Spring 2017  Saber Tails 69    

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

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or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, with their own sets 
of clinical signs. The worst cases, those with severe acute 
disease, might present with sudden onset of appetite loss, 
weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These 
dogs may be in cardiovascular shock and suffering multi-
organ failure. These severe acute cases should be referred 
to tertiary care hospitals for intensive treatment. Unfortu-
nately, the mortality rate for such referred cases in referral 
hospitals ranges from 27 to 58%. 

C

ooper was 4 years old when he lost his appetite and 
exhibited acute signs of discomfort and restlessness. 

Cooper’s mom suspected that he had gotten into some 
greasy food at the local chowder bar. After several trips 
to the local vet, Cooper was referred to a tertiary care 
hospital, where he underwent surgery. Unfortunately, the 
surgeon offered little hope for Cooper’s recovery and the 
decision was made to let him go. His mom was devastated 
to lose her heart dog.

W

hat are the causes of pancreatitis?  Dogs of any age, 
breed, or sex can develop pancreati-

tis. In most cases, the dogs are middle-aged 
to senior (> 5 years of age) and the causes 
are unknown (called idiopathic). Those who 
are diagnosed with pancreatitis likely have 
some genetic susceptibility combined with 
exposure to an environmental risk factor.

O

ne morning when Desilu was 10 years 
old, she had a morning appointment 

with the vet and returned home with a clean 
bill of health. That afternoon, she began 
throwing up blood. Desilu was rushed back to the vet and 
tests indicated that she had pancreatitis. Her mom suspects 
that she had been eating the rich puppy food meant for the 
new puppy in the household. Desilu was switched to a low-
fat diet and fully recovered. From that time on, her family 
watched her like a hawk to make sure that she only ate the 
appropriate food and she never had a relapse.

A

mong the causes of pancreatitis in dogs are a high-fat 
diet, dietary indiscretion (which is vet-speak for a dog 

that has eaten an entire package of hot dogs or some other 
no-no), and obesity. With a PBGV in the house, we have 
all learned the hard way to push scrumptious food to the 
back of the kitchen counter and to keep a sharp eye on our 
hound who can sniff out tasty trash during walks through 
the neighborhood. I know from personal experience that a 
moment of inattention in the kitchen can lead to the dis-
appearance of a ham steak, a chunk of deer sausage, or 
a wedge of brie. In a dog with no other risk factors for 

pancreatitis, perhaps that indiscretion will simply lead to a 
single bout of vomiting or diarrhea. In combination with 
other risk factors, a susceptible dog might get very sick.

O

ne PBGV was diagnosed when she was 10 
years old. Her family brought her to the vet 

when she vomited, was arching her back in pain, 
and had black stool. Blood tests revealed high 
pancreatic lipase levels, indicative of pancreatitis. 
Her family thinks that, in retrospect, this picky 
eater had very mild chronic pancreatitis for sev-
eral years. The acute attack was likely triggered 
by a home cooked pork meal that had too much 
fat. She went on Pepcid for her stomach, Trama-
dol for pain, and the antibiotic Flagel. From then 
on, her family kept her on a strict, home-cooked 

low fat diet, which fully managed her symptoms.

O

n the other end of the appetite spectrum was Star. 
No one could ever call Star a picky eater. She ate ev-

erything she could get into her mouth, including a leather 
jacket, slipcovers, underwear, stuffed animals, and a pound 
of chocolate chips. She and her littermate, Preacher, were 
both on Comfortis (to kill fleas).  Preacher was 4 years old 
when he had his first symptoms of pancreatitis; Star had 
her first symptoms at 5 years old. Their mom is convinced 
that the Comfortis was a trigger since the symptoms 
stopped and started when she stopped and started the flea 
treatment. Despite eliminating this trigger, Star’s dietary 
indiscretions ultimately led to abdominal bleeding and se-
vere acute pancreatitis symptoms. Fortunately, Preacher is 
doing well at age 13. 

I

n humans, the majority of individuals with recurrent 
pancreatitis have genetic 

Causes of pancreatitis in 

dogs:

• A high-fat diet

• Dietary indiscretion

• Obesity

* Hypothyroidism

• Severe blunt trauma

• Diabetes mellitus

• Certain medications

• Genetic predisposition

From AKC.org

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