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Key Points:
Pancreatitis is a common condition in dogs, causing gastrointestinal signs and abdominal pain.
Risk factors include high-fat diet, obesity, underlying endocrine disease, and belonging to a high-risk breed. However, most cases have no identifiable cause.
Pancreatitis can be tricky to diagnose, and your veterinarian may need to run multiple tests.
Treatment often requires several days of hospitalization for IV fluid therapy and injectable medications.
Feeding a low-fat diet plays a key role in pancreatitis recovery and prevention.
Most dogs recover from acute pancreatitis within one week, but severe or recurrent cases can carry a guarded prognosis.
What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
If your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, it’s only natural to be confused and concerned. First, let’s start with a definition. The word “pancreatitis” means inflammation of the pancreas.
The pancreas is a gland located within the abdomen (belly), near the stomach. It has two primary roles:
Make digestive enzymes that help break down food
Make insulin and other hormones that regulate blood sugar
When the pancreatitis becomes inflamed, it can have negative impacts on digestion and on the rest of the body.
There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic.
Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly, makes dogs very sick, and requires prompt treatment. Most dogs needing veterinary care for pancreatitis are suffering from acute pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis, in contrast, develops gradually over time. Its symptoms may be mild, and it often goes undiagnosed.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs (and Signs It's Worsening)
The common clinical signs of pancreatitis are exactly the same as those signs caused by other gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses: GI upset, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Unfortunately, this means you can’t diagnose pancreatitis based on clinical signs alone. However, an understanding of the signs of pancreatitis can help you recognize when it may be a possibility.
Common gastrointestinal signs of pancreatitis include:
Vomiting, including vomiting yellow bile or food
Dry heaving
Diarrhea, with or without blood in your dog’s stool
Decreased appetite
Increased salivation (caused by nausea)
Abdominal pain can be tricky to detect in dogs, but there are some characteristic clues that suggest your dog might be uncomfortable. Some dogs walk with a stiff or hunched posture, as if they are guarding their belly.
Other dogs assume a characteristic “prayer position,” in which they bow their front end to the ground while holding their butt high in the air. This might sound like a play bow, but these dogs are not playful and they may hold that position for a prolonged period of time. It may sound odd, but you’ll recognize it if you see it. My own dog has held the “prayer position” during GI illness several times, and it’s a pretty unmistakable posture!
Finally, dogs with acute pancreatitis tend to act sick or “puny.” They may appear weak and lethargic; you may notice that they are laying alone instead of wanting cuddles and attention.
They may also run a fever, but this is difficult to assess without the use of a thermometer. (Dogs have a naturally higher body temperature than humans, so you can’t accurately assess a dog’s temperature based on feel!)
The classic dog with acute pancreatitis is pretty sick. They’re vomiting, they’re not wanting food, and they’re acting uncomfortable. They may have assumed the “prayer position” at home a few times, and they are probably laying around and acting lethargic.
Signs that pancreatitis may be worsening include repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal pain, marked weakness or lethargy, and an inability or unwillingness to eat or drink.
Chronic pancreatitis, in contrast, tends to cause few (if any) symptoms. Some dogs with chronic pancreatitis appear completely healthy. Others may show only mild or subtle signs of illness that go unrecognized for a long period of time.
What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Most cases of canine pancreatitis are idiopathic, meaning we can’t identify an underlying cause. However, there are risk factors that can increase a dog’s likelihood of developing pancreatitis.
These risk factors include:
Access to table food, trash, etc.
Obesity
Cushing’s disease (an endocrine disease causing excess cortisol production)
Diabetes mellitus
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
Hyperlipidemia (high levels of blood triglycerides)
Breed predisposition, especially Miniature Schnauzers but also Yorkies, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds
Certain medications, such as prednisone
Not all dogs with these characteristics will develop pancreatitis, and the condition can also occur in dogs with no identifiable risk factors. Still, knowing what makes your dog more susceptible can help you take steps to lower their chances of developing it.
Finally, while inflammation in any organ can be a problem, pancreatitis is especially risky. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes, and these enzymes are stored within specialized cells. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, these cells begin to leak their contents, causing the pancreas to begin digesting itself. This sets off a worsening chain reaction, triggering even greater inflammation within the pancreas.
How Vets Diagnose Pancreatitis
If your dog is showing signs of pancreatitis, like vomiting or abdominal pain, they need veterinary care. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine what’s causing your dog’s GI signs and abdominal pain without tests, and those tests can only be run by a veterinarian.
In some cases, it can be tough to determine whether a veterinary visit is really necessary. My Beagle mix likes to eat things he shouldn’t, so I’m very familiar with the “does this require a workup?” game!
In an otherwise healthy dog, one or two episodes of vomiting can usually be met with a period of watchful waiting. Monitor your dog closely to see whether they continue vomiting or develop additional signs, like pain and/or lethargy. If your dog vomits multiple times, or if their vomiting is accompanied by pain, lethargy, or other signs of illness, your dog needs veterinary care.
If you’re unsure, call your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital. They can help you determine whether your dog needs care and, if so, how urgently.
When you do see a veterinarian, be aware that diagnosing pancreatitis can prove challenging. There’s no single clue in your dog’s history, physical exam, or diagnostic workup that will tell your veterinarian whether your dog has pancreatitis. Severe vomiting can be caused by conditions other than pancreatitis, and some dogs with pancreatitis may only vomit a couple of times. Therefore, your veterinarian will probably need to perform a number of different tests to get to the bottom of your dog’s symptoms.
Your veterinarian will start by asking about your dog’s illness and medical history. Next, they will perform a complete nose-to-tail physical exam. Many conditions can mimic pancreatitis, but a thorough history and exam will help your veterinarian narrow down the potential causes of your dog’s illness.
Next, your veterinarian will likely recommend diagnostic tests. Blood tests, such as a complete blood cell count (CBC) and serum biochemistry profile, allow your veterinarian to look for diabetes, kidney failure, and other illnesses that may cause GI signs. Imaging, such as radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasound, are used to rule out intestinal blockages, abdominal tumors, and other abnormalities.
If preliminary testing leads your veterinarian to suspect pancreatitis, they will likely recommend testing your dog’s pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI). Many practices can perform a preliminary PLI assessment using an in-house rapid test. A negative result on an in-house PLI test suggests that pancreatitis is unlikely. A positive result indicates that pancreatitis is a possibility, so your dog’s blood should be sent to an outside laboratory for further testing.
Biopsies of the pancreas can also be used to diagnose pancreatitis, but this is rare. Pancreatic biopsies are very risky, because they trigger more damage to the pancreas.
Treatment of Pancreatitis in Dogs
It can be scary if your dog receives a diagnosis of pancreatitis. Fortunately, most dogs with pancreatitis recover with appropriate care.
Dogs with pancreatitis are usually hospitalized for intravenous (IV) fluid therapy. Fluid therapy helps correct dehydration, while also keeping blood flowing to your dog’s pancreas. Additionally, your dog will receive injectable medications to control nausea and abdominal pain.
In recent years, a new treatment has become available for pancreatitis: fuzapladib sodium. This injectable treatment is given once daily for 3 days to treat acute pancreatitis. Fuzapladib sodium decreases inflammation associated with pancreatitis, helping dogs recover faster and reducing the risk of serious complications.
Diet: What to Feed a Dog With Pancreatitis
When your dog is discharged from the veterinary hospital, you will need to feed a low-fat diet. High-fat diets are a known risk factor for pancreatitis, and they force the pancreas to work harder during a time that we want the pancreas to rest and recover.
Your veterinarian will likely prescribe a prescription low-fat diet, such as:
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat
Additionally, you should avoid high-fat treats while your dog recovers. Low-fat treat options include:
Hill's Prescription Diet Original Dog Treats
Royal Canin GI Low Fat Treats
Fresh vegetables, including baby carrots, green beans, and sweet potato
Follow your veterinarian’s feeding instructions closely, including both food type and how much to feed. Your veterinarian knows your dog’s history and can determine the best recovery diet for your individual dog.
Recovery Time and Long-Term Management
While pancreatitis is a scary and serious condition, the prognosis for recovery is good in most cases. At home, the best way to comfort your dog is to follow your veterinarian’s recovery plan closely, including giving prescribed medications, feeding the recommended diet, and providing a quiet place to rest.
If your dog has a mild case of acute pancreatitis, they will probably be hospitalized for 3 to 5 days of fluid therapy, injectable medications, and observation. They will likely come home with oral medications and a low-fat prescription diet. You may need to return to your veterinarian for a recheck exam after several days, to ensure that your dog is recovering as expected.
Dogs with severe pancreatitis, however, may need 1 to 2 weeks of hospitalization. This time is needed to rehydrate them and stabilize them enough for home care. Dogs with severe pancreatitis also typically come home on oral medication and a prescription diet. Additionally, further follow-up care may be needed. Unfortunately, some severe cases of pancreatitis can be fatal, even with appropriate treatment.
If your dog has had pancreatitis, they are at higher risk of future episodes. Your veterinarian will talk to you about steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk, including dietary management, weight loss (if indicated), and changes in medication(s).
How to Prevent Pancreatitis in Dogs
Many cases of pancreatitis are idiopathic, meaning they have no known cause. Therefore, there is no way to entirely eliminate your dog’s risk of pancreatitis.
However, there are steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk:
Feed a high-quality, veterinarian-recommended diet.
Avoid feeding table food, making a special effort to avoid fatty foods such as salmon skin.
Block your dog’s access to the trash.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular preventive care and checkups.
Manage underlying diseases (Cushing’s disease, diabetes, etc.) proactively.
Talk to your veterinarian about potential side effects of medications.
Finally, contact your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of illness. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for dogs with pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis Response Plan
Pancreatitis is a common GI condition in dogs, and it can be a serious one. Fortunately, you can reduce your dog’s risk by feeding a veterinarian-recommended low-fat diet, limiting your dog’s access to table food, keeping your dog at a healthy weight, and managing underlying conditions.
If your dog shows signs of pancreatitis, contact your veterinarian. Be prepared for a multi-step diagnostic workup, which will allow your veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis. Without a diagnosis, your veterinarian can’t develop an effective treatment plan for your dog.
With treatment, most dogs will recover from acute pancreatitis. However, your dog will always be at increased risk of future pancreatitis episodes. Therefore, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding nutrition and weight management.
FAQs:
Can my dog recover from pancreatitis?
Most dogs with pancreatitis recover within 1 to 2 weeks. However, severe pancreatitis and/or repeated episodes of pancreatitis can be fatal for some dogs. Your veterinarian will determine your dog’s prognosis based on their clinical signs and laboratory results.
What can trigger pancreatitis in dogs?
Most cases of canine pancreatitis are idiopathic, meaning they have no known trigger. However, several risk factors have been identified: high-fat diet, table scraps, obesity, Cushing’s disease, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and breed predispositions (especially in Miniature Schnauzers).
What is the life expectancy of a dog with pancreatitis?
Most dogs with mild pancreatitis go on to live normal, happy lives. However, severe or recurrent pancreatitis can have serious health impacts Your veterinarian can help you determine the expected impacts of your dog’s pancreatitis, based on your dog’s clinical appearance and laboratory abnormalities.
What does dog poop look like with pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis often triggers diarrhea in affected dogs. You may notice that your dog’s stool is soft or watery. It may have a foul odor, and you may notice blood in the stool. However, pancreatitis is one of many causes of canine diarrhea; a veterinary workup is necessary to determine whether your dog’s diarrhea is caused by pancreatitis.
