Clinical knowledge, calmly written.

Chronic pancreatitis describes ongoing inflammation in the pancreas that persists or recurs over time. The pancreas sits near the stomach and small intestine, producing enzymes that help digest food and hormones that regulate blood sugar. When inflammation becomes a long-term pattern, the normal tissue can be gradually replaced by scar tissue, which may affect how well the organ works. Owners often arrive at this page because their dog or cat has had repeated episodes of digestive upset—vomiting, reduced appetite, weight loss, or abdominal discomfort—that seem to settle and then return. In cats particularly, the signs can be subtle and build slowly over months. The condition can exist on its own or alongside other problems affecting the liver or intestines. This page explores the signals that may suggest chronic pancreatitis, what is happening in the tissue over time, how the condition is investigated through blood tests and imaging, and the range of approaches used to manage it. The goal is to help you understand what this diagnosis means and what shape care may take.

Vaginal hyperplasia is a swelling of the tissue lining the vagina, triggered by the hormonal changes that occur during a female dog's oestrous cycle. The tissue becomes engorged and oedematous, and in some cases a portion of it may protrude visibly from the vulva. This tends to be seen in younger intact female dogs, often during their first or second heat, and the appearance can be concerning for owners who notice a rounded, glistening mass that was not present before. The degree of swelling varies. Some dogs show only mild internal changes that cause no outward signs, while others develop significant protrusion that may be accompanied by licking, difficulty urinating, or occasional bleeding. The condition typically resolves on its own as hormone levels shift through and beyond the heat cycle, though recurrence with future cycles is common. This page explores the patterns that may be observed, the hormonal mechanism underlying the tissue change, the ways it can be assessed, and the range of approaches—from monitoring through a cycle to surgical options for dogs with recurrent or complicated cases.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many household products — sugar-free gum, certain peanut butters, baked goods, some medications, and dental products. In dogs, even small amounts can trigger a rapid release of insulin, causing blood glucose to drop to dangerously low levels; in some cases, it can also cause severe liver injury. Cats appear less sensitive, but the focus here is on dogs, where toxicity is well documented. Owners often arrive on this page after a dog has eaten something containing xylitol, or after noticing signs such as weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, or collapse. Hypoglycaemia may develop within 10–60 minutes of ingestion, though in some cases — particularly with certain gum formulations or products that slow absorption — signs can be delayed for many hours. Liver injury, when it occurs, tends to appear over the first day or two. This page explores what xylitol toxicity can look like, what is happening inside the body, how veterinary teams investigate and monitor affected dogs, and the range of approaches used to manage hypoglycaemia and support liver function when needed.