Can too many treats cause pancreatitis in dogs

Pancreatitis in Dogs: What It Is, What Causes It, and What You Can Do

Growing up, our parents would make some things sound so horrible and scary as a way to instill fear in us, just to prevent us from doing certain things.

Well, when I was in veterinary school, our instructors instilled a warranted and significant fear of the pancreas. Dont anger your dogs pancreas because it isnt forgiving!

What is the pancreas, and what does it do exactly for our pets? It is a V-shaped gland located in the upper area of your dogs abdomen.

The pancreas' primary purpose is to secrete digestive enzymes and other substances that aid in the absorption of nutrients and certain vitamins and minerals from your pets food. Since the pancreas has such an important job, it gets very angry when its normal functions are interrupted.

And what happens when we make the pancreas angry? Pancreatitis. There are two types of pancreatitis acute and chronic.

What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs?

• Acute pancreatitis occurs abruptly with little to no permanent changes to the pancreas.
• Chronic pancreatitis is continuing inflammation that often results in irreversible or permanent changes in the pancreas.

In general, with acute or chronic pancreatitis, inflammation causes activations of enzymes within the pancreas itself. This results in a progressive breakdown of the pancreas' tissue by its own enzymes in short, think of it as eating itself!

Possible Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs

Typically, in dogs with spontaneous pancreatitis, the cause is unknown. And the symptoms are so variable that an owner can miss a mild bout of pancreatitis but the damage has already begun. Dogs that have acute pancreatitis are likely to have it happen again, eventually creating a chronic condition.

The following is a list of just some of the potential factors that are considered possible causes of pancreatitis:

• Dietary indiscretion: If a dog eats food that they usually dont consume and/or that food is high in fat.

Even if an animal has regularly gotten table food or fatty foods, an adverse reaction to the food can happen at any time. I have had many patients who have gotten table scraps for an extended period and were fine. Then one day, their pancreas decided it had had enough.

• Obesity: Obese dogs have higher fat in their blood compared to thinner dogs. Plus, acute pancreatitis causes an uncontrolled breakdown of visceral fat, which is rich in unsaturated triglycerides releasing unchained fatty acids, which in turn causes necrosis and worsening of pancreatitis.
• High amounts of fat present in the blood: This is a condition some dog breeds are more likely to have than others, such as Miniature Schnauzers. A diet that is high in fat can cause high levels of fat in the blood.
• Blunt abdominal trauma: Injuries to the abdomen, such as being hit by a car, another pet running into them, etc.
• Certain medications or toxins: Any medication or toxin that can lead to inflammation of the pancreas can cause an issue. Some possible examples include some chemotherapy medications, corticosteroid therapies, or certain antibiotics. Your veterinarian will determine what is the best medical care for your pet and advise you of any risks. There are household and environmental toxins such as zinc and organophosphates that have also been linked to pancreatitis.
• Presence of other diseases: Diabetes Mellitus, chronic kidney disease
• Infectious agents: Parvovirus, Babesia canis, upward movement of intestinal bacteria, aberrant movement of intestinal parasites
• Kidney and Liver issues
• Cushing's Disease

At What Age Is a Dog More Likely to Get Pancreatitis?

In reality, any dog can be affected at any age. However, acute pancreatitis is most common in middle-aged or older dogs (older than 7 years old).

Are Some Dog Breeds More Likely to Get Pancreatitis?

Any breed of dog can develop pancreatitis, but Miniature Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels seem to have a higher rate of occurrence. Why? One reason is that these dog breeds tend to have high blood triglyceride levels (high levels of fat in their blood).

Signs Your Dog Might Have Pancreatitis

Now that you know what pancreatitis is and how it happens, let's look at what the signs or symptoms of pancreatitis are so you know when you need to have your dog checked out by a veterinarian. Clinical signs of pancreatitis the ones you can see can be vague or unclear and not specific to just pancreatitis. Also, there are times when the secondary complications of pancreatitis cause these symptoms. This is why it is important not to delay going to the veterinarian if you see any of these symptoms.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs

When dogs get pancreatitis, the general clinical signs involve the gastrointestinal tract.

• Vomiting: This is the most consistent sign but can be absent
• Not eating
• Acting depressed
• Painful in the abdominal area: Your dog will likely be restless, panting, trembling, or look "hunched-up." Here's an example of what "hunched up" might look like:
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Weakness, or in severe cases, collapse

Symptoms of pancreatitis tend to be vague and nonspecific. Often, when getting diagnosed by the veterinarian, otherillnesses are found. Diagnosis is often made from the combined results of the exam, bloodwork, and an ultrasound of your dog's abdomen.

Treatment for Pancreatitis in Dogs

Management of pancreatitis is predominantly providing supportive care, as there are no specific or standard veterinary treatment protocols (see note below). This involvessupportive care with IV fluids and medications to treat the secondary effects: vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, etc. If another illness or condition is diagnosed at the same time as pancreatitis, measures are taken to address that as well.

Note: Recently, the FDA has conditionally approved the first and only injectable medication, Panoquell-CA1, for managing the clinical signs associated with acute onset of pancreatitis in dogs. A study showed statistically significant improvements over three days.

It is important for dogs to be appropriately selected your veterinarian will know if your dog qualifies. The dogs must have clinical signs associated with acute pancreatitis, and acute pancreatitis must be the top differential for the presenting clinical signs.

It can be used both for hospitalized patients and those treated at home.

Its safe use has not been evaluated in dogs with cardiac disease, liver failure, kidney issues, dogs less than six months of age, dogs intended for breeding, and pregnant or lactating dogs.

Even with aggressive treatment, the prognosis is still questionable.

Unfortunately, there are complications associated with pancreatitis, including:

• Pulmonary edema: Fluid in the lungs
• Cardiac arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeat
• Peritonitis: Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen and pelvic cavity, which can be fatal
• DIC (Disseminated intravascular coagulation): Abnormal functioning of the bodys natural blood clotting and clot-dissolving mechanisms, which can be life-threatening
• Failure to respond to treatment
• Secondary issues can include diabetes and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

If your pet has had or is suspected of having pancreatitis, change over to a low-fat diet and decrease body weight if they are overweight. Avoid giving too many treats, especially any treats containing fats. Absolutely avoid ANY fatty human foods such as meat, cheeses, etc.

Once your pet has had pancreatitis, they are more likely to have it again. And every time your pet has pancreatitis, their ability to recover each time diminishes. Preventive measures and following your veterinarians treatment plan are crucial for their health. Pancreatitis can be fatal.

How to Prevent Pancreatitis in Dogs

While it isnt possible to prevent all causes of pancreatitis, it is very easy to prevent some of them.

Strictly Monitor and Control Your Dogs Diet

The first significant benefit of this is the prevention of obesity always measure out your dog's food and treats for the day. Be sure that your dog's diet matches their lifestyle and life stage, such as feeding a senior formula versus an adult formula. Your veterinarian can help recommend the best diet for your dog since they know your dog and their health history.

Do not feed a high-fat diet or add fat to the diet. Avoid giving human foods. While some foods, such as carrots and green beans, are considered dog-safe, others, like grapes and raisins, are toxic. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage, and damage to the kidneys is a risk factor for pancreatitis.

Besides their potential high-fat content, human food can be high in salt or contain ingredients that are toxic to your pet. For instance, many seasonings added to meats contain onions or garlic, which are toxic for animals. Remember toxins are on the list as a risk factor.

Some food products, such as peanut butter or "keto-friendly" ingredients, may contain xylitol which is extremely toxic to dogs. Always confirm with your veterinarian if a particular food is safe or not to give your dog.

Keto Diets and Dogs

Remember, dogs are not people. Just because humans may do well on the keto diet and "good fat bombs," such as coconut oil, MCT oil, and grass-fed butter, which can be beneficial to people that situation does not apply to dogs. While your dog can have relatively small amounts of coconut oil in order to gain the benefits of MCT (medium-chain triglycerides), it isn't really recommended. The reason for this is two-fold:

• You may give them too much by accident, which can aggravate the pancreas.
• Coconut oil has long-chain triglycerides, and the amount of MCT is very variable from brand to brand.

The MCT contained in dog-specific diets, such as Purina's Brain Health (formerly Bright Mind) formula, are enhanced with botanical oils and are designed to provide your pet with all the benefits of MCT without the dangers.

A small dash of extra-virgin cold-pressed oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and flaxseed oil, is safe. Even a small amount given periodically of xylitol-free peanut butter can be okay. But DO NOT give these things to breeds predisposed to high-fat levels in their blood, such as Miniature Schnauzers or Poodles, or dogs with a history of pancreatitis.

Even if you have periodically or even regularly given human foods and your dog seemed fine, pancreatitis can happen at any time.

If your pet has a history of pancreatitis, be sure to let your veterinarian know, as this may determine what medications or treatments they prescribe for any future health issues.

I cannot emphasize enough that pancreatitis is a very serious disease with the risk of serious complications. Prompt and aggressive treatment is needed for the best outcome. Preventing obesity for your dog's entire life and avoiding inappropriate human foods (especially fatty foods) can be key factors in avoiding this disease. You never know when your dog has suffered from this disease in silence, so always take precautions to avoid factors that can anger their pancreas.

Pancreatitis in Dogs Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Pancreatitis in dogs is one of those conditions that owners must be informed about before it strikes because the warning signs may not always be obvious at first, the symptoms might be mistaken for something less serious, and yet its potentially life-threatening. The medical definition of pancreatitis is simple: inflammation of the pancreas. But like all serious conditions, there is more to it than that.

Because it is dangerous, a suspected case of pancreatitis needs to be addressed by a veterinarian as quickly as possible and not dealt with by DIY treatments. As with all medical issues, even the best online resource is not a replacement for the medical guidance from your vet.

Before looking at the details of pancreatitis, lets take away the ititis and explain the small but vital organ itself:

The pancreas is responsible for releasing enzymes that aid in digestion. When the organ is working normally, the enzymes become active only when they reach the small intestine. In a dog with pancreatitis, however, the enzymes activate when theyre released, inflaming and causing damage to the pancreas and its surrounding tissue and other organs. According to the Whole Dog Journal, the enzymes can actually begin to digest the pancreas itself, which causes extreme pain to your dog.

Classic signs of pancreatitis in dogs

• Hunched back
• Repeated vomiting(either several times within a few hours or periodically over several days)
• Pain or distention of the abdomen (dog appears uncomfortable or bloated)
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Weakness/lethargy
• Fever

If your dog exhibits one of these signs, and only infrequently, monitor her. But if she exhibits multiple signs at once, and repeatedly, a call to the veterinarian quickly is vital.

Dehydration and pancreatitis in dogs

Dehydration is due to a greater fluid loss than fluid intake. Diarrhea or vomiting can cause dehydration, but those signs together will cause a greater fluid deficit and dehydration because the dogs fluid input (drinking) cannot keep up with the fluid losses. If the diarrhea becomes bloody, the condition worsens and the dehydration can become an emergency.

Other factors such as fever require increase fluid intake and can lead to dehydration along with other metabolic issues such as kidney disease, etc.

Blood in a dogs stool indicates a loos and significant inflammatory response requiring a veterinarians attention but it can be cause by a multitude of factors, from ulceration to parasites. Dehydration is a serious condition that can lead to death. It is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care.

Any lethargic dog who is not drinking water or cannot hold water down should be suspect of dehydration and examined by a veterinarian. Dry mucous membranes (such as gums) may be a quick way of assessing dehydration but as always, when in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.

Causes of pancreatitis in dogs

There are a number of causes and risk factors that can bring on pancreatitis. Though often the attack appears seemingly out of the blue. Among them are:

• A high-fat dietThis is a major cause of pancreatitis, especially for a dog who gets one large helping of fatty food in one sitting
• A history of dietary indiscretion (a medical term for saying your dog will eat anything)
• Obesity
• Hypothyroidism (or other endocrine diseases)
• Severe blunt trauma
• Diabetes mellitus
• Certain medications or other toxinsThese include cholinesterase inhibitors, calcium, potassium bromide, phenobarbital, l-asparaginase, estrogen, salicylates, azathioprine, thiazide diuretics, and vinca alkaloids.
• There may, in some cases, be a genetic predisposition. Certain breeds or types of dogs have been associated with higher risks of pancreatitis such as Miniature Schnauzers and some of the smaller toy and terrier breeds.

More about those fats: Human food is especially dangerous, though even high-fat dog food may cause pancreatitis. So owner vigilance is particularly required around holidays and other festive occasionsthey can bring well-meaning guests who slip your buddy a fatty piece of lamb, or a tray of buttery cookies left within reach of an eager muzzle. In fact, the day after Thanksgiving is known for more than just Black Friday bargains. Its one of the busiest days of the year pancreatitis-related emergency vet visits.

Basically, if your dog is showing any signs of abdominal pain, the worst thing to do is feed him a fatty diet. This is one of many reasons that giving your dog table scraps, as tempting as it may be, is not advisable.

How does a vet diagnose pancreatitis in dogs?

• Your dogs medical history
• Blood tests to measure pancreatic enzymes
• Physical examination including stomach, gums, heart, temperature
• Radiographs or ultrasound, to rule out other causes
• Fine needle aspiration of the pancreas

As the Merck Veterinary Manual notes, as with any disease, no test should be used in isolation for diagnosis, and all clinical findings should be used in conjunction to arrive at the most appropriate diagnosis.

Whats the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?

Acute PancreatitisAn acute attack of pancreatitis means it comes on suddenly, with no previous appearance of the condition before. It can become life threatening to other organs if the inflammation spreads.

Chronic PancreatitisA chronic condition is one that has developed over time, slowly, and often without symptoms. This condition can result from repeated bouts of acute pancreatitis.

Both acute and chronic forms can be either severe or mild, and both result in pain.

Treatment and management of pancreatitis in dogs

Theres no fancy treatment for acute pancreatitis. First and foremost, your dogs pain must be managed, and early intervention to prevent further complications is key. The most common treatment and management options are:

• Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy in severe pancreatitis
• Vigorous monitoring of a worsening condition
• Antiemetic medication for vomiting (to prevent dehydration)
• Resting the pancreas (withholding food and water for 24 hours)Long-term management includes:
• Vigilant monitoring of fat intakeNo table scraps allowed!
• Use of a prescription diet of gastrointestinal-supportive low-fat, or ultra-low fat, food.
• Feed smaller, more frequent meals instead of one larger meal
• Have amylase and lipase levels checked by a veterinarian regularly

Can supplements be used to prevent or manage pancreatitis in dogs?

It is important to reiterate that pancreatitis is a serious condition, so home remedies shouldnt be used in place of veterinary intervention. That said, some vets believe digestive enzyme supplements with pancreatin can help some (not all) dogs by reducing the work of the pancreas and inhibiting pancreatic secretion. These come in over-the-counter strength as well as prescription strength.

Fish oil may seem counterintuitive at first, because of its high fat content, but it can actually help lower blood lipid levels. Studies suggest a high level of fish oil (about 1,000 mg. per 10 pounds of body weight for dog with high lipid levels; about half that amount for dogs with normal levels) is helpful to dogs with acute pancreatitis. When supplementing with fish oil, also supplement with 5 to 10 IU of vitamin E.

There have been human studies suggesting that vitamin E (with selenium), vitamin C, beta-carotene, and methionine may help prevent pancreatitis. Conversely, another human study reveals that probiotics can make acute pancreatitis worse.

Always speak with your veterinarian before offering any supplements to your pet.

A canine researchers case study: her own dog

Caroline Coile, Ph.D is the Nutrition and Health columnist for AKC Family Dog and a two-time AKC Canine Health Foundation Award winner. Pancreatitis is a subject Coile knows well, not only as a professional canine researcher and writer, but because her dog, a Saluki named Beanie, went through the difficult and stressful experience. Here she shares her story:

Beanie, unlike most Salukis, loves to eat. But one day, after eating his very favorite treata flaky biscuithe vomited it up. He was standing with his back kind of hunched. I gently pressed on his abdomen, and he yelped. Out came the thermometer, which told me his temperature was 103 degrees. While I was calling the veterinarian, he vomited again, then lay down in a corner. We were in the car within minutes.

The veterinarian palpated his abdomen, which was definitely tender; took his temperature, which was still high; and drew blood. Beanie received pain medication, antibiotics, and intravenous fluids to combat fluid loss and came home with strict instructions not to eat that day. Eating anythingor even smelling foodcould have caused his pancreas to secrete enzymes and slow its healing. He could lick ice cubes, and then drink a bit of water.

The next day, he was allowed to eat about six tiny meals of low-fat, high-carbohydrate food. This meant rice, potatoes, or pasta. Overcooking these starchy foods makes them easier to digest. We would boil one cup of white rice (not instant rice) in four cups of water for 30 minutes to make a rice porridge called congee. We gradually added in protein sources, such as skinless chicken breast, low-fat cottage cheese, or boiled hamburger meat. When feeding a dog with pancreatitis, its important to cook all the food even if you normally feed a raw diet. Because the dogs gut is compromised, its necessary to remove fat and destroy bacteria.

After a week, Beanie progressed to a veterinary prescription diet for dogs with pancreatitis. He hated it. Many dogs with a history of acute pancreatitis must be on a special diet for the rest of their lives. If they dont like the pancreatitis diet, a low-fat weight loss diet often works just as well. Since obese dogs are more prone to pancreatitis, they need to lose weight anyway. Even if a high-fat meal didnt cause the initial bout, it can trigger a recurrence once the dog has had pancreatitis.

After a month, Beanie was able to gradually transition back to his old diet, minus the high-fat treats. Eventually, he even got his breakfast biscuitsbut no more butter. He never had another bout of pancreatitis.

The Take-Away

As the Canine Journal puts it, pancreatitis is like that relative that just wont leave: Even when theyre gone, the thought of their return hovers in the back of your mind. Unfortunately, once a dog has had a bout of pancreatitis, the chance of recurrence is high. You best defense against a repeat appearance of this unwelcome intruder is a two-pronged approach: Be on the look-out for the warning signs and control the things you can. Dont let your dog become obese (exercise is good for both of you), follow your vets feeding instructions strictly, and, when relevant, administer your dogs medication faithfully.

Mild cases of pancreatitis usually have a good prognosis. Severe cases have a more guarded prognosis, due to the potential for systemic complications. But as a vigilant, responsible, and most of all, knowledgeable dog owner, you now know what you can do to reduce the risk of pancreatitis, how to recognize it if it does strike, and how to manage it going forward.