Identifying Canine Pancreatitis Symptoms: What to Look

To ensure your dog does not suffer from pancreatitis, it's crucial to be aware of the disease's symptoms and be willing to seek veterinary care for diagnosis and treatment.

Part 1: Identifying Pancreatitis in Dogs

Keep an eye out for digestive issues. If your dog has pancreatitis, it may struggle with digesting food. Symptoms related to digestion include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Should your dog experience a single episode of vomiting or diarrhea, it's important to monitor them closely to ensure the issue resolves. If these symptoms recur, it could be a sign of pancreatitis.

Observe behavioral changes. Pancreatitis can affect your dog's behavior, leading to symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, and depression.

Be mindful of changes in your dog's mood. If your normally energetic pet becomes unusually subdued or gloomy, it might indicate a health concern.

Pancreatitis can also leave your dog feeling exhausted. If your dog, who usually enjoys playing or going for walks, now shows no interest in activities, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Pay attention to your dog's posture. Dogs with pancreatitis may hunch over due to abdominal pain, a position sometimes referred to as the "prayer stance." In this posture, the dog's tail is elevated, and the front end is resting on the ground.

This posture is adopted by dogs with pancreatitis to alleviate some of the pain. The position helps to reduce discomfort.

Check for fever. Fever is a symptom of pancreatitis. If possible, take your dog's temperature. A normal dog's temperature typically ranges from 37.5°C to 39°C. If your dog's temperature is elevated, it may indicate pancreatitis.

To check your dog's temperature, you can use a rectal or ear thermometer.

Your dog may be more prone to pancreatitis if they have certain risk factors, including:

Obesity

Hypothyroidism

Blunt trauma to the pancreatic area

Diabetes

Family history of pancreatitis

Consuming highfat meals

Use of certain medications

Part 2: Diagnosis and Treatment of Dog Pancreatitis

Take your dog to the vet. If you suspect your dog has pancreatitis, it's essential to have them examined by a veterinarian. When you meet with your vet, provide a detailed account of your dog's symptoms and when they began.

In case you notice pancreatitis symptoms when the vet clinic is closed, take your dog to a 24hour animal hospital.

Obtain a diagnosis. The vet will attempt to diagnose your dog's condition accurately. If pancreatitis is suspected, they may perform a physical examination and measure the levels of pancreatic enzymes in your dog's blood, known as lipase.

Your dog may have pancreatitis for various reasons, including pancreatic trauma, medication side effects, hypertriglyceridemia, highfat meals, or other diseases. However, in many cases of pancreatitis, the cause remains undetermined.

Treat pancreatitis. The treatment approach varies depending on the severity of the pancreatitis. For very mild cases, treatment is typically supportive, allowing your dog's body to recover naturally. However, the pancreas may need to be temporarily "shut down" to allow it to heal. This means stopping all food and fluids to prevent the pancreas from secreting enzymes.

Without food, your dog will require intravenous fluids and electrolytes to maintain hydration and aid recovery from diarrhea or vomiting. Medications can also be administered to control diarrhea, vomiting, and pain. If the vet suspects an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Provide supportive care at home. As your dog recovers from pancreatitis, gradually reintroduce food. Your vet will provide feeding instructions, which usually involve small, bland meals.

Boiled white rice and cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breast are excellent dietary options for dogs recovering from pancreatitis. These foods are easy for dogs to digest.

Tip: Want to learn more about dog pancreatitis? Click here for "How Much Do You Know About Dog Pancreatitis?"