What is the Pancreas?
The pancreas is a glandular organ that sits underneath the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas has two major roles: the release of digestive enzymes and the release of hormones (insulin and glucagon).
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a painful inflammatory condition in which digestive enzymes are prematurely activated and released within the pancreas itself, rather than in the digestive tract. This causes the pancreas to become inflamed and can cause irreversible tissue damage to the pancreas and even the liver. This can be an acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) condition.
In more severe cases pancreatitis can cause systemic inflammation and even temporary or permanent diabetes due to destruction of the hormone-producing pancreatic cells. Severe pancreatitis can be fatal cases despite treatment.
What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?
The most common causes are:
- Idiopathic (i.e. unknown cause).
- A sudden high fat meal. E.g. BBQ off-cuts, breaking into a bin, high fat diets, etc.
- Obesity.
- Breed predispositions. Miniature Schnauzers and English Cocker Spaniels are predisposed due to altered fat metabolism.
- Hormone imbalance. Diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), hypothyroidism, etc.
- Drug-induced (e.g. some antibiotics, insecticides can trigger pancreatitis).
- Trauma (car accident, abdominal surgery, etc.).
- Pancreatic tumour.
- Ascending infections from the gastrointestinal tract into the pancreas. This is uncommon in dogs and more common in cats and humans.
Signs of Pancreatitis
The classical signs of pancreatitis in dogs are vague and non-specific, the signs can occur suddenly or can be a waxing and waning condition:
- Reduced or loss of appetite.
- Vomiting with or without blood.
- Painful abdomen. Looked for hunched posture, praying posture or tense abdomen.
- Lethargy.
- Fever.
- Diarrhoea.
- Collapse.
How is Pancreatitis Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian may be suspicious of pancreatitis based on your pet’s recent history, breed, age, and physical examination. Your veterinarian may recommend blood testing to evaluate your pet’s organ function, including their kidneys, liver, pancreas, and red and white blood cells. There is a specific canine pancreatitis test (canine pancreatic lipase) that can help to diagnose this condition, however some early cases may not give a positive result.
Your veterinarian may recommend abdominal ultrasonography or radiographs (x-rays) which can provide additional information.
How is Pancreatitis Treated?
Pancreatitis is a painful condition that can be fatal in some cases. Some patients may be treated as an outpatient with take home medications, however some patients may require hospitalisation including transfer to an afterhours facility.
There are several key features of treatment for pancreatitis cases:
1/ Rehydration with intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy.
It is crucial to maximise blood flow to the pancreas while supporting other vital organs, particularly if the pet has been inappetent or vomiting causing dehydration
2/ Pain relief.
3/ Anti-nausea medication.
4/ Early feeding of a low-fat diet to restore gastrointestinal function.
- Patients that eat earlier in treatment have a better prognosis.
- Pain relief and anti-nausea medications can help to improve appetite.
- A low-fat diet is essential – commercial or homemade (boiled chicken and rice).
5/ Gastroprotectant medications. These are medications aiming to coat the gastrointestinal tract to minimise the risk of ulceration or perforation.
6/ Antibiotics if there is evidence of infection. In severe or complicated cases antibiotics may be required.
7/ Diagnosis and treatment of any underlying condition like Cushing’s disease or diabetes.
Source
- Dr Elle Burton-Bradley BAnVetBioSci (Hons I) DVM, Veterinarian, The Village Vet
- VCA Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com
