Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can range from mild edematous to severe necrotizing forms. Acute pancreatitis involves sudden onset of pancreatic inflammation, while chronic pancreatitis involves ongoing low-grade inflammation with progressive fibrosis. It is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in both dogs and cats.
Symptoms & Signs
- Vomiting (more common in dogs)
- Abdominal pain (prayer position)
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Abdominal tenderness
Causes & Risk Factors
Dogs: dietary indiscretion (high-fat meals), hyperlipidemia, obesity, certain medications (azathioprine, potassium bromide), endocrine diseases. Cats: often idiopathic, associated with inflammatory bowel disease and cholangitis (triaditis). Miniature Schnauzers predisposed due to hypertriglyceridemia.
Diagnosis
Canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI/Spec cPL) or feline (fPLI/Spec fPL). Abdominal ultrasound showing pancreatic enlargement, peripancreatic fat inflammation. Complete blood work reveals elevated liver enzymes, lipase, and inflammatory markers.
Treatment
Aggressive IV fluid therapy, anti-nausea medications (maropitant), pain management (opioids, local anesthetic techniques), nutritional support (early enteral feeding preferred over fasting), and treatment of complications (DIC, organ failure).
Prevention
Avoid high-fat diets and table scraps. Maintain healthy body weight. Monitor and manage hyperlipidemia. Gradual diet transitions. Avoid known trigger medications when possible.
Prognosis
Mild cases: good with appropriate supportive care. Severe necrotizing pancreatitis: guarded, with mortality rates of 30-40%. Chronic pancreatitis may lead to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or diabetes mellitus.
Affected Breeds (2)
| Breed | Species | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Miniature Schnauzer | Dog | Small |
| Standard Schnauzer | Dog | Medium |