
Pancreatitis is when there is an inflammation in the pancreas. Unfortunately very often symptoms of pancreatitis appear when it is very inflamed . Most of the time there is no or very little symptoms appear and therefore it is very often misdiagnosed or treated wrongly. The only way to diagnose pancreatitis is by performing a CPL Test. The most common dog breeds that suffer with pancreatitis are Cavalier King Charles, Boxers, Great Danes, Collies and Cocker Spaniels.
What is the main function of the pancreas?
The pancreas is a vital organ located in the right hand side of the abdomen adjacent to the stomach. Its two main functions are
a) The endocrine pancreas produces and secretes hormones which is vital to regulate to regulate blood sugar. When beta cells detect an increase in blood sugar , insulin is released directly into the blood and carries glucose into the body's cells. The more blood sugar the more insulin is produced. Glucagon, known as a hormone, acts to increase blood sugar and released when blood sugar is low
b) The exocrine pancreas stores and produces enzymes that are essential for the digestion of dietary components such as proteins, triglycerides, and carbohydrates. Enzymes are released into the intestinal tract and are needed to digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Two types of Pancreatitis
a) Acute pancreatitis
Abdominal pain
Hunching
Fever
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Bloody stool
Vomiting
Lethargy or restlessness
Acute pancreatitis can occur due to many different reasons. Main causes being obesity, high fat diets, high carb diets, stress or trauma, anxiety, diseases such as hypothyroidism, autoimmune disease, diabetes, hyperglycaemic, pain killers, anti inflammatories, vaccinations, dewormers, seizure medications and many other toxins. Even when your dog or cat has been on a low fat diet, an introduction of one simple fatty food can flare up the pancreas.
It is very important that if one or more symptoms appear to immediately consult your vet and ask for a CPL test. If medication is prescribed it is very important to detox your dog afterwards. One way is to administer milk thistle for three weeks. Sometime the pancreas would have been inflamed for weeks with no symptoms and then after weeks or months severe symptoms appear.
b) Chronic Pancreatitis
This is long term and may appear from time to time with even mild symptoms such as occasional vomiting, colitis or lack of appetite. With chronic pancreatitis, a pet owner needs to be very careful when their dog or cat is prescribed any pain killers, anti inflammatories, vaccines and many other toxins. We are not saying never give your dog any pain killers, vaccines or any anti inflammatories however caution needs to be taken and if any symptoms such as loss of appetite, loose or bloody diarrhoea or vomiting appear to consult your veterinarian immediately for proper management.
Management
There are a number of ways of how to manage pancreatitis, The method depends on several factors such as severity of the inflammation. Some may need some medication, whilst others might need fluid therapy.
There are a few simple ways of how to manage pancreatitis at home. Firstly a high moisture, fresh, low fat no to low carb diet is a must. The pancreas is already stressed and therefore it needs less work. Divide meals into three to four times a day not to overload the pancreas.
Kibble/ dry food and wet food are not the ideal food as they dehydrate contain high carbs, legumes, grains and many preservatives. Raw and home cooked are the best medicine for the pancreas. When feeding raw warm slightly as it is easier for the pancreas to digest. However feeding a fresh diet alone is not enough. Remember anything can inflame the pancreas and therefore if any kind of medication, vaccinations and other toxins are administered the pancreas will inflame. The body should not be stressed in any way, dogs should not be taken for extremely long walks or exercised excessively.
Chronic Pancreatitis can lead to type 1 Diabetes or EPI - exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. When EPI is diagnosed enzymes are needed at every meal.
Home Management
- Bland fresh diet with no grains, no legumes and no or low cabs
- Turkey Bone broth
- Supplements : omega 3, digestive enzymes, pre/probiotics and antioxidants.
- Most dogs that suffer with pancreatitis may need vitamin B.
References
Greco, D. S., & Kritchevsky, J. E. (2023, August 22). Disorders of the Pituitary Gland in Dogs. MSD Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/hormonal-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-pituitary-gland-in-dogs
Graca R, Messick J, McCullough S, Barger A, Hoffmann W. Validation and diagnostic efficacy of a lipase assay using the substrate 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero glutaric acid-(6′ methyl resorufin)-ester for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in dogs. Vet Clin Pathol. 2005;34(1):39-43.
Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs. (n.d.). Pet Health Network. https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/acute-pancreatitis-dogs#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20suggested%20causes,once%20can%20cause%20acute%20pancreatitis.
Mansfield CS, Beths T. Management of acute pancreatitis in dogs: A critical appraisal with focus on feeding and analgesia. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2015;56(1):27-39
Greco, D. S., & Kritchevsky, J. E. (2023, August 22). Disorders of the Pituitary Gland in Dogs. MSD Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/hormonal-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-pituitary-gland-in-dogs In-Text Citation: (Greco & Kritchevsky, 2023)
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