Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt veterinary attention. Pancreatitis can come and go in dogs, causing intermittent episodes of illness.
What is the pancreas and what does it do?
The pancreas is an organ located near the stomach that has two main functions:
- Secreting digestive enzymes that help break down food in the small intestine
- Producing hormones, including insulin and glucagon, that regulate blood sugar levels
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it cannot carry out these important functions properly.
What causes pancreatitis in dogs?
Some potential causes and risk factors for pancreatitis in dogs include:
- High-fat diets
- Obesity
- Some medications or toxins
- Trauma to the abdomen
- Bile duct or intestinal disease
- Endocrine disorders like Cushing’s disease or diabetes
- Genetic predisposition in some breeds
The exact cause is often unknown. Even a minor insult to the pancreas can trigger significant inflammation in susceptible dogs.
What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs?
Signs of pancreatitis in dogs may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
- Shock or collapse in severe cases
Some dogs will show mild, vague symptoms, while others will become very ill. The condition can worsen rapidly.
How is pancreatitis diagnosed in dogs?
To diagnose pancreatitis, a veterinarian will perform:
- A complete physical exam
- Blood tests to look for high levels of pancreatic enzymes
- Urinalysis
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Radiographs (x-rays)
- Possibly a biopsy of the pancreas
The combination of symptoms, physical exam findings, and diagnostic test results allow a vet to determine if a dog has pancreatitis.
Can pancreatitis come and go in dogs?
Yes, pancreatitis can come and go in dogs. Pancreatitis can be:
- Acute – Sudden and severe inflammation that develops over hours to days. Dogs may recover fully with treatment.
- Chronic – Milder but repetitive bouts of pancreatitis over months to years. Scarring of the pancreas develops over time.
- Acute recurrent – Repeated episodes of sudden severe inflammation with recovery after each flare-up. More damaging than chronic pancreatitis over the long-term.
Dogs with chronic or acute recurrent pancreatitis will have intermittent “flare-ups”. They appear completely normal and healthy between episodes.
What triggers flare-ups of pancreatitis?
Known and possible triggers for flare-ups include:
- Eating a high-fat meal
- Medications
- Stress
- Trauma
- Surgery
- Intestinal disease
- Metabolic disorders
- Idiopathic – No known cause
Flare-ups seem to occur randomly at times, while other times a trigger can be identified. Even with chronic pancreatitis, dogs can appear completely normal for weeks or months before the next episode.
How is acute recurring and chronic pancreatitis treated?
Treatment goals are to:
- Manage pain and nausea
- Control vomiting and diarrhea
- Correct dehydration
- Balance electrolytes
- Provide nutritional support
- Address any underlying disease
- Make dietary changes if needed
- Prescribe medications to minimize future flare-ups
Hospitalization for intravenous fluids, pain control, and nutritional support may be needed for more severe flare-ups. Between episodes, dogs should avoid dietary triggers. Some may need long-term medication.
What is the prognosis for dogs with chronic pancreatitis?
The long-term prognosis depends on:
- The severity and frequency of flare-ups
- How much irreversible damage has occurred
- If underlying disease can be controlled
- Ability to manage pain, nutrition, and other symptoms
Dogs can live for years with occasional flare-ups if their condition can be properly managed. But complications like chronic pain, digestive issues, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer can occur. Work closely with your veterinarian to provide the best care.
How can I prevent my dog from getting pancreatitis?
To help prevent pancreatitis:
- Feed a low-fat diet
- Avoid giving fatty scraps or treats
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit stress
- Gently switch dog food gradually
- Give medications as prescribed
- Have your dog examined if symptoms develop
While not always possible to prevent, these steps can reduce the risk of pancreatic inflammation in vulnerable dogs. Genetic predisposition also plays a role for some breeds.
Conclusion
Pancreatitis can definitely come and go in dogs. Some develop chronic pancreatitis with intermittent flare-ups and symptoms. While serious, it can often be managed with dietary changes, medications, and supportive care during acute episodes. Work closely with your vet to provide the best treatment for your dog if pancreatitis is suspected. Catching it early and limiting further damage to the pancreas offers the best prognosis.