Inflammation of the Pancreas in Dogs and Cats

Pancreas problems are relatively common in dogs and cats and can have serious consequences. Read here how inflammation of the pancreas is diagnosed and what it means for your animal.

The number of enzymes in the pancreatic juice can adapt to the type of feed. For example, more amylase is released when the diet is high in carbohydrates. Only after they have been broken down by the digestive enzymes can the nutrients from the feed get through the intestinal wall into the blood and serve as a source of energy for the body.

What sounds relatively simple is in fact a dangerous task for the pancreas, as it is in constant danger of digesting itself. To prevent this from happening, there are a number of protective mechanisms that ensure that the enzymes only start working in the small intestine. In particular, protein-digesting enzymes are released in the form of inactive precursors and together with inhibitors that are intended to prevent activation in the pancreatic ducts. If these protective mechanisms fail, painful inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) occurs.

The islets of Langerhans, named after their discoverer, are embedded in the glandular tissue of the pancreas. The islet cells mainly produce the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels, but also hormones that, for example, regulate the release of pancreatic juice and create a feeling of satiety.

What Happens in the Pancreas When There is Inflammation of the Pancreas?

Even if the causes of pancreatitis range from unsuitable food to circulatory disorders to infections, the pancreas always reacts in the same way:

The excretion of digestive enzymes is reduced. As a result, they remain in the pancreas cells longer than usual, with the result that they are still activated in the cells. The pancreas begins to digest itself, so to speak. Inflammatory cells migrate into the organ, blood vessels are damaged and the pancreas swells. In milder diseases, the inflammation remains limited to the pancreas, while in more severe cases, the self-digestion spreads further, the surrounding fatty tissue is then saponified by the enzymes and a very painful fatty tissue necrosis develops. Abscesses are also possible.

What are the Consequences of Pancreatitis?

In the case of acute pancreatitis, the inflammation can heal again without damage to the organ. However, it can also spread to the surrounding tissue and cause greater damage. Such acute necrotizing pancreatitis can become life-threatening if sepsis (blood poisoning) develops, which can lead to shock and organ failure.

How Does Pancreatitis Manifest Itself?

Unfortunately, the signs of pancreatitis are anything but typical.

In the case of pancreatitis, the animals show z. e.g.:

• apathy
• loss of appetite
• Vomit
• stomach pain
• dehydration (especially cats)
• Diarrhea

Possibly also:

• Fever
• Yellowing of the skin/mucous membranes (icterus)
• weight loss
• weakness
• Accumulation of fluid in body cavities, e.g. ascites (especially cats)

Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are relatively common in dogs with pancreatitis, while cats often show only very vague symptoms such as weakness, dehydration, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

While acute inflammation of the pancreas can cause very severe symptoms and even life-threatening circulatory problems – i.e. often an acute emergency – chronic inflammation of the pancreas is often not noticed at all, especially in cats, and it is much more common in cats than acute pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis can therefore progress insidiously (subclinically), but also in the form of recurring acute attacks (chronic recurrent). Pancreatitis in cats often occurs at the same time as other liver and gastrointestinal diseases or diabetes, so pancreatitis is masked by the other symptoms of the disease.

Recognizing abdominal pain in dogs (less often in cats with pancreatitis) is sometimes not that easy. The so-called prayer position is a typical sign of pain in the front abdominal area, where the pancreas is located. The dogs lie with the front body on the ground while the hind legs remain standing. However, this behavior is only seen in about one in ten dogs with pancreatitis, and many healthy dogs will assume the prayer position to stretch or to encourage play. Other indications of abdominal pain can be stiff movements, a hunched back, unusual lying positions, or, for example, preferring to lie on cold tiles or on a warm surface.