Abstract:
The objective of the present study was to characterize the clinical, clinicopathologic, and
histopathologic findings of dogs with chronic pancreatitis. The necropsy database at Texas A&M
University was searched for reports of dogs with histologic evidence of chronic pancreatitis
defined as irreversible histologic changes of the pancreas, i.e. fibrosis and atrophy. Medical
records and necropsy reports were retrieved and reviewed. A reference necropsy population of
100 randomly selected dogs was used for signalment and concurrent disease comparisons. Cases
were categorized as clinical or incidental chronic pancreatitis based on the presence of vomiting,
decreased appetite, or both versus neither of these signs. All archived pancreata samples were
evaluated histologically and scored using a published pancreatic scoring system. A total of 61 dogs with chronic pancreatitis were included in the study. The most frequent
clinical signs were lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Compared to the
reference necropsy population, chronic pancreatitis cases were more likely to be older, neutered, and of the non-sporting/toy breed group and to have concurrent endocrine, hepatobiliary, or
neurologic diseases. Clinical chronic pancreatitis cases had significantly higher histological
scores for pancreatic necrosis and peripancreatic fat necrosis. Clinical chronic pancreatitis cases
were significantly more likely to have hepatobiliary or endocrine disease as well as increased
liver enzyme activities, and cholesterol and bilirubin concentrations. In conclusion, clinical
disease resulting from chronic pancreatitis might be related to the presence of pancreatic necrosis
and pancreatic fat necrosis. The signalment, presentation, and concurrent diseases of dogs with
chronic pancreatitis are similar to those previously reported for dogs with acute pancreatitis.
