Is Your Cat Sick? Spotting the Signs of Pancreatitis
Featured in Houston Pet Talk, January/February 2023 issue
By Dr. Noaker
What is Pancreatitis in Cats?
Have you ever had a finicky cat that lost weight and became lethargic, yet no cause could be found? One possibility is that your cat was suffering from pancreatitis. This inflammation can be very serious.
Pancreatitis happens when digestive enzymes begin to auto-digest the pancreas instead of food. Once thought to be rare in cats, it is now recognized more frequently due to improvements in tests. Unfortunately, there is no effective way to prevent it since 95% of the time, the cause is unknown.
How is Pancreatitis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of pancreatitis can be very challenging. A vet will rely on the cat's clinical signs, multiple blood tests, and imaging results, including abdominal ultrasound. The most specific blood test is known as "feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity" (fPLI), but no one test is 100% accurate.
X-rays do not generally show specific changes, although they may be recommended to rule out other common causes of decreased appetite and vomiting. However, ultrasound examination can identify changes to the pancreas in up to two-thirds of cats. A biopsy is not generally recommended. In most cases, a fairly accurate diagnosis can be made with a combination of clinical signs and diagnostic tests.
Treatment Options for Feline Pancreatitis
Treatment mainly consists of managing the clinical signs. Hydration and fluid support are critical because dehydration is a very common finding. Fluid loss can be severe enough to affect blood pressure, and in these cases, cats will require intravenous fluid therapy in the hospital. In less severe cases, fluids can be given under the skin.
Anti-nausea medications are also recommended, even in cases where vomiting is not seen. One of the most common anti-nausea medications, maropitant (Cerenia), has also been shown to help decrease abdominal pain in animals. If additional pain medication is needed, opioid medications may be prescribed.
The Importance of Early Nutritional Support
Early nutritional support is key in the treatment of feline pancreatitis. Studies have shown that the earlier a cat gets back to eating, the better the prognosis. Proper nutritional therapy not only helps cats recover more quickly but also prevents other complications of prolonged anorexia, such as hepatic lipidosis, also known as "fatty liver."
Prognosis for Cats with Pancreatitis
The prognosis for cats can vary as widely as the clinical severity of the disease. For cats with mild to moderate forms, the prognosis for recovery is generally very good, though repeated episodes are possible. However, pancreatitis can be fatal in cats with very severe forms of acute pancreatitis.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If your cat has stopped eating for any reason, a prompt visit to your veterinarian is warranted. The key to successful treatment is to maintain a high index of suspicion and seek early treatment.
