Acute pancreatitis in two dogs given azathioprine and prednisone.
Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in 2 dogs given azathioprine and prednisone. Prednisone and azathioprine had been given as immunosuppressive therapy for pemphigus foliaceus in dog 1 and for polymyositis in dog 2. Azathioprine was discontinued in both dogs. In dog 1, prednisone was reinstituted on day 6 of hospitalization. Prednisone was continued throughout the period of hospitalization in dog 2. Both dogs recovered without complication. Glucocorticoid therapy has been associated with the development of pancreatitis. In human beings, a common side effect of azathioprine is the development of drug-induced pancreatitis. Definitive identification of azathioprine as the cause of pancreatitis in these dogs was not possible; the owners refused to permit retreatment with the drug. Therefore, the synergistic action between these 2 drugs could not be ruled out as the cause of pancreatitis.
Moriello
K A
KA
Department of Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
Bowen
D
D
Meyer
D J
DJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004285:Dogs; D004357:Drug Synergism; D008297:Male; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000009:adverse effects*
D001379:Azathioprine; D011241:Prednisone