When attempting to diagnose pancreatitis in dogs and cats, we are confronted with a disease with non-specific clinical signs (and occasionally even those) that has the potential to develop into a life-threatening condition. Here is a summary of the most recent research on this mysterious disease and the available diagnostic tests.
A SUMMARY OF CANINE PANCREATITIS: The most prevalent exocrine pancreas disorder in dogs, pancreatitis is a frequent differential diagnosis for patients exhibiting vague gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Although this condition can be acute or chronic, its clinical manifestations are frequently the same. Therefore, it can be very challenging to distinguish between an acute flare-up of a chronic condition and a true acute condition. However, this may only be significant for long-term consequences of a chronic condition, such as the emergence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and diabetes mellitus (DM). The aetiology of pancreatitis is still not fully understood. Given that CKCS, Boxers, and Border Collies appear to have an increased risk of chronic disease in the UK, it is very likely that genetic predispositions exist in dogs. Due to hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatitis is also frequently reported in Miniature Schnauzers. Although the distinctive form of chronic pancreatitis experienced by English Cocker Spaniels resembles the autoimmune form seen in humans, the autoimmune nature of the disease is still debated. Pancreatitis is a known complication of canine babesiosis and can be brought on by any condition that results in decreased pancreatic perfusion because the pancreas is extremely sensitive to ischaemia.
HOW ABOUT CATS? Due to the rare and non-specific clinical signs, pancreatitis is not frequently clinically suspected in cats. Making a diagnosis is difficult because most imaging or clinicopathological findings have low sensitivity and specificity, especially for chronic and/or mild forms and coexisting diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pancreatitis have been linked in numerous studies. Another known cause of acute pancreatitis in cats is ischemia, which is especially important during surgery.
Histopathology is currently the gold standard for diagnosing pancreatitis, but it is frequently not an option. Therefore, to increase the sensitivity and specificity of each test and establish a clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis, the clinician must combine the results of several tests. Combining signalment with a history, physical exam, complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry test, and abdominal ultrasound examination is advised.
What types of pancreatic disease may occur?
Functionally speaking, pancreatic diseases can be divided into two groups: those that affect the exocrine portion of the pancreas, which controls the digestive system, and those that affect the endocrine portion of the pancreas, which regulates blood sugar.
Pancreatitis is generalized inflammation of the pancreas. There could be long-term effects on either the exocrine or endocrine pancreatic functions, depending on the level of inflammation. Although the exact cause of pancreatitis is frequently unknown, it may be linked to recently consuming a fatty meal, taking corticosteroids, or experiencing direct trauma to the pancreas.
Rarely, tumors of the pancreas may occur. Although these tumors typically affect the pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin, other pancreatic tumors can also happen. See handout Pancreatic Tumors for details.
Are there any other tests that may be used to diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
Yes, but the trypsin-like immunoreactivity test has largely taken the place of these tests.
B12 (cobalamin) and folate levels in a serum sample can be used to support the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Vitamin deficiencies are unlikely because folate and vitamin B12 are both widely available in most commercial diets. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency may result in lower serum concentrations of B12 because pancreatic digestive enzymes are necessary for the proper absorption of B12 from the digestive tract. Because intestinal bacterial overgrowth that occurs in conjunction with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency results in increased bacterial production of folate, folate concentrations may be higher in serum samples from dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
When attempting to diagnose pancreatitis in dogs and cats, we are confronted with a disease with non-specific clinical signs (and occasionally even those) that has the potential to develop into a life-threatening condition. Here is a summary of the most recent research on this mysterious disease and the available diagnostic tests.
HOW ABOUT CATS? Due to the rare and non-specific clinical signs, pancreatitis is not frequently clinically suspected in cats. Making a diagnosis is difficult because most imaging or clinicopathological findings have low sensitivity and specificity, especially for chronic and/or mild forms and coexisting diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pancreatitis have been linked in numerous studies. Another known cause of acute pancreatitis in cats is ischemia, which is especially important during surgery.
A SUMMARY OF CANINE PANCREATITIS: The most prevalent exocrine pancreas disorder in dogs, pancreatitis is a frequent differential diagnosis for patients exhibiting vague gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Although this condition can be acute or chronic, its clinical manifestations are frequently the same. Therefore, it can be very challenging to distinguish between an acute flare-up of a chronic condition and a true acute condition. However, this may only be significant for long-term consequences of a chronic condition, such as the emergence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and diabetes mellitus (DM). The aetiology of pancreatitis is still not fully understood. Given that CKCS, Boxers, and Border Collies appear to have an increased risk of chronic disease in the UK, it is very likely that genetic predispositions exist in dogs. Due to hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatitis is also frequently reported in Miniature Schnauzers. Although the distinctive form of chronic pancreatitis experienced by English Cocker Spaniels resembles the autoimmune form seen in humans, the autoimmune nature of the disease is still debated. Pancreatitis is a known complication of canine babesiosis and can be brought on by any condition that results in decreased pancreatic perfusion because the pancreas is extremely sensitive to ischaemia.
Histopathology is currently the gold standard for diagnosing pancreatitis, but it is frequently not an option. Therefore, to increase the sensitivity and specificity of each test and establish a clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis, the clinician must combine the results of several tests. Combining signalment with a history, physical exam, complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry test, and abdominal ultrasound examination is advised.
FAQ
How do vets diagnose pancreatitis in dogs?
Urinalysis. Urine culture. Canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) testing: Although the cPLI test is very accurate in identifying pancreatitis, it does not necessarily rule out pancreatitis as the only factor contributing to the clinical symptoms.
How do I know if my dog has pancreatitis?
The most typical symptoms of pancreatitis are nausea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Dogs may adopt a “praying position” during an attack, with their rear ends raised and their front legs and heads lowered to the ground.
How do vets test for pancreatitis?
However, they’ll need to conduct a number of tests to back up their choice because these symptoms can be fairly common. These examinations will probably involve a specific blood test known as a canine pancreatic lipase. Additionally, they might perform an ultrasound or an x-ray of the abdomen.
How do vets treat pancreatitis in dogs?
Your vet might advise against giving your pet any food or water for the first 24 hours, or they might advise giving it food and water. Pain medications are usually given by injection. These things give the pancreas a rest. Giving your dog IV fluids is another frequent treatment for pancreatitis in dogs.