Ak. Cook et al., RISK-FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ACUTE-PANCREATITIS IN DOGS - 101 CASES (1985-1990), Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 203(5), 1993, pp. 673-679
The medical records of 101 dogs with acute pancreatitis, diagnosed on
the basis of medical histories of acute vomiting, with serum lipase or
amylase activity greater than the reference range, or with gross sign
s of pancreatitis at surgery or histopathologic evidence at necropsy,
were evaluated to identify potential risk factors for the development
of acute pancreatitis. Age, sex, and breed of dogs with acute pancreat
itis were compared with those from a reference population of 100 dogs
admitted for other medical emergencies during the same period. Analysi
s of multiple regression models indicated that dogs > 7 years old were
at increased risk for acute pancreatitis. Spayed dogs and castrated m
ale dogs had an increased risk, compared with that Of sexually intact
males. Similarly, terrier and nonsporting breeds appeared to be at hig
her risk of developing acute pancreatitis than were other breed types.
Most dogs in this study (63/101) had intercurrent diseases, including
diabetes mellitus (n = 14), hyperadrenocorticism (n = 12), chronic re
nal failure (n = 8), neoplasia (n = 17), congestive heart failure (n =
6), and autoimmune disorders (n = 5). Fourteen dogs had undergone ane
sthesia or surgery in the week before admission; only 3 had undergone
abdominal procedures. Recent medication use was listed in 52 of 101 ca
ses. Antibiotics (n = 18) and corticosteroids (n = 18) were most frequ
ently described. Anticancer chemotherapeutic agents (n = 5) and organo
phosphate insecticides (n = 5) also were listed. We conclude that incr
easing age and particular breed types are risk factors for pancreatiti
s in dogs, and that spayed females and castrated males are at increase
d risk, compared with that for sexually intact male dogs. Intercurrent
diseases, drug treatment, anesthesia, and surgery are potential risk
factors that require additional verification.