Pancreatitis in cats

What is pancreatitis in cats?

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can occur due to various factors such as trauma, infection, malnutrition, or even stress. Pancreatitis in cats can be either acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is usually accompanied by pain, nausea, and changes in the animal's behavior.

The main causes of pancreatitis in cats

• Infections and injuries
• Poor nutrition or overeating
• Stress: An important risk factor is stress, which can activate the production of corticosteroids that disrupt pancreatic function (according to PMC7995362).
• Other diseases: For example, diabetes mellitus or liver disease.

Symptoms of pancreatitis in cats

• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Abdominal pain, especially when touching the abdominal area
• Lethargy, lethargy
• Nausea or vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or mucous membranes)
• Possible increase in body temperature

Diagnosis of pancreatitis in cats

• Clinical signs and specialized laboratory tests are important for the diagnosis of pancreatitis. One of the main markers of pancreatitis is pancreatic lipase. It is a specific enzyme for the pancreas that increases in inflammatory processes. A blood test is performed to detect elevated lipase levels.
• Tests for pancreatic lipase: An increase in this enzyme is an important indicator of pancreatic inflammation.
• Ultrasound examination: It helps to detect changes in the structure of the organ or the presence of tumors.
• X-ray: Used to rule out other diseases that may be similar to pancreatitis.

Treatment of pancreatitis in cats

• Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. However, the basic principles of treatment include:
• Hospitalization to monitor the animal's condition and administer fluids
• Antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection
• Anesthesia and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the cat's condition
• Specialized foods for cats with chronic pancreatic disease
• Nutrition support: In the case of a severe condition, intravenous nutrition may be required if the cat is unable to eat on its own.

How to reduce the risk of pancreatitis in cats?

• Avoid stress: Stressful situations, such as a change of environment, loud noises, or new people in the house, can make your cat's condition worse.
• Proper nutrition: Use a balanced cat food that supports pancreatic health and control the amount of food to avoid overeating.
• Regular veterinary examinations for early detection of problems.

Prognosis for cats with pancreatitis

• With timely treatment, most cats can recover, but in case of chronic pancreatitis or its advanced form, serious complications can occur