What are common causes and symptoms of pancreatic disease?

The pancreas produces enzymes that help your pet digest food. Problems with this organ range from insufficient production of enzymes, to mild or severe inflammation in the form of pancreatitis, to the more serious pancreatic cancer.

A dog with a problematic pancreas might experience vomiting, diarrhea, a lack of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal pain. Often the symptoms are vague and hard to distinguish from other common problems.

Veterinarian Leslie Sharkey of the University of Minnesota Saint Paul stresses the importance of steps pet owners can take to help prevent inflammation of the pancreas. She says, “there is some data that suggests that obesity predisposes to pancreatic disease.”

So make sure your pet is on a healthful diet and gets regular exercise.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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