Pancreatitis In Dogs Research Articles

Allogenic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Infusion for the Management of Acute-Onset Pancreatitis in Dogs: A Pilot Study

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have significant anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial in rodent models of pancreatitis. The safety and efficacy of MSCs is unknown in dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP). Dogs with AP who were treated with MSCs (n = 4) were identified prospectively for this pilot study from an academic hospital. Serum Spec cPL and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured on the day of MSC administration and 2 days later. The clinical severity, via the Modified Clinical Activity Index (MCAI), was also calculated. Two dogs received MSCs shortly after AP diagnosis, while the remaining dogs received MSCs due to clinically refractory disease. Changes in Spec cPL, CRP, and MCAI in the MSC-treated dogs were compared to a control population (n = 7) receiving the standard-of-care treatment for AP. No significant differences were noted between the populations for changes in Spec cPL (p = 0.79), CRP (p = 0.67), or MCAI (p = 0.91). However, subjective clinical improvements were noted within 24 h of MSC infusion in the two dogs with previously refractory disease. MSC infusions appear safe in the management of AP in dogs and may be considered in refractory disease. However, given the nature of this pilot study and its limitations, larger randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to truly evaluate the efficacy of MSC infusions in dogs with AP.

Management of acute-onset pancreatitis in dogs: a Narrative Review.

Acute-onset pancreatitis (AP) is common in dogs and presents diagnostic as well as management challenges. Until recently, the management of AP in dogs was based mainly on supportive and symptomatic care. Identification and management of a possible cause of the disease is important, but the majority of cases are considered to be idiopathic. Fluid therapy that is tailored to the patient's needs is crucial to provide adequate hydration while preventing overhydration. Antiemetics are required to control vomiting and fluid loss and aid in early nutritional support. Recognition and management of complications is also crucial. Furthermore, analgesics for abdominal pain are very important. More recently, pharmaceutical modification of the inflammatory cascade has gained interest and the first specific therapeutic agent for the treatment of AP, fuzapladib sodium, has been shown to have a reasonable expectation of effectiveness in a pilot study. This drug has been licensed for the treatment of clinical signs of AP in dogs in Japan and also has achieved FDA conditional approval in the US. Antibiotics should not be used indiscriminately but are indicated for patients with aspiration pneumonia, gastrointestinal bacterial translocation, or evidence of another bacterial infection. Proton pump inhibitors and plasma are not routinely prescribed in pancreatitis unless specifically indicated. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided. Corticosteroid therapy, once thought to be contraindicated, may have some beneficial effects, as shown in a single retrospective study. However, further studies are required before their routine use can be recommended. Finally, a surgical approach is rarely indicated.

Management of Acute Pancreatitis and Kidney Injury in a Dog

Concurrent acute pancreatitis and acute kidney injury represent significant pathological conditions in dogs, presenting challenges in diagnosis and management. In human medicine this is interconnected and complex co morbid condition. Renal impairment consequently leads to fluid and electrolyte imbalance, in turn causes metabolic disturbances that may predispose to pancreatitis in dogs. Identification of underlying etiology and predisposing factors prevents further recurrence in affected individuals. The critical interplay between AP and AKI needs comprehensive management procedure. This article poses a case study of an eight-year-old Dalmatian cross dog presenting with severe respiratory distress, jaundice and gastrointestinal symptoms. Laboratory findings revealed elevated markers of pancreas, liver and kidney injury. Prompt intervention with fluid therapy, antibiotics and supportive care led to significant clinical improvement. Subsequent re-evaluation demonstrated resolution of pancreatic inflammation and restoration of renal function. This case underscores the importance of early recognition, aggressive intervention and comprehensive management in achieving successful outcomes in dogs with concurrent pancreatitis and acute kidney injury in dogs.

Quantitative Pancreatic Ultrasonography and Vcheck cPL Rapid Test in Dogs with Suspected Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of quantitative ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in dogs, as well as to examine the correlation between the results of ultrasound examination and the Vcheck cPL rapid test in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis. A total of 37 dogs were included to the study – 15 healthy dogs and 22 dogs with gastrointestinal clinical signs which had at least 1 out of 3 criteria (vomiting, cranial abdominal pain and jaundice). Serum was collected to evaluate cPL level by Vcheck cPL rapid test. A score 0 implied the Vcheck cPL Rapid test result was less than 200 ng/ml. A score 1 implied Vcheck cPL Rapid test result between 200 and 400 ng/ml, and a score 2 more than 400 ng/ml. Ultrasound was performed in all dogs in order to investigate the pancreatic lesions within 48 hours and evaluate the level of pancreatitis by score from 0 to 2. The criteria for pancreatitis on ultrasonograms included enlargement or irregularity of the pancreas, hypoechoic areas of the pancreas and hyperechoic mesentery surrounding the pancreas. An ultrasound assessment of pancreatitis implied: score 0 when none of the criteria was present. Score 1 when 1–2 from 3 criteria were present, and score 2 when all of the 3 criteria were present. Correlation between Vcheck cPL Rapid test and pancreatic ultrasonography was examined. The results indicate that agreement of Vcheck cPL Rapid test and pancreatic ultrasonography had kappa values of 0.71 which are in the “moderate” agreement range. This means that both Vcheck cPL Rapid test and ultrasonography should be used in the diagnostics of acute pancreatitis in daily clinical practice. Additionally, quantitative ultrasound assessment can be helpful in distinguishing acute pancreatitis from normal pancreas.

Candidate circulating microRNA biomarkers in dogs with chronic pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is an important cause of disease and death in dogs. Available circulating biomarkers are not sufficiently sensitive and specific for a definitive diagnosis. Circulating microRNAs would be differentially expressed in dogs with chronic pancreatitis and could have potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Healthy controls (n = 19) and dogs with naturally occurring pancreatitis (n = 17). A retrospective case-control study. Dogs with pancreatitis were included if they satisfied diagnostic criteria for pancreatitis as adjudicated by 3 experts. MicroRNA was extracted from stored serum samples and sequenced. Reads were mapped to mature microRNA sequences in the canine, mouse, and human genomes. Differentially expressed microRNAs were identified and the potential mechanistic relevance explored using Qiagen Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Reads mapping to 196 mature microRNA sequences were detected. Eight circulating microRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in dogs with pancreatitis (≥2-fold change and false discovery rate <0.05). Four of these mapped to the canine genome (cfa-miR-221, cfa-miR-222, cfa-miR-23a, and cfa-miR-205). Three mapped to the murine genome (mmu-miR-484, mmu-miR-6240, mmu-miR-101a-3p) and 1 to the human genome (hsa-miR-1290). Expression in dogs with pancreatitis was higher for 7 microRNAs and lower for mmu-miR-101a-3p. Qiagen IPA demonstrated a number of the differently expressed microRNAs are involved in a common pancreatic inflammatory pathway. The significantly differentially expressed microRNAs represent promising candidates for further validation as diagnostic biomarkers for canine pancreatitis.

The Use of Diets in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Gastrointestinal Diseases in Dogs and Cats.

The nutritional health of dogs and cats is important to pet owners around the world. Nutrition is inextricably linked to the health of the gastrointestinal system and vice versa. Gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, or weight loss, are one of the most common reasons that dog and cat owners make non-routine appointments with veterinarians. Those patients are evaluated systematically to identify and/or rule out the causes of the symptoms. Some causes of chronic diarrhea are within the gastrointestinal tract while others are secondary to pathogenic factors outside the digestive system. Some useful biomarkers of chronic intestinal disease (enteropathy) exist in serum and feces. After determination that the clinical signs are due to primary gastrointestinal disease and that there is no parasitism, specific diets are used for at least two weeks. There are several types of diets for pets with chronic enteropathies. There are limited ingredient diets and hydrolyzed protein diets with reduced levels of allergens. There are also highly digestible and fiber-enhanced diets. Some diets contain probiotics and/or prebiotics. If symptoms do not improve and the patient is stable, a diet from a different class may be tried. For chronic enteropathies, the prognosis is generally good for symptom resolution or at least improvement. However, if interventions with novel diets do not ameliorate the symptoms of chronic enteropathy, then antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or immunosuppressant therapy or further, more invasive diagnostics such as taking an intestinal biopsy, may be indicated. Pancreatitis is a common gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats and patients may present with mild to severe disease. Many patients with mild to moderate disease can be successfully treated with early supportive care, including feeding a low-fat diet. A novel pharmaceutical, fuzapladib (Panoquell-CA1) looks very promising for treating more severe forms of acute pancreatitis in dogs. Maintenance on a low-fat diet may prevent pancreatitis in at-risk dogs. Future advances in medicine will allow pet owners and veterinarians to use dietary management to maximize the health of their dogs and cats.

A comparative analysis of canine pancreatic lipase tests for diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs.

Early diagnosis of canine pancreatitis is challenging due to non-specific clinical signs. Currently, abdominal ultrasonography and measurement of canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) have been employed for the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Many qualitative and quantitative commercial cPL tests have been developed and used in veterinary clinics. This study aimed to compare three different methodologies SNAP cPL, Spec cPL, and Vcheck cPL tests to assess the concordance of these assays. Fifty serum samples were collected from 36 dogs with or without pancreatitis and subjected to SNAP cPL, Spec cPL, and Vcheck cPL tests. Agreement and correlation coefficients were calculated between the test results, and correlations were determined during the management of the patients. The results of the three cPL assays were strongly correlated in 47/50 serum samples (94%). Cohen's kappa analysis between the Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL showed near perfect agreement (κ = 0.960, p < 0.001), SNAP cPL and Vcheck cPL (κ = 0.920, p < 0.001), and Spec cPL and SNAP cPL (κ = 0.880, p < 0.001). The correlation coefficients (r) between data from Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL tests was calculated by Spearman's correlation test (r = 0.958, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the patterns of change in serum cPL concentrations determined using Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL were significantly consistent during the monitoring period in 11 patients. Our data illustrated that Spec cPL and Vcheck cPL tests are compatible for clinical use in the diagnosis and monitoring of canine pancreatitis.

Features, management, and long-term outcome in dogs with pancreatitis and bile duct obstruction treated medically and surgically: 41 dogs (2015-2021).

Pancreatitis resulting in extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO) can cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is utilized for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in humans; however, this is not available in veterinary medicine. Treatment options include medical management and biliary drainage procedures. The aim of this study was to describe the management of EHBO secondary to pancreatitis in dogs, treated medically and surgically and to determine whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) differ between the treatment groups. 41 dogs treated for EHBO secondary to pancreatitis during the period of May 2015 to November 2021. Records from 41 dogs diagnosed with EHBO secondary to pancreatitis were reviewed, and information extracted included clinical signs, ultrasound findings, NLR, PLR, histopathology, treatment, and outcomes. 18 of 19 (95%) surgical patients survived, while 12 of 21 (57%) medical patients survived. There was no difference in the length of hospitalization or time to return to adequate function between the groups; however, there was a significant difference in the 2- and 12-month survival between those treated surgically and medically. There was no difference in the NLR or PLR between surgically versus medically treated dogs or between survivors and nonsurvivors. The mortality rate of surgery for EHBO secondary to pancreatitis may be lower than previously described, and in this cohort of dogs, those treated surgically had improved survival at 2 and 12 months compared to those treated medically.

Fuzapladib in a randomized controlled multicenter masked study in dogs with presumptive acute onset pancreatitis.

Currently, no specific treatment is available for acute onset pancreatitis (AP), and management relies on symptomatic and supportive standard of care (SOC). Fuzapladib is a novel leukocyte function-associated antigen type-1 (LFA-1) activation inhibitor, blocking activation and subsequent adhesion and migration of neutrophils, potentially decreasing the risk of pancreatitis progression and systemic inflammation. Evaluate the safety and clinical response of dogs with AP after 3 days of administration of fuzapladib. Sixty-one client-owned dogs with presumptive AP. Randomized, masked, and placebo controlled multicenter study. Sixty-one dogs with AP were included for safety assessment, whereas 35 evaluable cases (fuzapladib, n = 16; placebo, n = 19) were included for clinical evaluation. Clinical improvement was assessed based on the change in the modified clinical activity index (MCAI) score on Day 3 compared to Day 0. Secondary variables included canine acute pancreatitis clinical severity index (CAPCSI) scores and serum concentrations of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, cytokines, and C-reactive protein. Fuzapladib was well tolerated by all treated dogs. Mean change in MCAI scores was significantly higher in the fuzapladib-treated (-7.75) than the placebo group (-5.68; P = .02, 95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference, -4.33, -0.35), suggesting clinical improvement in fuzapladib-treated dogs. No significant difference was found in any of the secondary variables between groups. Administration of fuzapladib to dogs was safe, and a favorable response was detected in 2 clinical activity scores. Effects of fuzapladib on survival and duration of hospitalization were not studied.

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia and Clinically Suspected Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs, a Pilot Study

Acute pancreatitis can be a complication of massive hemolysis, above all when intravascular in nature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between canine immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and clinically suspected acute pancreatitis (CSAP) and the role of calculated free plasma hemoglobin (Hbfp) in CSAP occurrence/development. In this cohort study the records of 95 dogs with IMHA and 95 sick dogs with pathologies other than IMHA were compared for CSAP occurrence/development. At presentation, 12/95 dogs with IMHA met criteria for CSAP, while only 3/95 sick control dogs met these criteria (χ2 =1.58, P = .008). Within 7 days of hospitalization 9 additional dogs with IMHA had developed CSAP. The Hbfp was calculated and compared for dogs with IMHA that had/developed CSAP and for those without CSAP. In dogs with IMHA, a calculated Hbfp concentration ≥ 0.08 g/dL resulted in an increased relative risk (RR) of having/developing CSAP (RR = 2.54, 95% CI, 1.51-4.29; P = .003). No significant effect on short-term prognosis in dogs with IMHA was found between those having/developing CSAP and those without CSAP. This study showed that dogs with IMHA have an increased risk of having CSAP and Hbfp concentration may be involved in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.

Association between Hyperglycemia and Canine Serum Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity Concentration in Diabetic Dogs.

It has been reported that hypertriglyceridemia can partially mediate between diabetes mellitus (DM) and pancreatitis in dogs, implying that another mediator, such as chronic hyperglycemia, might exist. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hyperglycemia and serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentration in diabetic dogs. This retrospective cohort study included 26 client-owned diabetic dogs, divided according to their serum fructosamine levels (<500 μmol/L = well-controlled DM group; ≥500 μmol/L = untreated or poorly controlled DM group). Five of the 26 DM dogs (19.2%) had serum cPLI concentrations consistent with pancreatitis, among which two showed ultrasonographic evidence of pancreatitis without clinical signs. The serum cPLI concentrations (median [interquartile range]) were significantly higher in the untreated or poorly controlled group (520 μg/L [179.76-1000 μg/L]) than in the well-controlled group (77 μg/L [32.22-244.6 μg/L], P = 0.0147). The serum fructosamine concentration was positively correlated with the serum cPLI concentration (r = 0.4816; P = 0.0127). Multivariate analysis revealed serum triglyceride and fructosamine concentrations were associated with the serum cPLI concentration. In conclusion, this study suggests that chronic hyperglycemia may induce pancreatic inflammation in diabetic dogs; however, the clinical significance of increased cPLI concentration is unknown.

Impact of fatty acid composition on markers of exocrine pancreatic stimulation in dogs.

Chronic pancreatitis in dogs is typically managed with a low-fat diet. Human research suggests that consumption of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) may lessen pancreatic enzyme release compared to consumption of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Twelve healthy adult colony dogs were fed a meal of cod and rice with either 3% metabolizable energy (ME) fat (control), high MCT (25% ME MCT oil, 25% ME butter), high saturated LCFA (50% ME butter), or high unsaturated LCFA (50% ME canola oil) in a 4-period by 4-treatment crossover design. Serum concentrations of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, gastrin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and serum activities of amylase and DGGR lipase (1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(69-methylresorufin) ester lipase) were measured at times 0 (fasted), 30, 120 and 180 minutes post-prandially. Following a 3-or 4-day wash-out period, each dog was assigned a new diet and the process was repeated for all treatments. Data were analyzed as a repeated-measures mixed model ANOVA. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons were run using Tukey-Kramer adjusted p-values. Shapiro-Wilk tests were used to evaluate residual normality. All statistical assumptions were sufficiently met. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. Of the markers tested, only serum triglyceride concentrations were affected by treatment, with consumption of high MCT resulting in lower triglycerides than both LCFA groups at times 120 and 180 minutes (P<0.0001). As expected, the high MCT group had higher triglycerides compared to the control group (P<0.0001). The type of dietary fat consumed had little acute impact on most markers of exocrine pancreatic stimulation in healthy dogs.

Serum α1-Proteinase Inhibitor, Calprotectin, and S100A12 Concentrations in the Characterization of Pancreatitis in Dogs.

Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to develop pancreatitis, with familial hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) described as a potential risk factor. Diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs is based on the integration of serum canine-specific pancreatic lipase (cPLI) concentration, clinical presentation, and diagnostic imaging findings. However, markers of systemic inflammation and antiprotease activity have not been extensively investigated in the characterization and prognostication of pancreatitis in dogs. Serum concentrations of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (α1PI; as a marker of systemic antiprotease response) and calprotectin and S100A12 (as markers of systemic inflammation) were measured in serum samples from 35 Miniature Schnauzers diagnosed with pancreatitis (serum cPLI concentration >400 μg/L, clinical signs, abdominal imaging findings). These markers were evaluated for possible associations with patient characteristics, clinical presentation, risk factors for pancreatitis, and outcome. The study showed that biomarkers of systemic inflammation and antiprotease activity are commonly increased in Miniature Schnauzers with pancreatitis. Whereas serum calprotectin and S100A12 concentrations were found to have limited utility in differentiating pancreatitis presentations, serum α1PI concentrations and potentially also the serum calprotectin-to-S100A12 ratio might be non-invasive surrogate markers of disease severity in dogs with pancreatitis.

Computed tomographic evaluation of pancreatic perfusion in 10 dogs with acute pancreatitis.

Severe canine acute pancreatitis can be fatal; imaging features that can predict the clinical course of disease are useful for clinicians. On computed tomography (CT), both pancreatic heterogeneous contrast enhancement and portal vein thrombosis have been correlated with poorer outcome. Perfusion CT is used in human medicine to evaluate pancreatic microcirculation to predict the future development of severe sequela to pancreatitis; this technology has yet to be explored in dogs with acute pancreatitis. The objective of this prospective, case-control study is to evaluate pancreatic perfusion using contrast-enhanced CT in dogs with acute pancreatitis and compare it with previously established values obtained in healthy dogs. Ten client-owned dogs preliminarily diagnosed with acute pancreatitis received a full abdominal ultrasound, specific canine pancreatic lipase (Spec cPL), and perfusion CT. Computer software calculated pancreatic perfusion, peak enhancement index, time to peak enhancement, and blood volume for 3-mm and reformatted 6-mm slices. The data was analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test, linear mixed model, and Spearman's rho. Values for 3-mm slices were similar to 6-mm slices (all P<0.05). Dogs with acute pancreatitis had a faster time to peak enhancement than healthy dogs (P=0.04-0.06). Dogs with acute pancreatitis and homogeneous pancreatic enhancement had higher perfusion, faster time to peak enhancement, and greater blood volume compared to healthy dogs and dogs with acute pancreatitis and heterogeneous pancreatic enhancement (all P=/<0.05). Pancreatic perfusion decreased with increased pancreatitis severity. No correlation was identified between Spec cPL and pancreatic perfusion (all P>0.05). These findings preliminarily support perfusion CT in dogs with acute pancreatitis.

The effect of the Mexidol on the dynamics of changes in hematological parameters in the indurative form of acute pancreatitis in dogs

This article presents the results of the use of the Mexidol as a part of complex therapy for the relief of the indurative form of acute pancreatitis in dogs. The study was conducted to prove the validity of the use of synthetic antioxidants to alleviate the course of the disease, as well as to reduce the likelihood of complications after the resumption of the normal functioning of the pancreas. For this, studies were conducted on two groups of dogs with acute indurative pancreatitis. Group 1 was treated with classical therapy, and group 2, in addition to standard treatment, received Mexidol at a dose of 10 mg / kg. Analysis of hematological parameters of both groups of animals indicates a higher efficiency of treatment in group 2. In it, the absolute number of leukocytes in the blood after treatment decreased by 44%, while in the first group by 18%, the level of superoxide dismutase in the blood became higher relative to the second group by 16%, the amount of serum elastase-1 (pancreatic elastase) was within the reference values, having decreased by 51%, in the first group by 17% (P&lt;0.05). In connection with these data, there is a reason to include this preparation in the classical regimen for the treatment of acute indurative pancreatitis.

A DISEASE SEVERITY SCORING SYSTEM IN DOGS WITH CLINICALLY ACUTE PANCREATITIS

The severity of canine acute pancreatitis (AP) is highly variable. Clinically applicable severity scoring algorithms are limited. One-hundred-thirty-four dogs diagnosed with AP and hospitalized between 2009 and 2014 were selected for analysis to develop a severity scoring system. Eleven variables, i.e. age, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, albumin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorus, potassium, presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and oliguria/anuria after rehydration (Day 2 to Day 4) were significantly abnormal and selected by logistic regression to predict the outcome. A scoring system was developed by incorporating weighting factors assigned to each quartile based on the odds ratio integer value. A predictive score is the sum of all weighting factors for each dog. Receiver-operating curve analyses were performed to assess the sensitivity, specificity and optimal cut-off point of the outcome predictions. The scores of 134 dogs after rehydration ranged from 11 to 78 points. The mean score was [Formula: see text], and the median score was 23 points. The optimal cut-off point for outcome prediction of the scoring system was 35.5, with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 89.3%. The mortality was 85.5% with a score of [Formula: see text], whereas 3.8% had a score of [Formula: see text]. Dogs with a score [Formula: see text] all survived. The severity scoring system provides a reliable and clinically applicable method to assess disease severity in dogs with clinically AP at the time point after rehydration.

Partial validation of the Vcheck canine pancreatic lipase assay.

Measurement of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) is used for diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs. Because pancreatitis can be a life-threatening disease with severe complications, an in-house cPLI test would be valuable to obtain rapid test results. The aim of this study was to evaluate a point-of-care cPLI test, Vcheck cPL. Precision, determined according to EP15, and linearity under dilution were determined and judged against preset quality goals. Results from the Vcheck cPL were compared with a previously validated cPLI ELISA, Spec cPL. In a retrospective study, cPLI results from dogs with and without acute pancreatitis, as determined by pancreatic ultrasound examination, were investigated to assess the performance of the assay in a clinical setting. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test, and Passing-Bablok regression analysis with a significance level of 0.05. Precision of the assay was acceptable, with intra-, inter-, and total coefficients of variation (CV%) less than 12.1%, 6.4%, and 12.1%, respectively. Results from the linearity study indicated that the method was acceptably linear at lower concentrations but not in the high-concentration range. The method comparison study revealed that Vcheck generally measured higher concentrations compared with Spec cPL, and that the methods should not be used interchangeably. Dogs with acute pancreatitis had significantly higher cPLI concentrations compared with dogs without pancreatitis (P < 0.01), but there was a marked overlap in cPL concentrations between the two groups.

Комплексная диагностика острого панкреатита у собак

This article presents typical results obtained from a general clinical blood test in dogs with signs of pancreatic pathology: leukocytosis with a shift to the left, thrombocytopenia, anemia, increased ESR. In the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, an increase in a-amylase and lipase in the blood serum is considered important indicators. It is believed that the a-amylase activity indicator immediately indicates lesions of the pancreas, however, studies have been conducted that indicated that when the a-amylase level was normal, but the lipase level was elevated, the diagnosis of pancreatitis was confirmed. Therefore, an increase in the lipase enzyme is more specific for the diagnosis of pancreatitis. It is important to determine both enzymes to diagnose pancreatic lesions. The best diagnostic indicator of acute pancreatitis is an increase in lipase, a-amylase and creatinine, which gives up to 98 % accuracy in making a diagnosis. With pathologies of the pancreas, patients often experience disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism. As a rule, this is manifested by signs of diabetes mellitus, i.e. increase in serum glucose. The disorders are explained by damage to the cells of the islet apparatus of the pancreas. Research has shown that the canine pancreatic lipase test (SNAP®cPL) is better than other methods for diagnosing acute pancreatitis in dogs. To better test for pancreatitis in animal examinations, the SNAP®cPL Test also measures cPL concentrations using ELISA technology. Thus, the test for pancreatic lipase gave a 100 % result, which confirms its high sensitivity.

New insights into the etiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis of pancreatitis in dogs: Potential impacts on clinical practice.

While most cases of pancreatitis in dogs are thought to be idiopathic, potential risk factors are identified. In this article we provide a state‐of‐the‐art overview of suspected risk factors for pancreatitis in dogs, allowing for improved awareness and detection of potential dog‐specific risk factors, which might guide the development of disease prevention strategies. Additionally, we review important advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of pancreatitis and potential areas for therapeutic manipulation based thereof. The outcome of pathophysiologic mechanisms and the development of clinical disease is dependent on the balance between stressors and protective mechanisms, which can be evaluated using the critical threshold theory.

Effects of medical history and clinical factors on serum lipase activity and ultrasonographic evidence of pancreatitis: Analysis of 234 dogs

BackgroundLipase measurements and ultrasonographic (US) evidence of pancreatitis correlate poorly.ObjectivesIdentify explanations for discrepant lipase and pancreatic US results.AnimalsTwo hundred and thirty‐four dogs with gastrointestinal signs.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted, in which lipase activity and US were performed within 30 hours. Medical history, clinical examination results, lipase activity, and US results were recorded.ResultsLipase and US results were weakly correlated (r s = .25, P < .001). At both evaluated time cut‐offs, median lipase activities were significantly higher with shorter durations of clinical signs before presentation (≤2 days, 334 U/L; >2 days, 118 U/L; P = .03; ≤7 days, 334 U/L; >7 days, 99 U/L; P = .004), but US was not significantly more frequently positive. For both cut‐offs (>216/≤216 U/L, >355/≤355 U/L; reference range, 24‐108 U/L), median disease duration was significantly shorter (3 vs 4 days) with higher lipases. Previous pancreatitis episodes were significantly associated with an US diagnosis of pancreatitis (P = .04), but median lipase activities were not significantly higher (386 U/L vs 153 U/L; P = .06) in these dogs. Pancreatic US was significantly more often positive when the request contained “suspicion of pancreatitis” (P < .001) or “increased lipase” (P = .01). Only changes in pancreatic morphology, echogenicity, and peripancreatic mesentery were significantly associated with a positive US diagnosis, and also had significantly higher lipase activities.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDuration of clinical signs before presentation differently affects laboratory and US evidence of pancreatitis. Previous pancreatitis episodes and information given to radiologists influence US results. These findings can be helpful for future studies on pancreatitis in dogs.