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Pancreatitis in dogs

Has your dog recently been diagnosed with pancreatitis? We understand this can be a worrying time, and you may have lots of questions. While your vet is the best source of advice, we’ve put together this helpful guide to pancreatitis in dogs to support those conversations. Here, we’ll look at what causes pancreatitis in dogs, the common symptoms, and how vets typically manage this condition.

What is pancreatitis in dogs?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ located near the stomach and small intestine. The pancreas may be small, but it has some big jobs to do in the body. These include releasing digestive enzymes to help break down food and producing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose (sugar) levels.

During an episode of pancreatitis, digestive enzymes can become active while still in the pancreas, rather than in the small intestine. This leads to the pancreas starting to digest its own tissue, causing damage and inflammation.

There are two recognised forms of pancreatitis:

Acute – A sudden onset of inflammation, often involving swelling of the pancreas and tissue death. This form can be potentially fatal, but with prompt treatment, many cases are reversible with no lasting effects.

Chronic – A lower grade, ongoing inflammation that leads to irreversible scarring of the pancreas, affecting how well it functions. Dogs with chronic pancreatitis can experience repeat flare-ups over months or even years. In some cases, it may result in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs, a condition where the pancreas can no longer produce enough enzymes, leading to digestive concerns.

Pancreatitis in dogs – symptoms

Typical symptoms of pancreatitis can include:

  • Reduced appetite – your dog may eat less than normal
  • Abdominal pain – they might adopt unusual positions to ease the discomfort or react when their belly is touched
  • Nausea – lip licking or drooling can be a sign they feel unwell
  • Vomiting – this is one of the most common signs of pancreatitis
  • Diarrhoea – some dogs may have diarrhoea, which can occasionally contain blood
  • Lethargy – your dog may seem more tired than usual or appear withdrawn

Signs of worsening pancreatitis in dogs may include:

  • Repeated vomiting – severely affected dogs may struggle to keep food or water down, which can quickly lead to dehydration
  • Increasing pain – signs of worsening abdominal pain can indicate the condition is progressing
  • Weaknessdehydration and discomfort can cause affected dogs to become weak or unsteady
  • Collapse – in severe cases, dogs may collapse and could go into shock

How long does pancreatitis last in dogs?

Episodes of pancreatitis can vary greatly in severity. Some dogs may need intensive hospital care, while others can be managed as outpatients. Mild cases may improve within a few days of treatment, while more severe cases can take several weeks to resolve.

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What causes pancreatitis in dogs

In many cases, the exact cause of pancreatitis isn’t known – the technical term for this is ‘idiopathic’.

That said, certain factors can increase the risk of an episode developing, including:

  • Diet – eating unusual food items, a high-fat diet, table scraps or even raiding the bin can sometimes trigger pancreatitis
  • Obesity – carrying excess weight can raise the risk
  • Traumatic injury to the pancreas or abdomen – trauma, such as a road traffic accident or recent abdominal surgery, can cause damage. A drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the pancreas can also play a role
  • Age – dogs over 5 years of age are at a higher risk
  • Breed – some breeds are more likely to experience pancreatitis, including Cocker Spaniels, Terrier breeds, Miniature Schnauzers and Dachshunds.
  • Some medications – certain drugs, including potassium bromide, furosemide and some antibiotics, can increase risk
  • Other medical conditions – such as diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease or other common stomach problems in dogs

How to treat pancreatitis in dogs

Your vet will first aim to confirm whether your dog is experiencing pancreatitis. This usually starts with a thorough physical examination to check for signs of abdominal pain and dehydration. They may recommend blood tests and urine samples to look for markers of pancreatic inflammation and rule out other possible conditions. Diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound or X-rays, can also be helpful.

There’s no specific antidote for pancreatitis – treatment focuses on supportive care. Depending on how severe the episode is, your dog may need:

  • Pain relief – the type used will depend on your vet’s assessment. Some stronger options can only be given while your dog is in hospital
  • Intravenous fluid therapy – fluids given via a drip help correct dehydration and support normal blood pressure, reducing the risk of further tissue damage to the pancreas
  • Nutritional support – most dogs start eating again once nausea and pain are under control, but some may need temporary help via a feeding tube. Low-fat food is typically recommended
  • Anti-emetics – medication to reduce nausea and stop vomiting
  • Other medications – such as gastric acid suppression or antibiotics, if advised by your vet

If your dog is well enough to stay at home, your vet may prescribe oral pain relief and recommend changes to their diet.

Is pancreatitis serious in dogs?

Pancreatitis can be very serious for some dogs. The outlook depends on the type of pancreatitis and how severe the episode is. Getting your dog to a vet promptly for assessment gives them the best chance of a successful recovery.

Diet for pancreatitis in dogs

To help reduce the risk of future flare-ups, vets usually recommend a change in diet. High-fat foods (those containing more than 20% fat), table scraps and sudden diet changes should be avoided. A low-fat diet of less than 10% fat on a dry matter basis is typically advised, especially for dogs prone to hypertriglyceridemia (high levels of fat in the blood). 

Summary

Pancreatitis in dogs is a serious condition that affects many pets each year. Prompt assessment and treatment can improve your dog’s chances of a good recovery. After an episode, long-term management with a low-fat diet is often recommended. Always speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s health, and seek urgent help if you think your dog is experiencing a flare-up.