Evaluation of risk factors for fatal acute pancreatitis in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors associated with fatal acute pancreatitis in dogs.


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
70 case dogs with clinical evidence and histopathologic confirmation of fatal acute pancreatitis and 104 control dogs that had trauma, underwent necropsy, and did not have histologic evidence of acute pancreatitis.


METHODS
Information on signalment, weight, body condition, medical history, concurrent disease, and results of histopathologic examination was obtained by reviewing medical records. Logistic regression analysis included calculation of univariate and multivariate (adjusted) odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dogs with fatal acute pancreatitis were largely middle- to older-aged dogs. Risk of developing fatal acute pancreatitis was increased by overweight body condition, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, prior gastrointestinal tract disease, and epilepsy. Additionally, Yorkshire Terriers were at increased risk, and Labrador Retrievers and Miniature Poodles were at decreased risk, of developing fatal acute pancreatitis. Males and neutered females appeared to have an increased risk of developing fatal acute pancreatitis, compared with sexually intact females. Thrombus formation was more likely in dogs that developed fatal acute pancreatitis than in control dogs.
Hess
R S
RS
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
Kass
P H
PH
Shofer
F S
FS
Van Winkle
T J
TJ
Washabau
R J
RJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D000308:Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors