Pancreatitis in Dogs : High Fat Table Scraps Ruining Holiday Fun

As we approach the holiday season, you prepare for festivities in your home, and we all indulge in the seasonal snacks, don’t forget about the risk that unusual treats might cause for your pets. Whether you went trunk or treating at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, are hosting a Friendsgiving with your neighbors in Hammond Hills, or you bring home German snacks from the Atlanta Christkindl Market, you are sure to have several new food items in your home over the next few months. 

Over the holiday season, veterinarians across Atlanta see a spike in gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis cases in our patients. A large contributing factor to this rise in cases is dietary indiscretion or the ingestion of foods which are outside of the normal diet. 

Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, an organ which lies adjacent to the stomach and portions of the small intestines.  This organ is very important in overall health of your pet, as it is responsible for secreting digestive enzymes and producing insulin.  Any dog is susceptible to pancreatitis, however common breed predispositions include miniature schnauzers, miniature poodles, and Yorkshire terriers. 

Clinical signs associated with pancreatitis are typically non-specific signs such as vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, and diarrhea. A potential indicator of pancreatitis is a hunched posture which could indicate abdominal pain.  Pancreatitis is typically diagnosed via physical exam, history, and blood work, but evidence of pancreatitis can also usually be seen on ultrasound. Your vet might recommend abdominal x-rays to rule out evidence of foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract before diagnosing a pet with pancreatitis, as clinical signs can sometimes be similar. 

Pancreatitis is usually treatable with supportive care. In more mild cases, outpatient care with anti-nausea medication, fluids under the skin, and other GI support such as probiotics, a low-fat bland diet, or anti-diarrheas can be used. Low-fat diets are important in both the treatment and prevention of pancreatitis. Occasionally, pancreatitis can lead to more severe illness which requires hospitalization.  Secondary effects of pancreatitis can include severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and prolonged inappetence. These are conditions, or worsening signs despite outpatient would indicate that your pet likely is a strong candidate for hospitalization. Pancreatitis is commonly diagnosed and can range from mild GI upset to severe cases which can be fatal if left untreated.

Avoid feeding table scraps to your pets this holiday season and only provide treats which are low in fat content and are non-toxic.  Common high-fat holiday foods to avoid feeding to your pets include bacon, chicken or turkey skin, ham, foods containing large amounts of butter or oils, and deep-fried foods. Additionally, to avoid unwanted ingestion of holiday foods, empty the trash after a meal has been cleaned up, cover foods which are sitting out and place them in hard-to-reach areas, and put leftovers away as soon as possible. 

If your pet is showing signs of pancreatitis contact Animal Emergency Center of Sandy Springs at (404)-252-7881