Pancreatitis & Diabetes Mellitus in a Dog

A 6-year-old spayed miniature schnauzer is presented with acute vomiting, anorexia, and small-bowel diarrhea.

The patient has a history of hypertriglyceridemia and calcium oxalate urolithiasis. She is accordingly fed a low-fat, protein-restricted diet; receives fish oil supplementation; and is treated with gemfibrozil and hydrochlorothiazide. Physical examination reveals delayed capillary refill time, obtundation, and cranial abdominal pain. Clinicopathologic abnormalities include markedly increased alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, marked (fasting) hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Point-of-care canine pancreatic lipase screening test results are abnormal. A hypoechoic pancreas with hyperechoic peripancreatic fat and regional distension of the proximal duodenum are identified on abdominal ultrasonography. Pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus are diagnosed, and IV fluid therapy is initiated.