History and physical examination are critically important, but are not sufficient to diagnose canine pancreatitis. History and physical examination are most useful for finding other problems that may be mimicking acute pancreatitis. Minature Schnauzers and Yorkshire terriers are well known for being prone to develope acute pancreatitis. However, these breeds get a lot of other diseases besides pancreatitis that cause vomiting. In addition, acute pancreatitis can develope in any dog of any breed. Canine pancreatitis is classically described as presenting with acute vomiting and anorexia. Abdominal pain is frequently present, but it is easy to miss during physical examination. Fever is occasionally seen. Some dogs (especially those with pancreatic abscesses) may have relatively mild, intermittent, unimpressive vomiting and continue to eat a reasonable amount. Severely ill patients may present in classic systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS - which used to be called septic shock). Many dogs with very severe acute pancreatitis present as though they had an acute, septic abdomen. Some dogs with pancreatitis have no abdominal fluid while others have small amounts that can be seen on ultrasound. A few have copious amounts of abdominal fluid. Many dogs with acute pancreatitis seem to develope the disease in association with ingestion of fat or lipemia or with developement of diabetic ketoacidosis. Trauma and drugs can also cause canine pancreatitis, but are uncommon causes.
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