Pancreatitis in Pets: Understanding Signs and Treatment (2024)

Located by the stomach, the pancreasmakesand releases enzymes that aid in digestion. Normally, these enzymes are notactive until they reach the small intestine.However, withpancreatitisthe enzymes activatetoo earlyandirritatethepancreas and surrounding tissue.This leads topancreatitis,orinflammation of the pancreas.

Pancreatitisis often an acute problem causing gastrointestinal signs of vomiting and/or diarrhea along with abdominal pain that can progress rapidly. Recurrent bouts can havelong-term consequences including repeated hospitalizationsand developmentof chronic pancreatitis.Earlydiagnosis and treatmentarethereforerecommended to preventcomplications and improveyour pet’squality oflife.

How do Pets Get Pancreatitis?

In most cases, the cause of pancreatitis is unknown in both cats and dogs.Some pets experience acute pancreatitis, meaning it comes on suddenly. Other pets have chronic pancreatitis where it develops over time. Both types can range from mild to severe and can be quite painful.

A variety ofriskfactorsmay predisposepetstopancreatitis:

• Dietaryindiscretion–if your pet has a history of eatinganythingand everything.
• Genetics – certain breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkies are more prone to developing this condition.
• High–fat diets–especially for pets that get large amounts of fatty food at one time.
• Medications– some medicines can cause side effectsby raising blood fat levels.
• Other concurrent diseases –conditions such ascancer,diabetes mellitus, chronic gastrointestinal disease, liver disease,hypothyroid disease,and Cushing’s disease in dogs.
• Prior surgery or trauma.

Signsof Pancreatitis in Pets

Clinical presentation in cats and dogs can be nonspecific.Patients with acute pancreatitis often present for gastrointestinal signs of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,distended abdomen,dehydration,fever,andyellowtinge to their eyes, inner ears, or skin.Patients with chronic pancreatitis may have mild signs including anorexia, decreased appetite, and lethargy.

Diagnosing Pancreatitis in Pets

Due to the nonspecific nature of thesigns,diagnosing pancreatitisincludesrulingout other causes of anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea,and abdominal pain.It is important toletyour veterinarianknow aboutallthemedications that your pet may be on to ensurethose aren’t causing the symptoms.Your pet mayalsobe tested for other diseases if there is clinical suspicion. Take note of and discuss symptoms like increased drinking, increased urination, changes in energy level, hair loss, and weight changes (loss or gain) with your veterinarian.These may be helpful to diagnose other conditions.

Yourveterinarian will typically perform abdominal radiographs(X-rays)firstto rule out gastrointestinal foreign bodies.Patients with pancreatitis canshowsome mild changes on abdominalX-rays, however abdominal ultrasound isoftennecessaryfor diagnosing pancreatitis.

Your pet may alsohave blood tests.

• Routine labtestscanreveal a high white blood cell count, low platelets, high kidney values, electrolyte abnormalities,and high amylasesand lipases(enzymes).Urine testing is helpful to look for signs of diabetes and infection.Theseenzymes can be made and secreted by many organs in the body,so regular lab work may not be enough.
• Additional specialized bloodworkmay be completed. One test,acage-siderapid test(SNAPcPLandfPL),is available at many veterinary clinics.Theserapidtests are helpful to rule out pancreatitis as a negative result indicatesthePatientmost likely does not have pancreatitis.In the case of a positive SNAP test, another specialized test(SpeccPLandfPL)is used toconfirm the diagnosis and achieve a baseline value tohelpmonitor the disease in the future.
• Because of potentialoverlap withotherunderlyingconditionssuch asexocrine pancreatic insufficiencyand hepatitis, other screening testsmay be recommended. Your veterinarian may want to measurevitamin B12 and folate levels which could indicate underlying malabsorption and gastrointestinal disease.

Treating Pancreatitis

Unfortunately,there is no single antidote for pancreatitis, and supportivemedicalcare is critical in acute pancreatitis patients.The good newsissurgical intervention is rarely necessary.Instead, your pet may be admitted forintravenous fluids, especially if they haven’t been eating or drinking or have vomiting or diarrhea.In–hospital monitoring of patients includes regular monitoring of vital signs, blood pressure, hydration status, blood glucose, and bloodwork including electrolytes.Your pet will receive pain medications intravenouslywhile in the hospital,andyou willmost likely haveoralpain medication sent home with you.

Anti-nausea medications are alsoanimportant part of pancreatitis management.Your veterinarian may prescribea combination of these medications. Commonly prescribedmedicationsincludemaropitant, ondansetron,andmetoclopramide.Your pet may also benefit from appetite stimulantssuch asmirtazapine orcapromorelin. Antacids, such as omeprazoleand sucralfate,do not have direct benefits on pancreatitis itselfbut may be prescribed if there are concurrent gastrointestinal issues.

The Importance of Nutrition

Nutrition is importantin the treatment of pancreatitis.Oftenpets have not been eating wellfor days so withholding food is not recommended. Instead,petswith mild pancreatitis may start eatingslowly withsupportive care. If your pet’s appetite doesn’t returnwithin 48 hours, then feeding tubesmaybe recommended.

Feeding tubes canalsobe usedforhydration andadministeringmedications.Tubes aretypicallywell tolerated incats and dogs withfew complications.

• Nasogastric tubes are placed in the nose and go down into the stomach. Theseare usually considered first as placement requiresonly mild sedation.These tubesallow for short–term liquid diet feedings inthehospital.
• Esophagostomytubesareplaced in the esophagus. Theselargertubesallow forlonger termfeeding of canned foods blended with water.

For Dogs

In dogs, an ultra-low-fatdiet is recommended. It may be aprescription diet or a homemade diet.However,sick petsmay need to be enticed with bland foods such as boiled chicken, white rice, cottage cheese, and chicken baby food. Homemade dietsfor long–term managementare also an option. Anutritionist consultationmay be helpfulto makesure the pet has abalanced diet.

For Cats

Alow–fat diet is not recommended in cats due to theirhigherneed of fat in their diet. Chronic pancreatitis in catsistreated similarly to cats with chronic intestinal disease (such as inflammatory bowel disease). Your veterinarian my prescribea novel protein or hydrolyzeddiet(one in which protein is already broken down). However, in acute pancreatitis cases,especially with prolonged anorexia, the focus is to entice cats to eat. In these cases,a variety of foodsincludingdiets labeled “gastrointestinal diets” may be fed inthehospital with hopes of transitioning to novel protein or hydrolyzed diets at home later.One notable concern in cats with pancreatitis is development of hepatic lipidosis, or“fatty build-up” in the liver,due to prolonged anorexia. Nutritional support is requiredfor these pets.

Nasoesophageal(A) and esophagostomy (B) tubes being used in hospital for nutritional support.

Long-term Management

Your veterinarian will typically discharge your pet once they are no longer having vomiting or regurgitation, eating on their own, and/or tolerating feedings via esophageal feeding tubes. Your veterinarian will typically want a checkup one totwoweeksafterdischarge toseehow your pet is doing and discuss long–term therapies.As noted, long–term diet therapy is important for chronic pancreatitis inboth cats and dogs. In patients withconcurrent diseases, consultation with a veterinary nutritionist would be of benefit to help find a homemade or existing pre-made diet that would be best for all diagnosed conditions.Managing these other conditionsis important to prevent acutepancreatitisepisodes.

Because pancreatitiscan vary inthe way it presents, there is a wide range of outcomes.It depends on the severity, the extent of pancreatic necrosis,complications, and any concurrent diseases.Chronic pancreatitis remains a concern forpetswithrecurrent,acute pancreatitis episodes and continued treatments (such as diet and long–term medical therapy) may be recommended to prevent additional episodes.

If you think your pet may be experiencing pancreatitis, contact your family veterinarian. If they’re unavailable or you believe your pet needs emergency care, find your nearest MedVet.