This weekend is Halloween, which means we’re officially entering the holiday season! The next few months give us plenty of opportunities to enjoy good food with good company. But all of these festivities can spell tummy troubles for our furry friends. This month, we’re looking at pancreatitis in dogs—from causes and symptoms to treatment and when to call your vet!
What Is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is painful and potentially deadly inflammation of the pancreas. It can be either acute or chronic, and symptoms range from mild to severe.
The pancreas is an internal organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin, which regulate blood sugar. When the pancreas is functioning normally, the enzymes don’t become active until they reach the small intestine.
During pancreatitis, these enzymes activate as soon as they’re released, causing inflammation and damage to the pancreas, surrounding tissue, and other organs. If this inflammation spreads, it can be a life-threatening situation.
What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?
The most common triggers of acute (AKA sudden onset) pancreatitis in dogs are rich, fatty foods and accidental ingestion of toxic substances. During the holidays, dogs are often treated to table scraps and high-fat human foods like gravy, fat trimmings, buttery potatoes, and turkey skin. Or they help themselves to tasty, toxic treats like grapes, garlic, and unguarded chocolate.
Chronic pancreatitis develops slowly over time. It often develops without any obvious signs of illness and may result from repeated bouts of mild acute pancreatitis. Other risk factors for pancreatitis in dogs include obesity, chronic illnesses such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, and elevated levels of fat in the blood (triglycerides).
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Symptoms of pancreatitis can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation and whether your dog’s condition is acute or chronic. Dogs with acute pancreatitis will show more serious clinical signs, such as:
- Severe lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Severe dehydration
- Fever
- Collapse and/or shock (in serious cases)
If your dog has been getting table scraps or has recently broken into the garbage can, these symptoms should immediately elicit the question: “Does my dog have pancreatitis?” During an acute flare-up, dogs may take a “praying position” with their rear end up in the air and their front legs and head lowered onto the floor. This posture is an attempt to relieve abdominal pain. It is a signal to call your veterinarian as soon as possible!
On the other hand, dogs with chronic pancreatitis may have symptoms that come and go for weeks or even months. These symptoms include:
- Intermittent appetite loss
- Occasional vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Lethargy or reduced energy
Chronic pancreatitis can often be diagnosed incidentally before an acute incident. That’s just one more reason why annual exams and lab work are such an important part of your pet’s wellness plan!
How To Treat Pancreatitis in Dogs
If your pet is showing symptoms of pancreatitis, time is everything! Prompt initiation of supportive care reduces the chances of permanent organ damage and even death.
With mild pancreatitis, the treatment plan involves managing pain and nausea. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a low-fat, easy-to-digest diet. Moderate to severe cases of pancreatitis may require several days of hospitalization and supportive care such as IV fluids and pain medications.
While the prognosis for many pets with mild to moderate pancreatitis is good, untreated inflammation can lead to shock and even sudden death. The longer treatment is delayed, the worse the prognosis gets.
Prevention Is The Best Medicine!
Not all flare-ups are caused by diet, but watching what they eat is still one of the best ways to prevent pancreatitis. If you host this holiday season, talk to guests ahead of time about not feeding your pets table scraps or rich human foods. Keep dinner scraps and trash secured and out of paws’ reach. You can even keep pet-safe snacks close at hand so your pets don’t feel left out!
Seasonal favorites like lean skinless turkey breast, sweet potatoes (without the salt and butter), and steamed green beans can give pets a taste of the holidays without the pain.
It’s also important to note that dogs who have had pancreatitis in the past are more prone to future flare-ups. Recurrence is common, and long-term management often requires a low-fat diet and avoiding triggers.
When In Doubt, Get In Touch
We know you already have enough on your mind this holiday season. Luckily, we’re here to help take the guesswork out of your pets’ wellness. If you’re about your pets, the team at Pine Point Animal Hospital is here to help. Give us a call at 503-912-4477 and we’ll do everything in our power to make sure your pup (or kitty!) gets the world-class care they deserve.