Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ near the stomach with two main jobs:

Releases digestive enzymes which help to break down food
Releases hormones such as insulin which regulates blood sugar

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.

An acute episode of pancreatitis is when digestive enzymes leak out from the pancreas too early. They will digest the actual organs, including the liver, gall bladder, and intestines. Some cats that recover from an acute pancreatitis episode will always have recurrences of the disease.

Pancreatitis can be life-threatening and can cause major health issues, including brain damage, abnormal bleeding, blood clots, and respiratory failure.

CAUSES:

Typically, the cause of pancreatitis is unknown. However, it may be triggered by:

Fatty meal
Corticosteroid use

Some other causes may include:

Hormonal imbalances: for example, hypothyroidism
Trauma to the pancreas: for example, a car accident, surgery, falling from a great height
Infections: parasites, viruses
Medications: certain drugs

SIGNS:

Lethargy
Appetite loss
Vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration
Abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing
Jaundice

During an attack, your cat may have its rear end up in the air and its front legs and head on the floor. In a severe attack, there may be shock, and even death.

DIAGNOSIS:

In order to diagnose your cat with pancreatitis, your veterinarian may perform the following:

Blood tests: may show elevated white blood, and enzyme levels
Urinalysis
X-rays
Abdominal ultrasound: may show an inflamed pancreas, surrounded by fluid
Tissue biopsy

Pancreatitis is hard to diagnose, as some tests will not be completely accurate. Therefore, sometimes your veterinarian will diagnose pancreatitis just based on signs and medical history. In some cases surgical exploration is needed.

TREATMENT:

Immediate, aggressive treatment is needed to fight pancreatitis. The pancreas has to heal itself. All food and drinks must be restricted right away. The pancreas will then stop secreting its digestive enzymes.

Intravenous fluids: to counteract shock, and to prevent dehydration
Medication: to control pain, nausea, and vomiting
Antibiotics: to treat any infections
Plasma transfusion: to replace the clotting and blood that deactivate pancreatic enzymes
Feeding tube: for nutrition support
Surgery: to remove obstructions in the bile duct

Once food has been re-introduced, a low fat diet may be prescribed because there is potential for relapses.

PREVENTION:

Avoid giving table scraps and control your cat’s weight.

PROGNOSIS:

The prognosis depends on how severe the disease is:

Acute: cats that have an acute, single episode of uncomplicated pancreatitis may recover, and live a normal life
Mild: cats with mild pancreatitis generally do well with appropriate medical attention
Severe: cats severely affected must receive long, intense hospitalization, and the prognosis is poor

Chronic cases of pancreatitis may come and go for years, and require permanent diet change and chronic medication administration.

Most cats who recover will not have any long-term effects. But with severe or chronic pancreatitis, your veterinarian will monitor them for the following:

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): this may occur if many cells that produce digestive enzymes are destroyed; food will not be digested properly. Treatment will be daily enzyme supplements
Diabetes: this may occur if many cells that produce insulin are destroyed. Treatment will be daily insulin shots
Hepatic Lipidosis / Fatty Liver Syndrome: this is a common outcome of pancreatitis
Painful adhesions of the abdominal organs: this is rare