Pancreatitis in Dogs

There are various reasons why dogs develop inflammation in the pancreas. Although it is rarely possible to pinpoint the exact cause of the inflammation, there is a link between the infection and factors such as obesity and metabolic diseases.

It is crucial for the dog’s health and well-being that you respond quickly when you notice signs of the inflammation.

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

What is pancreatitis in dogs?

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

• Secretion of enzymes that help break down sugars and fats, allowing food and liquids to be absorbed into the body.
• Production of insulin to keep blood sugar levels optimally regulated.

If the body does not secrete the right amount of insulin, it can lead to both high and low blood sugar levels. Both conditions cause discomfort and distress to the dog (just as they would affect humans).

Inflammation can occur in the gland, which can be either acute or chronic.

There is uncertainty about what triggers the inflammation. However, factors such as fatty food, medication, and metabolic diseases contribute to the development of inflammation in the pancreas.

Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas?

There are two types of inflammation in the pancreas.

The acute form is where extra digestive enzymes are produced in the gland, gradually breaking down the tissue and creating an inflammatory response.

This is a particularly serious condition, which in the worst case can lead to death in the dog.

When the right treatment is administered quickly, the dog has a good and significant chance of survival. Permanent damage to the pancreas, which leads to the chronic variant of the inflammation, will have occurred.

The lasting damage means that the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to regulate blood sugar levels and optimally break down food.

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs?

There are clear symptoms of the inflammation, affecting both the mental and physical well-being of the dog.

Vomiting and sudden illness are the primary signs of inflammation in the gland in the stomach.

There is often bile (yellowish fluid) mixed with the vomit, and the dog will experience abdominal pain.

Other symptoms include reduced appetite, sadness, fever, dehydration, and sleep disturbances.

The clear signs of illness make it easy for you as a dog owner to contact the veterinarian as soon as the inflammation manifests itself in physical symptoms.

In many cases, symptoms appear most strongly after eating.

Diagnosing and treating pancreatitis

It can be challenging for the veterinarian to make a precise diagnosis, as symptoms of pancreatitis can resemble other conditions in the organ. Therefore, the result of an examination and consultation at the veterinarian’s office will end as a probability diagnosis, where several different tests are performed.

The veterinarian will, among other things, take X-rays of the abdominal cavity, perform ultrasound scans, and take blood tests. The purpose of the blood tests is to show if there are imbalances in the levels of enzymes that should be present in the pancreas.

You should expect some waiting time between examination and diagnosis. It is necessary to send the blood samples to an external laboratory for analysis. As soon as the results are available, it is possible to make a probability diagnosis and then start treatment.

If your dog tests positive for inflammation, it is important that treatment begins immediately. Your pet should not be fed or given water for 2-3 days. This prevents the pancreas from being affected and stressed. Instead, your pet will receive fluids through a drip.

As the dog recovers and starts feeling better, it can be offered small meals of low-fat food.

The type of medication your dog will need varies and is individual. In some cases, antibiotics, insulin, or anti-nausea medicine may be required.

What is the future after treatment for pancreatitis?

The mildest cases of pancreatic inflammation can be regulated and alleviated through diet changes. When you as an owner ensure you buy the right food for your dog for the rest of its life, it will enjoy the same degree of physical and mental well-being as dogs without problems with the pancreas.

In severe cases, there is a risk of death and permanent harm. If your dog has had acute pancreatitis, it may subsequently suffer from diabetes or experience recurring episodes of inflammation in the gland.

Regardless of the treatment course your pet has undergone, it must eat 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.