The pancreas is an organ in your dog's belly that performs an essential exocrine function: it produces and excretes enzymes that aid in food digestion. It also performs critical endocrine tasks, including creating and eliminating insulin and other hormones into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar. Although digestive enzymes are usually retained in an inactive state, some triggers might cause them to become active within the pancreas, causing leaking into the surrounding tissues. This causes pancreatitis, a painful condition that causes your dog to become lethargic and lose appetite.

Pancreatitis is a condition that affects the pancreas.

Inflammation of the pancreas is known as pancreatitis. Regardless of age, gender, or breed, it can affect any dog, though certain species are more susceptible, such as miniature schnauzers and terriers. Acute pancreatitis can occur, but some dogs may develop recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. Clinical indicators cannot distinguish acute from chronic pancreatitis; however, acute pancreatitis usually has more severe symptoms. Scarring of the pancreas might occur as a result of regular flare-ups.

Scarring of the pancreas can cause the organ to lose both its endocrine and exocrine functions. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can be caused by the loss of endocrine hormone synthesis in dogs. In contrast, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can be caused by the loss of digestive enzyme production if > 90% of exocrine function is lost.

Pancreatitis Symptoms in Dogs

Because the pancreas is involved in food digestion, many symptoms are gastrointestinal.

• Vomiting\Diarrhea
• Hunched Back/Painful Abdomen Dehydration Loss of Appetite Lethargy Fever Vomiting & Diarrhea
• Given the pancreas' involvement in food digestion and its proximity to the stomach and early part of the intestines, any interruption can result in the classic gastrointestinal symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.
• Dehydration
• This is due to any vomiting or diarrhea that may have occurred. Even though a dog with pancreatitis is still drinking water, fluids are being lost in vomit and feces higher than they are being replenished.
• Pain in the abdomen
• Pancreatitis is painful, and many of the symptoms of pancreatitis are caused by it. To try to relieve its suffering, a dog with pancreatitis may strain its abdomen, hunch its back, or extend out its belly in a bowing posture.
• Appetite loss/lethargy
• Because they are uncomfortable, a dog with pancreatitis may stop eating and lounge around more.

Cause of pancreatitis in dogs

Dietary indiscretion causes the majority of pancreatitis instances, which is a lovely way of expressing that a dog ate something it shouldn't have. Comorbidities, or the presence of other disorders, are frequently the cause of chronic pancreatitis.

• Foods and diets high in fat
• Indiscretion in the kitchen
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• a major traumatic event
• Tumors of the Pancreas
• Certain Pharmaceuticals/Medications

While some dogs may be intolerant to higher fat commercial dog diets, food meant for people is more of a problem. Although the term "high fat" conjures pictures of cookies, pastries, and other desserts, it isn't the only fatty meal to avoid. Pancreatitis can be triggered by savory dishes like casseroles, gravies, sauces, and even proteins like ham and other pig products.

Because the pancreas is so vital for insulin synthesis and regulation, any problem with that function can put a dog at risk for pancreatitis.

Some anticonvulsants, such as potassium bromide and phenobarbital, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Certain diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide, can potentially cause pancreatitis in dogs.

Miniature schnauzers tend to have high triglyceride levels in their blood. While it's unclear how this biochemistry predisposes a dog to pancreatitis, it's widely documented that tiny schnauzers with pancreatitis have high blood triglycerides. 

Pancreatitis in Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment

The most prevalent cause of acute pancreatitis in dogs is nutritional indiscretion; therefore, a suspicious diagnosis can be made based on the dog's history. Did a dog go into the garbage a day or two before the symptoms appeared? Pancreatitis is the most likely cause. Only surgery can provide a precise diagnosis, although additional diagnostics such as abdominal x-rays, ultrasounds, and blood tests can rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms and increase the likelihood of pancreatitis.

Dog Pancreatitis Treatment

You can't cure pancreatitis with a single drug or treatment. Instead, a range of supportive therapies is used in medicine. Fluid therapy, preferably intravenous, anti-vomiting and anti-nausea medications, dietary support, and other GI protectants, can all help to alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation. Pancreatitis in a diabetic dog may necessitate more intensive therapy.

Dogs with Pancreatitis and Their Prognosis

A few factors determine the prognosis of a dog. When it's first diagnosed, how bad is it? What are their reactions to the first treatments? Is it possible that the dog has diabetes? All of these factors can have an impact on the prognosis. The majority of mild types of pancreatitis actively treated have a favorable prognosis.

Can a dog live with pancreatitis for a long time?

It's difficult to determine how long a dog with pancreatitis will live. The prognosis is usually favorable in mild, uncomplicated cases, with most patients making a full recovery. This is especially true if high-fat meals are avoided and excellent veterinary and nursing care are available. In more acute cases, however, the prognosis remains uncertain. This is mainly because dogs with severe pancreatitis frequently have acute episodes or aggravating conditions such as hypothermia, acidosis, hypocalcemia, and single or multiple organ failure.

Canine pancreatic cancer

The pancreas has been linked to a variety of cancers. These tumors might be benign or malignant. Pancreatic adenocarcinomas are the most common type of malignant pancreatic cancer in dogs. These tumors are resistant to treatment and are frequently undetected until the malignancy has spread.

Pancreatic adenomas are another prevalent kind. These are non-spreading benign tumors. These can create issues in rare situations, but dogs with pancreatic adenomas have a good prognosis.

How to Keep Dogs From Getting Pancreatitis

Because dietary indiscretion and high-fat meals cause the majority of cases of acute pancreatitis, prevention can be as simple as limiting your dog's access to table scraps. Some dogs may open cabinet or pantry doors or be clever enough to figure out how to counter surf, necessitating increased supervision.

Installing kid locks on cabinet doors or placing food and snacks where your dog won't be able to reach them will help you and your dog succeed.

Pancreatitis can be an unpleasant and even fatal illness for your dog. Speak to your veterinarian if you're concerned about your dog's risk of pancreatitis and its complications.

Can supplements be used to help dogs avoid or manage pancreatitis?

It's crucial to emphasize that pancreatitis is a severe ailment and you should not use that home cures instead of veterinarian care. However, some veterinarians feel that pancreatin-containing digestive enzyme supplements can help some (but not all) dogs by reducing pancreatic effort and inhibiting pancreatic output. These are available in both over-the-counter and prescription strength.

Because of its high-fat content, fish oil may appear paradoxical at first, but it can help lower blood lipid levels. According to studies, dogs with acute pancreatitis may benefit from a hefty dose of fish oil (approximately 1,000 mg per 10 pounds of body weight for dogs with high lipid levels; about half that amount for dogs with normal levels). If you're taking fish oil, you should also take 5 to 10 IU of vitamin E.

Vitamin E (with selenium), vitamin C, beta-carotene, and methionine have all been shown in human studies to help prevent pancreatitis. On the other hand, probiotics have been displayed in human research to worsen acute pancreatitis. Always be with your veterinarian before giving your pet any vitamins.

Pancreatitis, both acute and chronic

Acute instances, which are frequently precipitated by eating a fatty meal recently, are treated with IV fluids, electrolytes, antibiotics, and nausea and pain drugs. Pain management is critical in cases of pancreatitis because it might slow your dog's recovery by limiting the immune system's reaction.  A change in diet is frequently necessary for chronic dogs' pancreatitis. Your veterinarian can recommend a fat-restricted dog food and provide you advice on how best to manage your dog's dietary needs in the future.