Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas. Often triggered by a high-fat meal in dogs; subtler in cats. Can range from mild and self-limiting to severe and life-threatening.
Pancreatitis ranges from a mild self-limiting episode to severe necrotising disease requiring intensive care. The pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes and insulin, becomes inflamed and the enzymes begin damaging the pancreas itself.
In dogs, classic triggers include a fatty meal (Christmas ham, the BBQ scraps, a stick of butter found on the bench), corticosteroid medication, and some other medications. Predisposed breeds include Schnauzers (high-fat blood is common), Cocker Spaniels, and Yorkies. Signs: vomiting, abdominal pain (the "praying position" — chest down, rear up), lethargy, decreased appetite.
In cats, pancreatitis is sneakier — vague signs like lethargy, decreased appetite, sometimes vomiting, weight loss. The "feline triaditis" (pancreatitis + IBD + cholangitis) is a common pattern.
Diagnosis: specific pancreatic lipase blood test (cPL for dogs, fPL for cats) plus abdominal ultrasound. Treatment: IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, pain relief, gradual reintroduction of a low-fat diet. Severe cases need hospitalisation and intensive care.
Prevention: avoid fatty meal scraps especially around holidays, maintain healthy weight, careful use of corticosteroids in predisposed pets.