Frequently Asked Questions - Pancreatitis

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The expense of pancreatic enzymes makes it hard for me to justify treating my dog. Is there any way around this?

Enzyme costs can be reduced by feeding cow or pig pancreas (where available), this can be stored frozen in individual portions. A powdered pancreatic extract is usually recommended and the dose of this may decrease with time, reducing cost.

Do I have to pre-incubate the food with the pancreatic enzymes?

No. Sprinkle on the powder and mix it thoroughly. Pre-incubation is unnecessary.

Will my dog have to be on pancreatic enzyme supplementation for life?

Usually this is the case. However, the amount of enzymes is often able to be reduced with time and some reports suggest that occasional dogs may eventually be maintained enzyme free.

Can I breed my dog that has been diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?

Pancreatic acinar atrophy is a heritable condition in breeds such as German Shepherds and Rough Coated Collies. It is therefore recommended not to breed dogs that have EPI, or come from lines associated with EPI.

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My dog has just recovered from pancreatitis. Is there anything I can do to avoid the dog getting pancreatitis again?

There is no simple answer to this question. Where risk factors can be eliminated the chance of recurrence is likely to be reduced. For example avoidance of dietary indiscretion or drugs (e.g phenobarbital and potassium bromide) that were thought to precipitate the bout may decrease the chance of recurrence. Where hyperlipidemia is present feeding a fat restricted diet and maintaining optimal body weight may decrease the chance of recurrence.

My dog was diagnosed with pancreatitis a week ago. He has now stopped vomiting but he is now turning yellow. Why is this happening?

The development of jaundice after acute pancreatitis is usually associated with obstruction of the bile duct by pancreatic inflammation. The diagnosis is usually made with a combination of blood tests and abdominal ultrasonography. Where the dog is otherwise happy and healthy conservative management consists of monitoring physical and biochemical parameters for approximately two weeks to see if hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice are resolving or worsening. When biliary obstruction persists for over two to three weeks it is usually relieved surgically.