Corticosteroids are not thought to be helpful in treatment of pancreatitis. It may be necessary to use intensive medical therapy for serious side effects of the disease or even surgical intervention in really severe cases of pancreatitis. In miniature schnauzers, medical control of the lipid levels may be beneficial and is sometimes possible using medications. Once the patient seems to feel better, oral fluids are given. If no vomiting occurs in 12 to 24 hours, food can be offered in small quantities.
Most pets can go home once they are willing to eat and drink again.
Bland diets may be beneficial in some patients but we usually recommend returning to the patient's normal diet as long as it wasn't likely to be the cause of the problem due to fat content. Diets moderately high in fiber may be beneficial in lessening the number or severity of attacks in chronic pancreatitis. Weight loss and increasing exercise are also very likely to help prevent future attacks. Keeping your pet away from the table during traditional holiday meals can be very helpful, too. It is very important to remember NOT to feed your dog when it is showing signs of abdominal discomfort or unexplained pain.