Right Renal Halo Sign in Dogs with Presumed Acute Pancreatitis on Radiographs: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Radiology
• Canine Internal Medicine

Background:

• Acute pancreatitis in dogs presents with radiographic signs like widened pyloroduodenal angle and cranial abdominal mass effect.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests increased visibility of the right kidney in dogs with pancreatitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the renal halo sign and acute pancreatitis in dogs.
• To differentiate the renal halo sign from other abdominal conditions and normal variations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 100 canine ventrodorsal abdominal radiographs.
• Cases were categorized into four groups: control, right cranial abdominal mass effect, peritoneal effusion, and acute pancreatitis.
• Radiographs were evaluated by a blinded radiologist for the presence of a right renal halo sign.

Main Results:

• The renal halo sign was identified in 33% of dogs with acute pancreatitis.
• It was less prevalent in dogs with right cranial abdominal mass effect (12.5%) and control dogs (3%).

Conclusions:

• The renal halo sign is significantly more prevalent in dogs with acute pancreatitis.
• This radiographic finding may serve as a supportive diagnostic indicator for canine acute pancreatitis.