Suspected biliopancreatic reflux identified during exploratory laparotomy in a cat

Abstract

Biliopancreatic reflux is the retrograde flow of biliary fluid into the pancreatic ductal system. It is a condition well described in human medicine, but has not been previously documented in veterinary medicine. This case report describes the suspected finding of biliopancreatic reflux in a cat that underwent an exploratory laparotomy for an obstructive intestinal foreign body. A 1‐year‐old, male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat presented for hyporexia, vomiting and a suspected foreign body based on radiographs, which was confirmed on abdominal ultrasound. Exploratory surgery confirmed the obstructive jejunal foreign body, and suspected bile was noted within the pancreatic duct and common bile duct. Mild postoperative biochemical abnormalities resolved within several days after surgical removal of the obstruction and supportive care. This case suggests that acute mechanical obstruction may have resulted in transient biliopancreatic reflux in the cat.