Review article

Acute pancreatitis in dogs: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Magda Jukić ; Likomed Veterina d.o.o., Sinj, Croatia
Iva Šmit ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Martina Crnogaj ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

This thesis addresses acute inflammation of the pancreas in dogs (acute pancreatitis). Particular attention has been given to diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can range from mild and self limited to life threatening. Furthermore, they may be vague, nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms but also severe, including uncontrolled vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal pain and a combination of systemic and/or metabolic complications. Making a definitive diagnosis is a difficult and challenging task because the symptoms of the disease, clinical findings and laboratory abnormalities are not specific. More sophisticated diagnostic methods include abdominal ultrasound and specific laboratory tests like PLI (pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity), but still no test alone is sufficient to make the final diagnosis. For this reason, the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is based on a combination of several factors: presence of typical clinical symptoms, elimination of possible differential diagnosis, elevated PLI and typical ultrasound changes. Choice and type of treatment depend on the underlying pancreatic disease and includes fluid therapy, analgesia, special nutrition and antiemetics. The prognosis is favorable for mild/moderate acute pancreatitis, while it is unfavorable for severe pancreatitis, particularly if local or systemic complications occur.

Keywords

pancreas; dog; acute pancreatitis

Hrčak ID:

261447

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/261447

Publication date:

17.6.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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