Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. According to some experts, it is one of the most common health problems in dogs. (Pathophysiology of pancreatitis in dogs) Pancreatitis can be acute (it appears suddenly and lasts a few days) or chronic (it slowly develops over several years). However, let’s start with the basics before diving into this serious health condition.
What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen and it’s part of the small intestines.
What does the pancreas do?
The pancreas has two key roles:
- It secretes hormones, including insulin and glucagon, which play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. It is essential to have a balanced blood glucose level for healthy levels of energy as well as functioning liver, kidney and even brain.
- It also secretes digestive enzymes, making digestion and excretion of nutrients from food easy. These digestive enzymes work along with bile (secreted from the liver and gallbladder) and they help to break down substances for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
What causes pancreatitis in dogs?
Normally the enzymes secreted by the pancreas become active only when they reach the small intestines. However, in pancreatitis the digestive enzymes become activated while still in the pancreas, irritating the cells of the organ and causing inflammation. If this happens over and over, the pancreas itself will be damaged leading to chronic pancreatitis. This can result in the formation of scar tissues in the pancreas eventually causing loss of function. A poorly functioning pancreas can cause digestion problems and even lead to diabetes. Some experts also believe that in the case of pancreatitis, the enzymes actually start ‘digesting’ the pancreas itself causing severe pain to dogs.
Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs
- Hunched back
- Numerous vomiting within a few hours
- Distention of the abdomen
- Diarrhoea
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fever
Some of these symptoms are quite common for other, less serious illnesses so if your dog only exhibits some symptoms infrequently then please monitor. However if your dog shows several of these symptoms at once and repeatedly, then call your vet urgently.
Risk factors for pancreatitis in dogs
Whilst there are a number of causes for pancreatitis, often the attack appears out of the blue. Nonetheless, some conditions certainly increase the risk factor, such as:
- A high fat diet. The risk is increased if a dog is fed only once a day and his/her diet is especially high in fat. Sharing high-fat human food with your dog is not a good idea either.
- Diabetes mellitus. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk due to the disfunction of insulin.
- Hypothyroidism. Other endocrine diseases can also increase the risk.
- Some medications. Diuretics, cholinesterase inhibitors, estrogen and several other drugs can increase the risk; read leaflets carefully and ask your vet to detail such risks before prescribing any medications.
- Genetic disposition. Certain breeds have higher risk of pancreatitis, such as Miniature Schnauzers and some toy breed dogs.
How is it diagnosed?
The vet will look at the dog’s medical history as well as ask about its diet. Blood tests are usually performed to measure the pancreatic enzymes in the blood. Additionally, the vet will examine the stomach, heart, temperature. Ultrasound or fine needle aspiration might be performed to rule out other causes. Treatment of pancreatitis in dogs The most common treatment and management options include:
- Management of pain
- IV fluid therapy
- Withholding food for 24 hours
Long-term management involve keeping an eye on fat intake, smaller, regular meals throughout the day.
Complications of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can lead to serious complications, including:
- Kidney failure. Acute pancreatitis may cause kidney failure.
- Breathing problems. Acute pancreatitis can cause changes in the lungs’ function causing the level of oxygen in the blood to fall to dangerously low levels.
- Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can cause the pancreas to produce fewer of the enzymes required to break down and process the nutrients from food. This can lead to malnutrition, diarrhoea and weight loss even if the same amount of food is eaten.
- Damage to insulin-producing cells on the pancreas can lead to diabetes, a disease that affects the way the body uses blood sugar.
- Acute pancreatitis can make the pancreas vulnerable to bacteria and infection. Pancreatic infections are serious and usually require surgery to remove the infected scar tissue.
- Pancreatic cancer. Chronic inflammation in the pancreas increases the risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer.
How can you keep the pancreas healthy?
Given that the problems start if the diet is unhealthy, the way to keep the pancreas in top condition also lies in diet and lifestyle.
- Avoid obesity. Healthy weight will prevent diabetes mellitus as well as gallstones that could lead to pancreatitis.
- Keep the diet low fat. Fats and cholesterol can lead to the development of gallstones, which can subsequently lead to pancreatitis. However, the inclusion of healthy fats (such as those found in oily fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, avocado, etc.) can actually prevent pancreatitis!
- Regular exercise. It’s easier to maintain a healthy weight with regular exercise. One hour exercise a day should be sufficient for most dogs but of course it really depends on the dog as young, active breeds need more than an old dog.
Healthy fats, such as fish oil or Vitamin E oil are shown to lower fat levels in the blood so giving your dog a can of sardines can be beneficial (don’t give the oil the sardines are in though!). Unfortunately, once a dog has had a bout of pancreatitis, the recurrence is quite high. Be vigilant and watch for any signs and keep your dog on the lean side.