1
|
Abstract
In recent years, increased awareness of feline pancreatitis by the veterinary profession and improved diagnostic modalities have led to an increased frequency of diagnosis of pancreatitis in this species. Consequently, pancreatic diseases, especially chronic pancreatitis, are considered highly prevalent, even in populations of apparently healthy individuals. This prevalence has led to the suspicion that the condition may be overdiagnosed. This article summarizes the difficulties of diagnosis of acute and chronic pancreatitis, assesses the reasons why this is a challenging disease to recognize, and considers whether these difficulties could result in either overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Collapse
|
2
|
Köster LS, Shell L, Ketzis J, Rajeev S, Illanes O. Diagnosis of pancreatic disease in feline platynosomosis. J Feline Med Surg 2017; 19:1192-1198. [PMID: 28094661 PMCID: PMC11104183 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x16685676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Platynosomum species are cat-specific parasitic trematodes that parasitize the biliary ducts and gall bladder. Due to the common connection to the major duodenal papilla of the pancreas and common bile ducts in addition to the periductal proximity of the pancreas, it is possible that platynosomosis could cause pancreatitis. The objective of this study was to determine whether platynosomosis, a commonly diagnosed parasitic disease in cats on St Kitts, has any association with pancreatic disease. Methods To investigate this possibility, the pancreas of free-roaming cats with naturally acquired platynosomosis were evaluated via ultrasound, serum concentrations of feline pancreatic lipase (fPL), cobalamin, folate and feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) and histopathology. Twenty free-roaming, young adult, feral cats, positive for feline immunodeficiency virus, and diagnosed with Platynosomum species infection via fecal analysis were recruited. The liver, biliary system and pancreas were evaluated via ultrasonography during a short duration anesthesia. Serum concentrations of fPL, fTLI, folate and cobalamin were measured. Sections of the right limb, left limb and body of the pancreas were evaluated histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Results None of the cats had sufficient criteria to fulfill the ultrasonographic diagnosis of pancreatitis. One cat had an elevated fPL concentration in the range consistent with pancreatitis. Four cats had cobalamin deficiencies and 11 had abnormal folate concentration. The fTLI concentration was equivocal for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in one cat. With a single exception, histopathology changes, when present (n = 12), were mild, non-specific and predominantly characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates and fibrosis. The exception was a cat that presented a chronic interstitial and eosinophilic pancreatitis of slightly increased severity, likely the result of platynosomosis. Conclusions and relevance The results of this study suggest that platynosomosis rarely induces pancreatic damage in cats. With only one exception, chronic pancreatitis diagnosed in cats with fluke-induced cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis was subtle and interpreted as an incidental background lesion unrelated to platynosomosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liza S Köster
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
- Current address: School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Linda Shell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
| | - Jennifer Ketzis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
| | - Sreekumari Rajeev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
| | - Oscar Illanes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fragkou FC, Adamama-Moraitou KK, Poutahidis T, Prassinos NN, Kritsepi-Konstantinou M, Xenoulis PG, Steiner JM, Lidbury JA, Suchodolski JS, Rallis TS. Prevalence and Clinicopathological Features of Triaditis in a Prospective Case Series of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Cats. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:1031-45. [PMID: 27296565 PMCID: PMC5089651 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The term triaditis designates the concurrent presence of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cholangitis, and pancreatitis in cats. Hypothesis/Objectives The histopathology of concurrent, but often subclinical, inflammatory processes in the small intestine, liver, and pancreas of cats is poorly described. We aimed to investigate the frequency of enteritis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, or some combination of these in symptomatic and asymptomatic cats, compare clinicopathological features, and correlate histopathological with laboratory findings. Animals Domestic cats (27 symptomatic, 20 asymptomatic, and 8 normal). Methods Prospective study. Physical examination, laboratory variables (CBC, serum biochemistry profile, serum thyroxine concentration, serum feline trypsin‐like immunoreactivity [fTLI], feline lipase immunoreactivity [fPLI, as measured by Spec fPL®], urinalysis, and fecal analysis), imaging, and histopathological examinations were conducted. Feline liver, pancreas, and small intestine were biopsied during laparotomy. Results Inflammatory lesions were detected in 47 cats (27 symptomatic, 20 asymptomatic). In total, 20 cats had histopathologic lesions of IBD (13/47, 27.7%), cholangitis (6/47, 12.8%), or pancreatitis (1/47, 2.1%) alone, or inflammation involving >1 organ (27/47, 57.4%). More specifically, 16/47 cats (34.0%) had concurrent lesions of IBD and cholangitis, 3/47 (6.4%) of IBD and pancreatitis, and 8/47 cats (17%) of triaditis. Triaditis was identified only in symptomatic cats (8/27, 29.6%). A mild, positive correlation was detected between the severity (score) of IBD lesions and the number of comorbidities (rho = +0.367, P = .022). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Histopathological evidence of IBD or IBD with comorbidities was detected in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cats. The possibility of triaditis should be considered in symptomatic cats with severe IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F C Fragkou
- Medicine Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - K K Adamama-Moraitou
- Medicine Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - T Poutahidis
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - N N Prassinos
- Surgery and Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Kritsepi-Konstantinou
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - P G Xenoulis
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J A Lidbury
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - T S Rallis
- Medicine Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ultrasound Imaging of the Hepatobiliary System and Pancreas. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2016; 46:453-80, v-vi. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
5
|
Xenoulis PG. Diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs and cats. J Small Anim Pract 2015; 56:13-26. [PMID: 25586803 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2013] [Revised: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatitis is the most common disorder of the exocrine pancreas in both dogs and cats. Ante-mortem diagnosis of canine and feline pancreatitis can be challenging. The clinical picture of dogs and cats with pancreatitis varies greatly (from very mild to severe or even fatal) and is characterised by non-specific findings. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile and urinalysis should always be performed in dogs and cats suspected of having pancreatitis, although findings are not-specific for pancreatitis. Serum amylase and lipase activities and trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) concentrations have no or only limited clinical value for the diagnosis of pancreatitis in either dogs or cats. Conversely, serum pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) concentration is currently considered to be the clinicopathological test of choice for the diagnosis of canine and feline pancreatitis. Abdominal radiography is a useful diagnostic tool for the exclusion of other diseases that may cause similar clinical signs to those of pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasonography can be very useful for the diagnosis of pancreatitis, but this depends largely on the clinician's experience. Histopathological examination of the pancreas is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of pancreatitis, but it is not without limitations. In clinical practice, a combination of careful evaluation of the animal's history, serum PLI concentration and abdominal ultrasonography, together with pancreatic cytology or histopathology when indicated or possible, is considered to be the most practical and reliable means for an accurate diagnosis or exclusion of pancreatitis compared with other diagnostic modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P G Xenoulis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa 43100, Greece; Animal Medical Center of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pratschke KM, Ryan J, McAlinden A, McLauchlan G. Pancreatic surgical biopsy in 24 dogs and 19 cats: postoperative complications and clinical relevance of histological findings. J Small Anim Pract 2014; 56:60-6. [PMID: 25132255 PMCID: PMC7167179 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the immediate postoperative complications associated with pancreatic biopsy in dogs and cats and review the clinical relevance of biopsy findings. METHODS Retrospective review of clinical records from two referral institutions for cases undergoing pancreatic biopsy between 2000 and 2013. RESULTS Twenty‐four dogs and 19 cats that had surgical pancreatic biopsy had sufficient detail in their clinical records and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Postoperative complications were seen in 10 cases of which 5 were suggestive of post‐surgical pancreatitis. Two patients were euthanased within 10 days of surgery because of the underlying disease; neither suffered postoperative complications. Pancreatic pathology was found in 19 cases, 7 cases showed no change other than benign pancreatic nodular hyperplasia, and no abnormalities were seen in 18 cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Complications may be encountered following surgical pancreatic biopsy, although the risk should be minimal with good surgical technique. Pancreatic biopsy may provide a useful contribution to case management but it is not clear whether a negative pancreatic biopsy should be used to rule out pancreatic disease. Dogs were more likely to have no significant pathology found on pancreatic biopsy than cats, where chronic pancreatitis was the most common finding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K M Pratschke
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Pancreatitis is a frequent finding in cats, the chronic form being more common than the acute form. Despite the large number of diseases or conditions that may be associated with feline pancreatitis, in most cases no cause is diagnosed and the pancreatitis is said to be idiopathic. The chronic form can be mild and asymptomatic, and has a high prevalence in apparently healthy cats. This has generated debate concerning the clinical significance of chronic feline pancreatitis. However, several reports have demonstrated the severity of clinical signs in certain forms of acute feline pancreatitis, while other studies have reported a strong association between chronic pancreatitis and the development of comorbidities such as hepatic lipidosis, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This suggests that feline pancreatitis should not be overlooked. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Diagnosis of feline pancreatitis is complicated by the non-specific clinical signs and poor diagnostic value of basic biochemistry and haematology or imaging techniques. Development of a feline-specific pancreatic lipase immunoassay has improved our diagnostic ability in the past decade, but may have more limited application for mild and chronic forms of pancreatitis. Moreover, histopathology (the 'gold standard' diagnostic test) can be associated with false-negative results due to multifocal distribution of lesions or mild forms of the disease. With respect to treatment, it is important to take into account the idiosyncrasies of the feline species when considering medical therapies. EVIDENCE BASE This article reviews the literature on feline pancreatitis, focusing on the different forms and their relative clinical significance, while explaining difficulties inherent in the diagnosis of this disease. An overview of current recommendations for the management of cats with pancreatitis is also provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Bazelle
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4NH, UK
| | - Penny Watson
- Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Oppliger S, Hartnack S, Reusch CE, Kook PH. Agreement of serum feline pancreas–specific lipase and colorimetric lipase assays with pancreatic ultrasonographic findings in cats with suspicion of pancreatitis: 161 cases (2008–2012). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014; 244:1060-5. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.244.9.1060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
9
|
Spillmann T, Willard MD, Ruhnke I, Suchodolski JS, Steiner JM. Feasibility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in healthy cats. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2013; 55:85-91. [PMID: 23919246 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats are predisposed to diseases of the biliary tract and the exocrine pancreas and these can be challenging to diagnose. In humans and dogs > 10 kg, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been successfully used to diagnose some of these disorders. The purpose of our study was to determine whether ERCP would also be feasible in cats using a pediatric duodenoscope. Four purpose-bred, clinically healthy, castrated domestic shorthair cats participated in two studies. Study 1 compared standard white light endoscopy with chromoendoscopy for localizing the major duodenal papilla. In Study 2 ERCP was performed. Repeated clinical examinations and measurements of serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) were performed before and up to 18 hours after interventions on all cats. Chromoendoscopy was subjectively judged to be superior for localizing the major papilla. Insertion of the ERCP catheter was best accomplished when cats were in dorsal recumbency. Complete ERCP was successful in two cats. In the other cats, either retrograde cholangiography or pancreatography was possible. Serum fPLI concentrations increased temporarily in two cats during Study 2 when measured immediately, 2, 4, and 18 h after ERCP. Peak fPLI concentrations were detected either immediately after ERCP or 2 h later. No clinical signs of complications were observed within 18 h after the procedures. Findings indicated that ERCP is technically demanding but feasible in healthy cats. Future studies need to determine whether the temporary increases in serum fPLI concentrations are clinically important and to investigate the utility of ERCP in feline patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Spillmann
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Helsinki University, P.O. Box 57, Finland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
|
11
|
Abstract
Pancreatitis was considered a rare disease in the cat until a couple of decades ago when several retrospective studies of severe acute pancreatitis were published. It was apparent that few of the diagnostic tests of value in the dog were helpful in cats. With increasing clinical suspicion, availability of abdominal ultrasonography, and introduction of pancreas-specific blood tests of increasing utility, it is now accepted that acute pancreatitis is probably almost as common in cats as it is in dogs, although the etiology(s) remain more obscure. Pancreatitis in cats often co-exists with inflammatory bowel disease, less commonly with cholangitis, and sometimes with both. Additionally, pancreatitis may trigger hepatic lipidosis, while other diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, may be complicated by pancreatitis. Therapy is similar to that used in dogs, with added emphasis on early nutritional support to prevent hepatic lipidosis. Less is known about chronic pancreatitis than the acute form, but chronic pancreatitis is more common in cats than it is in dogs and may respond positively to treatment with corticosteroids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Jane Armstrong
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
The effect of naturally occurring renal insufficiency on serum pancreatic-specific lipase in cats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-012-1481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
Kook P, Baloi P, Ruetten M, Pantchev N, Reusch C, Kircher P. Feasibility and Safety of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of the Pancreas in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2012; 26:513-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2012.00898.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P.H. Kook
- Vetsuisse Faculty; Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine
| | - P. Baloi
- Vetsuisse Faculty; Division of Diagnostic Imaging
| | - M. Ruetten
- Vetsuisse Faculty; Institute of Pathology; University of Zurich; Zurich; Switzerland
| | | | - C.E. Reusch
- Vetsuisse Faculty; Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine
| | - P. Kircher
- Vetsuisse Faculty; Division of Diagnostic Imaging
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liehmann LM, Dörner J, Hittmair KM, Schwendenwein I, Reifinger M, Dupré G. Pancreatic rupture in four cats with high-rise syndrome. J Feline Med Surg 2012; 14:131-7. [PMID: 22314089 PMCID: PMC10822477 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x11431527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic trauma and rupture are rare after feline high-rise syndrome; however, should it happen, pancreatic enzymes will leak into the abdominal cavity and may cause pancreatic autodigestion and fatty tissue saponification. If not diagnosed and treated, it can ultimately lead to multiorgan failure and death. In this case series, 700 records of high-rise syndrome cats that presented between April 2001 and May 2006 were analysed, and four cats with pancreatic rupture were identified. Clinical signs, diagnosis using ultrasonography and lipase activity in blood and abdominal effusion, and treatment modalities are reported. Three cats underwent surgical abdominal exploration, one cat was euthanased. Rupture of the left pancreatic limb was confirmed in all cases. Two of the operated cats survived to date. High-rise syndrome can lead to abdominal trauma, including pancreatic rupture. A prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea M Liehmann
- Clinic for Surgery, Ophthalmology and Dentistry, Department of Companion Animals and Horses University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Digestive System, Liver, and Abdominal Cavity. THE CAT 2012. [PMCID: PMC7158306 DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4377-0660-4.00023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
16
|
Cosford K, Shmon C, Myers S, Taylor S, Carr A, Steiner J, Suchodolski J, Mantovani F. Prospective Evaluation of Laparoscopic Pancreatic Biopsies in 11 Healthy Cats. J Vet Intern Med 2010; 24:104-13. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0420.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
17
|
BARON MATTHEWL, HECHT SILKE, MATTHEWS ANDREAR, STOKES JENNIFERE. ULTRASONOGRAPHIC OBSERVATION OF SECRETIN-INDUCED PANCREATIC DUCT DILATION IN HEALTHY CATS. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2010; 51:86-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2009.01628.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|