Barney was initially presented to me last week with vague
symptoms of lethargy and vomiting. Over the course of the
next 24 hours his condition deteriorated and he was admitted
for bloods tests and supportive fluid therapy. Very high
levels of these destructive enzymes (amylase and lipase)
are found in the bloodstream and confirm the diagnosis.
In dogs, acute pancreatitis is more common in middle aged
terriers such as Barney. In this instance, the most likely
initiating factor is probably an ascending infection from
his bile duct which lies in close proximity to the opening
to the pancreas.
Fortunately, supportive treatment with fluid therapy,
painkillers and antibiotics has been enough to have him
back to his oldself but not without a scare for his owner
who has found it difficult to be separated from her old
companion.
Barney is going to have to miss out on that afternoon sherry
from now on!
Terry
Dunne BVMS, Cert SAO, MRCVS
Back
to "Interesting Cases"
If you wish to print or save this page it
is available in PDF format here
|