Pancreatic pseudocyst causing extrahepatic biliary obstruction in a dog

Abstract

A 3-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback was examined because of recurrent pancreatitis of 2 months duration. The dog had signs of abdominal pain and jaundice. Blood biochemical findings were consistent with extrahepatic bile duct obstruction, but on abdominal ultrasonography no cause of obstruction was identified. At surgery a pancreatic pseudocyst was found in the body of the pancreas. Cystoduodenostomy, cystic omentalization and biliary diversion resulted in excellent long-term recovery.

Acute pancreatitis in dogs

“…An article reviewing the pathophysiology of systemic inflammatory response leading to MOF in dogs with AP has recently been published. 14 Although pancreatic infection is rarely documented in dogs, [15][16][17][18][19][20][21] the extent of pancreatic necrosis may be an important contributing prognostic factor of severity, similar to what has been shown in humans. A recent report documents histological evidence of acute pancreatic necrosis in 67/70 (96%) of dogs with fatal AP.…”

“…91 In contrast to what has been demonstrated in humans with AP, pancreatic infection has only been rarely documented in dogs with naturally occurring AP. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21] While reasons for this difference are unknown, there are several possible explanations. While there are many similarities in the pathogenesis of AP in dogs and humans, 14,29,30,50 etiological differences 12,23,24 could account for the much lower rate of pancreatic infection in dogs.…”

“…Additionally, attempts to culture pancreatic samples are generally limited to dogs undergoing surgical intervention for AP 15,16 and to dogs in which a cystic or mass lesion is identified via AUS. [17][18][19][20][21] As fine-needle aspiration of the pancreas is not routinely performed in dogs with severe AP, this can further contribute to the under-diagnosis of pancreatic infection. Given the lack of evidence that pancreatic infection plays a major role in the pathogenesis of canine AP, the routine use of prophylactic antibiotics in canine AP cannot be recommended.…”

Pancreas

“…36,52,[55][56][57][58][59][60][61] Differentiation of the various types of pancreatic cysts requires histologic analysis. 36,52,[55][56][57][58][59][60][61] Differentiation of the various types of pancreatic cysts requires histologic analysis.…”

“…53 Granulomas containing schistosome eggs were identified histologically. 59 Aspiration of pancreatic pseudocysts for diagnosis or treatment has been described. A, In this sagittal body plane the left lobe of the pancreas is seen as a discrete hyperechoic organ in cross section (between electronic cursors, 0.81 cm).…”