Pancreatitis in Dogs
Pancreatitis is a condition that affects our pets more often than we may realise. Understanding its intricacies, from its causes to its treatment, is essential for every pet owner. Here, we delve into the scientific and veterinary medicine perspective to provide you with valuable insights into pancreatitis.
What is the Pancreas?
Situated in close proximity to the stomach and the initial segment of the small intestine, the pancreas occupies a central role in orchestrating metabolic processes critical to the well-being of the body. Its functionality extends across two primary domains:
Digestive Enzyme Synthesis and Secretion: The pancreas serves as a primary source of various digestive enzymes essential for the breakdown of ingested nutrients. Through meticulous synthesis and controlled secretion, these enzymes play a pivotal role in facilitating the efficient digestion and absorption of dietary components along the gastrointestinal tract.
Endocrine Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis: Integral to its multifaceted role, the pancreas governs the intricate balance of blood glucose levels through the secretion of key hormones, notably insulin and glucagon. These hormones exert precise control over glucose uptake, utilization, and storage within target tissues, ensuring metabolic stability and cellular energy provision.
In essence, the pancreas emerges as a linchpin of metabolic regulation, intricately weaving together enzymatic and endocrine pathways to sustain physiological equilibrium. Appreciating its nuanced contributions underscores the imperative of diligent clinical management and therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving pancreatic function and metabolic health.
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, ranging from mild to severe cases with extensive tissue damage. The inflammation can lead to complications like secondary infections, pseudocysts, and even multiorgan failure.
Types of Pancreatitis:
Acute: sudden onset
Acute Recurrent: repeated sudden onset episodes
Chronic: ongoing low-grade symptoms
Complications Associated with Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can lead to various complications, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), where abnormal blood clotting occurs throughout the body, and multiple organ failure. Rare complications like Weber-Christian syndrome and pancreatic encephalopathy may also arise.
Causes and Predisposing Factors
While the exact cause remains unknown in animals, several factors predispose them to pancreatitis:
Middle age and older
History of gastrointestinal upset
Obesity
Genetic predisposition: Certain breeds like Miniature Schnauzers and Terriers are more susceptible.
Dietary indiscretion: Consumption of high-fat diets or sudden dietary changes.
Medications/toxins: Including certain antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, and exposure to certain insecticides.
Concurrent endocrine diseases: Such as diabetes mellitus or hyperadrenocorticism.
Trauma or surgery involving the pancreas
Tumors within the pancreas
Clinical Signs and Diagnosis
Common clinical signs comprise nausea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and reduced appetite, which can be common signs of other diseases both mild and severe.
Does your dog show any of the above signs?
Talk to a vet right away and get immediate professional advice pertaining to the cause of symptoms, and a personalised plan of what next steps to take.
Diagnosing pancreatitis can be difficult and requires a combination of medical history, clinical signs, laboratory tests, and imaging:
Blood Tests: Assessing hydration status, protein levels, electrolytes, and clotting profile.
Species-specific pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity: A crucial serum marker for diagnosis.
Imaging: Ultrasound is particularly useful for visualizing changes in the pancreas and other organs.
Treatment Approaches
Managing pancreatitis involves addressing underlying causes, maintaining fluid balance, managing pain, and providing nutritional support:
Intravenous Fluid Therapy: Vital for correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Pain Relief: Essential for patient comfort and gastrointestinal motility.
Gastrointestinal Medications: Including anti-nausea/vomiting drugs.
Nutrition: Early feeding with a low-fat diet is crucial for gut function and overall recovery.
Antibiotics: May be necessary in cases of infection or systemic complications.
Concurrent Disease Management: Treating underlying conditions is essential for effective pancreatitis management.
Prognosis and Prevention
Prognosis varies based on the severity of the disease. While mild cases have a good prognosis with proper treatment, severe cases may carry a more guarded outlook. Prevention involves feeding a low-fat diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and addressing predisposing factors.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kirra Balmanno
References
Silverstein, D. C., & Hopper, K. (2015). Acute pancreatitis. In D. C. Silverstein & K. Hopper (Eds.), Small Animal Critical Care Medicine (2nd ed., pp. 601-606). Elsevier.
Simpson, K. W. (2017). Canine pancreatitis: Diagnosis & management. Lecture presented at the Pacific Veterinary Conference.
Lazarov, L. (2020). Acute pancreatitis in dogs – age, breed and sex predisposition. Tradition and Modernity in Veterinary Medicine, 5(2), 10–14.
Need to talk to a vet? Book an appointment on-demand and have an online consultation with one of our veterinarians today.
Similar Articles
When & How to Use Veterinary Telemedicine