An Experimental Syndrome of Fatty Liver, Uric Acid Kidney Stones, and Acute Pancreatic Necrosis Produced in Dogs by Exclusive Feeding of Bacon

Abstract

Nine dogs were fed on fat bacon exclusively; 2 died after 21/2 and 3 mos., respectively, and showed severe fatty liver degeneration. Five dogs survived 6-7 mos. Their appetite declined and they vomited occasionally. They showed severe wt. loss, and skin sores on the legs. The liver showed extensive fatty infiltration; 4 dogs had stones in the kidney pelvis, ureters, or bladder. The stones were chiefly uric acid. Four of the dogs showed severe changes in the pancreas. All 4 had fat necrosis of the adipose tissue around the pancreas and in the mesentery and omentum. Three of the 5 dogs had hemorrhages in the mucosa of the stomach or small intestine. Feeding of 10,000 units of vit. A and 5 mg. of vit. B1 daily in addition to the bacon diet did not change the clinical picture, in another animal. The last dog received 25 g. of raw liver daily for 13 mos. and was in excellent condition. The liver was replaced by 25 g. of raw pancreas daily, and after 5 mos. the dog died in cachectic condition. The clinical picture described above was seen on autopsy. The liver disease was due to a high fat diet and a lack of lipotrophic factors. The explanation of kidney stones and hemorrhagic pancreatic necrosis is uncertain. It is interesting to note the association of acute pancreatic disease with fatty degeneration of the liver.