Pancreatitis is inflammation of the exocrine pancreas. In dogs it ranges from a mild, self-limiting bout of vomiting to severe necrotizing disease with systemic inflammation, coagulation failure and death. It is one of the most common reasons a vomiting dog with abdominal pain is hospitalized, and there is no single test that confirms it.
Key facts
Pancreatitis at a glance- Species and system: dog; exocrine pancreas (gastrointestinal), often with systemic effects.
- Cause: most cases idiopathic; risk factors include dietary indiscretion, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, endocrine disease and some drugs.
- Typical patient: middle-aged or older dog, often a Miniature Schnauzer or terrier, often after eating fatty food or garbage.
- Classic presentation: acute vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and cranial abdominal pain, sometimes a "praying" posture.
- Diagnosis: compatible signs plus increased pancreatic lipase (Spec cPL ≥400 µg/L) plus compatible ultrasound findings.
- Not zoonotic, not reportable.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Complications
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 6 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 21 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.