Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Histopathological findings and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in normal dogs and dogs with inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the pancreas
- Journal:
- Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Heike Aupperle‐Lellbach et al.
- Affiliation:
- Laboklin GmbH & Co KG Bad Kissingen Germany · GB
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how to better diagnose pancreatic diseases in dogs, which can be tricky because the symptoms can vary widely. Researchers examined tissue samples and blood from 72 dogs, dividing them into groups based on their pancreatic health: normal, mild pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), moderate to severe pancreatitis, and pancreatic tumors. They found that most healthy dogs had normal levels of a specific blood test (canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, or cPLI), while those with more serious conditions had much higher levels. The results suggest that high cPLI levels usually indicate serious pancreatitis, but it's also important to check for possible tumors in the pancreas. Overall, the study highlights the importance of looking at tissue samples to accurately diagnose these conditions.
Abstract
Abstract Background Diagnosis of pancreatic diseases in dogs is still challenging because of variable clinical signs, which do not always correspond with clinical pathology and histopathological findings. Objectives To characterize inflammatory and neoplastic pancreatic diseases of dogs and to correlate these findings with clinical findings and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) results. Animals Tissue specimens and corresponding blood samples from 72 dogs submitted for routine diagnostic testing. Methods Four groups were defined histologically: (1) normal pancreas (n = 40), (2) mild pancreatitis (n = 8), (3) moderate or severe pancreatitis (acute, n = 11; chronic, n = 1), and (4) pancreatic neoplasms (n = 12). An in‐house cPLI ELISA (<180 μg/L, normal; >310 μg/L, pancreatitis) was performed. Results In dogs with normal pancreas, 92.5% of serum cPLI results were within the reference range and significantly lower than in dogs with mild acute pancreatitis, moderate or severe acute pancreatitis and pancreatic tumors. In dogs with moderate or severe acute pancreatitis, cPLI sensitivity was 90.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 58.7%‐99.8%). Most dogs (9/12) with pancreatic tumors (group 4) had additional pancreatic inflammation and cPLI results were increased in 10 dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance High cPLI indicates serious acute pancreatitis but underlying pancreatic neoplasms should also be taken into consideration. This study confirms the relevance of histopathology in the diagnostic evaluation of pancreatic diseases.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15779