Pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas, a small abdominal organ that can cause significant pain and health complications for your four-legged friend. The condition can quickly escalate, requiring emergency veterinary care, and our West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic team wants to provide information about pancreatitis, so you know when to seek care. 

What is my pet’s pancreas?

Your pet’s pancreas is a small glandular organ that resides under the stomach, between the left kidney and intestinal tract. The organ has two distinct, but equally important, functions:

  • Food digestion — The part known as the exocrine portion produces enzymes that are delivered to the intestinal tract to help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The enzyme protease breaks down proteins, lipase works with bile to break down fat, and amylase breaks down starches. 
  • Hormone production — The endocrine portion of the pancreas produces hormones, including insulin and glucagon. Alpha cells produce glucagon, which signals the liver to release stored sugar should your pet’s blood sugar get too low. Beta cells produce insulin, which allows your pet’s body to use sugar for energy. 

What is pancreatitis in pets?

Pancreatitis simply means inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas’ digestive enzymes are typically stored in an inactive form until they reach the intestine. If these enzymes are activated too soon, they can damage the pancreas and the surrounding tissue. Pancreatitis can be triggered suddenly or affect a pet chronically and, in some cases, can lead to severe systemic effects. Potential consequences include:

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) — One of the main concerns is DIC, a potentially life-threatening condition that causes abnormal blood clotting throughout the body. Initially, DIC causes overactive clotting, which reduces or blocks blood flow and damages organs. As the condition progresses and the platelets and clotting factors are exhausted, DIC causes excessive bleeding throughout the body. 
  • Pancreatic encephalopathy — Fatty tissue is found throughout the brain that protects and helps the brain to function. If lipase released from the pancreas crosses into the brain, these tissues are damaged and brain swelling and bleeding can result. 
  • Diabetes — If the pancreatic damage prevents adequate insulin production, your pet can develop temporary or permanent diabetes. 

What causes pancreatitis in pets?

In most cases, we don’t know the triggers, but factors that can lead to pancreatitis include:

  • High-fat meal — A high-fat meal, such as greasy table scraps, can trigger pancreatitis, because a large enzyme release results and the fats are digested. This scenario can affect dogs, but is not typically seen in cats. 
  • Toxoplasmosis — In cats, the parasite Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with pancreatitis.
  • Small intestine backwash — Typically, pancreatic digestive enzymes are not activated until they reach the small intestine. However, if fluid that contains the activating enzymes backflows from the small intestine to the pancreas, the enzymes can be prematurely activated, resulting in pancreatitis.
  • Metabolic conditions — Metabolic conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, can alter fat metabolism, which increases your pet’s pancreatitis risk.
  • Obese — Obese pets also have altered fat metabolism and are at increased risk for pancreatitis.
  • Genetics — Certain breeds, such as miniature schnauzers, are predisposed to the condition.
  • Trauma or tumor — Abdominal trauma and pancreatic tumors can lead to pancreatic inflammation.
  • Medication — Certain medications, including sulfa-containing antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, and chemotherapy agents, can lead to pancreatitis.

What are pancreatitis signs in pets?

The most common pancreatitis signs in pets include:

  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Inappetence
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain

During an attack, a pet may look like they are praying. They may put their front limbs and head near the floor, keeping their hind end raised, in an attempt to alleviate the abdominal pain.

How is pancreatitis diagnosed in pets?

Pancreatitis is usually diagnosed by specific blood tests. Ultrasound imaging may also help to determine the severity of inflammation.

How is pancreatitis treated in pets?

Successful treatment depends on early diagnosis and prompt veterinary care. Potential treatments include:

  • Fluid therapy — Intensive fluid therapy is important to rehydrate your pet and restore normal circulation to the pancreas to allow healing to start.
  • Nutritional support — Nutritional support allows the gastrointestinal tract to resume normal function. If your pet is too sick to eat on their own, they may need a feeding tube placed to provide the necessary nutrients.
  • Pain control — Pancreatitis can be extremely painful, and pain medications are often needed, especially in acute cases.
  • Medication — Your pet can be medicated in the initial days of a pancreatitis episode to help prevent white blood cells from entering the pancreas, helping to stop the inflammatory process.

How is pancreatitis prevented in pets?

Not every pancreatitis episode can be prevented, but you can take steps to lower your pet’s risk. Steps include:

  • Weight control — Keep your pet at a healthy weight by feeding an appropriate diet, controlling portion size, and limiting treats to no more than 10% of their daily intake.
  • No table scraps — Never feed your pet table scraps or high-fat pet treats.
  • Taking care of trash — Keep your trash in sealed containers to prevent dumpster diving.
  • Veterinary visits — Schedule regular veterinary visits for early detection of conditions that can predispose your pet to pancreatitis. 

If your pet exhibits signs that could indicate pancreatitis, contact our West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic team, so we can intervene as soon as possible. We will work closely with your primary veterinarian to ensure your four-legged friend gets the care they need during and after hospitalization.