Doggy Digestive Problems? Might Be Pancreatitis

Bentley’s diarrhea and vomiting started Monday night, and it wasn’t getting any better, even with a bland diet of chicken and white rice to soothe his stomach. He was drinking more than usual and was lethargic. By Tuesday afternoon, he wasn’t any better.

“I figured he was dehydrated, and knew I couldn’t let it go on any longer,” says his owner, Lake Forest resident Pam Becker. She called her veterinary clinic, Portola Plaza Veterinary Hospital in Mission Viejo, and described the symptoms of the 10½-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

“They said to bring him right in,” she says.

A blood test showed that Bentley had high levels of lipase, one of the enzymes secreted by the pancreas. His veterinarian, Edgar Rodriguez, suspected an inflamed pancreas, a condition known as pancreatitis.

The pancreas is a fleshy-looking organ that produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, which help to maintain the level of glucose in the blood. It also produces digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats so the body can use them. Normally the pancreas works without fanfare, but if it becomes inflamed, the results can be life-threatening.

Vomiting is usually the main signal that something is wrong when a dog has pancreatitis. Some dogs, such as Bentley, stop eating or experience diarrhea. Abdominal pain and fever are also possible signs. The problem is that all of those are classic signs of any number of health problems, so pancreatitis is not always an obvious diagnosis. Lab test results and imaging such as X-rays or ultrasounds are also usually necessary to diagnose pancreatitis.

Any dog that is vomiting frequently, having diarrhea, not eating, or is losing weight for no apparent reason should be taken to a veterinarian. Dogs that appear to have severe abdominal pain should be seen immediately.

The disease can’t be cured with medication or surgery, but supportive treatment to ease the dog’s symptoms can help. For vomiting, the veterinarian may prescribe anti-emetics to help ease the quease. Hospitalized dogs that are unable to eat normally may need nutritional support through tube feeding. Pain-relief medications can help a dog with a painful, tender abdomen. If the veterinarian suspects that bacteria from the intestinal tract have migrated up the bile duct to the pancreas, causing infection and inflammation, he may prescribe antibiotics. Bentley was started on fluids to rehydrate his body and maintain the condition of the pancreas by promoting blood flow through it.

The way pancreatitis runs its course is unpredictable. The disease can be mild or severe. Some dogs have a single acute episode; others develop a low level of constant inflammation known as chronic pancreatitis. Severe cases can require a long hospital stay and lots of intensive treatment.

Bentley’s breed puts him at increased risk for chronic pancreatitis, according to a presentation at the 2008 World Small Animal Veterinary Association meeting. His age could also be a factor. The vast majority of dogs with pancreatitis are middle-aged or older. Many are also overweight.

What causes pancreatitis? That’s one of the mysteries of the disease. Sometimes, in dogs that are predisposed to it, pancreatitis appears to be triggered by too much fat in the diet, or the dog getting into the garbage. Certain hormonal imbalances can predispose a dog to pancreatitis, and so can taking sulfa antibiotics or some chemotherapy drugs. Surgery in the area of the pancreas or other physical trauma such as being hit by a car can also inflame the sensitive organ. But sometimes it’s just not clear why a dog develops pancreatitis. Bentley, for instance, eats high-quality food and doesn’t get any fatty snacks.

When Becker’s husband, Mike, visited Bentley on Wednesday morning, the dog wagged his tail and seemed much more animated. Mike was able to take him for a short walk. That evening, Bentley was discharged from the hospital. The Beckers were fortunate that they brought Bentley in at an early stage of the disease, Dr. Rodriguez told them. If they had waited longer, his illness might have been more severe.

Once they recover from pancreatitis, most dogs live a long and healthy life. Depending on the dog’s condition and the possible cause of the disease, the veterinarian may recommend weight loss, a change to a low-fat diet with extra fiber, a ban on high-fat snacks, and zero access to the garbage.

Because the signs are so general, chronic or mild pancreatitis can be an overlooked disease. It may be a possibility, however, if your dog has vague but recurring digestive or intestinal problems that aren’t explained by anything else.