Pancreatitis signs in dogs

What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause sudden or gradual illness, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening. Early recognition and veterinary care are critical for recovery.

Common symptoms to look out for:

• Vomiting (often repeatedly or over several days)
• Loss of appetite (inappetence) or refusing food
• Abdominal pain; dogs may assume a “praying position” with their rear up and front down to relieve discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy, depression, or general weakness
• Dehydration, sometimes with sunken eyes and dry mouth
• Fever
• Hunched back or a tense, bloated abdomen

Severe cases can rapidly progress to shock, collapse, and involvement of other organs, so immediate veterinary attention is warranted if these signs appear.

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Diagnosis:

• Clinical assessment: Vets consider symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy, and take a thorough history and physical exam.
• Blood tests: Measurement of pancreatic enzymes, particularly using the Spec cPL (Specific Canine Pancreatic Lipase) test, is commonly used to detect pancreatitis.​
• Imaging: Abdominal ultrasound helps identify pancreatic inflammation or swelling, though changes may only be evident in severe cases.​
• Additional diagnostics: X-rays, urine and fecal exams, and, rarely, more advanced imaging or exploratory surgery may be recommended in unclear cases.​

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Causes:
The exact cause of pancreatitis is unknown, most commonly triggered by eating highly processed foods or a diet consisting of a high fat content, although can also be a side effect of your pets medication typically corticosteroids, in some cases pancreatitis will flare up spontaneously.

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Prevention:
Putting your pet on a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important parts of preventing pancreatitis. Our staff are always happy to help you pick the right diet for your pet. Although our animals are great at making us feel guilty when we are eating our food make sure not to give in to temptation, there are many heathier alternative treats for our pets but these should also be given in moderation.

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Treatment:

• Supportive care: Most crucial is intravenous fluid therapy to correct dehydration and support circulation; anti-nausea medications, pain relief, and sometimes gastroprotectants are administered.​
• Nutritional management: Dogs are usually fasted briefly to rest the pancreas, then introduced cautiously to a highly digestible, low-fat diet as soon as possible.​
• Medications: Antiemetics (to control vomiting), analgesics (for pain), and in some cases, antibiotics if infection is suspected, are key aspects of care.​
• Monitoring: Hospitalization for moderate to severe cases is typical, with close observation and adjustments in therapy based on the pet’s progress.​
• Long-term management: After recovery, ongoing dietary control with low-fat foods and avoiding fatty treats helps prevent recurrence.​

If you believe your pet is experiences symptoms of pancreatitis or want to talk to one of our veterinarians about pancreatitis please give us a call to book an appointment.