Pancreatitis Hurts: Understanding Canine and Feline Pancreatitis

If your pet suddenly becomes lethargic, loses their appetite, or shows signs of abdominal pain, pancreatitis might be the cause. This inflammatory condition affects both dogs and cats and can range from mild to life-threatening. With prompt diagnosis and the right care, many pets recover fully. Here’s what you need to know about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

The pancreas is a vital organ with two primary roles:

1. Digestive Function (Exocrine)

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes, like amylase, lipase, and protease, to help break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. These enzymes are secreted in an inactive form and only become active once they reach the small intestine. This protects the pancreas from digesting itself.

2. Hormonal Function (Endocrine)

The pancreas also secretes hormones like insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar. Insulin helps glucose enter cells for energy, while other hormones play roles in appetite and digestion.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It occurs when digestive enzymes activate inside the pancreas instead of the intestine. This causes the pancreas to begin digesting itself, leading to pain, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic, and while it’s more common in dogs, cats can also be affected.

The cause of pancreatitis is not always clear, but several risk factors can contribute:

Common Risk Factors in Dogs:

• Idiopathic which means the cause is unknown (accounts for over 90% of cases)
• High-fat diets or eating fatty table scraps
• Getting into the trash or eating unfamiliar foods
• Obesity
• Certain medications
• Abdominal trauma or recent surgery
• Underlying diseases such as diabetes or endocrine disorders
• Genetic predisposition (e.g., Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers)
• Pancreatic tumors (rare)
• Ischemia or reduced blood flow to the pancreas

Common Risk Factors in Cats:

Pancreatitis often occurs alongside other diseases such as hepatic lipidosis or inflammatory bowel disease.

Because the pancreas plays a key role in digestion, inflammation can cause a range of symptoms.

Common Signs in Dogs:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain or hunched posture
• Diarrhea or greasy stools
• Lethargy or weakness
• Dehydration
• Fever (less common)

Common Signs in Cats:

Symptoms may be more subtle, including:

• Decreased activity
• Hiding
• Poor appetite

There is no single definitive test for pancreatitis. Diagnosis is based on:

• Physical exam and clinical history
• Bloodwork, especially pancreatic enzyme levels
• Imaging (abdominal ultrasound)
• Rule-out of other GI or systemic conditions

Specific Diagnostic Tests:

• Spec cPL (canine) and Spec fPL (feline) blood tests measure pancreatic lipase, an enzyme released during inflammation.

Interpretation of Spec cPL:

• < 200 mcg/L: Normal
• 201–399 mcg/L: Equivocal
• ≥ 400 mcg/L: Consistent with pancreatitis

Interpretation of Spec fPL:

• ≤ 4.4 mcg/L: Normal
• 4.5–8.8 mcg/L: Possible pancreatitis
• ≥ 8.9 mcg/L: Diagnostic for pancreatitis

There is no direct cure for pancreatitis, but supportive care can allow the pancreas to heal and reduce pain.

Standard treatments include:

• Fasting to rest the digestive system
• IV fluids for hydration and electrolyte balance
• Pain medications
• Anti-nausea and anti-vomiting drugs
• A low-fat, easy-to-digest diet
• Treatment of any underlying diseases or triggers

Severe cases may require hospitalization for several days until the pet stabilizes.

Yes. Pancreatitis can worsen if inflammation progresses, causing the digestive enzymes to damage surrounding organs. Repeated flare-ups may lead to:

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): Inability to produce digestive enzymes, treated with daily enzyme supplements.
• Diabetes: If insulin-producing cells are damaged.
• Abdominal adhesions or scarring: Rare but painful.

Each episode of pancreatitis can be more severe than the last, especially if risk factors are not managed.

In 2022, the FDA conditionally approved Panoquell®-CA1 (fuzapladib sodium), the first drug to directly reduce pancreatic inflammation in dogs. It works by suppressing activation of inflammatory cells within the pancreas, slowing disease progression. Panoquell is administered once daily by your veterinarian for three days.

Once stabilized, your veterinarian may recommend:

• A strict low-fat diet
• No treats or table scraps
• Weight management
• Regular checkups and lab monitoring

You can reduce your pet’s risk of developing pancreatitis with these simple habits:

• Feed a balanced, veterinarian-recommended diet
• Avoid high-fat treats or table scraps
• Keep your pet at a healthy weight
• Avoid sudden diet changes
• Schedule regular veterinary wellness exams

Yes, it can be. Pancreatitis can quickly escalate and may become life-threatening. Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet shows:

• Repeated vomiting
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Severe abdominal pain
• Weakness or collapse
• Pale gums
• Rapid breathing

Pancreatitis can range from mild to severe. With prompt veterinary care, most pets recover fully and go on to live healthy lives. However, ignoring the signs or delaying treatment can lead to serious complications. At Ruby Veterinary Urgent Care, we’re here to help if your pet needs stabilization or diagnostics to understand pancreatitis in your pets. Early detection and action are the keys to recovery.