Acute recumbency associated with necrotizing pancreatitis in a donkey

A 22-year-old intact female donkey was referred for acute recumbency and inappetence. Physical examination revealed hypothermia, tachycardia and dermal abrasions consistent with prolonged recumbency. Clinicopathological findings included metabolic acidosis, electrolyte derangements and evidence of systemic inflammation. Despite intensive supportive care, the donkey's condition deteriorated, and euthanasia was elected 72 h after presentation. Post-mortem examination identified multilobulated pancreatic enlargement and oedema along with pulmonary fibrosis. Histopathology confirmed severe, necrotizing pancreatitis and chronic interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of acute pancreatitis in equids, which often presents with non-specific clinical signs such as recumbency, and highlights the critical role of post-mortem examination in obtaining a definitive diagnosis.