FOR YOUR PeT CommonConditions the disease. Chronic can result from result can disease. the to predisposed be also may schnauzers Miniature are at greater risk for developing pancreatitis. or have obese are that Dogs infections. bacterial or some and viral medications certain including have other causes, also can Pancreatitis pancreatitis. develop can into get garbage that Dogs foods. pork, some beef, as and such other food human fatty a adog eats after occur can cases. many in undetermined remains cause underlying the several types of events are known to cause pancreatitis, Although similar. very be can signs clinical their or and over severe, mild be time). can forms Both suddenly) (tends chronic and to occur to happen organs and leadcan to life-threatening complications. and nearby thepancreas damages that inflammation area of the abdomen. These substancescause localized into surrounding the other substances and enzymes pancreatitisto as conditionthe is referred inflamed, becomes the promote and When fats down . break to help tract body) the in into digestive the reactions releases enzymes (proteins that are involved in chemical involved in helping the body digest food. The pancreasis that abdomen the in organ an is pancreas The Canine Pancreatitis? Is What • • • • Canine Pancreatitis future episodes of pancreatitis. of episodes future to contribute may that items other or food table any discontinue and diet areduced-fat feed to advised be may owners pet pancreatitis, from recovers adog After they resolve. until signs clinical the minimizing and patient the supporting at aimed is pancreatitis for Treatment pancreatitis. develop can garbage into get that dogs foods; human other some and beef, pork, as such Acute can foodoccurpancreatitis aafter dog fatty eats food. digest body the helps that abdomen the in organ an pancreas, the of inflammation an is Pancreatitis There are two forms of pancreatitis: acute two forms pancreatitis: of are (tends There releases pancreas the occurs, pancreatitis When .

of the disease can look very similar: look very can of disease the forms chronic acute and the or and severe, mild be can pancreatitis with associated signs clinical The Canine Pancreatitis? of Clinical the Are Signs What to look for any pancreatic abnormalities and rule out rule and to abnormalities look for pancreatic any (x-rays), examination ultrasound abdominal an and complete countand (CBC), blood cell radiographs panel includemay blood achemistry work as such testing diagnostic Initial cases. it all in diagnose can becan complicated because there is no single test that However, of pancreatitis pancreatitis. diagnosis the have may dog your if determine help can that information valuable with provide your veterinarian can examination aphysical performing and history about information your pet’s Obtaining medical Diagnosed? Canine Pancreatitis Is How dehydration. and pressure, cases it is not clear what causes chronic pancreatitis. pancreatitis. chronic causes it what not is clear cases but most in of episodes acute pancreatitis, repeated • • • • • • Severely ill dogs may have a high fever, have may ahigh dogs low blood ill Severely Vomiting Depression and lethargy (tiredness) Depression lethargy and loss Appetite Fever pain Abdominal

Common Conditions

intestinal blockages and other causes for the clinical that time, the patient can receive fluids by injection; signs. There are also specific blood tests that, when some veterinarians provide additional nutrition combined with other supporting information, can through intravenous feeding (directly into a vein) help diagnose pancreatitis; your veterinarian may or placement of a feeding tube. If the pet does not recommend specific testing if pancreatitis is suspected. respond to medical treatment, there are also surgical procedures to treat pancreatitis. Treatment and Outcome The long-term outcome for a dog with pancreatitis Canine pancreatitis can be challenging to treat. There can be difficult to predict. Severe pancreatitis can is no treatment that reverses the condition, so therapy cause life-threatening damage to the body, including is aimed at supporting the patient and minimizing causing kidney failure, diabetes, and intestinal the clinical signs until they resolve. Antibiotics are obstruction. If a pet recovers from an episode of commonly given (although not always), as well as acute pancreatitis, there may be concern that the medications to relieve vomiting and pain. Another problem will recur and become chronic. Sometimes, aspect of treatment may involve “resting” the stomach a permanent diet change to a reduced-fat diet may and intestines to give them time to heal and rebound. be recommended. Pet owners may also be advised to Your veterinarian may recommend withholding food discontinue any table food or other items that may and water until the pet is no longer vomiting. During contribute to future episodes of pancreatitis. FOR YOUR PeT © 2011 Vetstreet Inc. Created and peer-reviewed by Vetlearn. Brought to you by Vetstreet. Vetlearn grants permission to individual veterinary clinics to print and distribute this handout for the purposes of client education. Posting on an external website without written permission from Vetlearn is a violation of copyright laws.