A rare case of total pancreatic destruction due to pancreatitis in a dog

ABSTRACT A 16-year-old female Poodle entered UFMG’s Veterinary Hospital with severe prostration, lack of appetite, and vomit. During physical examination, abdominal pain, dehydration, and hyperglycemia (448mg/dl) were found, therefore the animal was admitted under the suspicion of diabetic ketoacidosis. Screening revealed metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, glycosuria, ketonuria, and proteinuria. Leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, increase in the number of hepatic enzymes and hyperglycemia were also present in these tests. The ultrasound images showed a smaller and hypoechogenic pancreas, irregularity and folds in duodenum and reactivity of the surrounding tissue, indicating pancreatitis. Thirty days after the dog had been discharged for treatment at home, it was taken back to the veterinary hospital due to status epilepticus, which motivated the owner’s decision of euthanasia. During post mortem examination no trace of pancreas was found. On histological examination of the adipose tissue next to the duodenum, only one pancreatic duct was seen, together with inflamatory cells , thus characterizing a rare case of total pancreatic destruction due to pancreatitis.