What are the symptoms of canine pancreatitis?

Canine pancreatitis can be divided into acute and chronic forms. All forms of pancreatitis share symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition, but due to the different causes of the two conditions, the manifestations may vary. Generally, symptoms of acute pancreatitis include acute vomiting, diarrhea, and melena. The dog's abdomen will have a severe pain response, and they will not want to be touched. Clinical examination can show increased white blood cells and pancreatic amylase. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, mostly affects middle-aged and obese dogs. The symptoms are usually milder and include occasional vomiting and diarrhea, as well as long-term indigestion-induced soft stools.

Acute Pancreatitis

Dogs with acute pancreatitis often develop the condition due to sudden feeding of fatty meat or heavy foods by their owners. The dog will suddenly begin to vomit frequently, and their condition will deteriorate, with their appetite almost disappearing. Next, the owner will find that the dog becomes less active, especially unwilling to climb stairs, and walks with a hunched back. This indicates that the dog is suffering from severe pain. At the same time, the dog's abdomen will become very sensitive, rejecting touch, and may even refuse the owner's embrace due to pain.

In clinical examinations, blood tests can show increased white blood cells and pancreatic amylase, and pancreatitis test papers will detect positive results.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis usually evolves from acute pancreatitis and mainly affects middle-aged and overweight dogs. This disease causes inflammation of the pancreas and surrounding tissues, so ultrasound can show increased echoes in the pancreas and surrounding tissues. Inflammatory markers in hemogram tests will also be elevated.

The most prominent feature of chronic pancreatitis is repeated relapses after apparent recovery. However, compared to the severity of acute pancreatitis, the symptoms are milder. Mainly characterized by occasional vomiting and diarrhea, and long-term soft stools due to inability to digest food normally due to pancreatitis. Symptoms such as pain, dehydration, loss of appetite, and fever are also common.