Chronic Pancreatitis in Pets: What You Need to Know

Did your pet just have another episode of “loose poop"? If you’ve noticed your dog or cat having repeated bouts of intestinal upset, it could be something more serious than just a one-time issue. Chronic pancreatitis may be at play, a condition that often stems from ongoing inflammation in the pancreas.

What Causes Chronic Pancreatitis?

While food is one of the main culprits behind chronic pancreatitis, it’s not the only factor. Other triggers can include vaccines, stress, age, and even environmental toxins. It’s important to remember that pancreatitis is a persistent condition that can affect your pet’s digestive health over time.

How to Help Your Pet’s Digestion

The good news? Many pets with chronic pancreatitis respond well to digestive enzyme supplements. These supplements help support digestion and can be especially beneficial for pets dealing with inflammation in their pancreas.

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Understanding Pancreas Problems and Digestion in Pets

The pancreas is a small yet mighty organ in your pet’s body. It has two key roles that keep your pet healthy:

1. Producing Insulin – This hormone helps move sugar from the bloodstream into your pet’s cells.

2. Producing Digestive Hormones – These include lipase (to break down fat), proteases (to break down protein), and amylase (to break down starch).

When the pancreas isn’t working properly, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including digestive problems and conditions like diabetes.

Pancreatic Disorders and Their Impact

There are a few common pancreas-related disorders that pet owners should be aware of:

1. Pancreatitis

When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it’s called pancreatitis. This condition can occur in pets of any age, sex, or breed and can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

2. Diabetes

Diabetes develops when the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are damaged. In dogs, this often leads to Type 1 diabetes, while in cats, it’s more commonly related to diet and leads to Type 2 diabetes, where the cells no longer respond to insulin.

3. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

EPI is when the cells that produce digestive hormones aren’t functioning properly. This is a common condition in dogs, and it can severely affect their digestion.

Symptoms of EPI in Dogs

EPI can cause a number of symptoms in your dog due to a lack of the necessary digestive hormones. Without these enzymes, the food your dog eats can’t be properly broken down and absorbed, leading to a variety of issues:

• Weight Loss – Even if your dog seems to be eating a lot.

• Increased Appetite – Dogs with EPI may eat more in an attempt to gain nutrients.

• Coprophagia (Eating Feces) – This is a common behavior in dogs with EPI.

• Pica (Eating Unusual Things) – Dogs may eat things that aren’t food.

• Soft, Greasy, Smelly Stool or Diarrhea – This is due to undigested food in the intestinal tract.

• Excess Gas – This can be uncomfortable for your dog.

• Flaky Skin and Rough Coat – A lack of proper digestion affects your dog’s coat and skin health.

Treating Pancreatic Disorders with Digestive Enzymes

EPI Treatment

If your dog has EPI, the main treatment involves supplementing their diet with specific digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and protease. There are several brands available, such as Viokase, which are designed specifically for pets with digestive issues. Probiotics are often recommended alongside digestive enzymes to improve gut health.

Alternative Thoughts on Digestive Enzyme Supplementation

Many veterinarians believe that digestive enzymes can be beneficial for all pets, not just those with specific pancreas issues. In the wild, dogs would get their digestive enzymes from their food. However, most commercial pet foods lack these essential enzymes, which could be contributing to gastrointestinal issues in many pets.

Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM, argued in her 2013 paper on digestive enzymes that all pets could benefit from enzyme supplementation, especially those eating processed pet foods. According to Dr. Hofve, enzymes are useful not just for pets with pancreas or GI issues, but also for healthy pets eating heat-processed foods.

Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Malabsorption

In cases of chronic pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes damaged, and the body can’t absorb food properly. Malabsorption occurs when food isn’t converted into usable energy, which can lead to significant health problems.

Many holistic veterinarians recommend digestive enzyme supplementation for pets with chronic pancreatitis or frequent intestinal distress. The enzymes help ensure that the body can digest food more effectively, even if the pancreas isn’t producing the necessary enzymes.

Enzymes and Diabetes

Some practitioners are now using digestive enzymes to help manage diabetes in pets. Without sufficient digestive enzymes, your pet’s body may struggle to break down carbohydrates in starchy foods. Supplementing with enzymes can help improve digestion and may contribute to better blood sugar control in diabetic pets.

Healing Your Pet at Home

It’s often easier to prevent and manage these issues with proper home care. Incorporating probiotics and digestive enzymes into your pet’s routine can help support a healthy pancreas and improve overall digestion.

P.S. The pancreas is an incredibly important organ, and when it becomes inflamed, it can lead to ongoing digestive problems. If your pet is frequently “under the weather," it’s worth considering a pancreas-related issue like chronic pancreatitis.

P.P.S. Treating the underlying cause, such as inflammation, is key. That’s why I recommend using probiotics and digestive enzymes as part of a holistic approach to managing pancreas issues. Our Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews are designed to support digestion and help with an inflamed pancreas—plus, they taste great!

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