ABSTRACT
Canine pancreatitis is subdivided into chronic and acute forms. Chronically recurring mild pancreatitis results in intermittent vomiting and anorexia; this syndrome can lead to progressive pancreatic glandular damage and eventual fulminant acute pancreatitis. Hypersenthuria may be noted due to dehydration; isosthenuria or hyposthenuria and the presence of tubular casts in the urine sediment may be noted secondary to the development of renal failure. Glucosuria and bilirubinuria may be present. Ketonuria indicates the presence of concurrent diabetic ketoacidosis. Ultrasound can be used to document pancreatitis and may help to differentiate pancreatitis, pancreatic neoplasia, pancreatic pseudocysts, and pancreatic abscesses. The author prefers to use a combination of clinical signs, physical examination findings, laboratory abnormalities, and diagnostic imaging studies to arrive at a diagnosis. Additional diagnostic support can be obtained by abdominocentesis.
