View source for Pancreatitis - Dog

==Signalment==
Predisposed breeds include: Labradors, Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers

Increased risk of disease occurs with obesity, [[Diabetes Mellitus|diabetes mellitus]], [[Hyperadrenocorticism|hyperadrenocorticalism]], prior gastrointestinal disease or [[Seizures|recurrent seizures]].

Additionally, middle aged dogs are more commonly affected and male and spayed females are affected more frequently than entire females.


== Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs'''<br>'''  ==

'''Introduction'''<br> 

In dogs, the condition is possibly caused by reflux of duodenal content into pancreatic duct causing release and activation of enzymes through inflammation and therefore leakage . Most cases show necrosis and fibrosis and only 3% had acute suppurative pancreatitis. 

This condition is quite common in dogs and is caused by the sudden ingestion of a fatty meal. The risk, however, is increased when concurrent conditions such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticalism, prior GIT disease or epilepsy are present as these have a relationship with the pancreas in some way.<br> 

==== Signalment<br>  ====

Yorkshire terriers, labs, minature poodles are predisposed. It is most common in middle-old dogs. Males and speyed females are of greater risk than intact females.<br> 

==== Clinical Signs<br>  ====

Clinical signs are acute in onset and include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia. There may or may not be a presence of icterus. 

==== Diagnosis<br>  ====

Clinical signs and history e.g. if the dog is a scavenger etc, or knowledge of underlying conditions are suggestive of the disease.<br> 

Measuring lipase may produce normal or raised results in pancreatitis. In dogs, you would expect to see a 3- 5 fold increase in lipase i acute pancreatitis and this is indicative of the disease.<br> 

Amylase is non-specific in dogs and is not commonly used to diagnose this disease. Serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) is also of limited value. Serum pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) will usually be raised and cPLI &amp; fPLI look promising as sensitive and specific markers for pancreatic inflammation.<br> 

==== Treatment and Control<br>  ====

Intitially the animal should be starved for 1- 2 days maximum and placed on intravenous fluid therapy (crystalloids, colloids or plasma). Stop precipitating therapies (azathioprine) and anti-emetics and gut protectants may be given. <br> 

The dog will need analgesia. If the condition is very severe, surgery may be indicated to remove necrotic tissue.<br> 

Control may include changing the diet to a low fat diet <br><br>