Ellie Seeger, a 10 year old
female Husky, was presented with a history of vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and fever. She had had a similar episode 4 months earlier that had responded to fluids and antibiotics and a bland diet.
Blood work revealed mildly elevated liver enzymes and a slight decrease in
protein levels. She was also noted to be passing orange colored stool. Radiographs (X-rays) demonstrated normal liver and spleen silhouettes and no sign of obstruction.
A tentative diagnosis of pancreatitis was made and she was placed on intravenous fluids and antibiotics for 72 hours.
Further testing demonstrated a significant increase in bile acids (poor
liver function or inflammation).
Because of her lack of a satisfactory response and her bile acids test results, an exploratory abdominal surgery was elected to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Exploratory revealed a liver that was pale in color with a very mottled appearance as well as a 10 x 7 centimeter mass in the area of the pancreas.
Both sites were biopsied and submitted for histopathology. The mass was a non-cancerous inflammatory response due to chronic pancreatitis. The
pancreatic enzymes had also caused the injury to the liver.
Ellie was continued on intravenous
fluids for two more days along with a more intensive antibiotic regime. A relatively new liver sparing neutroceutical, Denosyl SD4, was also given daily for 60 days. She
was to be maintained on a restricted bland diet for the rest of her life.
She had one additional episode of nausea that quickly responded to medication. But because of this she
was maintained on Denosyl an additional 60 days until her laboratory values returned to normal.
Ellie has now returned to her normal weight and happy lifestyle although
she may complain her diet is rather BLAND!!!
