Right pancreatic lobe

The right lobe of the pancreas lies along the descending part of the duodenum. It is typically more elongated and narrower than the left lobe and extends caudally. The right lobe of the pancreas in animal is equivalent to the head of pancreas in human

In most domestic mammals, the pancreas is closely attached to the mesoduodenum and mesojejunum. The body of the pancreas lies near the pylorus, and from there, the right lobe extends caudally within the mesoduodenum.

Species-Specific Differences

• Dog: The right lobe is longer and lies within the mesoduodenum. It is located to the right of the portal vein and caudal vena cava and is closely associated with the descending duodenum and the right kidney.

• Cat: Similar to dogs, the right lobe of the cat's pancreas lies in the mesoduodenum. It extends along the descending duodenum and may have a more flattened appearance.

• Horse: The right lobe is relatively small compared to the left. It extends dorsally along the descending duodenum and lies more cranially in the abdomen due to the large size of the stomach and colon.

• Ruminants (e.g., cow, goat, sheep): The right lobe is more prominent in ruminants and follows the descending duodenum. In cattle, the pancreas has a distinctive L-shape, with the right lobe being longer and often curving cranially. The pancreas is located in the right dorsal abdomen near the liver, attached to the mesoduodenum and mesojejunum.

• Pig: The right lobe follows the course of the duodenum and the body of the pancreas encircles the portal vein, a feature unique to swine. The lobes are well-developed and embedded within mesenteric tissue.