Case Study

Pancreatitis in a 9 year old FS Chihuahua with inappetance

A 9-year-old female spayed Chihuahua dog with a history of elevated liver enzyme activity was presented for evaluation of loss of appetite. Survey radiographs showed a left-sided mass effect and hepatomegaly.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Extensive left limb pancreatitis and likely necrosis. Underlying carcinoma is a possibility.

Image Interpretation

The pancreas in this patient was enlarged, hypoechoic, and irregular primarily in the left limb; there was hyperechoic surrounding fat. The right limb of the pancreas presented a hyperechoic, coarse architecture. This is consistent with remodeling and measured 1.3 cm in width. Free fluid was noted adjacent to the left pancreatic limb between the spleen and pancreas. An extensive amount of reactive omentum was noted in a region of approximately 6 x 4 cm.

DX

Pancreatitis

Outcome

None

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Hepatic disease: reactive hepatopathy, vacuolar hepatopathy, nodular hyperplasia, neoplasia, chronic-active hepatitis, granulomatous disease, hepatic cyst. Mass effect: neoplasia, cyst, granuloma or abscess in the spleen, pancreas, kidney, mesentery, or lymph node. Hydronephrosis.