Did you know dogs can get pancreatitis too?

Pancreatitis is a condition of middle-aged to older dogs and can occur suddenly after a high fat meal such as BBQ leftovers.

Overview

Pancreatitis is a serious condition that describes the severe inflammation of the pancreas gland. The pancreas is responsible for regulating a pet's blood sugar level. It commonly affects middle aged to older dogs as well as overweight dogs.

Breeds more commonly affected by pancreatitis:

• Miniature Schnauzer

• Miniature Poodle

• Yorkshire Terrier

• Silky Terrier

Signs

Common signs of a pancreatitis:

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Off food

• Diarrhoea

• Weight loss

• Weakness

• Fever

Causes

Common causes of pancreatitis:

• Unknown

• Sudden fatty meal such as BBQ leftovers, access to garbage

• Taruma

• Drugs such as corticosteroids, chemotherapeutic drugs, diuretics, anticonvulsants, NSAIDs, anti nausea

• Toxins

• Hypecalcaemia (Vitamin D overdose, kidney disease)

• Bacterial or viral infections

• Immune disease

• Obesity

Diagnosis is based on dietary history and clinical signs. Your veterinarian will perform a full examination of your pet, run bloodwork, urine tests, xrays or ultrasounds.

Management

Pancreatitis can be a challenging condition to treat. The goal is supportive therapy until the clinical signs resolve.

Veterinary treatment options:

• Hospitalisation

• Fluid therapy

• Special diet regime

• Medications to reduce vomiting, treat any infections, pain management

Unfortunately, in severe cases, pets may continue to deteriorate no matter what treatment. And in some cases, dogs develop life-threatening conditions such as kidney failure or diabetes.

Tips

Tips to help prevent a pancreatitis:

• Weight management

• Low fat diet

• Limited to no table scraps

• Regular veterinary examinations