Pancreatitis in Dogs and Cats

Pancreatitis in Dogs and Cats

               Pancreatitis is a fairly common illness in both dogs and cats.  Causes vary and symptoms can range from mild to serious.  Let’s learn more about this disease and what can be done to prevent and treat pancreatitis.

               First, what does the pancreas do? The pancreas is a small elongated organ that sits adjacent to the small intestine and produces insulin which regulates blood sugar and digestive enzymes which aid digestion.  Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and the digestive enzymes that normally enter the intestine instead remain in the pancreas and can start to digest and inflame the pancreas even more.  Cases range from mild to severe and life-threatening.  Though often associated with eating high fat foods, garbage, or table scraps there may be other causes including bacterial infection, certain drugs, poor perfusion under anesthesia, abdominal trauma and Cushing’s Disease.  The underlying cause in the majority of cases is idiopathic or unknown.  Certain dog breeds also have an increased risk-Miniature Schnauzers are the most common breed affected but Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Poodles, and sled dogs also have an increased risk.  Cats have a particularly high risk of pancreatitis and as many as 45% of all cats may have asymptomatic pancreatitis.

               Loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain are common symptoms.  Some pets may experience dehydration or diarrhea and others may have no symptoms or very vague symptoms.  Severe pancreatitis causes more severe symptoms and pets may experience excruciating abdominal pain.  Diagnosis is often based on clinical signs and history, but ultrasound exam of the pancreas and/or certain blood tests may be used to confirm suspected cases. 

               Treatment may include anti-nausea medications, pain medications and a bland or low-fat diet.  More severe cases may require hospitalization with IV fluids in addition to the medications above, and antibiotics are occasionally used if an infection is suspected.  Some cases are refractory to treatment and may result in organ failure and euthanasia or death.   A new drug called Panoquell may reduce inflammation and pain more quickly in patients with severe pancreatitis and is given as an injection.

               High risk breeds with one or more episodes of pancreatitis may require a low-fat diet long term to reduce recurrence.  Avoiding feeding table scraps and high fat foods to dogs and cats, use of appropriate IV fluids and other measures to keep blood pressure normal during anesthesia and treating underlying illnesses such as Cushing’s disease may reduce the incidence of pancreatitis, but as stated, the cause of most cases of pancreatitis are unknown.  Prompt treatment of patients with vomiting and other symptoms of pancreatitis to prevent dehydration, maintain appetite and treatment of abdominal pain may prevent more severe symptoms.

               If your dog or cat experiences symptoms of pancreatitis, seek prompt veterinary care, particularly if you have a cat or high-risk breed.  Most cases can be treated with a good outcome. 

               This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/pancreatitis-and-other-disorders-of-the-pancreas-in-dogs