Changes

An increase in pancreatic digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI), phospholipase A2 and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI)) will also be present.

An increase in pancreatic digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI), phospholipase A2 and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI))

===Pancreas-specific laboratory tests===

===Pancreas-specific laboratory tests===

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

'''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, hypoechogenic pancreas (pancreatic necrosis) and hyperechogenic surrounding tissue.

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

===Exploratory Laparotomy/Necropsy Findings===

===Exploratory Laparotomy/Necropsy Findings===

*The pancreas will be oedematous, soft with fibrinous attachments to surrounding organs

The pancreas will be oedematous, soft with fibrinous attachments to surrounding organs, there may be free fluid within the peritoneal cavity and pancreas liquefaction if severe enough.

*Free fluid within the peritoneal cavity

Pseudocysts may be present, as well as omental and pancreatic haemorrhages and areas of fat necrosis.

*Pancreas liquefaction if severe enough

*Omental and pancreatic haemorrhages

*Areas of fat necrosis

However a biopsy should be taken to provide evidence of inflammation.

A biopsy should be taken to provide evidence of inflammation.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==