Inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis, is a painful condition characterized by an overproduction of digestive enzymes by the pancreas, which actually begin to damage the pancreatic tissue itself. Pancreatitis is most commonly seen in overweight, middle-aged female dogs, although any dog fed table scraps or high-fat diets may decrease. Heredity plays a major role in pancreatitis, with miniature schnauzers, miniature poodles, and cocker spaniels apparently at higher risk.
Signs of pancreatitis include loss of appetite, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and marked pain in the abdominal region, especially on the right side just behind the rib cage. Due to the similarity of clinical signs, acute episodes of pancreatitis must be differentiated from other gastrointestinal disorders, such as foreign bodies and intestinal obstructions.
Dogs with pancreatitis often adopt a “prayer” posture, with their front legs folded and their rear end raised in the air, in an attempt to relieve some of the pain. With severe flare-ups, dehydration, shock, and death can result if the pain and inflammation associated with pancreatitis are not quickly relieved.
To diagnose pancreatitis, veterinarians often measure blood levels of the pancreatic enzymes amylase and lipase, since one or both tend to be elevated during an acute attack. However, these values can be unreliable at times. As a result, other more specific tests for pancreatitis, such as the pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) assay, may be used to confirm a diagnosis. X-rays and ultrasound are also helpful in ruling out other possible causes of the clinical signs, such as intestinal obstructions.
In the past, when treating pancreatitis, it was recommended not to eat for a minimum of 48 hours to prevent the pancreas from secreting more digestive enzymes. However, research has shown that food should not be withheld in these dogs suffering from pancreatitis in order to maintain epithelial integrity within the intestines and minimize the chances of bacterial overgrowth and septicemia. This is assuming, of course, that the vomiting caused by pancreatitis can be controlled. A daily injection of the anti-nausea drug, maropitant (Cerenia), can be used to accomplish this goal.
With pancreatitis, antibiotics are sometimes (but not always) indicated to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Intravenous or subcutaneous fluids may be needed if dehydration is present or vomiting is difficult to control. Finally, because pancreatitis is a painful condition, your dog should be given vet-prescribed pain medication until the inflammation subsides.
Pancreatitis can be a recurring problem unless certain measures are implemented to minimize this risk. Failure to do so can put your dog at risk of developing diabetes mellitus, as digestive enzymes destroy the insulin-producing cells within the pancreas.
Steps you can take to help prevent pancreatitis include the following:
1. Switch your dog to a low-fat, easily digestible diet. Foods rich in fat and protein should be avoided. Your veterinarian can help you choose a brand for your particular pet.
2. Be careful when offering treats to your dog. Make sure they are low in calories and fat.
3. Inspect your yard daily and watch when you walk your dog for items he can grab and eat. Dietary indiscretion is one of the main causes of pancreatitis.
4. If your dog is overweight, you should shed those extra pounds through a combination of exercise and caloric restriction. Again, your veterinarian can help you determine the ideal weight for your dog and determine the daily caloric intake needed to achieve the desired weight.