Pancreatitis and Other Disorders of the Pancreas in Dogs

Pancreatitis is the most common exocrine pancreatic disease in both dogs and cats. It can be short- or longterm, depending on whether or not the disease has permanently damaged the pancreatic tissue. Both forms can be severe.

For most cases of pancreatitis no specific cause can be identified. However, eating trash, large amounts of table scraps, or other inappropriate food is believed to be a common risk factor in dogs. Severe trauma or surgery can lead to pancreatitis. Use of some drugs may also be linked to pancreatitis. High blood levels of fats called triglycerides and excessive adrenal gland function (hyperadrenocorticism) are also risk factors for pancreatitis. There is a higher prevalence of pancreatitis in Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Poodles, sled dogs, or other breeds. Some infections, such as Babesia canis or Leishmania, may also contribute to the development of pancreatitis.

In the initial stages of disease, the secretion of pancreatic juice decreases. This is followed by a series of steps that lead to activation of pancreatic enzymes inside the pancreas, rather than in the intestinal tract. The enzymes begin to digest the pancreas itself, causing damage within the pancreas and triggering inflammation, which leads to damage in other parts of the body. Loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, abdominal pain, dehydration, and diarrhea are the most common signs reported in dogs with severe pancreatitis. Dogs with milder forms of the disease may have no signs or nonspecific signs, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea.

A thorough history (including any dietary indiscretions) combined with vomiting and abdominal pain may suggest a diagnosis of pancreatitis. Blood tests may be used by your veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis, along with abdominal x‑rays, ultrasound, or tissue biopsies of the pancreas.

Treatment for pancreatitis includes careful monitoring and supportive veterinary care. Hospitalization may be required. Early intervention will help prevent complications. If the cause is known, specific treatment may be started. Medications to stop vomiting and relieve nausea are typically given. Resting the pancreas by restricting all food or water by mouth for 3 to 4 days is only recommended when the dog is vomiting uncontrollably. Severely ill dogs are given intravenous fluids. Pain medication is usually given because the animal is assumed to have abdominal pain.

In mild cases of pancreatitis, dogs will usually be switched to a low-fat diet and low-fat treats. Any underlying diseases or risk factors for pancreatitis should be identified and treated. Dogs that do not respond to other therapies may be prescribed additional medications. Patients with mild, longterm pancreatitis should be monitored for potential complications, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (see below) and diabetes mellitus.

The outlook in mild cases is good, but the outlook in severe cases of pancreatitis is uncertain. The outlook is poor in dogs that experience severe complications, such as organ failure.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a syndrome caused by insufficient production and secretion of digestive enzymes by the pancreas. Deterioration of the structures that produce pancreatic enzymes is the most common cause of this syndrome in German Shepherds, Rough Collies, and Eurasians. These dogs tend to be young adults when the disease develops. Longterm pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis) is the most common cause in other breeds. Less common causes are tumors that lead to obstruction of the pancreatic duct. Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to these other causes are usually middle-aged to older and can be of any breed.

Pancreatic enzymes play a critical role in the assimilation of all major dietary components, and a lack of pancreatic digestive enzymes leads to problems with digestion and to malabsorption. The lack of nutrients also causes weight loss and may lead to vitamin deficiencies. Animals with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency caused by longterm pancreatitis may develop diabetes mellitus.

Signs most commonly reported are excessive eating, weight loss, and diarrhea. Vomiting and loss of appetite are sometimes seen, but these may be a sign of a concurrent condition. The feces are most commonly pale, loose, and voluminous and may be foul-smelling. In rare cases, watery diarrhea may be seen. Diagnosis can be made using a blood test that indicates a decrease in the functional capacity of the exocrine pancreas.

Most dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can be successfully treated by supplementing each meal with pancreatic enzymes (powdered or from fresh tissue). Follow your veterinarian’s directions for this dietary supplement carefully. Avoid providing too much or too little and follow the schedule prescribed. Be sure to report any bleeding from the mouth to your veterinarian. This adverse effect can often be eliminated by lowering the enzyme dose or moistening the food and enzyme mixture. When signs have improved, it may be possible to gradually decrease the dose.

If enzyme supplementation alone does not resolve the condition, vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin) deficiency may be a possible cause. Cobalamin deficiency is seen in more than 80% of dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Dogs with vitamin B₁₂ deficiency can be given this vitamin by injection. Other vitamin deficiencies have also been reported. Dogs that do not respond to treatment with pancreatic enzymes and cobalamin likely have an additional small-intestinal disease that needs to be diagnosed and treated.

Most dogs can continue eating their normal food, but a highly digestible, low‑fiber, moderate-fat diet can be useful in those that do not respond satisfactorily to treatment. It is important to avoid radical changes in diet, however.

In most cases, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is the result of an irreversible loss of pancreatic tissue, and a cure is rare. However, with appropriate enzyme supplementation and monitoring, dogs with this disorder usually gain weight quickly, pass normal stools, and can live a normal life.

Cancers of the exocrine pancreas can be either benign or malignant. Pancreatic adenomas are benign (nonspreading) tumors. Pancreatic adenocarcinomas are the most common malignant tumor of the exocrine pancreas in dogs. A few other types of cancer have also been reported in the pancreas.

A diagnosis may be made based on a combination of blood tests, x-rays, ultrasonography, biopsy, or exploratory surgery as appropriate.

A pancreatic abscess is a collection of pus, usually near the pancreas, which is considered a complication of pancreatitis (see above). Signs may include vomiting, depression, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever, diarrhea, and dehydration. In some animals, a mass in the abdomen can be felt. Dogs may respond favorably to surgical drainage of the abscess. However, the risks and expense of surgery may outweigh the benefit, unless there is clear evidence of an enlarging mass or bacterial infection. Your veterinarian will make a surgical recommendation based on your dog’s specific condition, overall health, and related considerations.

A pancreatic pseudocyst is a collection of sterile pancreatic fluid enclosed by a wall of tissue. It is considered a complication of inflammation in the pancreas, so signs are similar to those of pancreatitis. Vomiting is the most consistent sign. The cysts can be seen by using ultrasound. Use of a long needle to draw fluid from the cyst can provide fluid for analysis and diagnosis. Drawing fluid is also a method of treating such cysts. Surgery may be needed if the dog has signs that persist or if the pseudocyst does not decrease in size.

Also see professional content regarding pancreatic disorders.