Suspected Grey Turner's sign in a dog with acute pancreatitis

An 11-year-old fox terrier was presented with bicavitary effusions following a 2-day history of vomiting and panting. After referral for management of the effusions, following radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging, the dog was diagnosed with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. On Day 5 of hospitalization, the dog developed bilateral abdominal-wall ecchymosis, prompting concerns that this was an example of Grey Turner's sign (GTS), described in human medicine as a subcutaneous manifestation of intra-abdominal hemorrhage presenting as ecchymosis of the flanks and commonly associated with severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis. This is apparently the first time that suspected GTS has been described in a dog with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Recognizing GTS in dogs may alert clinicians to serious intra-abdominal pathology and prompt immediate further investigations. Key clinical message: We describe a case of suspected GTS (bilateral flank ecchymoses) in a dog, apparently for the first time. Grey Turner's sign may occur in cases of intra-abdominal hemorrhage as well as intra-abdominal inflammation in which hemoabdomen is not present. Recognizing GTS in dogs may alert clinicians to serious intra-abdominal disease and prompt immediate further investigations.