Pancreatitis in Pets
Pancreatitis
The pancreas is an organ that produces hormones (like insulin) and secretes enzymes into the intestines to aid digestion. Nestled between the stomach and small intestine, it tends to swell (usually painfully and potentially fatally) when it’s egregiously insulted through a variety of different causes. This inflammation and its effects on the body are referred to as pancreatitis.
Causes of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can occur after a dog eats a fatty food such as pork, beef, and some other human foods. Dogs that get into garbage can develop pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can also have other causes, including certain medications and some viral or bacterial infections.
When pancreatitis occurs, the pancreas releases enzymes and other substances into the surrounding area of the abdomen. These substances cause localized inflammation that damages the pancreas and nearby organs and can lead to life-threatening complications.
Signs of Pancreatitis
Diagnosing pancreatitis is difficult because the symptoms can be nonspecific. To make identification even more complex — and contribute to the disease’s ranking among the more commonly underdiagnosed diseases in small animal medicine — dogs and cats often suffer different symptoms.
Signs in cats can include:
- Anorexia
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Vomiting and hypothermia
- Fever
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal mass
Signs in dogs can include:
- Anorexia/no appetite
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
No single test can diagnose pancreatitis in all cases. Radiographs, ultrasound examinations, and blood work provide supportive information. More specific blood tests include a test called the PLI (pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity test), SPEC cPL (specific canine pancreatic lipase), and fPL (feline pancreas-specific lipase).
Affected Breeds
Though the heredity of the disease is not well understood, it’s clear that some breeds of dogs are predisposed. Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels, for example, are more likely to suffer episodes of pancreatitis.
Treatment
The mainstay of pancreatitis treatment is aggressive, supportive care including intravenous fluids, antibiotics, anti-nausea and anti-vomiting drugs, and pain medication. Another aspect of treatment may involve “resting” the stomach and intestines to give them time to heal and rebound. Your veterinarian may recommend withholding food and water until the pet is no longer vomiting. During that time, the patient can receive fluids by injection; sometimes, in severe cases, additional nutrition will be provided through intravenous feeding (directly into a vein) or placement of a feeding tube. If the pet does not respond to medical treatment, there are also surgical procedures to treat pancreatitis.
Severe pancreatitis can be fatal, regardless of veterinary intervention.
Prevention
Sometimes, a permanent diet change to a reduced-fat diet may be recommended. It is advised to discontinue any table food or other items that may contribute to future episodes of pancreatitis.