What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of an abdominal organ called the pancreas.  The pancreas makes insulin.  It also makes digestive enzymes.  When the pancreas is inflamed these enzymes leak out of the pancreas and cause irritation to the pancreas and surrounding organs, including the liver. 

What causes pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is often associated with your pet eating a large amount of fatty food such as gravy, or raiding the garbage can.   It may also occur as the result of trauma, obesity, intestinal infection or a complication of diabetes.

What pets are most susceptible?
Schnauzers appear to be more prone to pancreatitis.  Although dogs of any age may develop pancreatitis, they are usually middle-aged or older, and sometimes obese."Fat-Female and Forty"(middle aged)  Cats tend to have a more low-grade, smoldering type of pancreatitis.

What are the signs of pancreatitis?
Vomiting, lack of appetite, depression and dehydration are the most common signs of pancreatitis.  Animals may show signs of abdominal pain.  Some animals have diarrhea and may have a fever.  If the liver becomes inflamed, animals may show jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes and mucous membranes).  Pancreatitis can result in life-threatening complications.  If the pancreatitis is severe, animals can show signs of shock and develop kidney, heart  or blood clotting problems. 

How can you tell if my pet has pancreatitis?
Through a physical exam and obtaining a good medical history, the probability of pancreatitis is determined.  Pancreatitis is diagnosed with more certainty through a blood test for the pancreatic enzymes amylase or lipase.  Results of a complete blood count (CBC) can help determine the severity of the problem.  Radiographs (x-rays) are also  sometimes done to assess the extent of the disease. 

How is pancreatitis treated?
The goal of treatment is to rest the pancreas, provide supportive care and control complications.  This is accomplished by hospitalizing the pet, giving fluids intravenously  (into the blood stream) or under the skin, and giving no food, water or medication by mouth for several days.  Anything given by mouth would cause more vomiting and stimulate the pancreas to release more enzymes.  Antibiotics, pain relievers and drugs to control the vomiting are often given.

Will my  pet recover if treated?
Although pancreatitis can be fatal, most patients recover.  It can, however,  become a chronic, recurring condition and can result in diabetes or liver disease.  If infection, kidney problems or clotting problems occur, the prognosis is poor.