Inflammation of the Pancreas in Dogs

There are various reasons why dogs develop an inflammatory condition of the pancreas. Although it is rarely possible to identify the exact cause of the inflammation, there is a correlation between this infection and both obesity and metabolic disorders.

It is important for your dog’s health and well-being that you act quickly if you notice signs of inflammation.

In the worst cases, the condition can be serious and may require emergency treatment by a veterinarian.

What is inflammation of the pancreas in dogs?

The pancreas is a long gland located right next to the duodenum in the stomach. This gland has two important tasks:

1. Secreting enzymes that help break down sugar and fat, so food and liquids can be absorbed by the body.
2. Producing insulin so that blood sugar levels remain optimally regulated.

If the body does not produce the correct amount of insulin, it can lead to both high and low blood sugar levels—both of which cause discomfort for the dog (just as they do for humans).

Inflammation can develop in the gland and can be either acute or chronic.

There is uncertainty about what triggers the inflammation. However, factors such as fatty foods, medication, and metabolic diseases are known to contribute to the development of pancreatic inflammation.

Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas?

There are two forms of pancreatic inflammation.

• Acute pancreatitis: This occurs when the gland produces additional digestive enzymes, which gradually break down the tissue and create an inflammatory reaction. This is a particularly serious condition that, in the worst case, can lead to the dog’s death. With prompt and appropriate treatment, dogs have a good chance of survival. However, permanent damage may occur in the pancreas, leading to the chronic variant of the inflammation.
• Chronic pancreatitis: The permanent damage means the pancreas does not produce sufficient enzymes to regulate blood sugar levels and optimally break down food.

What are the symptoms of pancreatic inflammation in dogs?

Symptoms of this inflammation are quite clear and affect the dog’s mental and physical well-being.

• Vomiting and sudden illness are the primary signs that inflammation has developed in the pancreas.
• Often, there will be bile (a yellowish fluid) mixed with the vomit, and the dog will experience abdominal pain.
• Other symptoms include reduced appetite, lethargy, fever, dehydration, and sleep disturbances.

These obvious signs of illness make it easier for you, as a dog owner, to contact the veterinarian as soon as you notice physical symptoms of inflammation. In many cases, symptoms may be strongest after the dog has eaten.

Diagnosing and treating pancreatic inflammation

It can be challenging for the veterinarian to make a precise diagnosis, as symptoms of pancreatic inflammation may resemble other conditions affecting the organ. Therefore, the result of the examination and consultation at the vet is likely to be a probable diagnosis, supported by a range of tests.

• The vet will typically take X-rays of the abdomen, perform ultrasounds, and take blood samples.
• Blood samples are used to check for imbalances in the enzymes that should be present in the pancreas.

Be aware that you may have to wait between the examination and the diagnosis because the blood samples are often sent to an external lab for analysis. As soon as the results come back, it is possible to reach a probable diagnosis and begin treatment.

If your dog tests positive for inflammation, it is critical to start treatment immediately. Your dog must not receive any food or water for 2–3 days to prevent further stress on the pancreas. Instead, it will receive fluids via an IV drip.

As the dog recovers, you can begin giving it small portions of low-fat food.

Medication will vary from case to case. In some situations, dogs need antibiotics, insulin, or anti-nausea medication.

What is the outlook after treatment for pancreatic inflammation?

Mild cases of pancreatitis can be managed and alleviated through dietary changes. By consistently providing the right food for the rest of your dog’s life, it can enjoy the same level of physical and mental well-being as dogs without pancreatic problems.

In severe cases, there is a risk of death and lasting complications. If your dog has had acute pancreatitis, it may subsequently develop diabetes or have recurring bouts of inflammation in the gland.

No matter what treatment your dog has undergone, it will need low-fat food for the rest of its life.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.