The pancreas is one of your dog’s vital organs. It sits on the right side of the abdomen, right next to their stomach. The pancreas serves an essential role in creating the enzymes your dog needs to digest food. It also produces insulin and other hormones that regulate your dog’s metabolism and glucose levels. If your dog’s pancreas becomes inflamed, it’s likely that this is a sign of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis happens commonly in dogs. There is no breed, size, or sex that is immune. Pancreatitis can come in different forms, whether chronic or acute. If you notice inflammation, seek immediate emergency veterinary care.
What Does Pancreatic Abdominal Pain in Dogs Look Like?
When dogs are in pain, they will often suffer in silence. But just because dogs cannot tell us that they have pancreatic abdominal pain, several signs can still indicate pain. When dogs are in pain, they may:
Exhibit antisocial or aggressive behavior
Stop running to meet you at the door
Hide away from people and animals
If there’s a notable change in your dog’s behavior, it may be cause for concern. Pancreatic abdominal pain may also lead to changes in sleeping, eating, and drinking habits. If dogs are in pain, they will likely try to sleep more to give their body a chance to heal. Some dogs that are experiencing pancreatic pain become more vocal. They growl, howl, yelp, and bark more. This is their way of expressing that something is not right. Something else to look for is excessive grooming. If you see your dog constantly licking their paws, this could indicate that they are feeling pain somewhere. Additionally, altered breathing or heavy panting can be signs that your dog is experiencing pancreatic abdominal pain.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Common symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include:
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Fever
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
During pancreatitis, dogs may be in a praying position. They may have their head lowered to the floor with their rear in the air. If the attack is severe enough, dogs may experience acute shock. It’s not uncommon for dogs dealing with chronic pancreatitis to develop depression. If the condition is left untreated, it can be life-threatening.
What Are Some Potential Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs?
In a healthy dog, pancreatic enzymes are created in an inactive state. They go through the pancreatic duct and travel to the duodenum, part of the small intestine. When these enzymes arrive in the small intestine, they are activated and start the digestion process. For a dog with pancreatitis, the enzymes become activated prematurely in the pancreas. It can be compared to a time-release capsule that opens before the capsule reaches its intended target. This leads to pancreatic enzymes starting to digest before they reach their destination. They begin to digest the pancreas itself. There are several reasons why pancreatitis may occur in a dog. These include malfunctions of the pancreas triggered by a fatty meal or the administration of corticosteroids. In most cases, and for most dogs, the situation happens spontaneously.
What Does Treatment for Canine Pancreatitis Entail?
Our veterinarians in Memphis can diagnose pancreatitis in your dog early on. The earlier we can get it diagnosed, the more successful the treatment will be.
If your dog is experiencing mild edematous pancreatitis, treatment may require allowing your dog and the pancreas to rest. This will let the body heal itself.
Analgesics may be administered to minimize severe pain. If dogs are vomiting and fasting, IV fluids may be given to maintain the normal electrolyte fluid balance. Your dog may also need anti-inflammatory medications and other medications to control diarrhea and vomiting. If our veterinarians suspect an infection, antibiotics may be administered.
In many cases, dogs with pancreatitis will spend two to four days in the veterinary hospital. During this time, intravenous medications and fluids are administered. Food is gradually reintroduced into the dog’s system.
If your dog is experiencing severe hemorrhagic pancreatitis or is experiencing systemic shock, then intensive care will be administered using high doses of intravenous fluids and medications.
Why Choose a Thrive Pet Healthcare Hospital for Veterinary Care?
We have expert veterinarians in neighborhoods across the nation. Our teams are committed to continuing education and training. As a result, we can offer your furry friend cutting-edge treatment using state-of-the-art technology.
Most dogs will recover from pancreatitis with no long–term consequences. However, it’s essential that you seek professional help if your dog has symptoms of pancreatitis. This will help keep your dog healthy and happy.
