Understanding Canine Pancreatitis: Essential Info for P

Under normal circumstances, the pancreas secretes digestive juices into the intestines to break down fats and proteins. These digestive enzymes are inactive when they enter the intestines.

However, in cases of acute pancreatitis in dogs, various factors can lead to the premature activation of these enzymes, causing inflammation of the pancreas. Simply put, the pancreas can digest itself, leading to severe inflammation and a range of systemic symptoms.

What causes pancreatitis?

The exact mechanism of pancreatitis in dogs is not fully understood, but many factors can trigger the condition. These include consuming fatty foods or human food, being overweight, poisoning, medications, infectious diseases (such as toxoplasmosis and viruses), endocrine disorders, surgery, and infections (like pyometra, gastrointestinal perforation, peritonitis, etc.). The most common trigger in clinical practice is the consumption of rare or fatty foods.

Some specific breeds are more prone to pancreatitis. For example, German Shepherds are more susceptible to acute pancreatitis, while Cocker Spaniels are more prone to chronic pancreatitis. Shih Tzus may have a genetic predisposition to high triglyceride levels, making them more prone to pancreatitis. Other highrisk breeds include Poodles, Bichon Frises, and so on. Overweight and adult dogs have a higher incidence, but pancreatitis can affect dogs of any age.

Dogs with pancreatitis often experience abdominal pain, and a prayer position may indicate pain in the dog's anterior abdomen.

Can dogs die from pancreatitis?

Severe acute pancreatitis is a highly lethal disease with a mortality rate exceeding 40%. The main clinical symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, abdominal pain, dehydration, and diarrhea. Severe cases may also present with melena, fever, difficulty breathing, jaundice, and shock. Mild cases may not show all these symptoms or may have milder symptoms. Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis can lead to chronic pancreatitis, increasing the risk of diabetes and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Bichon Frises are highrisk breeds.

How is pancreatitis diagnosed and treated?

The diagnosis of pancreatitis primarily involves blood tests (CPL) and abdominal ultrasound, combined with a clinical history and symptoms. The accuracy of these methods is generally over 80%, but for chronic pancreatitis, it may be only around 50%. Advanced test strips are also available for testing.

Some cases of pancreatitis may be more sensitive to ultrasound diagnosis than blood tests.

The advanced SNAP cPL canine pancreatitis rapid test kit is used to measure the level of pancreatic lipase in pets. The product description on its website states: "Results as precise as those from reference laboratory ELISA technology: sensitivity up to 93%, specificity up to 78%; specifically designed for measuring canine pancreatic lipase levels, with results available in just 10 minutes."

Most importantly, treatment is crucial.

The treatment of pancreatitis primarily focuses on symptomatic relief, such as antiemetics and analgesics, and involves intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and restore metabolic balance. The typical treatment duration is 37 days, but if other diseases are involved or secondary, the course may be longer, and the risk of death may be higher.

How to prevent pancreatitis?

The primary method of preventing canine pancreatitis is dietary control. It is recommended to feed lowfat, prescription diets, control weight to avoid obesity, and reduce or avoid feeding human food or special food. Avoid administering medications such as tetracycline and cold remedies. Finally, regular health checkups and following medical advice are essential.