Acute pancreatitis secondary to a massive falciform ligament lipoma in a dog: Surgical management and outcome

Abstract

A 6‐year‐old female spayed Miniature Schnauzer presented with acute vomiting, inappetence and lethargy. Abdominal ultrasonography and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography identified a large fat‐attenuating intra‐abdominal mass (18 × 17 × 7.4 cm) and an enlarged pancreas with mild hypoechogenic mesentry (suspecting pancreatitis). The mass arose from the falciform ligament and displaced abdominal organs. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed a large fatty mass that was consistent with a lipoma. It was attached solely to the falciform ligament and was excised surgically without complication. Histopathology confirmed a benign lipoma. The dog recovered uneventfully with resolution of clinical signs. There was no recurrence of pancreatitis or lipoma 22 months after surgery. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a falciform ligament lipoma in a dog associated with secondary pancreatitis. This case highlights the importance of considering falciform fat lipomas in the differential diagnosis of intra‐abdominal masses with gastrointestinal or pancreatic signs.