02861-A: Cardiovascular Complications of Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is the most common disease of the exocrine pancreas in dogs.  The exact prevalence is unknown, but a recent study documented that 37% of dogs had evidence of acute or chronic pancreatitis at necropsy, with increased risk in certain breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Silky Terriers, and Toy Poodles. Despite its common occurrence, targeted therapeutic options do not exist and current therapy is primarily supportive in nature. Mortality rates are reported to be as high as 27-58%, which is often the result of systemic complications. Cardiovascular complications including conduction abnormalities, echocardiographic abnormalities, and elevated cardiac biomarkers occur in approximately 50% of humans with acute pancreatitis, and many of these complications are reversible with therapy. In addition, the presence of cardiac conduction abnormalities in canine pancreatitis has been correlated with outcome in a prior study but general knowledge in this area remains limited. This study will address this important knowledge void by identifying and characterizing the full range of cardiovascular abnormalities that occur in naturally occurring acute pancreatitis in dogs. These abnormalities could be associated with disease severity and outcome.  More importantly, they may represent therapeutic targets that could improve outcomes in this common and frequently deadly disease for dogs. 

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