Pancreatitis - Donkey
Introduction
Pancreatitis has occurred at a low incidence at The Donkey Sanctuary and is believed to be associated with hepatopathy and hyperlipaemia in donkeys on a generous diet.
Chronic fibrosing pancreatitis has been seen occasionally, but more usually acute necrotising pancreatitis causing sudden death has been diagnosed at post-mortem.
Clinical Signs
Clinical signs include abdominal pain, dullness and inappetence. Pancreatitis can present with signs of peracute pain in the anterior abdomen, which may be exacerbated by external ballotment behind the ventral sternum.
Diagnosis
Amylase and lipase assays may be useful for diagnosis. In addition, peritoneal tap samples may show high levels of neutrophils, amylase and lipase.
Chronic fibrosing pancreatitis has been seen occasionally, but more usually acute necrotising pancreatitis causing sudden death has been diagnosed at post-mortem.
Treatment
Principles of treatment include antibiotics, analgesia and fluid therapy to restore hydration and prevent hyperlipaemia.
References
- Duffield, H. (2008) Colic In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 3
- Thiemann, A. (2008) Surgery In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 16
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