Pancreatitis is a prevalent and serious disease that affects cats and dogs, especially around the holidays. Unfortunately, many pet owners are unaware that they may unknowingly be increasing their pet’s risk. Our Milford Animal Hospital team shares seven facts pet owners need to know about this aggressive, painful, and potentially fatal inflammatory condition.

#1: Pancreatitis is extremely painful for pets

The pancreas is an organ near the stomach that has two main jobs—producing two hormones (i.e., insulin and glucagon) that control blood glucose, and producing and delivering digestive enzymes to the small intestine, where they break down food into usable proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In a healthy pet, digestive enzymes are not activated until they reach the small intestine. However, when the pancreas is inflamed (i.e., pancreatitis) the enzymes are prematurely activated in the pancreas and they begin digesting the proteins and fats in pancreatic tissue, essentially digesting the actual organ. Eventually, the enzymes enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation and injure the body, which can lead to cardiac issues, bleeding disorders, and permanent organ damage.

#2: Fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis in pets

While the cause of pancreatitis isn’t always known (i.e., idiopathic), in dogs, a rich, fatty meal or treat is a common pancreatitis trigger, especially during the holidays, when they are more likely to be fed rich foods, or get in the trash. Other potential pancreatitis risk factors include: 

  • Excess weight — An overweight pet’s ability to digest fats is altered, which puts them at higher pancreatitis risk.
  • Age — Older pets are more commonly affected.
  • Genetics — Certain breeds, including miniature schnauzers, cocker spaniels, and miniature poodles, are predisposed to pancreatitis.
  • Hormonal imbalances — Conditions that cause hormonal imbalances, including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and hyperadrenocorticism, predispose pets to pancreatitis.
  • Trauma — Blunt injury (e.g., from a fall or auto accident) can damage the pancreas.
  • Chronic medication use — Chronically ill pets who need long-term medications are at increased pancreatitis risk.

Feline pancreatitis has no known dietary connection. 

#3: Pancreatitis signs in pets can be vague

Pancreatitis signs vary in pets, depending on the underlying cause and duration. Pets with acute (i.e., sudden onset) pancreatitis often present with vague signs, such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Poor appetite 
  • Weight loss
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Dehydration

Cats may also have increased thirst and frequent urination, while dogs may have abdominal pain that they express by repeatedly bowing, stretching, or standing with their back hunched back. Chronic pancreatitis signs are typically fewer and more subtle, and some pets show no signs at all. 

#4: Pancreatitis requires prompt veterinary care

Untreated pancreatitis can progress quickly and cause permanent organ damage, but prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve your pet’s prognosis. Your pet needs immediate veterinary care if they are showing any pancreatitis signs. 

Because pancreatitis signs are generic, our veterinarian must first rule out other conditions. Pancreatitis diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical history, physical examination, blood work, and ultrasound imaging. The disease has no cure, and treatment is supportive, with some pets requiring aggressive therapy and hospitalization. Treatment can include:

  • Intravenous fluid therapy — Fluid therapy is crucial to restore circulation to the pancreas and support the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
  • Pain relief — Affected pets are typically in significant pain and require drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, to alleviate their pain.
  • Nutritional support — Feeding tubes are often required to provide adequate nutritional support.
  • Antibiotics — If a pancreatic abscess develops or gastrointestinal (GI) bacteria enter the bloodstream, antibiotics may be necessary.
  • Anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhea medications — Anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhea medications help control fluid losses.

#5:  You can minimize your pet’s pancreatitis risk 

While pancreatitis isn’t preventable, you can decrease your pet’s risk with these steps:

  • Weight — Keep your pet at an ideal weight by feeding them the appropriate amount of the appropriate food, and exercising them daily.
  • People food — Do not feed your pet table scraps, because dietary changes can cause a GI upset, and fatty foods in particular can trigger pancreatitis.
  • Dumpster diving — Ensure your pet cannot scavenge garbage scraps.

Your pet’s best defense against any illness will always be a healthy immune system and good physical condition. Regular wellness examinations ensure that conditions such as pancreatitis are detected in the early stages before they become more serious. Contact our Milford Animal Hospital team immediately if your pet is exhibiting possible pancreatitis signs, or to schedule their next wellness exam.