Dr. Harry Cridge highlights chronic pancreatitis in dogs

Clinician’s Brief has published a podcast episode featuring Harry Cridge, MVB, MS, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, of Michigan State University, focused on recognizing and managing chronic pancreatitis in dogs. The discussion builds on Cridge’s recent Clinician’s Brief article, which argues that chronic pancreatitis is often underrecognized because it tends to present with mild, waxing-and-waning gastrointestinal signs rather than the abrupt, severe illness more typical of acute pancreatitis. In the article and podcast, Cridge highlights that affected dogs are often middle-aged to older, that ultrasound findings may be subtle or even absent, and that mild but persistent pancreatic lipase elevations can still be clinically meaningful when other differentials have been ruled out. (cliniciansbrief.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the message is less about a new product or guideline and more about a diagnostic mindset shift. Chronic pancreatitis can cause irreversible exocrine and endocrine pancreatic damage, and Cridge notes that clinicians may miss cases if they rely too heavily on dramatic presentations or a single normal ultrasound. His review also points to the need to monitor for downstream complications such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and diabetes mellitus, while managing pain, nausea, hydration, and diet over the long term. Broader literature supports that pancreatitis in dogs is still poorly understood and likely underdiagnosed, with chronic disease and acute-on-chronic presentations remaining especially challenging in practice. (cliniciansbrief.com)

What to watch: Expect continued attention on better diagnostic pathways, including how pancreatic lipase testing, ultrasound, cytology, and follow-up screening for EPI and diabetes can be used more consistently in everyday practice. (cliniciansbrief.com)