Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Exocrine pancreatic inflammation in canine diabetes mellitus - An active offender?
- Journal:
- Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Johnson-Pitt, Arielle et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Science and Services · United Kingdom
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This review looks at how inflammation in the exocrine pancreas (the part of the pancreas that helps with digestion) might play a role in diabetes in dogs. It suggests that inflammation could be a hidden cause of diabetes, as many diabetic dogs also show signs of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) when examined after death. Currently, diagnosing pancreatitis is not very accurate, and treatments for diabetes often involve daily insulin shots, which can be tough for both pets and their owners. The review aims to highlight the connection between pancreatic inflammation and diabetes and discusses possible ways to improve diagnosis and treatment for affected dogs. Overall, it suggests that better understanding and addressing this inflammation could lead to better health outcomes for diabetic dogs.
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to examine the current scientific literature regarding the interplay between the exocrine and endocrine pancreas, specifically the role of the exocrine pancreas in the pathogenesis of canine diabetes mellitus. β-cell death caused by exocrine pancreatic inflammation is thought to be an under-recognised contributor to diabetes mellitus in dogs, with up to 30 % of canine diabetic patients with concurrent evidence of pancreatitis at post-mortem examination. Current diagnostics for pancreatitis are imprecise, and treatments for both diseases individually have their own limitations: diabetes through daily insulin injections, which has both welfare and financial implications for the stakeholders, and pancreatitis through treatment of clinical signs, such as analgesia and anti-emetics, rather than targeted treatment of the underlying cause. This review will consider the evidence for exocrine pancreatic inflammation making an active contribution to pancreatic β-cell loss and insulin-deficiency diabetes in the dog and explore current and potential future diagnostic and treatment avenues to improve outcomes for these patients.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39243807/