RISK-FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ACUTE-PANCREATITIS IN DOGS - 101 CASES (1985-1990)

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.