What You Need to Know About Pancreatitis in Dogs

Pancreatitis in dogs is a serious illness that can even be fatal. You might have heard of it before because it’s relatively common. Some research has indicated around 1.5% of dogs and cats have lesions that could develop into pancreatitis.  

Though any dog can develop pancreatitis, it’s more common in female dogs and in their middle age. Certain breeds are more prone to developing it than others. If you have a Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel or Yorkshire Terrier you’ll want to be even more aware of the dangers of pancreatitis in dogs.

We’ve gathered the most important information, so you’ll know what to look out for if your dog shows symptoms of pancreatitis.

What is pancreatitis, exactly?

The pancreas is an organ that helps dogs digest food. It produces enzymes into the small intestine, and these enzymes help your dog to break down their food. And to absorb the nutrients from their food.

The pancreas also secretes hormones for regulatory purposes. Many people don’t know it, but insulin is made in the pancreas. So diabetes in dogs (or humans for that matter) is caused by a faulty pancreas.

Pancreatitis in dogs, on the other hand, is simply a long word for inflammation of the pancreas.

Although that might sound fairly harmless, it can be very serious. It’s not only painful for your dog; it causes infection and even abscesses too. This can result in part of the pancreas dying off. Severe pancreatitis can inflame other parts of your dog’s organs, such as the lungs, blood systems, and cardiovascular system.

There are two types of pancreatitis in dogs: acute and chronic.

Acute means the inflammation is sudden. It can usually be treated successfully with no permanent damage. Chronic means the inflammation has happened over a month or more. In this kind, the pancreas is usually damaged. Going forward, it means the pancreas is less able to produce digestive enzymes and insulin, which can affect how your dog digests food.

Causes of pancreatitis in dogs

Pancreatitis in dogs happens when something irritates the pancreatitis. However, it’s considered an idiopathic disease. That means experts don’t know the exact reason it happens.

Vets do know it can be triggered by a fatty meal or sometimes a cortisol injection, however other contributing factors aren’t clear. And it can also occur spontaneously, without an obvious cause.

There are quite a few theories around why a dog might develop pancreatitis:

• Your dog ate something that didn’t agree with them
• The dog has been eating high-fat food (especially human food like fatty meats. Read more about what dogs can eat from your pantry)
• There’s been some type of trauma or injury to the pancreas
• Other parts of the body are inflamed and have inflamed the pancreas
• Cancer
• Medications like atropine, azathioprine, chlorothiazide, oestrogen, furosemide, tetracyclines, and L-asparaginase have been shown to be possible causes of pancreatitis
• There’s a blockage in the pancreatic duct
• High blood calcium levels
• Bacterial infections
• Inflammation of the liver, stomach, or small intestine
• High blood cholesterol levels

And as mentioned earlier, some dog breeds are more prone to it than others. In a purebred dog, there are usually conditions which crop up more often in some breeds than others. For instance, epilepsy in Beagles, hip dysplasia in German Shepherds and Labradors, and IVDD in Dachshunds.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

During a pancreatic attack, your dog may take a ‘praying’ or play bow position, due to pain. Their hind quarters will be up in the air while their front legs and head are lowered down onto the floor.

Treatment of canine pancreatitis

When a dog is diagnosed with pancreatitis, the first step is to get them hydrated. They might be put on a drip to restore fluids and get their electrolyte levels back to normal. Pain medication and sometimes antibiotics will also be given.  

When pancreatitis in dogs is suspected (or confirmed), vets will withhold food and water initially. The dog will be hydrated via IV and the pancreas will be given a chance to “calm down” and recover. If the pancreatitis is severe, they might need surgery to remove dead tissue and abscesses, or to unblock ducts in the pancreas.

How to prevent pancreatitis in dogs

Because it’s idiopathic and nobody is 100% sure of what causes each case of pancreatitis, you might think there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. Or, you may be under the illusion that only obese dogs get it.

While obesity definitely raises their risk of your dog developing pancreatitis, it isn’t the only factor. However, you’ll want to keep your dog’s weight in check anyway – pet obesity can cause all kinds of health problems.

But even if you have a pup who’s a healthy weight, they can develop pancreatitis. To help minimise their risk, you should avoid giving them food high in trans fats, and try to stop them from eating things they shouldn’t (like rummaging through that discarded KFC box on your walk).

If you have one of the breeds that’s more prone to developing pancreatitis, you may want to avoid giving them certain medications unless absolutely unavoidable. They’re listed under the causes of pancreatitis, and they’ve all been associated with the development of pancreatitis in dogs. Better safe than sorry!

Are eggs ok for dogs with pancreatitis? Cheese? Peanut butter? Coconut oil?

Cheese is high in fat, so can definitely contribute to an attack of pancreatitis. On top of that, dogs are lactose intolerant. So it’s best to skip the cheese, even if they love it. Similarly, coconut oil is high in fat. Although it’s sometimes added to feed for dogs with skin conditions, it can be a risk to dogs who are prone to pancreatitis. Limit your dog’s coconut oil intake where possible, and try to avoid it altogether if your dog is high-risk.

Due to the high fat content, peanut butter is another possible culprit in pancreatic attacks. However, a little bit of peanut butter here and there can be part of a healthy diet, thanks to the protein, vitamin B, niacin and vitamin E it offers. Just don’t feed it too often and be sure you’re choosing a peanut butter with no added sugar or salt. Make triple sure there’s no xylitol either, as xylitol toxicity can be fatal.

Eggs are a good choice to feed when your dog is allowed to eat again, but the yolk can be high in fat. Stick to cooked egg whites prepared without added fat and salt.

More pancreatitis FAQs

There are a lot of specific questions and queries out there about pancreatitis in dogs. Which is great because it shows that Kiwis know about this health risk.

If you’re not sure about something, perhaps one of these most-asked questions will give you the answer you need:

• Is pancreatitis in dogs fatal?

Most mild forms of pancreatitis are not fatal. However, they do have to be treated promptly and aggressively. If your dog doesn’t receive swift treatment then yes, it can be fatal.

• How long does pancreatitis last in dogs?

Most mild cases resolve within 2 to 3 days of treatment. More severe cases may need a hospital stay of a week or more.

• Does stress cause pancreatitis in dogs?

Chronic stress has been shown to increase the risk of pancreatitis in dogs.

How can I help my dog with pancreatitis?

Prompt vet treatment is the key to making your dog feel better. After they have seen a vet, it’s best to stay away from fatty foods and make sure your dog is a healthy weight.

If your dog does come down with pancreatitis, you don’t want to have to delay while you check the finances and try to work out if you can afford treatment. A PD dog insurance plan can help cover the cost of vet visits for treatment for accidents and illnesses, as well as third party liability and more.

That means you can always do what’s right for your dog, not for your bank balance.