Pancreatitis in Dogs

We are approaching that time of the year when pancreatitis becomes a problem… Thanksgiving.

Owners feed their dogs too many fatty foods, often times turkey skin, or for my breed–Weimaraners–they steal fatty foods, which leads to sickness. Pancreatitis is anecdotally more common Weimaraners, as is counter surfing!

Whenever my dogs get any highly fatty foods, I usually follow that up by giving them a digestive enzyme with Pancreatin. Pancreatin is a combination of the enzymes amylase, lipase, and protease. My first two weims got pancreatitis several times. It is VERY painful for the dog and nearly killed them. Since I began my regimen of giving digestive enzymes after consumption of fatty foods, there has been no reoccurrence of the problem.

Be aware of the symptoms and what to do about it. Following is an excerpt from an article. You can read the full article here.

“Acute pancreatitis is characterized by the abrupt onset of vomiting and severe pain in the abdomen. The dog may have a tucked-up belly and assume a prayer position. Abdominal pain is caused by the release of digestive enzymes into the pancreas and surrounding tissue. Diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, and shock may ensue.

The diagnosis can be suspected based on a physical examination. It is confirmed by blood tests showing elevated amylase and/or lipase levels, along with a new serum test called canine pancreatitis lipase immuninol reactivity and TAP (trypsinogen activation peptide). Abdominal ultrasonography may reveal an enlarged and swollen pancreas.

Mild pancreatitis produces loss of appetite, depression, intermittent vomiting, and diarrhea and weight loss.”

Please keep an eye on your dog around the holidays and don’t leave that turkey or ham on the table unattended!