Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio‐pancreatography in Healthy Beagles

Abstract

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and pancreatography was performed in seven healthy Beagles to assess the common bile duct and the accessory pancreatic duct after retrograde filling with an iodine contrast medium. All dogs had a major and a minor duodenal papilla. One Beagle had additionally an accessory papilla. The diameter of the contrast filled ducts was measured at three defined measure points (MP1-3) in ventrodorsal radiographs and left lateral radiographs. In ventrodorsal radiographs of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography the common bile duct had a straight craniomedial course. The mean duct diameter was from proximal to distal 3.04 +/- 1.89mm at MP1, 2.38 +/- 1.23 mm at MP2, and 2.11 +/- 0.84 mm at MP3. In ventrodorsal radiographs of endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, the left and right branch of the accessory pancreatic duct united in the pancreatic body. The mean diameter of the right branch was 0.88 +/- 0.14 mm at MP1, 0.72 +/- 0.2 mm at MP2 and 0.61 +/- 0.11 mm at MP3. The left branch had a diameter of 0.93 +/- 0.28 mm at MP1, 0.86 +/- 0.21 at MP2, and 0.6 +/- 0.07 mm at MP3. The mean length was 81.6 +/- 14.3 mm for the right and 107.0 +/- 24.9mm for the left branch. In left lateral radiographs of endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, it was not possible to differentiate the left from the right branch. Both branches ran nearly parallel and showed similar diameters but slight differences in length. The study proves that endosopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography is possible in dogs. Radiographs taken from dogs in dorsal recumbency allow an objective assessment of the common bile duct and the accessory pancreatic duct.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio‐pancreatography in Dogs With Chronic Gastrointestinal Problems

“…Dogs were postitioned in left recumbency and conventional gastroduodenoscopy was performed followed by side‐view endoscopy for intraduodenal examination and cannulation of major and minor papillae. For endoscopic retrograde cholangio‐pancreatography with fluoroscopy, the dogs were positioned in dorsal recumbency 5 …”

“…E ndoscopic retrograde cholangio‐pancreatography is a combination of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to perform radiographic imaging of the biliary and pancreatic duct systems. This technique is technically possible in dogs 1–5 . In humans, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is used for determination of the cause of extrahepatic cholestasis, and for preparation, implementation, and postoperative control of gallbladder surgery.…”

Initial experience with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde biliary stenting for treatment of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction in dogs

“…Endotoxemia and bacterial translocation may occur because the lack of luminal bile salts may promote increased intestinal permeability and intestinal bacterial overgrowth, which can overwhelm the hepatic reticuloendothelial system. In 2005, Spillmann et al 28,29 first reported successfully perform-ing diagnostic ERCP in 7 clinically normal research dogs and 30 canine patients with vague gastrointestinal signs. These procedures often help stabilize the patient, which can facilitate a more definitive permanent decompressive procedure at a later time.…”

Extrahepatic Biliary Atresia in a 4-Week-Old Pug

“…To exclude potential differentials before performing an invasive laparotomy, the use of various imaging modalities has been reported. Retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be performed in children and adult dogs, although the authors describe technical complications in very small patients rendering this less suitable for use in very small veterinary patients . Magnetic resonance cholangiography and intraoperative cholangiography has also been mentioned .…”