Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Digestive enzymes leak into and damage the surrounding pancreatic tissues.

Aetiology

In most cases the cause of pancreatitis is idiopathic. Predisposing factors may be:

• high fat, low protein diet
• other diseases (Cushing's disease, diabetes mellitus)

Risk factors for pancreatitis include:

• breed - Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature poodle and Cocker spaniel are at higher risk
• obesity
• diabetes mellitus
• Cushing's disease
• chronic renal failure

Acute pancreatitis may produce temporary diabetes mellitus and if there is extensive pancreatic necrosis this may become permanent. A similar situation can arise if there is pancreatic neoplasia.