The holidays are approaching, and your home will soon be filled with decadent foods and sweet treats. Indulging in this cuisine is enjoyable for you, but access to high-fat holiday foods increases your pet’s pancreatitis risk. Our Oak Creek Veterinary Care team doesn’t want a veterinary emergency to ruin your festive celebrations, and we answer frequently asked questions about pancreatitis.

Question: What is your pet’s pancreas?

Answer: Your pet’s pancreas is a small abdominal organ that resides along their duodenum, which is the first section of their small intestine. The organ has two parts that serve different functions vital to maintaining your pet’s health:

  • Exocrine pancreas — The exocrine pancreas makes digestive enzymes that aid in fat, protein, and carbohydrate digestion. Normally, these enzymes aren’t activated until they reach the intestinal tract.
  • Endocrine pancreas — The endocrine pancreas produces various hormones, including glucagon and insulin, which are responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. 

Q: What is pancreatitis in pets?

A: Pancreatitis occurs when the digestive enzymes produced by the exocrine pancreas are prematurely activated, causing them to break down the pancreas and the surrounding tissue. Consequences can range from mild illness to life-threatening conditions such as:

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) — Pancreatitis is one of the main risk factors for DIC, which causes abnormal bleeding and clotting throughout the body.
  • Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) — Pancreatitis can lead to bodywide inflammation that causes organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, to shut down. 

An affected pet can also develop temporary or permanent diabetes if the endocrine pancreas is sufficiently harmed.

Q: What causes pancreatitis in pets?

A: In many cases, the pet’s pancreatitis cause can’t be identified, but factors that may trigger the condition or increase your pet’s risk include:

  • High-fat meal — Our team tends to see an increase in canine pancreatitis cases during the holidays, because ingesting a high-fat meal, such as turkey skin or buttery mashed potatoes, can trigger the condition.
  • Excess weight  — Overweight and obese pets are at increased pancreatitis risk because their fat metabolism is altered.
  • Breed— Certain breeds, such as miniature schnauzers and cocker spaniels, are predisposed to the condition. 
  • Infection — In cats, pancreatitis has been linked to Toxoplasma gondii and feline infectious peritonitis infection. 
  • Hormonal dysfunction — Pets affected by conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, are at increased pancreatitis risk.
  • Trauma — Trauma to the abdomen can cause damage to the pancreas and result in inflammation.
  • Drugs — Certain drugs, such as trimethoprim sulfa, chemotherapy agents, and anti-seizure medications, can trigger the condition.
  • Tumor — A pancreatic tumor can also precipitate pancreatitis.

Q: What are pancreatitis signs in pets?

A: Pancreatitis signs in pets include:

  • Decreased appetite or inappetence
  • Abdominal pain
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea

If you think your pet may have pancreatitis, have them evaluated as soon as possible, because pancreatitis can progress quickly.

Q: How is pancreatitis diagnosed in pets?

A: Pancreatitis signs are not specific for the disease, which can make diagnosis difficult. Potential diagnostics our team may use include:

  • Blood work — Pancreatitis can’t be definitively diagnosed on screening blood work, such as a complete blood count and biochemistry profile, but these tests are useful to rule out other conditions and assess your pet’s overall health.
  • Pancreatitis-specific blood tests — If our team suspects pancreatitis, we can run blood tests specific for pancreatitis to facilitate the diagnosis.
  • X-rays — X-rays may be necessary to rule out a GI foreign body obstruction and to determine if the pancreas appears swollen.
  • Ultrasound — The best method to image the pancreas and surrounding structures is abdominal ultrasound.

Q: How is pancreatitis treated in pets?

A: Pancreatitis treatment is mainly supportive, and may involve the following:

  • Fluid therapy — Fluid therapy is necessary to rehydrate the pet and correct electrolyte imbalances. 
  • Anti-inflammatory medicine — A Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication is available to help control pancreatic inflammation in dogs.
  • Anti-nausea medication — Many pets affected by pancreatitis have nausea, and anti-nausea medication can help improve their appetite.
  • Pain medication — Pain medications are often necessary to control pancreatitis pain.
  • Nutritional support — Our team may place a feeding tube to provide nutritional support if the pet is unable to eat. We will prescribe a bland, low-fat diet during recovery, and many pets need to remain on the diet for life.

Q: How is pancreatitis prevented in pets?

A: Not every pancreatitis case can be prevented, but tips to reduce your four-legged friend’s risk include:

  • Feeding your pet a balanced diet that meets their life stage’s nutritional needs
  • Avoiding feeding your pet table scraps
  • Keeping your trash in sealed containers to prevent dumpster diving
  • Storing food securely to prevent counter surfing
  • Keeping your pet at a healthy weight
  • Scheduling regular wellness visits so our team can detect conditions that predispose your pet to pancreatitis in the early stages when they can be better managed

Pancreatitis is a concerning condition, but you can take steps to reduce your pet’s risk. Contact our Oak Creek Veterinary Care team to schedule your pet’s annual or bi-annual wellness exam to ensure they are healthy and ready for the holiday festivities.