What is pancreatitis?

The pancreas is an abdominal organ responsible for producing enzymes to aid in digestion and hormones involved in glucose and insulin regulation. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The digestive enzymes produced that are normally activated in the small intestine become activated in the pancreas itself. This causes digestion of the pancreas leading to irritation and inflammation.

This condition can occur in both dogs and cats. Based on more recent studies, there is an increased prevalence of pancreatitis in Mini Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Daschunds, Poodles, and sled dogs. It is not reported for certain cat breeds to have an increased prevalence. Unlike dogs, cats with pancreatitis tend to have concurrent disease with the liver and small intestines, which is called “triaditis”.

What causes the condition?

A vast majority of cases of pancreatitis are of an unknown cause (idiopathic). However, studies have shown there are certain risk factors associated with pancreatitis. The most common risk factors are as follows:

• Dietary indiscretion

• Trauma: high-rise syndrome (cats), blunt force

• Severe hypertriglyceridemia (dogs)

• Cushing’s disease (dogs)

• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP; cats)

• Determining if any of these risk factors are present in cases of pancreatitis can help aid in treatment.

What are the signs my pet has pancreatitis?

Common clinical signs of pancreatitis are decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain (prayer pose), fever, and lethargy. Cats can also present with yellowing of the eyes and gums (jaundice). In mild cases, signs may only present as lethargy and decreased appetite.

Why is it considered an emergency, and how is it treated?

Pancreatitis is an emergency due to the risk of single or multi-organ failure and death. Identifying cases early and treating aggressively is the key to reducing the risk of these negative outcomes. The most used diagnostic test with rapid results is called the pancreatic lipase test. This will be elevated in cases of pancreatitis and can be used in both cats and dogs. Treatment for pancreatitis includes management of risk factors or underlying cause (if any), intravenous fluids, pain management, nutritional support, and anti-vomiting medication. Studies have shown that an injectable drug (Panoquell) with supportive care has improved the outcome of pancreatitis treatment in dogs. Unfortunately, this can only be used in dogs at this time.

Pancreatitis is a life-threatening condition, but it can be treated. Therefore, it is important that if you notice any of the signs listed above, to bring your pet to your primary veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as possible, since time is of the essence for treatment.