Pancreatic panniculitis and glomerulopathy in a Pomeranian dog. Clinical case

A 10–year–old Pomeranian with chronic ulcerative and bullous lesions, that did not respond to previous treatment with amoxicillin, cephalexin, levothyroxine and trilostane, was presented. A primary immune–mediated process was suspected on examination, and multifocal superficial pyoderma was identified. A skin biopsy revealed panniculitis of pancreatic or sterile nodular origin. Further tests confirmed that the dog had ongoing pancreatitis and glomerulopathy. Ultrasonography revealed enlargement of the pancreatic tissue and hyperechogenicity. Treatment with cyclosporine, tetracycline, niacinamide and omega–3 for 8 weeks resulted in a favorable response. However, 4 weeks after clinical improvement of the skin, the dog suddenly became paraplegic and lost deep nociception. Spinal cord compression type Acute Non–compressive Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion (ANNPE) was suspected, but could not be confirmed. This case documents the presentation of pancreatic panniculitis in a Pomeranian and the concomitant occurrence of possibly associated glomerulopathy and spinal cord trauma.