LEITERS

Series of pancreatitis

h4ADAM I am writing concerning a series of canine pancreatitis cases seen recently in this prac- tice. In the space of four weeks we have observed five cases (three female neutered, one male neutered and one entire male), average age 7.5 years (range three to 13.5 years) and of various breeds. None of the cases was significantly overweight. In the seven years I have been at this practice I would suggest that normally we would see this number of cases over a six- to eight- month period.

These cases have presented as being lethargic, with reduced appetite or

anorexia, and vomiting. The majority of cases have been pyrexic and most but not all have shown signs of abdominal pain. Routine biochemical analysis has revealed considerable inflammatory responses - total proteins, globulins, white cell counts and neutrophils have been high in all cases. In three of the cases, amylase was consider- ably raised and in all cases lipase was very high. Abdominal radiography was unre- markable. One case was confirmed using abdominal ultrasound at the Royal Veterinary College.

All cases were treated with antibiotic cover and intravenous fluids (nil by mouth) and were hospitalised. One case remained pyrexic for 11 days and was given intravenous steroids daily, which improved the dog’s clinical condition con-

siderably. However, sadly this case relapsed and died. Additionally, one elderly dog was euthanased, partly due to other unrelated geriatric conditions. The other three are currently progressing well.

One client mentioned to me that a friend of hers in East Anglia reported that veterinary surgeons in her area had noted a similar increase in occurrence of this con- dition. Is this the case? While I realise this may be a case of ‘there’s a lot of it about’, I feel it is worthwhile reporting and seeing if other colleagues have experienced any such increase in cases.

Graham Finch The Blythwood Eterinaly Group

500 Uxbridge Road, Pinner Middlesex HA5 4SL

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208 - J O W A I . O F SMALL. ANIMAL PRACTICE VOL 39 APRIL 1998