Clinical manifestations of chronic pancreatitis in English cocker spaniels

Abstract

Abstract Background Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is common in English cocker spaniels (ECS). It is histologically similar to human IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and characterized by duct destruction, interlobular fibrosis, and dense periductular and perivenous lymphocytic aggregates. However, the clinical manifestations of CP in the breed have not been previously described. Objectives This study characterizes the clinical manifestations of CP in a group of ECS and notes the similarities and differences to human IgG4-RD. Animals One hundred and four ECS affected by CP and 44 control ECS without CP (both healthy controls and diseased controls). Methods Affected dogs were split into 2 groups according to the methodology used to diagnose CP. Case records were searched for details of signalment, clinical and clinicopathological findings, and evidence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), proteinuria, other immune-mediated diseases and anal sacculitis. Results Involvement of other organs was common. Affected ECS presented with a high prevalence of KCS (n=49), proteinuria (n=47), anal gland disease (n=36), atopy (n=21) and other immune-mediated diseases (n=16). ECS with parti-color coats, particularly blue roan, showed a strong association with CP, suggesting a link between coat color and autoimmune conditions in this breed. Conclusions and clinical importance ECS with chronic pancreatitis show clinical similarities to human IgG4-RD with common involvement of other organs. This study will increase recognition of this syndrome and encourage clinicians to check for proteinuria, dry eye and other immune-mediated diseases in affected dogs.