Pancreatic pseudocyst

Abstract

This chapter presents information on etiology/pathophysiology, signalment/history, clinical features, differential diagnosis, diagnostics and therapeutics of pancreatic pseudocyst in cats and dogs. Pancreatic pseudocysts result from autodigestion and liquefaction of pancreatic tissue during severe necrotizing pancreatitis. Clinical signs are nonspecific and indistinguishable from those of acute pancreatitis in most cases. Anorexia, depression, and vomiting are the most common findings. Abdominal ultrasonography is both useful and practical for the detection of pancreatic pseudocysts; sensitivity is considered to be high. Fine-needle aspiration can be performed during ultrasound examination. It may be helpful in cases that are stable but require some intervention. Surgical intervention is recommended for the treatment of large pancreatic pseudocysts or smaller pseudocysts that cause problems or that do not resolve with medical treatment or when infection is present. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.