Changes

===Diagnostic Imaging===

===Diagnostic Imaging===

'''Survey Radiography''': Rarely helpful but findings may include:

'''Survey Radiography''': Rarely helpful but findings may include:

#In the right cranial abdomen:

In the right cranial abdomen: an increased density, decreased contrast, decreased granularity, and the stomach may be displaced to the left.

##Increased density

Additionally the descending duodenum may be displaced to the right, with the presence of a medial mass and thickened walls.

##Decreased contrast

Gastric distension may be visible and barium passage may be delayed indicating abnormal peristalsis.

##Decreased granularity

#Stomach displaced to left

#Involving the Descending duodenum:

##Displacement to the right

##Presence of a medial mass

##Thickened walls

#Gastric distension

#Delayed barium passage indicating abnormal peristalsis

However these findings are generally subjective so radiography is used to rule out differentials.

'''Abdominal Ultrasound''': Highly specific with a sensitivity of 70% in dogs and 30% in cats but is operator-dependant. Findings include:

*Pancreatic enlargement

 

*Peritoneal effusion

'''Abdominal Ultrasound''': Highly specific with a sensitivity of 70% in dogs and 30% in cats but is operator-dependant. Findings include

*Hypoechogenic pancreas (pancreatic necrosis)

pancreatic enlargement, peritoneal effusion, hypoechogenic pancreas (pancreatic necrosis) and hyperechogenic surrounding tissue.

*Hyperechogenic surrounding tissue

*Chronic pancreatitis and fibrosis may be hyperechogenic

*Chronic pancreatitis and fibrosis may be hyperechogenic