Pancreatic Disease, Chronic
Basic Information 
Clinical Presentation
History, Chief Complaint
• Clinical signs of chronic pancreatic disease include:
• If the horse has concurrent insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), polyuria and polydipsia may also be present.
• Rarely, horses with pancreatitis may also have panniculitis.
• Hematuria was recorded in one horse with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
• Pancreatic adenocarcinoma may metastasize to other parts of the body, such as the chest cavity, resulting in signs of tachypnea or dyspnea.
Etiology and Pathophysiology
• The pancreas is a compound gland that has important exocrine and endocrine functions. Digestion in the small intestine is partly dependent on pancreatic secretions but also on biliary secretions and mucosal enzymes. The volume of pancreatic fluid secreted by a 100-kg pony is approximately 10 to 12 L/day. Pancreatic juice contains bicarbonate ions, amylase, lipase, and peptidases. The islets of Langerhans secrete insulin, gastrin, and glucagon but account for only about 2% of the pancreas’ total weight.
• Adult horses and ponies may develop signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, with or without associated IDDM, after destruction of the pancreas by diseases such as neoplasia (pancreatic adenocarcinoma) and chronic pancreatic necrosis.
• Chronic eosinophilic pancreatitis has been reported and is assumed to be caused by parasite (Strongylus equinus, Strongylus edentatus) migration through the gland.
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