Canine pancreatitis — a challenging disease. Part 1

Abstract

Canine pancreatitis poses a challenge for patients, their owners and veterinary surgeons. Although pathways leading to pancreatitis and its clinical signs have been extensively researched, its exact cause mostly remains unclear and is thought to be the result of multiple factors. Dogs of any age, breed or sex can develop the disease, although some breeds are over represented. Clinical signs of pancreatitis can vary from mild lethargy, anorexia, and transient vomiting to marked abdominal pain, cardiovascular shock, multi-organ failure and in severe cases death. The diagnosis of pancreatitis is supported by elevations in amylase, lipase, cPLI, SNAP cPL and Spec cPL and often followed by diagnostic imaging to confirm the diagnosis and exclude concurrent disease. Histopathology still remains the gold standard in diagnosing pancreatitis, however collection of these samples poses a challenge due to invasiveness, cost and risk of complications. Over the past years, advancements have been made with new markers, and alternative methods of available markers, to aid the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Diagnosis of pancreatitis still remains a diagnostic challenge, relying on clinical judgement as well as supportive biochemical and imaging findings.