Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms & Solutions

The Science Behind Pancreatitis in Dogs

• Acute pancreatitis — Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and usually with significant pain and illness signs. An affected dog may have no previous pancreatitis history. Without prompt veterinary treatment, which often requires hospitalization to address pain, inflammatory damage, and dehydration, a severely affected dog can experience shock or die.
• Chronic pancreatitis — Chronic pancreatitis progresses gradually and may go undetected for months or years. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis in dogs may be subtle and nonspecific unless an acute flare-up (i.e., acute-on-chronic pancreatitis) occurs. Over time, persistent pancreatic inflammation can compromise a dog’s pancreatic function, resulting in secondary conditions and complications.

Why Do Dogs Get Pancreatitis?

• High-fat diets — According to Hanzlicek, high-fat diets and foods are primary pancreatitis culprits, especially if the food is introduced abruptly. “We often hear about the dog who gets into the trash and eats something fatty,” Hanzlicek says. Pancreatitis can also develop over time if an affected dog has a history of consuming fatty foods .
• Other health conditions —  Pancreatitis can occur secondary to other conditions including obesity, diabetes, and endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism. “It may also be caused by trauma to the pancreas from a car accident or from a tumor,” explains Brooks.
• Certain genetically predisposed breeds — Some breeds, such as miniature schnauzers, have an elevated pancreatitis risk. This is because they typically have altered fat metabolism.

How Is Pancreatitis in Dogs Diagnosed?

• Standard and specific blood work — In addition to standard blood work (e.g., a complete blood count and general chemistry), pancreas-specific testing is commonly used to measure pancreatic enzymes in your pup’s body. The specific canine pancreatic lipase (SPEC cPL) test is considered a highly sensitive and specific test, detecting 83% of pancreatitis cases. In addition, this diagnostic test is quick, convenient, and affordable.
• Abdominal ultrasound — Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive way to visualize a dog’s abdominal organs and look for tissue damage, swelling, and inflammation. However, ultrasound’s accuracy falls short of the SPEC cPL test, detecting roughly only 68% of pancreatitis cases in dogs.  

Treatment Options for Pancreatitis

• Fasting — Fasting can help your pup’s overtaxed pancreas recover and heal. Your veterinarian will guide you on when to reintroduce food, starting with a low-fat bland diet.
• Symptom relief — Veterinarian-prescribed pain and anti-nausea medications can ease a dog’s pancreatitis-related discomfort and illness. According to Hanzlicek, medication may be all that is necessary for mild cases. 
• Intensive care —  Hospitalization and intravenous (IV) fluid therapy may be necessary if your dog shows severe pancreatitis signs.  
• Diet — Unlike highly processed foods that can be hard on your pup’s system, fresh food diets, such as Ollie, are easily digestible, allowing your dog to receive maximum nutrition that supports—rather than irritates—normal body function.

Are Long-Term Issues Associated with Pancreatitis?

• Diabetes mellitus — Damaged pancreatic tissue cannot produce insulin in adequate amounts, resulting in uncontrollable blood glucose levels and diabetes. 
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) — Tissue damage can also compromise digestive enzyme production, resulting in an inability to process and absorb food nutrients. Dogs with EPI must be managed with supplemental enzymes.

Ways to Prevent Pancreatitis in Dogs

• Feeding a healthy low-fat diet — If your dog is at risk for pancreatitis, Hanzlicek recommends feeding a healthy, relatively low-fat diet, such as salmon, chicken, and turkey, which are low-fat proteins, and avoid feeding your pup fatty scraps. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals may also ease the pancreas’s workload. Fresh dog food, such as Ollie, is a great way to ensure your dog receives maximum nutrition that’s highly palatable and easy to digest.
• Supplementing your dog’s diet — Some studies have shown that vitamins E and C, beta-carotene, and methionine can help reduce a dog’s pancreatitis risk. Fish oil is also a great option because this supplement naturally lowers blood lipid levels. Always talk with your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog’s diet.
• Staying up-to-date on veterinary care — Yearly or twice-yearly veterinary wellness examinations and blood work are the best way to ensure early detection for a number of chronic canine conditions, including pancreatitis.
• Managing your dog’s weight — Regular exercise and a fresh healthy diet, like Ollie, is the perfect combination for achieving and maintaining your dog’s ideal weight. Because excess body fat is linked to a laundry list of chronic inflammatory diseases and a shorter life span, this small step can significantly promote your pup’s long-term health.  

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