Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas has two main functions:

• releases enzymes to help digest food
• releases insulin and other hormones to help regulate blood sugar levels

Pancreatitis is quite a common condition affecting dogs and cats, especially Terrier breeds, Miniature Schnauzers, Shetland Sheepdogs and Siamese cats. It can vary widely in how it affects animals and can range from very mild symptoms to being life-threatening.

The most common symptoms are:

• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• not eating
• weakness
• dehydration
• diarrhoea or blood in aeces

The causes of pancreatitis are unknown in 90% of cases but sometimes it may be caused by feeding a high fat diet or 'human food'.

If your animal is suffering from the above symptoms it does not necessarily mean they have pancreatitis as lots of other diseases can have the same symptoms. Deciding whether they have pancreatitis can be very challenging and usually your pet will have to have blood tests and sometimes x-rays or ultrasound scans to rule out other diseases.

Treatment:

• Hospitalisation is usually required to allow your pet to be put onto intravenous fluids as they are usually very dehydrated.
• Pain relief is given as inflammation of the pancreas can be very painful
• Antibiotics may be given as sometimes the pancreas can be infected
• Usually they are not fed for a short time to rest the pancreas. Once they start eating again a special diet that is low in fat is given to help prevent further irritation of the pancreas
• Once your pet is well enough to go home often they require the low fat diet for a time at home.

Pancreatitis is quite a common condition that is very difficult to diagnose.

Pancreatitis is likely to reoccur and ongoing management and treatment may be necessary. If you have any concerns about your pet please don't hesitate to contact your vet.