Pancreatitis is a condition that can sneak up on your pet – it’s inflammation of the pancreas and has several causes. It’s crucial to stay alert and catch it early to ensure your pet’s health and comfort. Here’s what you need to know:
What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed, causing your pet pain, often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhoea. The cause of pancreatitis is often not known in pets, however there are some known triggers in dogs such as eating a high fat meal, hormonal imbalances, or obesity which increase the risk factors. In around 95% of cats with pancreatitis it is considered idiopathic, which means the cause is unknown. Whether your pet is a dog or a cat, pancreatitis is something to watch out for.
Why it’s a serious condition for pets
Pancreatitis can be serious, and it can show up differently in dogs and cats. For dogs, the severity can range from mild to life-threatening. Dr Rachael Dickie, General Manager of Clinical Excellence at VetPartners, says some dogs might just need a day of rest, while others might require hospitalisation or even face death.
“For dogs, pancreatitis can present with mild signs such as occasional vomiting or diarrhoea, whilst for others it can be quite extreme, and unfortunately you don’t know what you’re going to get in each pet,” says Dr Dickie.
When it comes to cats, things are trickier. They can suffer from pancreatitis too, but their symptoms can be so subtle that it’s hard to know something’s wrong.
Signs of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can show up suddenly (acute presentation) or be recurrent and low grade (chronic presentation). In dogs, the signs of pancreatitis to watch out for are vomiting, diarrhoea and a lack of appetite. For cats, however, the signs can be much harder to spot. “They might just seem a bit off, not eating or acting like themselves,” Dr Dickie explains.
“Cats can have mild symptoms that get worse over time, so keep an eye on them if they’re suddenly lethargic or not eating.”
In extreme cases, cats may wince or tighten up when their abdomen is touched or run a fever. If your cat is acting unusual, especially if they’re not eating, it’s worth checking in with your vet.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pancreatitis involves a physical exam, blood tests, and sometimes an ultrasound to get a better look at what’s going on with the pancreas. “A vet will do a thorough physical exam and may be suspicious of pancreatitis, but you need the help of diagnostic tests to confirm this,” says Dr Dickie. “Blood tests can help lead us to a diagnosis, and if things aren’t improving, an ultrasound is often the next step.”
If your pet shows signs of pancreatitis, don’t wait — get them to the vet as soon as possible. The sooner you catch it, the better the outcome.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for pancreatitis, so treatment is all about managing the symptoms. “There’s no magic fix,” Dr Dickie says. “We focus on supportive care —fluids, pain relief and medications to stop nausea. Keeping your pet comfortable and hydrated is key to allow the body time to heal.”
For dogs, a big culprit can be fatty food, like sausages or leftovers, so it’s important to keep that in check. But sometimes pancreatitis shows up without an obvious trigger. The key is to support your pet while they recover.
How to manage your pet’s diet
Diet plays a huge role in managing pancreatitis in dogs. Fatty foods and table scraps are a no-go. “Anything rich in fat can upset your pet’s tummy, even if it doesn’t trigger pancreatitis,” says Dr Dickie. “If you’re introducing new foods, always start with small amounts to see how they react.”
If your pet has had pancreatitis, you’ll probably need to make some permanent dietary changes. Your vet can help you set up a low-fat diet to keep your pet healthy in the long run.
Risky foods
Here’s a list of foods to avoid if your pet is at risk of pancreatitis:
- Fatty cuts of meat for example, bacon, sausages and fatty steaks
- Table scraps especially anything greasy or fried
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese and cream
- Rich or creamy foods for example, sauces and gravies
- High-fat treats such as biscuits and fried snacks
- Processed meats for example, hot dogs and salami
- Chocolate especially dark chocolate
- Rich or fatty human snacks for example, chips and pizza
- Baked goods with high sugar or fat content
- Fatty fish for example, salmon and mackerel
- Nuts especially macadamia nuts, which can be toxic to dogs
What to feed a dog or cat with pancreatitis?
- Low-fat foods: stick to specially formulated low-fat pet food to reduce strain on the pancreas.
- Small, frequent meals: offer smaller portions throughout the day for easier digestion.
- Bland foods: boiled chicken (skinless, boneless) and white rice can be gentle on the stomach.
- Prescription diets: use vet-recommended, low-fat, easy-to-digest foods.
