Pancreatitis in cats: symptoms and treatment

According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, feline pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas that affects less than 2% of pets. Despite the fact that this disease is quite rare, it is important to be able to recognize its symptoms.

Inflammation of the pancreas in a cat: symptoms

The pancreas is a small organ located between the stomach and intestines of a cat. You can see this in more detail in the diagram on the Catster website. This gland plays an important role in the production of insulin and glucagon, hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes that help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This wide range of functions means that the symptoms of pancreatic problems are often similar to those of other diseases. The following can be distinguished:

• lethargy;
• dehydration;
• increased thirst and frequent urination, which can easily be mistaken for symptoms of diabetes;
• poor appetite or refusal to eat;
• weight loss.

Vomiting and abdominal pain can also be signs of this disease, but these are more common in humans and dogs with pancreatitis than in cats. Pets that develop fatty degeneration or liver lipidosis at the same time may also show signs of jaundice. These include yellowing of the gums and eyes, notes the Pet Health Network. Even subtle signs such as lethargy and decreased appetite require a visit to the veterinarian. The sooner pancreatic diseases are diagnosed in cats, the sooner they can improve their condition.

Causes of pancreatitis

In most cases, the exact cause of pancreatic disease in cats cannot be determined. The development of pancreatitis in an animal has been associated with ingestion of poison, infection with parasitic infections, or injury, for example, as a result of accidents on the road.

Sometimes, according to Veterinary Partner, pancreatitis in cats develops in the presence of inflammatory bowel disease or cholangiohepatitis, a liver disease. The American Kennel Club notes that excessive consumption of fatty foods poses a clear risk of pancreatitis in dogs, but the link between excess fat and pancreatic problems in cats is still not fully understood.

Pancreatitis in cats: diagnosis

Inflammation of the pancreas in cats is divided into two pairs of categories: acute (rapid) or chronic (long), and mild or severe. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association notes that there are many more pets living with pancreatitis than those who are actually diagnosed and treated. This is mainly because a cat with mild disease may show very few symptoms. When owners notice signs that they don’t think are related to a specific disease, in many cases they don’t even go to the veterinarian. In addition, an accurate diagnosis of pancreatitis in a cat is difficult without a biopsy or ultrasound. Many pet owners refuse these diagnostic procedures due to their high cost.

Fortunately, veterinary scientists continue to improve available diagnostic tools. The feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) test is a simple, non-invasive blood test for markers of pancreatitis. The canine serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) test is not as reliable as the fPLI in diagnosing pancreatitis, but it can help detect exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This is a disease that, as noted by the Veterinary Partner, can develop in cats against the background of chronic pancreatitis.

Treatment of pancreatitis in cats: emergency care

Acute pancreatitis in cats is particularly dangerous and requires hospitalization in almost all cases. Chronic pancreatic disease in cats, depending on the severity of the disease, may require periodic visits to the veterinary clinic, but in most cases it can be managed at home. At the clinic, the pet will be given intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. They are also needed to detoxify the pancreas from damaging chemicals that cause inflammation.

During hospitalization, the animal may be prescribed antibiotics to minimize the risk of purulent, that is, infectious, pancreatitis. Veterinarians will also give your cat painkillers and medication for any nausea she may have. In order for her appetite to return to her pet with pancreatitis, she needs to create comfortable conditions.

Diet for cats with pancreatitis

If the cat has an appetite and is not vomiting, most veterinarians recommend feeding it as soon as possible after returning home from the clinic. If she vomits frequently but is not at risk for developing fatty liver disease, her veterinarian may suggest an alternative plan to gradually resume feeding over several days. Cats with signs of fatty liver disease need immediate nutritional support to prevent dangerous liver problems.

During the recovery period, it is important to feed the cat appetizing and easily digestible food. Your veterinarian may recommend a medicated cat food for pancreatitis. For animals that have difficulty eating, doctors often prescribe antiemetics. They reduce nausea, control vomiting and help the cat regain its appetite.

Sometimes a feeding tube may be required if the animal is unable to feed on its own. There are different types of enteral feeding tubes. Those that are inserted into a soft collar are widespread, allowing the cat to move normally and play under supervision. The veterinarian will offer various options and teach you how to enter food, water and medicines through the tube. Although these probes look quite intimidating, these devices are quite easy to use, gentle and very important for providing the cat with critically needed calories and nutrients during the recovery period.

Although severe cases of pancreatitis in cats require hospitalization and specialist care, many forms of the disease are mild and harmless in animals. The best thing you can do to keep your pet healthy is to learn to spot the signs of a problem and act quickly. Even cats that develop comorbidities such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or diabetes mellitus can lead long and happy lives with proper care.

See also:

The Most Common Cat Diseases Choosing a Vet The Importance of Preventive Vet Visits with an Elderly Cat Your Cat and Vet