Difference between revisions of "Pancreatitis"
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The specific cause is usually idiopathic but several risk factors exist: | The specific cause is usually idiopathic but several risk factors exist: | ||
| − | #'''Nutritional | + | #'''Nutritional''': including obesity, low protein and high fat diets, feeding of ethionine, hypertriglyceridaemia and fatty meals. |
| − | #'''Drugs | + | #'''Drugs and toxins''': including L-asparginase, oestrogen, azathioprine, potassium bromide, furosemide, thiazide diuretics, salicylates, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, vinca alkaloids, zinc toxicosis, cholinesterase inhibitor insecticides, cholinergic agonist and hypercalcaemia. |
#'''Pancreatic Duct obstruction''': | #'''Pancreatic Duct obstruction''': | ||
#'''Duodenal juice reflux, Pancreatic trauma, ischaemia and reperfusion''': | #'''Duodenal juice reflux, Pancreatic trauma, ischaemia and reperfusion''': | ||
Revision as of 13:59, 12 August 2009
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This article is still under construction. |
Signalment
- Yorkshire terriers, Labradors, Miniature Schnauzers and Miniature Poodles are predisposed
- Middle-old aged dogs
- Increased risk with obesity, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticalism, prior GIT disease or epilepsy (?treatment associated).
- Male and speyed females > intact females.
Description
Is due to the activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas leading to autodigestion of the gland. Can be referred to as Acute or chronic pancreatitis.
- Acute Pancreatitis is rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas with little or no pathological changes occuring post recovery. This may completely resolve or 'wax and wane' into the future.
- Chronic Pancreatitis is continued inflammation leading to irreversible pathological changes (fibrosis, atrophy) and possible decreases in function.
The specific cause is usually idiopathic but several risk factors exist:
- Nutritional: including obesity, low protein and high fat diets, feeding of ethionine, hypertriglyceridaemia and fatty meals.
- Drugs and toxins: including L-asparginase, oestrogen, azathioprine, potassium bromide, furosemide, thiazide diuretics, salicylates, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, vinca alkaloids, zinc toxicosis, cholinesterase inhibitor insecticides, cholinergic agonist and hypercalcaemia.
- Pancreatic Duct obstruction:
- Duodenal juice reflux, Pancreatic trauma, ischaemia and reperfusion:
- Other:
Cats mainly suffer from mild chronic interstitial pancreatitis.
Diagnosis
History
Clinical Signs
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood, fresh or melaena, due to the proximity of inflamed pancreas to the duodenum and colon)
- More severe cases may present in shock, acute renal failure, jaundiced (due to focal hepatic necrosis), or with cardiac arrhythmias or pulmonary oedema or pleural effusions, widespread haemorrhage or DIC
- Acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis may present as circulatory collapse
Laboratory Tests
Diagnostic Imaging
Exploratory Laparotomy/Necropsy Findings
- The pancreas will be oedematous, soft with fibrinous attachments to surrounding organs
- Free fluid within the peritoneal cavity
- Pancreas liquefaction if severe enough
- Formation of pseudocysts
- Omental and pancreatic haemorrhages
- Areas of fat necrosis
Treatment
Prognosis
References
Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition) BSAVA
Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual