Pancreatitis

Question 1

What bloodwork findings can support a diagnosis of pancreatitis?

Answer 1

(Inflammatory leukogram, liver enzyme elevation, and hyperbilirubinemia (esp in cats); still mostly helpful in ruling out other problems rather than definitively diagnosing pancreatitis)

Question 2

What radiographic findings can support a diagnosis of pancreatitis?

Answer 2

(Reduced detail in the cranial abdomen and being able to visualize the right kidney on a VD in a dog; still mostly helpful in ruling out other problems rather than definitively diagnosing pancreatitis)

Question 3

What does a negative versus a positive cPL SNAP test tell you?

Answer 3

(Negative → pancreatitis is unlikely, positive → pancreatitis is a possibility but so is everything else still)

Question 4

What history and clinical signs are potentially associated with pancreatitis?

Answer 4

(Vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, +/- diarrhea, +/- signs of dehydration; signs should be fairly consistent aka they don’t magically get better for a few days and then go back to not eating)

Question 5

What is the treatment for pancreatitis?

Answer 5

(Supportive → fluid therapy, pain management, antinausea, nutritional support ← all are “if indicated”)

Question 6

When it comes time to place an NG tube because your suspected pancreatitis patient has not started eating on their own, what should you make sure they are not doing?

Answer 6

(Vomiting)