels.
We know that pancreatitis occurs when the digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas get activated too early in the digestive process. This leads to digestion of the cells within the pancreas and, ultimately, inflammation in the pancreas and surrounding organs (small intestine, stomach, colon).
What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Unfortunately, we do not know what causes those digestive enzymes to become activated too early. In dogs, we know that risk factors for pancreatitis include:
- Obesity
- A high fat diet or table scraps (pancreatitis cases increase the day after Thanksgiving)
- Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushings’ disease)
- High levels of triglycerides or calcium in the bloodstream
- Some medications
- Obstruction of the pancreatic duct.
Certain dog breeds, such as English Cocker Spaniels, Schnauzers, and Shetland Sheepdogs, are predisposed to developing pancreatitis.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Clinical signs can vary but may include:
- Vomiting
- No interest in food
- Diarrhea
- An uncomfortable abdomen
- Lethargy
Sometimes, dogs with an uncomfortable abdomen will have a hunched position or will lie in a “prayer” position (their rear end up in the air while their front legs and head are lowered onto the floor.)
Because these clinical signs are vague and nonspecific, it is important that your pet be seen by a veterinarian to achieve a diagnosis and proper treatment.
Diagnosis of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can be tricky to diagnose! We typically start with baseline labwork, including a complete blood profile (CBC) and chemistry panel. Although we can see certain changes on this bloodwork that hint towards pancreatitis, we cannot achieve a true diagnosis with baseline bloodwork alone.
Abdominal imaging can be very helpful. We cannot see the pancreas specifically on abdominal x-rays, but we can sometimes see a lack of detail in the area of the pancreas in an animal with pancreatitis. X-rays also help us rule out other causes for vomiting. An abdominal ultrasound is very helpful as it actually allows us to see the pancreas and determine if it looks abnormal.
Specialized bloodwork, such as pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI), is also helpful in diagnosing pancreatitis.
Treatment for Pancreatitis
Unfortunately, there is no magical injection that we can give to treat pancreatitis. Mild pancreatitis may be treated on an outpatient basis with fluids under the skin and anti-nausea medications. Moderate to severe pancreatitis often needs to be treated with hospitalization for IV fluids, GI protectant medications, nutritional support, and monitoring of vital signs.
Complications Secondary to Pancreatitis
If pancreatitis is very severe, we can see complications such as transient or even permanent diabetes mellitus, bile duct obstruction, infection of the pancreas, and even multi-organ dysfunction and death.
Can You Prevent Pancreatitis?
It’s always a good idea to avoid feeding high fat foods and table scraps to your dog. Dogs who have experienced bouts of pancreatitis should remain on a low fat diet long term to try to prevent the recurrence of pancreatitis. Addressing obesity with a safe weight loss plan is also important.
Anytime your dog develops vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and/or refuses food, you should contact a veterinarian to discuss recommendations moving forward.