My 7-year old dog got very sick very quickly, went into the Vet immediately, it is/was pancreatitis. The Vet found her to be severely dehydrated (a shock to me!), put her on IVs for two days, she's on several forms of medication (including an antibiotic just to "be sure"). I've read as much as I can about pancreatitis but I have learned to never do my own research!

She's on special food, no treats, and she's home and doing quite a bit better.

Anyone have any advice on diet, what to look for, any thoughts? She's NEVER been sick before with anything. She's a rescue and, in fact, was my late husband's dog. I work from a home office, so I'm with both of my dogs a lot and I thought I paid good attention to them.

Maybe I'm just beating myself up. Anyone have any advice?

You have done all you can for her right now. There is no real "bug" that causes this. It is a digestive problem in people and animals alike. Just keep her company and she may just pull through. It's a common ailment in big dogs when they are past 5 y/o.

I'd be keen to stay on what they put her on. If you do switch diets let them know and they can tell you what to look for - generally with pancreatitis you are looking for a diet that is very low in fat.

Don't beat yourself up Judy, pancreatitis is a nasty thing and can happen to any dog.

My parents had a dog years ago that had several attacks over a few years. Even though they never gave her fatty foods and kept a close eye on her she still ended up at the vets on more than one occasion.

Her first attack didn't happen until quite late in life too from memory and up until then she had been a very healthy dog.

I will try and track down some reliable information for you, or hopefully Paleo can give some insight into the technicalities of the problem.

Yes, pancreatitis is nasty, and can be quite suddenly deadly. The pancreas is a multifunction glandular organ (it's both an endocrine gland and a digestive gland) responsible for producing a variety of enzymes used in digesting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates: lipase, protease, and amylase. In addition, it produces two hormones, insulin and glucagon, involved in controlling blood sugar. It sits right against the stomach, and connects with the small intestine through a duct in common with the gall bladder. The digestive enzymes are secreted out this duct, to mix with the partially digested food as it emerges from the stomach.

The 'itis' of pancreatitis means 'inflammation'. This inflammation sets the digestive enzymes into action before their normal activation, which occurs in the intestine. There is considerable speculation about the actual cause of this inflammation. For years it was believed to be the presence of high levels of fats in the diet, which is still a valid cause (Turkey skin 'treat' for Bowser for his Thanksgiving dinner? Or 'dumpster diving' in the trash-can anytime), but now includes an infectious invasion up the common duct from the intestine. Whatever the cause, the digestive process starts within the pancreas itself, destroying the normal tubular delivery structure in parts of the gland, which releases more enzymes and sets off a cyclic pattern of damage. And pain. If the tissue damage allows escape of the enzymes from the pancreas itself, they appear to roam freely throughout the abdominal cavity, continuing their 'digestive' work on whatever tissues they may encounter. And much more discomfort. And, if severe enough, shock and death.

There is a neural connection between the stomach and pancreas, so that the presence of food in the stomach starts the pancreatic activity in preparation for the appearance of the food in the intestine. In the treatment of pancreatitis, the goal is to reduce the inflammation and stop the flow of the digestive juices, which includes stimulus of the stomach (no food, often including even water... IV for that), plus antibiotics for possible infection that is likely to occur, or have started the whole problem. Depending on what other structures or organs may be involved, there can be vomiting and/or diarrhea as well as pain. (insult on top of injury)

The follow-up program is usually a low fat type food. In dog food, this is usually the 'lite', weight control diets. Not lots of fun at mealtime, but beats having the belly ache that may appear. Not to mention yummy, fatty treats off the table!

Frequently, diagnosis can be suspected by a distinct tenderness to probe of the upper abdomen, an arched back presentation, and depression and loss of appetite. Quite similar to a low back, IV disk pain too, so don't let it be your only guide. Let the vet decide.

Yes, pancreatitis is nasty, and can be quite suddenly deadly.


An "agree" didn't seem to be thanks enough so I am adding applause.

She goes back in for a checkup tomorrow and is much, much better. Not 100%, maybe more like 80%, but she's better.

And it did hit suddenly, very suddenly.