Pancreatitis in Dogs: How is it Diagnosed & Treated?

In some cases, even for a veterinarian, diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs can be challenging because the cause is often unknown, and the symptoms can look like many other illnesses. Early veterinary care can help manage symptoms of pancreatic issues in dogs, prevent complications and improve your dog’s comfort and outcome.

How to Confirm Pancreatitis: Veterinary Diagnosis

Veterinarians may use a combination of physical exams, blood tests and imaging to reach a diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs. No single test confirms the condition on its own, so veterinarians often piece together information from several sources to build a complete picture of your dog’s health.

Physical Examination

During a physical exam, your veterinarian will look for signs that may suggest pancreatitis. These can include dehydration, belly pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, bruising, a swollen abdomen or signs of shock in severe cases. Because these signs are often nonspecific, further testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Other Testing and Imaging

Veterinarians may use a mix of blood tests, urine tests and imaging to check for pancreatitis and your dog’s overall health. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) can show signs like dehydration or inflammation, while biochemistry and urinalysis may reveal changes in the kidneys, liver or calcium levels. A pancreatic lipase test is especially important for confirming pancreatitis.

Veterinarians may also use imaging to check the pancreas and rule out other causes of belly pain. X-rays don’t show the pancreas itself but can reveal fluid, swelling, gas patterns or blockages. Ultrasound is more detailed and lets the veterinarian see the pancreas directly, including changes in size, texture or nearby inflammation.

Treatment for Pancreatitis in Dogs

How to treat pancreatitis in dogs focuses on supportive care, controlling symptoms and managing any complications. Most dogs recover well with prompt veterinary attention. Some dogs may require hospitalization to manage the clinical signs, for intravenous (IV) fluids and for other supportive care. Your veterinarian might also recommend specific medications, diet changes or follow-up care and will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatments for your dog.

Medications and Supportive Care

Dogs with pancreatitis may need different medications depending on their symptoms and how sick they are. Your veterinarian might recommend treatments to control pain, stop vomiting, or encourage eating, along with other supportive care. With the right combination, most dogs start to feel better and recover well.

Medications your veterinarian might recommend for pancreatitis:

• Antiemetics like maropitant (Cerenia®) and ondansetron help stop vomiting and ease nausea so your dog feels more comfortable.
• Pain relief is essential. Stronger opioids may be used for severe pain, while milder pain relievers can help in less serious cases.  
• Appetite stimulants like capromorelin or mirtazapine encourage your dog to eat when they’ve lost their appetite. If a dog refuses food for several days, assisted feeding through a tube may be needed.
• Fuzapladib sodium (Panoquell^®-CA1) is a newer treatment for acute pancreatitis that helps reduce inflammation and may improve recovery in more serious cases.
• Other supportive medications may include antibiotics (if an infection is suspected), antithrombotics (to prevent blood clots) or stomach acid reducers.
• Blood sugar management may be necessary in some dogs that temporarily develop high blood sugar during an episode and may need insulin until they recover.

Fluid Therapy

Dehydration is common in dogs with pancreatitis due to vomiting and poor appetite. Your veterinarian may recommend intravenous fluids to help restore hydration, maintain blood flow to the pancreas and protect other organs like the kidneys.

Nutritional Support

It’s important to discuss dietary management of pancreatitis with your veterinarian. When considering a dog pancreatitis diet:

• The best dog food for dogs with pancreatitis is often a low-fat, easily digestible diet.
• Meals are given in small, frequent portions to ease digestion.
• High-fat or high-fiber diets should be avoided, especially in dogs that are vomiting or not keeping food down.

Most dogs recover well with proper care and follow-up.

For more expert tips on dog health, explore our other dog symptom articles.

References

1. Cridge H, Twedt DC, Marolf AJ, et al. Advances in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2021;35(6):2572-2587.

2. Lim SY, Cridge H, Twedt DC, et al. Management of acute-onset pancreatitis in dogs: a narrative review. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024;262(9): 1231-1240.