Difference between revisions of "Pancreatitis"

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==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
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[[Image:Pancreatitis.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>Pancreatitis (Image sourced from Bristol Biomed Image Archive with permission)</center></small>]]
 
Pancreatitis occurs following activation of digestive enzymes within the [[Pancreas - Anatomy & Physiology|pancreas]] leading to autodigestion of the gland. Can be referred to as acute or chronic pancreatitis.  
 
Pancreatitis occurs following activation of digestive enzymes within the [[Pancreas - Anatomy & Physiology|pancreas]] leading to autodigestion of the gland. Can be referred to as acute or chronic pancreatitis.  
  
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Cats mainly suffer from mild chronic interstitial pancreatitis.
 
Cats mainly suffer from mild chronic interstitial pancreatitis.
  
==Signalment==
 
Predisposed breeds include: Labradors, Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers
 
  
Increased risk of disease occurs with obesity, [[Diabetes Mellitus|diabetes mellitus]], [[Adrenal Glands - Pathology#Adrenal Hyperfunction|hyperadrenocorticalism]], prior gastrointestinal disease or [[CNS Seizures - Pathology|recurrent seizures]].
+
== Acute Haemorrhagic Pancreatitis ==
 +
 
 +
This term is often interchangeable with [[Pancreatic Necrosis, Acute|acute pancreatic necrosis]] or '''acute pancreatitis'''. The condition can be mild or severe, non-fatal or fatal. It usually occurs as a sudden onset condition, often after ingestion of a meal rich in fat, but this depends on what species the condition occurs.  
  
Additionally, middle aged dogs are more commonly affected and male and spayed females are affected more frequently than entire females.
+
The [[Pancreas - Anatomy & Physiology#Endocrine|Islets of Langerhans]] may become involved thus causing the signs if insulin insufficiency. Pancreatitis may be initiated by trauma which initiates the leakage of enzymes. It can also present as recurrent acute pancreatitis - repeated inflammation with minimal permanent pathology. In the disease process, proteolytic degradation of pancreatic parenchyma, vascular damage and haemorrhage occur as well as necrosis of fat by lipolytic enzymes in the pancreas and surrounding omentum. These changes are concentrated at the periphery of lobules and infiltration by leukocytes indicates inflammation. In mild cases oedema of the interstitial tissue occurs. In more severe cases the [[Pancreas - Anatomy & Physiology|pancreas]] is haemorrhagic and oedematous with greyish white areas of necrosis and this may be interspersed with normal parenchyma. The [[Peritoneal Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|peritoneal cavity]] may contain blood-stained fluid sometimes with droplets of fat. Due to these large amounts of necrotic debris, infection by microorganisms from the [[Alimentary System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|GIT]] is likely, causing abscesses.  
  
==History and Clinical Signs==
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=== Cats and Dogs===
There is often a history of eating a fatty meal.
 
  
Clinical signs include anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, depression and nausea.
+
See [[Pancreatitis - Cat]] and [[Pancreatitis - Dog]]
  
[[Diarrhoea|Diarrhoea]] is also a common feature sometimes with blood, fresh or melaena this occurs due to the proximity of inflamed pancreas to the [[Duodenum - Anatomy & Physiology|duodenum]] and [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]].
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=== Other Animals ===
More severe cases may present in [[Shock|shock]], [[Kidney Renal Failure - Pathology#Acute|acute renal failure]], [[Icterus|jaundiced]] (due to focal hepatic necrosis), or with cardiac arrhythmias. Pulmonary oedema, pleural effusions, widespread haemorrhage, [[Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation|DIC]], mild ascites, dehydration (mild to moderate) and pyrexia may also be present.
 
  
'''Acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis''' may present as shock and collapse.
+
In '''horses''', necrosis and inflammation results due to migration of parasites, usually strongyle larvae, releasing pancreatic enzymes causing autodigestion. Destructive granulomatous pancreatitis is a part of multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotrophic syndrome.  
  
A cranial abdominal mass may be palpated.  
+
In '''pigs''' suppuration of the pancreas can occasionally arise as an extension from nearby infection, eg. peritonitis and perforated oesophageal ulcers.
  
Affected '''cats''' have a very varied presentation. If severe, they present with lethargy and anorexia with vomiting and abdominal pain being reported less than in the dog, hypothermia is also common sign occurring in 68% of affected cats. Mild chronic pancreatitis may show anorexia and weight loss.
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== Chronic Interstitial Pancreatitis ==
  
==Laboratory Tests==
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Chronic pancreatitis often occurs following ongoing inflammation with progression to irreversible damage and impaired function. There is usually fibrosis and reduction in acinar mass. This condition can occur in all species as a consequence of obstruction of the pancreatic ducts, [[Vitamin A Deficiency|vitamin A deficiency]] may predispose to this. The condition is most common in the dog, but also in cat, horse and cattle. The [[Pancreas - Anatomy & Physiology#Endocrine|islets of Langerhans]] tend to be preserved. If chronic pancreatitis persisits it can lead to [[Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency]] (EPI). In cats, chronic pancreatitis can also lead to [[Diabetes Mellitus]] developing.
On Haematology there may be a leucocytosis, an increased [[Packed Cell Volume]] due to dehydration, [[Platelet Abnormalities#Thrombocytopaenia|thrombocytopaenia]], [[Neutrophilia|neutrophilia]] and a left shift.
 
  
On Biochemistry changes may include an [[Azotaemia|azotaemia]], increased liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinaemia,
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=== Cats and Dogs===
hyperglycaemia in cases of nectrotizing pancreatitis and hypoglycaemia in cats with suppurative pancreatitis.
 
In dogs hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia are also common changes.
 
  
An increase in pancreatic digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI), phospholipase A2 and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) will also be present.
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See [[Pancreatitis - Cat]] and [[Pancreatitis - Dog]]
  
===Pancreas-specific laboratory tests===
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=== Other Animals ===
All pancreatic enzymes increase following [[Kidney Renal Failure - Pathology|renal failure]] (apart from PLI) making it difficult to determine the true cause of the increase. However increases of three fold are mainly due to pancreatitis, whereas five fold increases are rarely not found to be pancreatitis. Rises in lipase, amylase and phospholipase A2 may also be hepatic, gastric, intestinal or neoplastic in origin.
 
  
'''In cats:''' Amylase and lipase are of no diagnostic value. Serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) is a specific test for exocrine pancreatic function but the test's sensitivity varies between 30% and 60%. In comparison, the serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity test (fPLI) has been found to be more specific and sensitive in diagnosing feline pancreatitis.
+
'''In sheep'''
  
'''In dogs:''' Marked increases in serum lipase is a more reliable marker than amylase. However corticosteroid administration raises lipase activity by up to five fold. Serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) is the most sensitive and specific test for diagnosing canine pancreatitis.
+
Necrosis of [[Pancreas - Anatomy & Physiology#Exocrine|exocrine pancreatic cells]] followed by fibrosis can be caused by zinc toxicosis. Focal pancreatitis may occur during [[Foot_and_Mouth_Disease|Foot and Mouth disease]] resulting in [[DM|diabetes mellitus]] during recovery.
  
==Diagnostic Imaging==
+
'''In horses'''
'''Survey Radiographs''' are rarely helpful but findings may include an increased density in the right cranial abdomen, decreased contrast, decreased granularity and the stomach may be displaced to the left.
 
Additionally the descending duodenum may be displaced to the right, with the presence of a medial mass and thickened walls.
 
Gastric distension may be visible and barium passage may be delayed indicating abnormal peristalsis.
 
  
Radiography is useful to rule out differentials.
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Chronic pancreatitis can occur sporadically and is usually a consequence of [[Pancreas - Parasitic Pathology|parasitic migration]] or from ascending bacterial infection of pancreatic ducts. It can occur alongside '''chronic eosinophilic gastroenteritis''' and is usually clinically silent. Organ tends to be replaced by scar tissue.
  
'''Abdominal Ultrasound''' is highly specific with a sensitivity of 70% in dogs and 30% in cats but is operator-dependant. Findings include
+
'''In cattle'''
pancreatic enlargement, peritoneal effusion, hypoechogenic pancreas (pancreatic necrosis) and hyperechogenic surrounding tissue.
 
  
==Exploratory Laparotomy/Necropsy Findings==
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Focal pancreatitis may occur during [[Foot_and_Mouth_Disease|Foot and Mouth disease]] resulting in [[DM|diabetes mellitus]] during recovery.<br>{{Learning
The pancreas will be oedematous and soft with fibrinous attachments to surrounding organs, there may be free fluid within the peritoneal cavity and pancreas liquefaction if severe enough.
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|Vetstream = [https://www.vetstream.com/felis/search?s=pancreatitis Pancreatitis]
Pseudocysts may be present, as well as omental and pancreatic [[Haemorrhage - Pathology|haemorrhages]] and areas of fat necrosis.
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|literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=title%3A%28%22pancreatitis%22%29+AND+%28od%3A%28cats%29+OR+title%3A%28dogs%29%29&fq=sc%3A%22ve%22 Pancreatitis in cats and dogs publications]
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}}
  
A biopsy should be taken to provide evidence of inflammation.
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{{Chapter}}
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{{Mansonchapter
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|chapterlink = http://www.mansonpublishing.co.uk/book-images/9781840761115_sample.pdf
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|chaptername = Acute Pancreatitis
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|book = Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, 2nd edition
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|author = Michael Schaer
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|isbn = 9781840761115
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}}
  
==Treatment==
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==References==
===Acute Treatment===
 
The general treatment involves fluid correction and maintenance while any underlying cause is treated. Support is then given to allow the inflammatory process to subside. Oral feeding should be witheld for a short period in vomiting patients but enteral and parenteral feeding can be well tolerated.
 
  
Analgesia should always be given even without signs of pain. Recommended options include subcutaneous [[Opioids#Pethidine|pethidine]], intravenous or continuous rate infusion [[Opioids#Morphine|morphine]] or transdermal [[Opioids#Fentanyl|fentanyl]]. Dogs can also be given intraperitoneal [[Local Anaesthetics#Lidocaine|lidocaine]] or [[Local Anaesthetics#Bupivicaine|bupivicaine]].
+
Andrews, A.H, Blowey, R.W, Boyd, H and Eddy, R.G. (2004) '''Bovine Medicine''' (Second edition), ''Blackwell Publishing''
  
If a pancreatic infection is suspected then [[Antibiotics|antibiotics]]  should be administered, [[Potentiated-Sulphonamides|trimethoprim-sulphonamide]] and [[Fluoroquinolones|enrofloxacin]] have good penetration to the pancreas.
+
Bertone, J. (2006) '''Equine Geriatric Medicine and Surgery''', ''Elsevier''
  
Food can be gradually introduced with a low protein and fat content as these are more likely to cause signs. Fat can be further introduced if symptoms have still not returned. If signs reoccur then further starvation should be carried out. Total parenteral nutrition can be used to sustain animals that are unable to tolerate food at all.
+
Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) '''Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary''' (2nd Edition), ''Elsevier Science''
  
Cases often require supportive care, aggressive [[Principles of Fluid Therapy|fluid therapy]] will be needed to treat dehydration and fluid loss from [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]] and vomiting. Renal function and potassium levels should be monitored and if necessary potassium should be supplemented.
+
Brown, C.M, Bertone, J.J. (2002) '''The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult- Equine''', Lippincott, ''Williams & Wilkins''
Patients may also develop a metabolic acidosis in acute pancreatitis or be alkalotic due to vomiting. Should [[Diabetes Mellitus|diabetes mellitus]] develop, this may require treatment with insulin. Further management may be required for respiratory distress, bleeding disorders, renal failure, cardiovascular problems and neurological disorders.
 
  
Additionally a whole blood or plasma transfusion can be given with severe disease to replace α-macroglobulins. Albumin also provides oncotic support and limits pancreatic ischaemia and oedema.  
+
Cowart, R.P. and Casteel, S.W. (2001) '''An Outline of Swine diseases: a handbook,''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
  
For short term use in fulminating pancreatitis, [[Steroids|corticosteroids]] can be given alongside fluids. Long term treatment may lead to unwanted complications.
+
Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman, E. C. (2000) '''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diseases of the Dog and Cat''' Volume 2 (Fifth Edition), ''W.B. Saunders Company''
  
===Long-term treatment===
+
Ettinger, S.J, Feldman, E.C. (2005) '''Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''' (6th edition, volume 2), ''W.B. Saunders Company''
In most patients that have one episode, they may only need to avoid fatty foods. Recurrent hypertriglyceridaemia may need pharmacological intervention.
 
  
==Prognosis==
+
Fossum, T. W. et. al. (2007) '''Small Animal Surgery''' (Third Edition), ''Mosby Elsevier''
The disease varies widely and the prognosis can vary from full recovery to death. Generally if the case is an uncomplicated single episode patients will make a good recovery.
 
  
==Literature Search==
+
Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition),''' ''BSAVA''
[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]
 
  
 +
Jackson, G.G. and Cockcroft, P.D. (2007) '''Handbook of Pig Medicine,''' ''Saunders Elsevier''
  
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
+
Knottenbelt, D.C. '''A Handbook of Equine Medicine for Final Year Students University of Liverpool'''
<br><br><br>
 
[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=title%3A%28%22pancreatitis%22%29+AND+%28od%3A%28cats%29+OR+title%3A%28dogs%29%29&fq=sc%3A%22ve%22 Pancreatitis in cats and dogs publications]
 
  
==References==
+
Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' ''Merial''
For further information on canine pancreatitis see: [http://inpractice.bvapublications.com/cgi/reprint/26/2/64?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=feline+pancreatitis&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT Pancreatitis in the dog:. dealing with a spectrum of disease] In Practice article
+
 
 +
Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine''' (Fourth Edition) ''Mosby Elsevier''
 +
 
 +
Sturgess, K. (2003) '''Notes on Feline Internal Medicine''' ''Blackwell Publishing''
 +
 
 +
Tilley, L.P. and Smith, F.W.K.(2004) '''The 5-minute Veterinary Consult''' (Third edition) Lippincott, ''Williams & Wilkins''
 +
 
 +
 
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{{review}}
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{{OpenPages}}
  
For further information on feline pancreatitis see: [http://inpractice.bvapublications.com/cgi/reprint/29/8/470?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=feline+pancreatitis&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT Feline pancreatitis: current concepts and treatment guidelines] In Practice article
+
[[Category:Pancreas_-_Inflammatory_Pathology]][[Category:Pancreatic Diseases - Dog]][[Category:Pancreatic Diseases - Cat]]
  
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''' ''Merial''
+
[[Category:Pancreatic_Diseases_-_Pig]] [[Category:To_Do_-_Review]] [[Category:Pancreatic_Diseases_-_Horse]][[Category:Pancreatic_Diseases_-_Sheep]]
[[Category:Pancreas_-_Inflammatory_Pathology]][[Category:Dog]][[Category:Cat]]
 
[[Category:Expert_Review]]
 

Latest revision as of 14:15, 16 March 2022


Introduction

Pancreatitis (Image sourced from Bristol Biomed Image Archive with permission)

Pancreatitis occurs following 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 occurring post recovery. This may completely resolve or 'wax and wane' in 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 including:

A Nutritional basis which refers to obesity, low protein and high fat diets, feeding of ethionine and hypertriglyceridaemia.

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 which is caused by biliary calculi, sphincter spasm, duct wall oedema, duodenal wall oedema, neoplasia, parasites, trauma and iatrogenic reasons.

Duodenal juice reflux, pancreatic trauma, ischaemia and reperfusion which includes duodenal juice reflux into the pancreatic duct, surgical intervention, shock, anaemia, venous occlusion and hypotension.

Other risk factors include parasitic (babesiosis), viral, mycoplasmal, end stage renal disease, liver disease and auto-immune diseases.

Cats mainly suffer from mild chronic interstitial pancreatitis.


Acute Haemorrhagic Pancreatitis

This term is often interchangeable with acute pancreatic necrosis or acute pancreatitis. The condition can be mild or severe, non-fatal or fatal. It usually occurs as a sudden onset condition, often after ingestion of a meal rich in fat, but this depends on what species the condition occurs.

The Islets of Langerhans may become involved thus causing the signs if insulin insufficiency. Pancreatitis may be initiated by trauma which initiates the leakage of enzymes. It can also present as recurrent acute pancreatitis - repeated inflammation with minimal permanent pathology. In the disease process, proteolytic degradation of pancreatic parenchyma, vascular damage and haemorrhage occur as well as necrosis of fat by lipolytic enzymes in the pancreas and surrounding omentum. These changes are concentrated at the periphery of lobules and infiltration by leukocytes indicates inflammation. In mild cases oedema of the interstitial tissue occurs. In more severe cases the pancreas is haemorrhagic and oedematous with greyish white areas of necrosis and this may be interspersed with normal parenchyma. The peritoneal cavity may contain blood-stained fluid sometimes with droplets of fat. Due to these large amounts of necrotic debris, infection by microorganisms from the GIT is likely, causing abscesses.

Cats and Dogs

See Pancreatitis - Cat and Pancreatitis - Dog

Other Animals

In horses, necrosis and inflammation results due to migration of parasites, usually strongyle larvae, releasing pancreatic enzymes causing autodigestion. Destructive granulomatous pancreatitis is a part of multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotrophic syndrome.

In pigs suppuration of the pancreas can occasionally arise as an extension from nearby infection, eg. peritonitis and perforated oesophageal ulcers.

Chronic Interstitial Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis often occurs following ongoing inflammation with progression to irreversible damage and impaired function. There is usually fibrosis and reduction in acinar mass. This condition can occur in all species as a consequence of obstruction of the pancreatic ducts, vitamin A deficiency may predispose to this. The condition is most common in the dog, but also in cat, horse and cattle. The islets of Langerhans tend to be preserved. If chronic pancreatitis persisits it can lead to Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). In cats, chronic pancreatitis can also lead to Diabetes Mellitus developing.

Cats and Dogs

See Pancreatitis - Cat and Pancreatitis - Dog

Other Animals

In sheep

Necrosis of exocrine pancreatic cells followed by fibrosis can be caused by zinc toxicosis. Focal pancreatitis may occur during Foot and Mouth disease resulting in diabetes mellitus during recovery.

In horses

Chronic pancreatitis can occur sporadically and is usually a consequence of parasitic migration or from ascending bacterial infection of pancreatic ducts. It can occur alongside chronic eosinophilic gastroenteritis and is usually clinically silent. Organ tends to be replaced by scar tissue.

In cattle

Focal pancreatitis may occur during Foot and Mouth disease resulting in diabetes mellitus during recovery.

Pancreatitis Learning Resources
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Acute Pancreatitis
Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, 2nd edition
Michael Schaer
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References

Andrews, A.H, Blowey, R.W, Boyd, H and Eddy, R.G. (2004) Bovine Medicine (Second edition), Blackwell Publishing

Bertone, J. (2006) Equine Geriatric Medicine and Surgery, Elsevier

Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition), Elsevier Science

Brown, C.M, Bertone, J.J. (2002) The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult- Equine, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

Cowart, R.P. and Casteel, S.W. (2001) An Outline of Swine diseases: a handbook, Wiley-Blackwell

Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman, E. C. (2000) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diseases of the Dog and Cat Volume 2 (Fifth Edition), W.B. Saunders Company

Ettinger, S.J, Feldman, E.C. (2005) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (6th edition, volume 2), W.B. Saunders Company

Fossum, T. W. et. al. (2007) Small Animal Surgery (Third Edition), Mosby Elsevier

Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition), BSAVA

Jackson, G.G. and Cockcroft, P.D. (2007) Handbook of Pig Medicine, Saunders Elsevier

Knottenbelt, D.C. A Handbook of Equine Medicine for Final Year Students University of Liverpool

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual Merial

Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition) Mosby Elsevier

Sturgess, K. (2003) Notes on Feline Internal Medicine Blackwell Publishing

Tilley, L.P. and Smith, F.W.K.(2004) The 5-minute Veterinary Consult (Third edition) Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins




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