đž Gastrointestinal Disorders in Pets: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) & Pancreatitis
Internal Medicine: Diagnosis & Treatment of Affected Systems & Common Diseases
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital â 319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
TL;DR (Too Long; Didnât Read)
Two common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in pets are Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Pancreatitis.
- IBD is chronic inflammation of the intestines, causing vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and poor nutrient absorption.
- Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by high-fat diets, obesity, or genetic predisposition, leading to abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy.
Diagnosis requires bloodwork, imaging, fecal testing, and sometimes biopsy. Treatment includes dietary changes, medications, and supportive care. With early detection and consistent management, many pets live comfortable, healthy lives.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, uses advanced laboratory tools, imaging, and personalized care plans to manage these challenging conditions.
ELI5 (Explain Like Iâm 5)
Think of your petâs tummy like a busy kitchen.
- If the intestines (the âovenâ) get too hot and irritated, they canât cook food right â Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Pets lose weight, poop weird, or throw up.
- If the pancreas (the âchefâ) gets inflamed, it spills dangerous juices everywhere â Pancreatitis. Pets feel stomach pain, wonât eat, and get very sick.
Vets use tests and diets to calm things down, give medicine if needed, and keep the kitchen running smoothly again.
Key Points (Bullet Summary)
- IBD: Chronic inflammation of the intestines, leading to poor digestion and absorption.
- Pancreatitis: Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas, causing abdominal pain and vomiting.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, abdominal pain, poor coat quality.
- Diagnosis: Bloodwork, fecal testing, ultrasound, biopsy (IBD), and specific enzyme tests (Pancreatitis).
- Treatment: Special diets, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics (if secondary infection), pain control, fluid therapy.
- Veterinarianâs Role: Advanced diagnostics, dietary planning, long-term monitoring.
- Outcome: With management, pets can live long, happy lives.
Introduction
Gastrointestinal (GI) health is essential for pets, but disorders like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Pancreatitis are increasingly recognized in dogs and cats. Both conditions can appear suddenly or develop over time, often leaving pet owners frustrated by chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss.
Because symptoms overlap with other illnesses, diagnosis can be complex. This is where experienced veterinarians like Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM and the team at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital play a vital role, using modern diagnostics, in-house laboratories, and personalized treatment plans to provide clarity and relief.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
What It Is
IBD is chronic inflammation of the intestines caused by an abnormal immune response. Instead of tolerating food and beneficial bacteria, the immune system overreacts, damaging the intestinal lining.
Common Symptoms
- Chronic vomiting
- Diarrhea (sometimes with mucus or blood)
- Weight loss
- Poor coat quality
- Flatulence and abdominal discomfort
Causes
- Genetic predisposition
- Food sensitivities
- Immune dysfunction
- Abnormal gut bacteria
Diagnosis
- Bloodwork (to rule out other conditions)
- Fecal testing (to exclude parasites)
- Ultrasound (to evaluate bowel thickness)
- Biopsy (gold standard for diagnosis)
Treatment
- Novel protein or hydrolyzed diets
- Corticosteroids or immune-modulating drugs
- Antibiotics for secondary infections
- Probiotics for gut health
- Regular monitoring with repeat tests
Pancreatitis
What It Is
The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes and insulin. Pancreatitis occurs when enzymes are activated too early, digesting the pancreas itself.
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal pain (hunched posture, reluctance to move)
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Fever
Causes
- High-fat diet (especially table scraps or holiday foods)
- Obesity
- Certain medications
- Genetic predisposition (Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, etc.)
Diagnosis
- Bloodwork (elevated pancreatic enzymes, lipase, amylase)
- Specific canine pancreatic lipase (cPLI) or feline pancreatic lipase (fPLI) tests
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Clinical signs combined with laboratory results
Treatment
- IV fluids and hospitalization for severe cases
- Pain management
- Antiemetics to control vomiting
- Low-fat prescription diets
- Long-term monitoring for recurrent or chronic pancreatitis
Techniques of an Experienced Veterinarian
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Pascetta combines clinical expertise with advanced diagnostics:
- Comprehensive exams to identify subtle changes in appetite, weight, or stool quality.
- In-house laboratory testing for rapid blood and fecal results.
- Ultrasound to visualize bowel walls and pancreatic inflammation.
- Biopsies for definitive IBD diagnosis.
- Tailored treatment plans considering the petâs lifestyle and the familyâs ability to manage care.
- Ongoing monitoring to adapt treatment as the petâs condition evolves.
Example Case
Case: Daisy the Dachshund
Daisy was rushed to the clinic after vomiting repeatedly and refusing food. Dr. Pascettaâs team performed bloodwork and an abdominal ultrasound, confirming acute pancreatitis. Daisy was hospitalized for fluids and pain relief, then transitioned to a strict low-fat diet. With careful monitoring, she recovered fully and continues to thrive under dietary management.
Timeline
- Day 1: Initial symptoms, exam, and diagnostic testing.
- Day 2â5: Hospitalization for pancreatitis or start of IBD management.
- Week 2â4: Follow-up bloodwork and diet reassessment.
- Ongoing: Long-term monitoring, especially for chronic IBD or recurrent pancreatitis.
What-If Situations
- What if IBD is untreated? â Leads to malnutrition, weight loss, and decreased quality of life.
- What if pancreatitis is untreated? â Can progress to life-threatening systemic illness.
- What if my pet cheats on their special diet? â Symptoms often return quickly.
- What if initial treatment doesnât work? â Advanced diagnostics like biopsy, culture, or referral may be necessary.
Most Common GI Issues in Pets
- IBD (dogs and cats, often middle-aged or older).
- Pancreatitis (acute or chronic).
- Dietary indiscretion (garbage gut).
- Food allergies/sensitivities.
- Parasitic infections.
Generational Relevance for Pet Owners
- Baby Boomers & Gen X: Value long-term stability for senior petsâIBD and pancreatitis management are key.
- Millennials: Seek clear diet and lifestyle recommendations to prevent recurrence.
- Gen Z: Expect digital tracking tools (apps for diet and medication reminders) and transparency in care.
Service Area
đ Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Serving:
- Ocean County towns: Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor, Manahawkin, Stafford Township, Barnegat, Waretown, Forked River, Bayville, Toms River, Brick, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights.
- LBI communities: Beach Haven, Surf City, Ship Bottom, Long Beach Township, Eagleswood.
- Atlantic County: Galloway, Absecon, Brigantine, Atlantic City.
- Burlington County: New Gretna, Bass River.
Many families travel 30â60+ minutes because of the hospitalâs reputation as one of the leading veterinary centers in Ocean County and the Jersey Shore.
Schedule an Appointment
If your pet shows signs of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or abdominal pain, it could be more than just a stomach upsetâit may be IBD or pancreatitis.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, provides accurate diagnostics, individualized treatments, and long-term management to keep your pet comfortable and healthy.
đ Call today to schedule an appointment and take the first step in restoring your petâs gastrointestinal health.