Comparison of initial treatment with and without corticosteroids for suspected acute pancreatitis in dogs. (13th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Okanishi, H.; Nagata, T.; Nakane, S.; Watari, T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of small animal practice. Volume 60:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 298
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2019-03-13
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12994
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4510

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To compare initial treatment with and without corticosteroids for acute pancreatitis in dogs and investigate the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Sixty‐five dogs were included in this non‐blinded, non‐randomised clinical study. Dogs with acute pancreatitis received treatment either with dose of 1 mg/kg/day prednisolone (n=45) or without prednisolone (n=20). Response to treatment was based on changes in the C‐reactive protein concentration, improvement in clinical signs, duration of hospitalisation, mortality and recurrence rate. Results: From the third day of hospitalisation, C‐reactive protein concentration was significantly lower in the prednisolone group than that in the non‐prednisolone group. The number of days required to reach a C‐reactive protein concentration of <2 mg/dL and clinical score of ≤2 was significantly lower in the prednisolone group. The mortality rate 1 month after discharge was significantly lower in the prednisolone group (11.3% versus 46.1%). Clinical Significance: In dogs with acute pancreatitis, initial treatment with prednisolone resulted in earlier reductions in C‐reactive protein concentration and earlier improvement of clinical signs.