What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
The pancreas organ is located in inside the stomach cavity. Its primary function is the production of digestive enzymes which help digest food products.In dogs, pancreatitis is an inflammation in the pancreas, which can cause abdominal pain, discomfort, and vomiting.
The inflammation is caused by improper, premature activation of an enzyme inside the pancreas. This triggers the pancreas to break down itself.
What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs
The typical story of a pet who has been diagnosed as having pancreatitis is where the dog consumed food that is high in fat or went in the trash. Indiana Birds It is, however, not the primary cause of pancreatitis.In fact, 95 percent of the time the underlying cause of pancreatitis among dogs can be an idiopathic cause (cannot be identified).
Are Some Dogs Predisposed to Pancreatitis
Certain breeds are more susceptible to developing pancreatitis. This is also true for dogs who take certain medications.Miniature Schnauzers are thought as a breed predisposed to disease because of their tendency to suffer issues with blood triglyceride levels that are high.
Another instance is another breed is the English Cocker Spaniel. Immune-mediated disorders, which stem from the abnormality in the system of immunity occur with a greater rate for this breed overall and the immune system’s attack on the pancreas isn’t an exception.
The medications that have been proven to cause inflammation of the pancreas are and are not limited to, certain chemotherapy drugs and certain antibiotics. 
What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs
Pancreatitis may manifest as an unexpected-onset (acute) illness , or it can be longer-term (chronic) condition.The most effective method of imaging the pancreas is through abdominal ultrasound. But, the tissue of the pancreas needs to be unusual enough to be visible by ultrasound. This is more prevalent in dogs suffering from acute, severe pancreatitis, contrasted with those suffering from mild, chronic pancreatitis.
In general, blood tests as well as abdominal ultrasound are superior in determining the presence of pancreatitis in dogs in cases where it’s severe and acute.
How Do Vets Diagnose Pancreatitis in Dogs
The pancreas is a major organ that is often difficult to detect since, most of the time the symptoms aren’t unique to the pancreas. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix  Additionally, regular blood tests typically not beneficial.
There are also pancreatic-specific blood tests which can be conducted when a veterinarian suspects pancreatitis.However, even these specific tests aren’t 100% accurate.
Abdominal X-rays aren’t useful for diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs. If you notice that your dog is vomiting dog, it’s crucial to have X-rays taken to rule out a possible obstruction by a foreign body in the stomach and/or the intestine (something your dog has eaten for example, such as a squeaker he took from the toy).
