WHAT IS PANCREATITIS?
Pancreatitis is the the inflammation of the pancreas that results in a loss of appetite and frequent vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood.  There are two forms of pancreatitis acute (sudden onset) and chronic or recurrent.

WHAT CAUSES IT?
The cause of pancreatitis is not known; however there may be several contributory factors.  It is often associated with a rich fatty meal.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS OF PANCREATITIS?
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Painful defecation
Blood or mucus in the feces
Fever
Abdominal pain

HOW IS PANCREATITIS TREATED?
The successful management of pancreatitis will depend on early diagnosis and prompt medical treatment.  The mild form of the disease is best treated by resting the pancreas from its role in digestion.  The only way to "turn off" the pancreas is to withhold all oral food and fluids.  In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs are used in conjunction with antibiotics.  In more advanced cases intravenous fluids are needed.

WILL MY DOG OR CAT RECOVER?
The prognosis depends on the extent of the disease when presented and favorable response to initial therapy.  Dogs and cats that present with shock and depression may have a guarded prognosis.  Most of the mild forms of pancreatitis have a good prognosis.