Pancreatitis is a painful condition that is caused by an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas becomes inflamed due to a leakage of digestive enzymes. Besides pain, feline pancreatitis symptoms are decreased appetite and depression. A cat with pancreatitis may refuse to eat. Pancreatitis in cats may cause lethargy, fever, or an increased heart rate.
Overweight cats are more susceptible to feline pancreatitis. Overweight cats are also more susceptible to complications from pancreatitis. In rare cases, pancreatitis can lead to feline diabetes. Feeding a cat a high fat diet can contribute to the development of pancreatitis. Besides being overweight or eating fattening foods, toxoplasmosis can lead to pancreatitis. Medications and other diseases may be contributing factors to developing feline pancreatitis.
Any time a cat’s behavior changes or the cat refuses to eat, the cat should be examined by a veterinarian. Diagnosing pancreatitis in cats can be difficult. A biopsy of the pancreas may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis of feline pancreatitis. A relatively new test for pancreatitis in cats is called the pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity test.
The goal in treatment for pancreatitis in cats is to allow the pancreas to rest and heal. Pain relievers and fluid therapy are the typical treatment for feline pancreatitis. The fluid therapy is used to prevent dehydration and correct any electrolyte imbalances that may exist. Fluid therapy is given subcutaneously or intravenously. Antibiotics are sometimes used to guard against infection. If a cat is refusing to eat, feeding nutrients through a tube may be necessary. The cat may be placed on a low-fat diet to reduce the risk of recurrent pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is unpredictable. Most cats with pancreatitis will only have a mild episode and never have another episode of feline pancreatitis. Some cats may be prone to future bouts of pancreatitis. Severe pancreatitis can be life-threatening. Severe forms of pancreatitis may cause an abscess to develop on the pancreas or for pancreatic cells to begin to die. Even though early detection of pancreatitis in cats may be difficult, a delay in treatment can make treatment more difficult and make the cat prone to permanent damage to the pancreas.
More Cat Related Articles
Cat Cancer Symptoms
Cat owners may fear hearing the diagnosis of cancer from the veterinarian, but the sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can begin.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a contagious cat disease that can be fatal to cats.
August 31st, 2009 at 2:06 am
My 19 yr. old cat based on physical symtoms My vet diagnosed through a blood test that she had Pancreatitis. He took a flat plate film and there was no indication of a tumor in her organs. she had a high fever. He gave her 2 injections of a antibiotic, I don’t know the name of the drug. He also gave me 4 pills of Cerenia 16mg #4. to be given orally each morning. He told me do not gave the cat any water or food for two days.
He wants to see the cat on Thursday and draw another blood sample My. questions… Can pancreatitis be diagnosed from the blood test and what are the markers? also why can’t the cat be given some water before Wed. evening. Will the water create a vomiting situation. and can the cat sustain without any liquids for 3 days?
And… what is the cure rate and the prognosis for the cat.?
Your timely response is needed and welcomed.
Thank you.
B. Wasserman
August 31st, 2009 at 2:09 am
Hi Mr Wasserman,
As we do not have a vet with us at the moment, I am afraid we cannot give you any professional advice on this.
I suggest you get another vet’s opinion on it.
Thank you.