Types & Causes of Canine Pancreatitis Explained

Section 1: Types of Canine Pancreatitis

1. Acute pancreatitis in dogs can be incredibly painful, a distressing sight for any owner. The pain stems from the pancreas malfunctioning, causing digestive enzymes to be released into the pancreas and surrounding organs and tissues. This leads to the body essentially digesting itself, a condition known as necrotizing pancreatitis. Dogs can develop acute pancreatitis rapidly, and without prompt veterinary intervention and treatment, they face significant lifethreatening risks.

2. Chronic pancreatitis, as the name suggests, takes a longer period to manifest. It is more likely to occur in dogs over two years old. The disease's hallmark is that the pancreas fails to secrete digestive enzymes, and symptoms only become apparent when 85%90% of the pancreas' function ceases. As a result, the reduction in digestive enzymes leads to decreased protein and fat digestion. Undigested fatty acids in the intestines can cause dogs to experience yellowish, greasy diarrhea, a classic sign of chronic pancreatitis. However, the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis are not as immediate as those of acute pancreatitis. Common symptoms include weight loss, hair loss, bloating, increased appetite, and diarrhea.

Section 2: Factors Contributing to Canine Pancreatitis

1. Genetic predisposition is a significant factor in the development of pancreatitis in dogs. Certain breeds, such as dachshunds, miniature poodles, and Cocker Spaniels, among others, are at a higher risk due to congenital exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. However, the genetics behind why many pet cats also suffer from pancreatitis remain unclear.

2. Less commonly known is that back injuries can lead to pancreatitis. The thoracolumbar junction in dogs, where the last rib is visible, is a critical point of support for the stomach and pancreas. If this area is touched, the dog may feel discomfort, indicating potential injury or pressure. This can be one of the causes of bloating in dogs.

3. Overimmunization might also be a contributing factor to pancreatitis. If your dog has pancreatitis, it might be worth reflecting on the timing of its last vaccination, as it could have been within a month of the onset of symptoms.

4. Beyond these factors, the nutritional status of the dog is closely linked to pancreatitis. Both humans and dogs can develop pancreatitis due to an unhealthy diet, particularly the impact of a highcarbohydrate diet on carnivores.

Dr. OxygenPet summarizes the types and causes of canine pancreatitis, hoping that pet owners will take note and avoid unreasonable feeding methods to prevent their pets from falling ill due to dietary issues.