# Spontaneous Unusual Backflow from Duodenum to Biliary System in a Dog with Pancreatic Abscesses: A Case Study

## TL;DR

A rare case of duodenobiliary reflux in a dog was found to be caused by pancreatic abscesses, highlighting the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosis.

## Contribution

This case report identifies abscessing pancreatitis as a novel cause of duodenobiliary reflux in dogs.

## Key findings

- Multimodal imaging confirmed duodenobiliary reflux in a 3-year-old Yorkshire Terrier.
- Abscessing pancreatitis was identified as the underlying cause of the reflux.
- The case expands the understanding of duodenobiliary reflux in veterinary medicine.

## Abstract

Duodenobiliary reflux, the retrograde flow of duodenal contents into the biliary system, is exceptionally rare in dogs, with only one prior reported case. This study describes a unique instance in a 3-year-old neutered male Yorkshire Terrier, identified incidentally during a barium sulfate gastrointestinal examination. Advanced imaging—radiography, computed tomography (CT), and ultrasonography—revealed pancreatic abscesses as the underlying cause, a novel etiology in veterinary medicine. Unlike human cases, where reflux often leads to infections or stone formation, this dog showed no immediate complications. This case underscores an unusual cause of duodenobiliary reflux and highlights the critical role of multimodal imaging in veterinary diagnostics.

Spontaneous duodenobiliary reflux is a rare condition in veterinary medicine, previously documented in only one canine case. We report a second instance in a 3-year-old neutered male Yorkshire Terrier, detected incidentally during a barium contrast study of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Multimodal imaging, including radiography, computed tomography (CT), and ultrasonography, confirmed the reflux and identified abscessing pancreatitis as its cause—a previously unreported etiology in dogs. This case expands the understanding of duodenobiliary reflux in canines, identifies abscessing pancreatitis as a novel differential, and demonstrates the diagnostic value of advanced imaging. In conclusion, abscessing pancreatitis should be considered as a potential cause of duodenobiliary reflux in dogs, and the use of multiple imaging modalities is pivotal for accurate diagnosis and management of this unusual condition.