While <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/acute">acute</a> <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/pancreatitis">pancreatitis</a> can be life-threatening, dogs can survive when adequately treated. Unfortunately, recurrence is common once your dog has suffered a bout of pancreatitis, leading to <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/chronic">chronic</a> pancreatitis. With the understanding of how <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/obesity">obesity</a> and poor diet contribute to the risk of chronic pancreatitis, you can make the right dietary choices and lifestyle changes to reduce that risk.

The pancreas is a small diffuse glandular organ situated in the abdominal <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/periodontal-disease">cavity</a> beneath your dog’s stomach.  It is a vital organ with both exocrine and endocrine functions, making it crucial for proper <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/cellulase">digestion</a> and maintaining <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/glucose">glucose</a> homeostasis. Any pancreas dysfunction can lead to significant health issues, including digestive disorders and metabolic disorders like <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/diabetes-mellitus">diabetes mellitus</a>.

Exocrine Function: Most of the pancreas comprises exocrine tissue responsible for producing and secreting <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/digestive-enzymes">digestive enzymes</a> into the small intestine. These enzymes aid in the breakdown of <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/carbohydrates">carbohydrates</a>, proteins, and fats in your dog’s food, allowing for proper digestion and nutrient absorption, and are released into the pancreatic duct, which connects to the common <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/bile">bile</a> duct, delivering the enzymes to the small intestine to facilitate digestion.

Endocrine Function: The pancreas also contains clusters of specialized cells called islets of Langerhans, responsible for the organ's endocrine function. Within these islets, specific cell types secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. The main hormones produced by the islets of Langerhans are insulin and glucagon. These hormones are critical in regulating blood sugar levels and glucose <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/metabolism">metabolism</a>, essential for overall health and <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/adenosine-triphosphate">energy</a> regulation.

Pancreatitis is <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/inflammation">inflammation</a> of the pancreas caused by the digestive enzymes produced by your dog’s pancreas becoming activated within the pancreas and causing inflammation and damage to the pancreatic tissue. The activated enzymes can lead to autodigestion, where the pancreas starts digesting its own tissue.

Your dog can suffer from acute, sudden-onset pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis, a long-term inflammation that is less painful and may not be detected. If you suspect your dog has acute pancreatitis (AP), you must seek veterinary care immediately, as it can be life-threatening.

Pancreatitis is a condition that can affect dogs of any age, breed, or sex. While the exact cause of pancreatitis in dogs is not always clear, several risk factors have been identified that may increase your dog's likelihood of developing the condition. 

Feeding your dog a high-fat and low-protein or high-carbohydrate and low-protein diet for an extended amount of time can lead to pancreatitis. Your dog will be at a higher risk of developing pancreatitis if she consumes too many fatty or sugary table scraps or raids garbage cans in a short period of time. This is especially true during holiday celebrations! Ensure that all party foods are properly stored and the trash is not accessible to your dog!

Other commonalities observed in dogs with pancreatitis are weight, age, reproductive status, and breed. Obesity is an epidemic for dogs in the United States. Maintaining your dog’s proper weight will reduce her risk of pancreatitis. 

Middle-aged to older dogs and dogs that have been neutered or spayed dogs have an increased risk of pancreatitis. 

Some dog breeds are more susceptible to pancreatitis than others. Breeds that are often identified as being at higher risk include Boxers, Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Briards, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, among others. You will want to remember to feed your dog a diet rich in high-quality proteins and minimal carbs if you have one of these breeds or a dog that is a mix of these breeds!

Once your dog has had a bout of pancreatitis, she is at a higher risk of it recurring. Many underlying health conditions can increase your dog’s risk of developing pancreatitis, including liver disease, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/hypothyroidism">hypothyroidism</a>, Cushing’s disease, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/hypercalcemia">hypercalcemia</a>, diabetes mellitus, or <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/hyperlipidemia">hyperlipidemia</a> (elevated blood fat levels). Past episodes of intervertebral disk disease or gastric dilatation-volvulus (gastric bloat) also correlate with pancreatitis.

Medically related concerns are linked with commonly prescribed medications, trauma, and infectious diseases.  Medications that have been linked to pancreatitis include Azathioprine (used to treat <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/autoimmune-diseases">autoimmune diseases</a>), corticosteroids such as prednisone used to treat allergies, L-asparaginase (chemotherapeutic drug), phenobarbital (used for seizure control), and potassium bromide (used for seizure control) are linked to the onset of pancreatitis. Recent vaccinations have also been shown to correlate with acute pancreatitis. 

Physical trauma to the abdomen or previous abdominal surgery can predispose your dog to pancreatitis, as can infections such as leptospirosis.

The most frequently encountered clinical signs of acute pancreatitis (AP) include severe abdominal pain, <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/anorexia">anorexia</a> (loss of appetite), repeated vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, depression, excessive drooling, and an elevated temperature. If your dog is experiencing severe pain, she will be restless or unwilling to move, standing hunched, stretching with the front legs forward, the chest down, and the rear raised (yoga down dog pose), and emitting unusual vocalizations.

Dehydration and signs of shock are indicative of a severe case of AP.  Your dog will experience a rapid, racing heart rate (tachycardia), rapid breathing (tachypnea), and hypothermia (decreased body temperature).

Clinical signs of chronic pancreatitis are similar to acute pancreatitis but less severe. Chronic or recurrent pancreatitis requires long-term dietary and pain management.

A dog suspected of acute pancreatitis should have a series of diagnostic tests performed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian should perform abdominal x-rays and/or ultrasounds to rule out any other possible causes for the clinical signs evident in your dog. Routine blood work should be run to determine other dysfunctioning organs. A specific blood test for pancreatitis, called Specific Canine Pancreatic Lipase (SPEC cPL), is much more sensitive and specific than the traditional run tests for amylase and lipase.

Diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs involves a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes other diagnostic procedures. A definitive diagnosis of pancreatitis can be challenging, as some clinical signs can be similar to other gastrointestinal issues. Here are the typical steps involved in diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs:

The veterinarian will thoroughly examine the dog, noting any signs of abdominal pain, tenderness, or distension. She will also inquire about the dog's medical history and any recent dietary indiscretions or changes.

Blood tests are an essential part of diagnosing pancreatitis. The veterinarian will likely perform a complete blood count (<a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/cbc">CBC</a>) and a serum biochemistry panel, including tests to assess liver, pancreatic, and blood glucose levels. Elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase and lipase, can indicate pancreatitis.

The serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) test is the specific blood test that measures the pancreatic lipase level, a more specific indicator of pancreatitis in dogs. The cPLI test can help confirm or rule out pancreatitis, especially in cases where the standard enzyme tests are inconclusive.

Imaging techniques, such as abdominal radiographs (X-rays) and abdominal ultrasound, may be performed to assess the appearance of the pancreas and surrounding structures. While these imaging methods may not always definitively diagnose pancreatitis, they can help identify changes consistent with the condition.

In some cases, additional tests, such as a fine needle aspirate or biopsy of the pancreas, may be required to confirm the diagnosis if the results from blood tests and imaging are inconclusive or if other underlying conditions need to be ruled out.

Treatment and Management of Acute Pancreatitis

Treating acute pancreatitis in dogs typically involves supportive care, pain management, dietary management, and addressing any underlying factors that may have contributed to the condition. The severity of the pancreatitis episode will determine the specific treatment approach. Here are the common steps involved in treating pancreatitis in dogs:

The treatment of pancreatitis can vary based on the individual dog's condition and the severity of the episode. Some dogs recover quickly with conservative management, while others require more intensive care and monitoring. If you suspect your dog has pancreatitis or if she shows any signs of abdominal discomfort, vomiting, or <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/lethargy">lethargy</a>, seek immediate veterinary attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can improve the chances of a successful recovery.

Chronic pancreatitis in dogs is a long-term inflammatory condition of the pancreas. Unlike acute pancreatitis, which is sudden and often resolves with appropriate treatment, chronic pancreatitis is persistent and can cause ongoing damage to the pancreas over time. This condition can be challenging to manage and may lead to various health issues.

In chronic pancreatitis, the inflammation of the pancreas becomes recurrent or persists for an extended period, resulting in scar tissue formation and irreversible changes in the pancreatic tissue. The repeated episodes of inflammation can lead to a decline in the pancreas's ability to produce digestive enzymes and regulate insulin and other hormones.

The exact cause of chronic pancreatitis in dogs is often not fully understood. However, it is believed to result from a combination of factors, including:

The clinical signs of chronic pancreatitis include intermittent or persistent vomiting, weight loss, decreased appetite, abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Diagnosing chronic pancreatitis in dogs can be challenging, as its clinical signs may overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions. The diagnosis is typically based on clinical signs, blood tests (including pancreatic enzyme levels), imaging studies (such as abdominal ultrasound), and ruling out other possible causes of the dog's signs.

Treating chronic pancreatitis in dogs often involves a combination of supportive care, dietary management, pain relief, and addressing any underlying health conditions. In some cases, lifelong management and adjustments to the dog's diet and medications may be necessary to control clinical manifestations of the disease and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Since chronic pancreatitis can lead to long-term health complications, close monitoring and regular follow-up visits with a veterinarian are essential for dogs with this condition. With proper management and care, many dogs with chronic pancreatitis can lead a good quality of life.

Once the treatments are taking effect and vomiting has stopped, it is time to reintroduce food and water slowly. You need to feed your dog foods low in fat but still contain balanced levels of nutrients required for your dog’s life stage. 

Many veterinarians will want you to put your dog on a prescription diet for pancreatitis. This will seem counterintuitive because we know that processed food requires the pancreas to work overtime to process and digest the food. 

The ideal diet is a fresh diet based on the Real 6X Ancestral Diet™ that offers lean, high-quality muscle meat, such as white meat chicken, lean and low-fat ground beef, and beef heart as the protein source. To prevent the recurrence of pancreatitis, you must continue to feed a diet of less than 10% fat.

Feed small meals five to six times daily for several weeks or months after an episode. You can flavor your dog’s water with homemade <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/bone-broth">bone broth</a> to encourage fluid consumption. 

Dietary supplements can play a role in providing additional support during the recovery phase. Three nutrients commonly deficient in dogs with chronic pancreatitis are <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/vitamin-c">vitamin C</a>, E, and selenium. Nutritional supplements that may be beneficial for dogs recovering from pancreatitis:

Herbs have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for dogs with pancreatitis. Bilberry, dandelion root, milk thistle, slippery elm, and European Walnut gemmotherapy (plant bud therapy) are used for acute or chronic pancreatitis. In contrast, Black Mulberry and White Birch (Betula alba) gemmotherapy is only used for chronic pancreatitis.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is an anti-inflammatory that can be given twice daily with food as a fresh or dried herb.

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) is an antioxidant given twice to three times a day without food as a glycerin extract.

European Walnut (Juglans regia) gemmotherapy is an anti-inflammatory given twice daily in an extract.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) supports the liver during a bout of pancreatitis. It is given twice to three times daily, without food, as a glycerin extract.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) can be given 2-4 times daily to soothe gastrointestinal distress signs.  The dosage can be increased by 50% if needed.

Mix 1 tsp to 4 oz of powdered herb in warm water to make a thick liquid you can squirt into your dog’s mouth with a syringe.

White Birch (Betula alba) gemmotherapy is an anti-inflammatory and supports immune health for dogs with chronic pancreatitis. It is given to your dog twice daily without food.

Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) gemmotherapy helps strengthen the pancreas for dogs with chronic pancreatitis. It can be given twice daily before feeding your dog.

Herbs can be beneficial during bouts of pancreatitis or to prevent recurrence. Choose one or two that will best support your dog.

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.1227">Diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs and cats</a> 

<a href="https://doi.org/10.30954/2277-940X.03.2020.19">Prevalence of Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs</a> 

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12293">Pancreatitis in dogs and cats: definitions and pathophysiology</a> 

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2012.04.003">Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs: Advances in Understanding, Diagnostics, and Treatment</a> 

<a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.12180">Nutritional management of acute pancreatitis in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care</a> 

<a href="https://www.markmorrisinstitute.org/sacn5_download.html">“Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis” in Mark Morris Institute</a> 

<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25586804/">Management of acute pancreatitis in dogs: a critical appraisal with focus on feeding and analgesia  </a> 

<a href="https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/herbal-solutions-for-dog-pancreatitis/">Natural Remedies For Pancreatitis In Dogs </a> 

Feeding a Dog with Pancreatitis

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