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Dog pancreatitis: Can it cause CHF with cough and distended belly?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Papillon | Female | spayed | 11 years and 10 months old | 10 lbs

My dog had suspected pancreatitis ~6 months ago, and after being treated her hack/cough never completely went away. Then her abdomen became distended again and she has a crackly sound in her lungs but her heart sounds fine. Can pancreatitis cause or contribute to CHF? Or could something else be going on? Her vet has not done or offered an Xray. Photos show her in October, now, and December

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 3rd, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Roxie. I'm sorry to hear that she is having these struggles. While she could have both simultaneously, pancreatitis and congestive heart failure are separate issues. Congestive heart failure is diagnosed by x-rays of hear chest which will identify fluid in the lungs. She could also have fluid pooling I her abdomen secondary to her heart failure. Pancreatitis can typically be diagnosed by a blood test known as cPL. If she is not improving, she should have both of these tests done to guide treatment. I hope this information helps!

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