Signs of chronic pancreatitis in English cocker spaniels

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is common in English cocker spaniels (ECS). It is histologically similar to IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in humans and is characterized by duct destruction, interlobular fibrosis, and dense periductular and perivenous lymphocytic aggregates. However, the clinical manifestations of CP in ECS have not been previously described. OBJECTIVES: Characterize the clinical manifestations of CP in a group of ECS, including similarities and differences to IgG4-RD in humans. ANIMALS: One-hundred four ECS with CP and 44 client owned control ECS without CP (both healthy and diseased controls). METHODS: Affected dogs were divided into 2 groups according to the methods used to diagnose CP. Case records were searched for signalment, clinical, and clinicopathological findings, and evidence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), proteinuria, other immune-mediated diseases, and anal sacculitis. RESULTS: Involvement of other organs was common. Affected ECS presented with a high frequency of KCS (n = 49), proteinuria (n = 47), anal gland disease (n = 36), atopy (n = 21), and other immune-mediated diseases (n = 16). Those with parti-color hair coats, particularly blue roan, had a strong association with CP, suggesting a link between coat color and autoimmune conditions in this breed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: English cocker spaniels with CP show clinical similarities to humans with IgG4-RD and common involvement of other organs. Clinicians should evaluate affected Cocker Spaniels for proteinuria, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and other potential immune-mediated diseases.