Prognostic Markers Associated with Short-Term Mortality in Dogs Hospitalised with Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective...

To describe the clinical, clinicopathological and ultrasonographic characteristics of dogs with an acute pancreatitis (AP) and to identify prognostic markers associated with short-term mortality in a referral population.

This retrospective observational study included 192 dogs hospitalised with AP at a referral centre in Spain between 2021 and 2024. Dogs were classified as survivors or non-survivors based on survival to hospital discharge. Signalment, clinical findings, clinicopathological and ultrasonographic variables, comorbidities, treatments and duration of hospitalisation were recorded. Variables associated with outcome in univariable analyses were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of death.

Of the 192 dogs, 141 (73.4%) survived and 51 (26.6%) died or were euthanised during hospitalisation. Non-survivors had higher serum creatinine, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) concentrations than survivors. In multivariable analysis, increased serum creatinine (odds ratio [OR] 2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-4.11), total bilirubin (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.03-2.06) and ALKP (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.07-2.16) were independently associated with an increased risk of short-term mortality. Ultrasonographic abnormalities compatible with AP were identified in 121 dogs (63%), but were not independently associated with short-term mortality. Breed, age, sex, body weight, comorbidities and treatments were not associated with outcome.

Measurement of serum creatinine, total bilirubin and ALKP concentrations at presentation may help identify dogs with AP at increased risk of death. Early recognition of high-risk patients may assist clinical decision-making, guide the intensity of monitoring, and facilitate communication with owners.