Ultrasonographic Findings in Cholecystokinin‐induced Pancreatitis in Dogs

Pancreatitis can be induced in dogs by intravenous infusion of supraphysiologic doses of synthetic cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK‐8). Eight anesthetized female beagles were given either CCK‐8 or saline in a randomized, blinded fashion and had abdominal ultrasonography to study the development of pancreatic lesions. Pancreatic lesions were apparent 2 hours after the start of CCK‐8 infusion and included swelling, interlobular and subcapsular fluid accumulation and patchy hypoechogenicity of the gland parenchyma. CCK‐8 had a variable effect on gallbladder emptying. No signs of biliary obstruction or duodenal lesions were identified. Dogs given CCK‐8 had severe edematous pancreatitis at necropsy six hours after the start of the infusion. Compared to the oleic acid model of pancreatitis, CCK‐8 infusion induces a rapid onset of pancreatitis and an ultrasonographic appearance that reflects diffuse edema of the gland. The short time‐scale of the experiment may account for the relative absence of secondary lesions affecting the biliary tract or duodenum compared to the naturally‐occurring disease.