Canine Pancreatitis: An Overview

Canine pancreatitis is a significant health concern that demands attention due to its potentially serious and sometimes life-threatening consequences. This inflammatory condition, affecting a dog’s pancreas, can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms and complications. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of canine pancreatitis is crucial for pet owners, veterinarians, and anyone involved in the care of dogs.

We thought we were giving Brady wonderful care, but there were things we didn’t know or understand at the time. Now, we know ways we could have done better. Hopefully sharing our experiences will help take some confusion out of your journey. This introduction provides a glimpse into the nature of pancreatitis in dogs. Brady’s near death experience with acute pancreatitis set the stage for the rest of Brady’s life and our lives with him. We came through it as better dog parents. We feel he’s healthier in many ways now than he was before he got sick. Grateful for what we learned, we are pleased to share it with you.

What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?

The exact causes of canine pancreatitis are not always clear, but a bad diet, or eating high-fat foods are common triggers. Table scraps are notorious culprits. Something causes the dietary enzymes that break down food to activate before they hit the stomach and start damaging the pancreas. Small dog breeds such as miniature schnauzers, cocker spaniels, terriers, and miniature poodles are more susceptible because they tend to carry more fat in their bloodstream naturally. Obesity, and underlying health conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of pancreatitis.

We were living in Kyiv, Ukraine when Brady got sick. Like most dogs, he is a wagging vacuum and will gobble up any edibles that hit the ground. People in Kyiv would leave food out for street dogs and cats, so we had to pay careful attention when he was off leash. He’s an opportunistic feeder. Also, he’s such a friendly dog, especially when there’s food involved. We asked our street friends not to offer morsels of sausage and other tidbits to him, but Brady would charm them into a piece or two every chance he got. We feel a bit of guilt from not protecting him more, and now wish to share his story to help others avoid what we went through.

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs

Canine pancreatitis presents a range of signs and symptoms that can vary in severity. They include:

1. Gastrointestinal Distress: Dogs with pancreatitis often experience vomiting and diarrhea, which can be frequent and severe. The vomit may contain bile and have a yellowish appearance due to the presence of stomach acids.
2. Abdominal Pain: Your dog many show signs of abdominal discomfort or pain. They might adopt a hunched posture, shy away from touch, or show signs of restlessness. When we took Brady to our vet she immediately recognized the way Brady was standing as an indication of pancreatitis.
3. Loss of Appetite: A significant decrease in appetite is common in dogs with pancreatitis. They might refuse food or show disinterest in meals they normally enjoy. Brady would not eat.
4. Lethargy and Weakness: Dogs with pancreatitis often become lethargic, weak, and less active than usual. They may seem tired and unwilling to engage in normal activities
5. Dehydration: All the vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased fluid intake due to loss of appetite can lead to dehydration. Dry gums, sunken eyes, and seeing that a pinch of skin stays pinched when you let go, are ways to detect dehydration. In our case, Brady was excessively thirsty. He would go to his water bowl and drink for an abnormally long time, but then he would vomit it all up a few minutes later.
6. Fever: An elevated body temperature is a possible indicator of inflammation in response to pancreatitis. However, not all dogs with pancreatitis will have a fever. Brady did not.
7. Difficulty Breathing: In severe cases, inflammation of the pancreas can lead to fluid around the lungs, which can cause difficulty breathing. Thankfully, Brady did not get to this point.
8. Irritability: Dogs in pain might become irritable or exhibit changes in behavior. They may become more sensitive to touch and interactions.

Brady started vomiting up a yellow foamy mess one evening and did so until he was exhausted. He was listless and lying around that afternoon which was highly unusual. We knew Brady well enough to understand that he was in a bad way, and the next morning Julie insisted that we take him right away a few blocks down our street to our local veterinarian. Taking him as soon as the vet opened that morning probably saved his life. Even so, it was touch and go for days, which was agonizing for us, as it would be for any dog parent.

It is important to note that the severity of these symptoms can vary. Mild cases might present with only a few of these signs. Looking back we see that there were warning signs before he was in acute distress. He had diarrhea for several days, and he’d had a vomiting episode a few days earlier, but it resolved within an hour, so we thought he ate something that disagreed with him. We now take vomiting much more seriously. If it happens just once and it looks like food coming up, then we just watch him. That happens very rarely these days. If we ever see that foamy stuff again, we will go to the vet immediately. We also pay attention to his poop when we collect it on his walks. He does not get diarrhea anymore because his diet is healthy and consistent, but we would take him to the vet if he started to have a problem like that.

If you suspect your dog has pancreatitis, it’s crucial to seek prompt veterinary care for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Treating Your Dog for Canine Pancreatitis

Treating canine pancreatitis typically involves a combination of medical interventions, supportive care, and dietary management.

Here are the key aspects of treating your dog for pancreatitis. It is not something to hesitate over if you suspect your little family member is sick.

1. Veterinary Evaluation: If you suspect pancreatitis, go to your vet immediately. They will perform a physical exam, draw blood to assess pancreatic enzyme levels, and possibly use an ultrasound or X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity.
2. Hospitalization: In severe cases, hospitalization might be necessary. In the hospital they will receive IV fluids to address dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and maintain blood pressure.
3. Medications: Pain management is crucial, so your veterinarian may prescribe pain medications to keep your dog comfortable. Anti-nausea medications may also be needed to help control vomiting.
4. Dietary Changes: During the acute phase, the vet may recommend no food for a day or two to allow the pancreas to rest. Once your dog starts eating again, they will need a special low-fat diet. This helps prevent further irritation of the pancreas and reduces the risk of recurrence.
5. Monitoring: Regular monitoring of your dog’s condition is essential, especially during the recovery phase. You need to pay attention to your dogs energy level, food and water consumption, and their poop. You also need to have several follow-up visits with your vet so they can track your dog’s progress, adjust medications if necessary, and ensure they are tolerating the new diet.
6. Long-Term Management: Long-term management after a bout of pancreatitis is crucial. To prevent another episode, keep them on a strict low-fat diet, and help them maintain a healthy weight with appropriate daily exercise. Keeping up with regular veterinary check-ups can help catch any potential issues early.

Brady’s treatment followed this path. He had acute pancreatitis so they immediately put him on IV therapy, aggressively treating him. No food intake either, to allow his pancreas to rest. We also had to take him to another vet soon after to finish his IV therapy and get an ultrasound. As soon as they saw the scan they admitted him to the hospital for 24-hour observation and care. He was there, on a constant IV drip, for 5 days. This vet was close to Julie’s school, so she was able to sit with him for a few hours every day, after work. She would go in and talk to him, petting him and encouraging him to keep fighting. Very touching to be honest. Now he’s been home for four years.  He eats a regular low-fat diet, gets regular exercise, and has regular check-ups with the vet. He is healthy and happy.

Conclusion

Canine pancreatitis is a complex and potentially life-threatening condition that requires both proactive prevention and prompt medical attention when symptoms arise. While the exact causes of this disease may vary, we cannot stress enough the importance of knowing what to look for so you can take action quickly if you suspect your dog may have pancreatitis. Timely diagnosis and treatment are vital for ensuring the best possible outcome for an affected dog. Responsible pet ownership (especially those with small breeds)requires understanding the risk factors and symptoms. Avoiding high-fat foods and maintaining a healthy weight, are key to preventing pancreatitis and supporting the well-being of our sweet pups. And of course, always follow your veterinarian’s advice and recommendations for your dog’s health.

Our journey with Brady was a scary time for us, and seeing him so vulnerable and sick was heartbreaking. After a few months, we learned that the damage to his pancreas resulted in a canine diabetes diagnosis. We have that under control with diet, nutritional supplements, exercise, and insulin injections and his pancreas has recovered. However, we still pay extra attention to his moods and friskiness. We highly stress that you take your dog to your vet at the first sign of distress. It may be something minor, but if we had waited we probably would have lost Brady. As it is, he’s living his best life with us in Thailand, and we are grateful for all the joy he brings us every day.

We would love to hear from you and hear about your experiences. Has your dog ever had pancreatitis? Do you have any questions? Please leave your comments below!