Necrotic pancreatitis in Didelphis albiventris (White-eared opossum)
Keywords:
Necrotic pancreatitis, Didelphidae, NecropsyAbstract
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that induces the activation of digestive enzymes within the organ, which causes damage to the pancreatic tissue. In domestic animals, the clinical signs are visible and easy to identify, but in wild animals that have nocturnal habits, the diagnosis becomes more complex. A white-eared opossum was sent to a zoo where it became part of the herd due to illnesses such as obesity, osteodystrophy and decreased visual acuity. After showing a lack of appetite, the animal was found dead with pale and slightly jaundiced mucous membranes. The necropsy report indicated that death was due to cardiorespiratory failure due to mixed shock, which may be secondary to necrotizing pancreatitis. In view of this, it is believed that the history of obesity and malnutrition of the animal may be factors that contributed to the final diagnosis.
