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In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes back Harry Cridge, MVB, MS, PG Cert Vet Ed, DACVIM (SAIM), DECVIM-CA, FHEA, MRCVS, to discuss his recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Chronic Pancreatitis in Dogs.” Dr. Cridge provides clarity on recognizing pancreatitis in its chronic state, contrasting it with acute disease. He then applies the same tenants of diagnosis and treatment, but tailored to this underrecognized subset of patients.
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Key Takeaways
Pancreatic inflammation goes underdiagnosed in dogs because it’s not always acute; picky eating and intermittent vomiting can be subtle clues of chronic pancreatitis.
A chronic pancreatitis dog is typically middle-aged to older with a history of waxing-waning GI signs, sometimes with acute-on-chronic flares.
Ultrasound will show more minor changes that are associated with ongoing inflammation and fibrosis rather than edema, and a “normal” looking pancreas does not rule out chronic pancreatitis.
Pancreatic lipase testing will still be elevated, but it’ll be more minor than with acute disease, and it will persist; remember to rule-out other primary GI disease or decreased renal clearance.
Therapy still focuses on analgesia (no NSAIDs), anti-emetics, hydration, and low-fat diets, but treatment trials may be necessary.
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The Team:
Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host
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