Pancreatitis & Renal Failure in Dogs

Pancreatitis and renal failure are common ailments in dogs, and symptoms may not be obvious in the early stages of the diseases. Once symptoms occur, dog owners should take their pet to a veterinarian immediately for treatment. Early detection can save your dog's life.

  1. Pancreatitis Symptoms

    • Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite and depression are common symptoms of pancreatitis, according to Doctors Foster and Smith at www.peteducation.com. An inflamed pancreas, at the root of these symptoms, is possibly caused by medications, infections, diet, age or metabolic disorders.

    Renal Failure Symptoms

    • Increased thirst and urination are the first and most obvious symptoms of renal failure and generally do not appear until 70 to 75 percent of a dog's kidney function has been lost, according to www.healthyhappydogs.com. Renal or kidney failure prevents your dog from producing urine properly.

    Disease Progression

    • Both diseases are generally permanent and can be treated but not cured. Some dogs with pancreatitis caught early do not have a reoccurrence.

    Diagnosis

    • Veterinarians will need to do blood and urine tests to confirm the presence of disease and provide treatment options.

    Considerations

    • Pancreatitis and renal failure are common medical conditions for dogs. These diseases are not related; having one disease does not mean your dog with get the other.