Prevalence of Pancreatic, Hepatic and Renal Pathology in Post-Mortem Samples from Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Presented to a Collection Scheme

PREVALENCE OF PANCREATIC, HEPATIC AND RENAL PATHOLOGY IN POST-MORTEM SAMPLES FROM CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS PRESENTED TO A COLLECTION SCHEME

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a common breed in the UK. Whilst chronic valvular disease and syringohydromyelia are frequently reported in this breed (1,2) there is less information on their other diseases despite a suspicion of over-representation (3).

The goal of this study was to describe the prevalence of pancreatic, hepatic and renal pathology in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels presented to a pathology collection scheme in the UK. In addition, this was related back to the clinical signs shown during their lifetime by evaluation of their clinical history.

The records and pathology samples were available for 42 dogs. The median age was 11 years (range 3-16 years) with 21 males and 21 females. Evidence of chronic pancreatitis was seen in 21 (50%) of the cases, this was graded as mild (8 cases), moderate (9 cases) or severe/end-stage (4 cases).

Evidence of primary liver pathology was found in 4 cases, with secondary pathology (congestion or vacuolation) occurring in 26 cases. Renal pathology was seen in 20 cases, primarily glomerulonephritis (7 cases) or interstitial nephritis (9 cases). The presence of pancreatic pathology did not increase the relative risk of renal pathology. […]