Pancreatitis in Dogs: Causes, Effects and Treatment

Pancreatitis in dogs refers to the inflammation of their pancreas, an organ that is responsible to both assist in the metabolism of sugars and to help with the digestion of nutrients by creating enzymes.  The enzymes created then allow for the digestive tract to better absorb the necessary vitamins and minerals and take them to where they need to go by means of the dog’s blood stream.  When pancreatitis in dogs occurs however, the nutrients are no longer being absorbed as effectively as they should be, which can lead to a number of different symptoms such as:

• Low appetite
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Painful, distended abdomen
• Yellow stool
• Fevers

If pancreatitis in dogs is not treated, this can lead to far more severe health issues, such as heart arrhythmias, difficulty breathing, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) which can cause internal hemorrhaging, or full-body infections, also referred to as “sepsis”.  Pancreatitis in dogs can also cause for the enzymes that are being released by the pancreas to start “digesting” other internal organs, which causes permanent and irreversible damage.

What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?

There are quite a few contributing factors to pancreatitis in dogs.  Some medications can be the culprit, or metabolic disorders can also be the cause.  Infections, obesity, and nutrition all play a role as well.  Dogs that have a fatty diet that consists of a lot of “people” food are prone to pancreatitis, and certain breeds are more susceptible as well, such as Schnauzers and Yorkshire terriers.

How is Pancreatitis in Dogs Treated?

The goal of treating pancreatitis in dogs is to allow the pancreas to rest.  This may begin by having the veterinarian instruct that you withhold any food, water and oral medications for at least 24 hours time.  Putting a stop to your pet’s intake of food and water will stop the pancreas from producing digestive enzymes.

If the dog seems to be doing better after that 24 hour fasting period, most veterinarians will advise that you slowly begin to feed your dog again, offering several small meals of bland and easily digestible food.  You want to also choose foods that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates.  As the week progresses, slowly offer more food with each meal.  Depending on your pet’s recovery, you may be able to slowly begin to re-introduce your dog’s original food into his or her diet again, but take a good hard look at what is in the food that you are feeding your pet and ask your veterinarian if the food may be a contributing factor to pacreatitis in dogs.

If your pet seems to still be suffering despite the fasting and reintroduction of a blander food, your veterinarian may advise other treatments such as fluid therapy, or pain relievers if your pet appears to be in pain.  Pancreatitis in dogs often will cause for you to also have to change their diet permanently, so be prepared to make a permanent switch to a veterinarian-recommended food.

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