Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Sodium Taurocholate Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: June 28, 2021
Hyperammonaemia due to cobalamin malabsorption in a cat with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Takayuki Watanabe1, Katsuichiro Hoshi, Chunhua Zhang
1Mitsuke Animal Hospital, Niigata, Japan. watanabe.t@live.jp
Abstract:
A 10-year-old domestic shorthair cat showed anorexia, lethargy and ptyalism with hyperammonaemia. Portosystemic shunts were not identified by computed tomography angiography. Biopsy results revealed mild interstinal nephritis and no lesion in the liver. Analysis of urine revealed the presence of a high methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentration. Serum cobalamin (vitamin B(12)) and serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity levels were also markedly low. The cat was diagnosed as having exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). After 5 weeks of parenteral cobalamin supplementation, serum cobalamin concentration had increased and urinary MMA concentration had decreased. This case suggests that hyperammonaemia may be caused by accumulation of MMA due to cobalamin malabsorption secondary to feline EPI.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Hepatic Encephalopathy

