What is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
The pancreas is an important digestive organ that produces enzymes to break down food. Pancreatitis is a serious, potentially deadly, condition that occurs when this organ becomes inflamed. It usually strikes suddenly, without warning, so it pays for pet owners to recognize the signs.
Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs
Most of the time, the cause of pancreatitis in dogs is unclear. Certain breeds are more prone to developing pancreatitis, such as miniature schnauzers, cocker spaniels, poodles, and Yorkshire terriers. Older dogs, particularly older females, are also more at risk.
If your dog is on medication, that may be the culprit. Some chemotherapy medications and certain antibiotics are known to cause inflammation in the pancreas.
Some dogs get pancreatitis by eating too many fatty foods. Obese dogs are more at risk, as are dogs with diabetes.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Pet owners should learn the symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs so they will recognize them. The sooner your dog gets to a vet, the better his chances of recovery.
The most noticeable symptoms of pancreatitis are vomiting, pain, and diarrhea. Your dog may also show signs of pain, particularly in the abdominal area. The abdomen may be bloated or distended, or your dog may sit with a hunched back. Your dog may have a fever or appear to be weak and lethargic. In some cases, a dog may just collapse.
Dogs with pancreatitis often lose their appetite. One big danger for dogs with pancreatitis is dehydration.
Diagnosing Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can be hard to diagnose in dogs. There is a special blood test to detect pancreatitis, however, it is not 100% accurate. Sometimes, an inflamed pancreas will show up on an ultrasound, but not always. Most of the time, vets will first perform tests as a process of elimination.
Your veterinarian will probably want to perform an X-ray to make sure there is not an intestinal blockage. Vets may also take blood tests to rule out other illnesses.
How We Treat Pancreatitis in Dogs
Pancreatitis is not a condition that home remedies will fix; if you suspect your furry friend has pancreatitis, you should seek veterinary care right away. Ideally, it should be at an accredited facility with diagnostic tools and an on-site lab to help diagnose and treat your dog quickly.
At The Animal Doctors, we have treated pets in Palo Alto and the surrounding areas for over 40 years. We are among the elite top 15% of veterinary clinics accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This means we meet the most rigorous standards in cleanliness, professionalism, patient care, and quality of veterinary medicine.
Our clinic offers in-depth diagnostic procedures and on-site laboratory testing. We also consult with specialists when necessary, and work in conjunction with them to ensure that your pet will get the best possible care.
We give our patients the most up-to-date, advanced medical treatments, offered with old-fashioned values and bedside manner. If you suspect your dog is suffering from pancreatitis, please contact us for an appointment. We cover patients in the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
