title: Pancreatic abscess in dogs: six cases (1978-1986).
abstract: Pancreatic abscess was diagnosed by exploratory celiotomy in 6 dogs. The most common clinical signs included acute onset of lethargy (n = 5), anorexia (n = 6), vomiting (n = 5), and diarrhea (n = 2). Physical examination revealed pain response to abdominal palpation (n = 5), depression (n = 5), icterus (n = 3), fever (n = 3), and cranial abdominal mass (n = 2). Consistent preoperative clinicopathologic abnormalities included leukocytosis with left shift, observance of toxic neutrophils on the blood smear, hyperlipasemia, hyperamylasemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity. In 5 of 6 dogs, abdominal radiography revealed increased soft tissue density in the cranial portion of the abdomen. Ultrasonography performed on 4 dogs confirmed pancreatic mass. In all dogs, exploratory celiotomy revealed a cavitary pancreatic mass that contained sterile, mucopurulent material. Histopathologic diagnoses included acute necrotizing or chronic-active pancreatitis and steatitis. Two dogs were euthanatized at the time of diagnosis, and the remaining 4 were treated by use of pancreatic debridement(s), open abdominal drainage, and intensive administration of fluids and antibiotics. One dog was euthanatized 4 days after surgery, because of progressive pancreatic abscessation. Three dogs recovered and were discharged.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Salisbury
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Lantz
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Kazacos
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies