Dog pancreatitis can either be acute or chronic, and both varieties can be mild or severe. Although there are a few different causes for it, sometimes it is idiopathic so no solid causation factor is able to be found. While treatment is available, it is certainly not cut-and-dry. It needs to be tailored to each dog, depending on severity, cause (if known), age, and weight in order for it to be effective.

What the Pancreas Does

The pancreas is located underneath the intestine and stomach. It is a glandular organ that has two very important functions. These include:

• Endocrine - Produce hormones, especially insulin, which is responsible for facilitating the storage and usage of proteins (amino acids) and sugar (glucose).
• Exocrine - Produce essential enzymes that are needed to properly digest consumed food.

When dog pancreatitis occurs, the pancreas becomes inflamed. This in turn results in a dangerous leakage of digestive enzymes, which means that digestion is starting to take place on the pancreas itself. The condition can come on very slowly over an extended period of time, or it can be acute, which means that it comes on suddenly, out of nowhere. Both forms are life-threatening.

Causes of Pancreatitis

In most cases, an exact cause is unknown, but there is a long list of things that can contribute to the condition. Just a few of the most common causes include:

• Canine obesity
• Contaminated water or food, especially common in outside dogs
• Diet rich in fat
• High fat content in the dog's blood
• Drugs and toxins, such as antibiotics, insecticides and diuretics
• Viral or bacterial infection
• Diabetes mellitus
• Cushing's disease

Although all dogs are at risk, middle age to older canines, especially those that are obese, are most susceptible. Females have a higher occurrence than males as well.

Signs and Symptoms

Learning the early warning signs might just save your dog's life. Keep in mind that symptoms vary from one animal to the next. While one dog may be more obvious, showing several symptoms, another may only show one.

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Low body temperature or fever
• Pain in the abdomen
• Dehydration

Diagnosis

If you suspect that your dog may have pancreatitis, you need to seek treatment right away. The vet will ask a lot of questions about the history of your dog, such as diet, where their food is kept, if they live outside, get into the garbage, etc. It is important that you answer all questions truthfully for a proper diagnosis.

They will also do blood tests, check pancreatic enzyme levels, do a physical exam and some may order a radiogram to rule out the possibility of a foreign object in the intestines.

Treatment

Dehydration is almost inevitable with dog pancreatitis so an IV is usually needed in early stages of treatment to monitor and maintain fluid levels and manage pain. Usually no food or water will be given by mouth for several days so the gastrointestinal system and pancreas can rest and heal.

At this point, a high-fiber, low-fat diet will typically be required. The vet may recommend specific supplements as well.