Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the pancreas. It occurs when digestive enzymes become activated within the pancreas and start “attacking” the organ, causing inflammation. Pancreatitis can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. It is seen more often in middle-aged to older dogs, obese dogs, and certain breeds like Terriers and Schnauzers. The prognosis for dogs with pancreatitis depends on how early it is caught and how severely the pancreas is affected. With proper treatment and supportive care, many dogs can make a full recovery from pancreatitis.
What is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
The pancreas is an organ located near the stomach that produces enzymes for digestion. It also produces insulin and other hormones. Pancreatitis occurs when the digestive enzymes become activated while still within the pancreas, causing inflammation and damage. This is often triggered by having high levels of fat in the bloodstream. The activated enzymes leak out into the abdominal cavity and start “digesting” the pancreas and surrounding tissues, which is very painful.
Some causes and risk factors for pancreatitis in dogs include:
- High fat meals
- Obesity
- Some medications or toxins
- Underlying diseases like diabetes or Cushing’s disease
- Trauma to the abdomen
- Certain breeds are more prone, including Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and other small Terriers
Signs of Pancreatitis
The most common signs of pancreatitis in dogs are:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Fever
More severe signs can include weakness, collapse, seizures or bloody stool. The symptoms often come on very suddenly in dogs. Owners may notice a loss of appetite followed by vomiting a day or two later. Abdominal pain may cause dogs to act restless, take a “prayer” posture with their front end lowered, or tuck their abdomen up.
Diagnosing Pancreatitis
A veterinarian will run several tests to check for pancreatitis, including:
- Complete blood count (checks for inflammation)
- Biochemistry profile (checks pancreas enzymes)
- Urinalysis
- Abdominal X-rays or ultrasound
The most specific test is a cPLI or SPEC cPL test, which measures levels of pancreatic lipase in the blood. Dogs with pancreatitis will have elevated levels. These tests can confirm a diagnosis and also monitor the severity. Mild cases may have cPLI levels less than 400 ug/L, while severe pancreatitis leads to levels over 1000 ug/L.
Treating Pancreatitis
The main goals in treating pancreatitis are to:
- Manage pain and inflammation
- Provide intravenous fluids for hydration
- Prevent complications
- Control nausea and vomiting
Treatment usually involves hospitalization for a few days up to a week. Dogs are put on IV fluid therapy to prevent dehydration and may be given pain relievers like opioids. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a high risk of infection setting in. Once the dog is eating again, a bland, low-fat diet will be recommended for a period of time. Any underlying conditions or triggers should also be addressed.
What is the Prognosis for Dogs with Pancreatitis?
The prognosis depends on the severity of inflammation and how quickly treatment is started. Mild cases of pancreatitis have an excellent prognosis, with over 90% of dogs making a full recovery with proper treatment. The outlook is more guarded for severe cases.
Factors that affect the prognosis include:
- Severity of inflammation – mild, moderate or severe
- Presence of systemic complications – sepsis, DIC, pleural effusion, etc.
- If necrosis has developed in the pancreas
- The dog’s overall health status
- How quickly treatment is started
Dogs that receive prompt veterinary care have the best chance for recovery. With aggressive IV fluids, pain management, and supportive care, many dogs recover within 3-5 days. However, some dogs may have a prolonged, difficult course lasting 2-4 weeks.
In general, the mortality rate for dogs with pancreatitis is about 10-30%. Dogs with milder pancreatitis have less than a 10% mortality rate. This rate rises to 20-30% in severe cases, especially if necrosis or systemic complications develop. Working with a veterinary critical care specialist improves the odds of recovery in difficult cases.
Long Term Outlook After Recovery
Many dogs make a full recovery and lead normal lives following an episode of pancreatitis. However, the condition is prone to recurrence in some cases. Steps should be taken to minimize risks going forward.
Recommendations include:
- Feeding a low-fat diet long-term
- Avoiding table scraps or high-fat treats
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Limiting stress
- Prescription diet if needed
It’s estimated that about 25% of dogs have at least one repeated episode of pancreatitis. Some dogs go on to deal with chronic pancreatitis, which is marked by persistent inflammation. This leads to irreversible pancreatic damage over time. Dogs with chronic pancreatitis may require long-term treatment and management.
The long-term prognosis is generally good for dogs that recovered well from an initial episode, as long as steps are taken to minimize risks. Work closely with your veterinarian to develop the best plan for your dog. Report any recurrence of symptoms promptly, as earlier treatment leads to better outcomes.
Conclusion
Pancreatitis can be a very serious illness in dogs, but the prognosis is generally good in mild to moderate cases that receive timely treatment. With aggressive IV fluid therapy, pain control, anti-nausea medication, and monitoring, most dogs show improvement within 3-5 days. However, severe cases do carry a higher mortality risk of 20-30%.
Dogs that recovered well from an episode of pancreatitis can go on to live normal lives with a low-fat diet and some lifestyle adjustments. However, some dogs are prone to repeated bouts or may develop chronic pancreatitis. Close monitoring and follow-up care with a veterinarian are advised, especially if your dog has any recurrence of symptoms. Prompt treatment greatly improves the prognosis.