Chronic pancreatitis is a painful and often underdiagnosed condition in dogs that significantly affects quality of life and requires long-term dietary management.
Chronic pancreatitis causes persistent abdominal pain that dogs may mask until severely affected. The pain-hiding instinct means welfare impacts are often underestimated. Dogs may adopt a prayer position (front legs extended, hindquarters raised) during pain episodes. Long-term welfare management requires strict dietary fat restriction, often to less than 10% dry matter fat content. Owners must understand that even a single high-fat treat can trigger acute flares. Pain management with anti-nausea medications and analgesia is essential during flares. Regular monitoring of body condition and clinical signs helps track disease progression.