Periodic changes in canine behavior are often associated with environmental causes when the real culprit could be pancreatitis. In both humans and canines, chronic pancreatitis often goes undiagnosed. According to Dr. Jörg M. Steiner of the Texas A&M University, retrospective studies showed that 1.5 percent of dogs showed damage to the pancreas indicative of pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is often undiagnosed because the symptoms are vague and, during the beginning of the disease, pass after a few days.
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Aggression
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As a dog ages, it may become temperamental and less tolerant of environmental irritations. When a dog has chronic pancreatitis, it may experience abdominal pain. Pain without relief may lead to the dog to become unusually aggressive and agitated until it passes. Unless the pain is severe enough to be disabling or has advanced to affect other bodily systems, treatment is not usually sought so the behavior might be blamed on age or other factors.
Depression and Inactivity
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If the dog is experiencing frequent chronic pancreatitis, it may seem depressed. The dog may lie down more than usual and lose interest in people and toys. The depressive mood may last only a few days, while the dog̵7;s pancreas is swollen due to the pancreatic attack, or may continue between attacks. It may be difficult or painful to move while the pancreas is inflamed, restricting the dog from taking part in activities or showing interest.
Diminished Appetite
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The dog may not want to eat for a few days during a chronic pancreatic attack. Eating is likely to induce vomiting and diarrhea. If there is chronic damage to the pancreas, the body loses the ability to properly digest food because the pancreatic enzymes are released early in the digestive process.
General Personality Change
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Personality changes occur when a dog has pancreatitis. The dog will not respond as usual. The changes are subtle and are usually dismissed as a bad mood or sign of aging because pancreatitis is usually present in middle-aged dogs. Personality changes are specific to each dog. The changes will be noticeable to the owner but not enough to cause concern until further damage is done to the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to pancreatic failure that can cause other diseases and disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disease, which, if left untreated, can be fatal.
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