Has your dog ever gotten into the trash after a big Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? Or maybe a well-meaning relative slipped your doe-eyed pooch a piece of turkey before you could say, "No, thank you"? If so, you might have experienced the aftermath—diarrhea, vomiting, or a clearly uncomfortable pup.
Stomach upset with vomiting and diarrhea is a common phone call that we receive after the holidays. Hopefully, these symptoms will be transient and pass quickly. However, if the symptoms don’t resolve quickly and your pet is feeling sick or painful, it may indicate something more serious: pancreatitis.
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can be life threatening. The pancreas is an organ that has two important jobs for the body: producing digestive enzymes and insulin that helps regulate blood sugar. When there is inflammation of the pancreas, the digestive enzymes that the organ produces may leak and further cause damage to cells around the area, perpetuating the inflammation. This condition is extremely painful. Symptoms that we see in pets are vomiting, inappetence, diarrhea, lethargy, and pain in the abdomen.
Pancreatitis is more common in pets than many realize. Studies show that over 21% of dogs examined at the Animal Medical Center in New York had visible signs of pancreatitis, with 64% showing evidence of the condition upon further testing. In cats, research from UC Davis found that 66% had pancreatitis, with chronic cases being the most common.
These numbers remind us how important it is to watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in helping pets recover and stay healthy. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait!
What causes Pancreatitis?
The exact cause of pancreatitis isn’t always clear, but certain factors can increase the risk:
In Dogs
- High-fat meals: Dogs are particularly prone to developing pancreatitis after eating fatty foods like bacon, greasy leftovers, or rich holiday dishes. So skip the bacon and opt for low fat treats like plain boiled chicken if you want to give ‘people’ food.
- Obesity and certain breeds: Overweight dogs or breeds like Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds are more susceptible.
In Cats
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Pancreatitis in cats often occurs alongside other conditions like IBD or cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts).
Sometimes, we just don’t know what triggered the pancreatitis!
How is pancreatitis diagnosed in pets?
When your pet comes to see us with symptoms that are on the list for pancreatitis, we can perform a blood test called a pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity test (PLI). Your pet needs to be fasted for 12 hours prior to the blood draw for this test to be the most accurate. An ultrasound will also give us useful information about signs of inflammation around the pancreas and help us look for signs of infection or fluid accumulation in the belly.
Your veterinarian may use a combination of these tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
How is Pancreatitis treated?
Treatment for pancreatitis focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms and aid recovery. While awaiting test results, your veterinarian will typically recommend:
- IV fluids: To prevent dehydration and maintain organ function.
- Medications: Anti-vomiting, anti-diarrheal, and pain relief medications are commonly used.
- Nutritional support: Feeding tubes may be necessary for pets unable to eat.
A newer IV treatment administered once daily for three days for acute pancreatitis in dogs, has shown promise in reducing hospital stays. However, there is no one-size-fits-all cure for pancreatitis, and the treatment plan depends on the severity of your pet’s condition.
Can Pancreatitis be prevented?
Pancreatitis can be a life-threatening medical condition requiring hospitalization and may lead to a chronic condition. After pets recover from pancreatitis, we know that they’re susceptible to this disease and will typically be on a lifelong low-fat diet. These pets are also susceptible to developing diabetes.
While pancreatitis isn’t always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your pet’s risk:
- Avoid high-fat foods: Skip the bacon and fatty table scraps, especially during the holidays. Instead, offer low-fat treats like plain boiled chicken.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Feed dogs an ultra-low-fat diet, especially if they’ve had pancreatitis before.
- Treat underlying conditions: In cats, managing conditions like IBD can help reduce the risk of pancreatitis.
So, around the holiday season, continue to be vigilant and skip the table food for your pets!
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