Pancreatitis in Schnauzers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diet

Serious digestive issues are more than just an upset stomach. Pancreatitis, for example, is a serious, painful, and potentially life-threatening condition. Unfortunately, Schnauzers are extremely prone to Pancreatitis. While the exact causes are still being researched, veterinarians know enough to give some sound recommendations. You’ll want to know this information as you raise your Schnauzer, keep his heath in check, and choose his foods.

Schnauzers, particularly Miniature Schnauzers, are prone to Pancreatitis because they have a tendency to suffer from hyperlipidaemia. This condition is simply a high level of fat particles (lipids) in the bloodstream. Managing weight gain and offering low-fat, no-grain diets may help.

While it sounds straightforward, we all know that high levels of fat lipids in the bloodstream is not good for anyone, even our Schnauzers. Sadly, research indicates that “around one third of Miniature Schnauzers have been shown to have an abnormally high blood triglyceride levels and are presumed to have idiopathic hyperlipidaemia.”

This creates a situation where Miniature Schnauzers are overwhelmingly prone to Pancreatitis. In fact, the research sited above also found that “Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to Pancreatitis and have the highest prevalence of this disease (Lewis 2007, Mori et al 2010).”

This is not good news for our Minis!

Let’s cover the facts about Pancreatitis and then detail which diets can prevent and heal the condition.

What Exactly is Pancreatitis?

To understand what Pancreatitis is and why it is so painful and dangerous to your Schnauzer, we first need to understand the pancreas and its role in your Schnauzer’s body.

What is the Pancreas?

The pancreas is a tiny gland attached to the small intestine located just below your Schnauzer’s stomach.

As part of both the endocrine system and the digestive system, the pancreas has two essential roles:

1. Produce and store hormones (insulin and glucagon) to help maintain proper blood sugar levels.
2. Produce and store enzymes (trypsin and chymotrypsin) to help the body digest protein and fats.

When the pancreas is function normally, these processes ensure normal digestion and blood sugar levels.

When the pancreas becomes inflamed and is under attack, the result is Pancreatitis.

What is Pancreatitis?

In a healthy pancreas, digestive enzymes are activated only when they reach the small intestine.

However, if your Schnauzer has developed Pancreatitis (due to any of the situations we’ll describe below), the normally helpful enzymes are activated and release while they are still in the pancreas.

This is far too early in the digestive process and causes the pancreas to actually begin digesting itself.

Understandably, this results in extreme pain and inflammation. It can ultimately cause damage to the pancreas and its surrounding tissue and other organs.

If left untreated, Pancreatitis can lead to permanent organ damage or brain damage. Therefore, it’s important to see your veterinarian immediately to perform a comprehensive diagnosis and devise a treatment plan.

What Causes Pancreatitis in Schnauzers?

While the causes of Pancreatitis in Schnauzers and other dogs is not fully understood, the quality and content of your Schnauzer’s diet seems to be a top contributing factor.

With their shorter digestive tracks, dogs can readily handle food such as meats, bones, organs, vegetables, and fruit.

However, their digestive track is not designed to effectively handle starches and grains. In fact, a diet high in these ingredients, as well as highly processed kibble, can cause enormous stress on the pancreas.

In addition, a high-fat diet over time or even one very high-fat meal can cause Pancreatitis.

As a result, the top two risk factors that contribute to Pancreatitis are:

1. Dietary indiscretion history. Your Schnauzer can eat anything including non-food items, but especially low-quality, high grain, highly processed kibble.
2. High-fat diets. A high-fat diet is one of the major causes of Pancreatitis, particularly for a Schnauzer who gets one large serving of fatty food in a single sitting

What Type of Schnauzer Diet Helps Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis may be life-threatening, and you should avoid changing your Schnauzer’s supplements or diet without first talking to your veterinarian.

Part of the standard treatment for Pancreatitis that your vet will recommend is a low-fat diet, where the fat content is not more than 18%. This diet will allow the pancreas to rest since the condition usually causes it to become overstimulated.

These Quality, Low-Fat Diets Can Help You Prevent Pancreatitis:

The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Miniature Schnauzer Adult Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet for Weight Management

These Veterinarian-Approved Diets Are the Safest Options for Treating Pancreatitis:

Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Low Fat Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat Wet Dog Food

Whole Food or Raw Diet Options:

BARF World offers raw foods that may be helpful in preventing or treating Pancreatitis. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian and ensure that your Schnauzer is also getting all of the nutrients he needs.

BARF World products have been reviewed and highly recommended by such sources as Dog Food Advisor.

Additional Potential Causes of Pancreatitis

Schnauzers who suffer from epilepsy, diabetes, or obesity may be more prone to Pancreatitis and may have a more difficult recovery period if they’ve already experienced the condition, and severe cases of the condition can be life-threatening, especially if the inflammation spreads.

However, most Schnauzers do recover from mild Pancreatitis if they get treatment.

Here are the additional risk factors for developing Pancreatitis:

• Cushing’s Disease
• Diabetes
• Exposure to medications or toxins
• Hypothyroidism
• Metabolic disorders
• Obesity
• Severe blunt trauma affecting the abdominal area and pancreas
• Surgery complications

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis symptoms in Schnauzers can be severe or mild, but are more extreme in acute Pancreatitis cases.

Unfortunately, while the condition affects the digestive system and abdomen, it can also emulate the symptoms of other conditions as well.

For this reason, it’s important to obtain an official diagnosis from your veterinarian if you suspect that your Schnauzer is suffering from Pancreatitis.

The following are some of the most common symptoms you can see in Schnauzers with Pancreatitis:

• Bloating
• Dehydration
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue and sluggishness
• Fever
• Hunched back
• Increased heart rate
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Mild or severe abdominal pain, especially after eating
• Pain in the abdomen
• Swollen abdomen
• Vomiting

As I mentioned above, if Pancreatitis remains untreated, the enzymes produced by the Pancreas can damage organs and the surrounding tissue, leading to very severe symptoms and complications.

If you notice any of these symptoms, and you know that your Schnauzer has just consumed a fatty meal or has a history or eating highly processed, grain-filled kibble, or if he is overweight, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can Pancreatitis Be Prevented?

While you cannot completely prevent Pancreatitis, there are some preventive measures that you can tak to help minimize the risks.

These preventative measures include:

• Feeding natural cooked or raw non-processed foods. This method is one of the best when it comes to preventing Pancreatitis. By feeding your Schnauzer on processed foods, you will only increase the likelihood of this condition and the bloating of the stomach as well. Avoid feeding your Schnauzer with beef, buffalo, duck, lamb, and other fatty meals because they have a high tendency to cause inflammations in the body.
• Supplement your Schnauzer’s diet. You can boost your Schnauzer’s diet with essential supplements if possible. However, you should know that synthetically made supplements are not as good and effective as their natural counterparts made of herbs and whole food. While it may seem counterintuitive, Omega-3 fatty acids is a good preventative measure, along with digestive enzymes.
• Don’t give table scraps. You should avoid giving your Schnauzer table scraps, particularly if he is not accustomed to consuming people’s food. You can also block him from accessing your garbage to keep him from picking leftover foods that may cause harm in the long run.
• Regular check-ups. You should ensure that your Schnauzer is regularly checked by his veterinarian. You might also consider a physiotherapist, an animal chiropractor, or any other practitioner who utilizes IMS–intramuscular needle stimulation for increased circulation. In addition, you could give your Schnauzer regular massages to help promote circulation to his vital organs.
• Don’t allow your Schnauzer to become obese. Just like in humans, weight management is also important for your Schnauzer’s health and well-being.  You should take your Schnauzer out for frequent walks to keep him strong, healthy, and happy. Regular exercises will improve digestion and also keep the weight of your Schnauzer under control.
• Give only veterinary-prescribed medications. You should always discuss all the medications for your Schnauzer with your veterinarian. These professionals will assist you in avoiding any unnecessary medicines that may cause or trigger Pancreatitis.

How is Pancreatitis Treated in a Schnauzer?

Treating Pancreatitis in Schnauzers is often dependent on the underlying cause of the disease. If your veterinarian can pinpoint the primary cause of your Schnauzer’s Pancreatitis, it is likely they’ll treat that first. If that is not possible, they’ll offer supportive veterinary care and make sure your Schnauzer is monitored carefully.

In some cases, pain relief can be prescribed to Schnauzers suffering abdominal pain. Medication might also be given to minimize the pancreatic inflammation as well as to stop nausea and vomiting. In other cases, veterinary specialists may recommend no water or food for 24 hours, at least. This is usually recommended to give the pancreas a good rest. Intravenous fluids are among the most common treatments for Pancreatitis. They are administered to maintain electrolyte and normal fluid balance.

In mild and uncomplicated cases, most Schnauzers will make a full recovery from Pancreatitis without any lasting consequences. However, with repeated or severe episodes, Schnauzers can develop various secondary conditions. The management of these secondary conditions is an essential factor in the success of the treatment.

What is the Cost to Treat Pancreatitis?

The total cost of treating Pancreatitis in your Schnauzer will involve the diagnosis of the condition and the treatment as well.

The general cost of diagnosing Pancreatitis can range anywhere between $250 and $700. However, this price may vary, especially when other diseases are ruled out or not.

For a Miniature Schnauzer with mild Pancreatitis, the treatment may cost you around $50, depending on your veterinarian and geographical location. For a Giant Schnauzer with severe Pancreatitis, the cost may rise to $400. The total treatment cost of most Pancreatitis cases will cost around $100 to $200. If the condition is very severe, then it might require hospitalization which may bring the total cost into the range of $1,000 and $3,000 or more.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Pancreatitis?

Most mild and uncomplicated cases of Pancreatitis usually recover after two to three days of therapy and also have a good prognosis. Most severe cases often have a guarded prognosis and may require hospitalization for a week or longer. Some Schnauzers can develop a swelling in the pancreas, which might require a surgical procedure.

The prognosis for cases that require surgery is fairly guarded. This is because Schnauzers with severe Pancreatitis usually have regular acute episodes or some complicating factors like acidosis, hypocalcemia, hypothermia, and multiple or single-organ failure.

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Outside of additional health problem or underlying conditions that are out of your control, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of Pancreatitis. The primary ways to prevent Pancreatitis are to keep your Schnauzer at a healthy weight, feed him high-quality food that is rich in protein but lower in grains, and avoid overly processed low-quality food.

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