This episode explains pancreatitis in dogs and cats — what the pancreas does, why it becomes inflamed, how acute and chronic forms differ, and which symptoms owners should watch for. It outlines risk factors, diagnostic challenges, treatment approaches, and why maintaining a healthy body weight and diet is one of the most important preventive steps.
Podcast Summary: Understanding Pancreatitis in Dogs & Cats
- Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ critical for digesting food and regulating blood sugar.
- It is a painful condition because the pancreas sits high in the abdomen near the ribs; inflammation causes significant discomfort.
- Cats often present differently to dogs — many have concurrent liver or intestinal inflammation, making diagnosis more complex.
- Pancreatitis can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (ongoing, intermittent episodes), and chronic cases may flare sharply into acute attacks.
- Overweight pets are significantly more prone to pancreatitis due to increased metabolic strain on the pancreas.
- Diet plays a major role — dogs often develop pancreatitis after fatty meals, and chronic overfeeding increases long-term risk.
- Certain medications, including cortisone and some seizure medications, can predispose pets to pancreatitis.
- Dogs with Cushing’s disease are at higher risk because their bodies produce too much cortisone.
- Common symptoms include repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, reduced appetite and, less commonly, diarrhoea.
- Cats may show more subtle signs and only 75% vomit, making diagnosis more challenging.
- Diagnosis relies on history, clinical exam, blood tests for pancreatic enzymes, and ideally ultrasound to confirm inflammation.
- False negatives can occur early, as enzyme levels may not have risen yet — retesting can reveal significant changes.
- Treatment focuses on pain relief, anti-nausea medication, intravenous fluids, and careful nutritional support.
- Early feeding is now encouraged to support gut health and prevent intestinal shutdown (ileus).
- Most pets require at least 2–5 days of hospitalisation; some need tube feeding if nausea persists.
- Surgery is rare but may be required for pancreatic abscesses or complications that do not respond to medical therapy.
- Serious complications include shock, heart arrhythmias, and development of diabetes after pancreatic damage.
- Pets who have had pancreatitis once are more prone to future episodes, particularly if risk factors aren’t addressed.
- Maintaining a lean body condition and avoiding high-fat foods are the most effective preventive measures.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:02 – 03:38 | What the pancreas does and why pancreatitis is painful and serious. |
| 03:38 – 05:36 | Acute vs chronic pancreatitis; dogs versus cats and their different presentations. |
| 05:36 – 08:26 | Risk factors — overweight pets, fatty meals, genetics, medications, Cushing’s disease. |
| 08:26 – 12:24 | Symptoms — vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, diarrhoea, subtle signs in cats. |
| 12:24 – 18:20 | Diagnosis — blood tests, ultrasound, false negatives, and overlapping conditions. |
| 18:20 – 24:00 | Treatment — pain relief, anti-nausea medication, fluids, antibiotics when needed. |
| 24:00 – 28:40 | Nutrition shift — early feeding, preventing ileus, appetite support strategies. |
| 28:40 – End | Complications, long-term risk, diabetes, and prevention through weight control. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment specific to your pet.