Feline pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a painful condition where the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion and blood sugar control, becomes inflamed. Sometimes pancreatitis can happen on its own, but it is usually linked to another illness.

Clinical signs of pancreatitis in cats

• Lethargy
• Not eating/eating less than usual
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Diarrhoea

Pancreatitis is painful for cats. Unfortunately, it can be hard to recognise that pain. Unlike humans, signs of pain in cats can be very subtle.

Pain in cats can sometimes appear as:

• Flattened ears
• Sleeping more than normal
• Vocal changes
• Licking
• They often hide from their owners

Other times, they won't show signs at all, even though they are hurting. This means that their symptoms and a physical examination are often not enough to give a diagnosis of pancreatitis.

Diagnosis

Pancreatitis can be challenging to diagnose, so we often combine the results of several tests, including your cat's physical exam.

These may include:

• Blood tests
• Urine sample
• Ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment focuses on keeping your cat comfortable and supporting their recovery. The level of care needed varies from cat to cat. Some can be cared for at home, while others may need more intensive support in hospital. In all cases, treatment focuses on the same key principles:

• Treatment/investigation of a possible underlying cause
• Pain relief
• Anti-nausea medication - most patients with pancreatitis feel nauseous and may not want to eat
• Fluid therapy - this may range from fluids under the skin to intravenous fluids in hospital
• Nutritional support - this can include gastro diets, appetite stimulants and sometimes feeding tubes

Management

Some cats can have recurrent episodes of pancreatitis, especially if they have an underlying gastrointestinal condition. To help support long-term digestive health, we may recommend periodic monitoring by your vet, which includes checking vitamin B12 levels, as these can play an important role in nutrient absorption and recovery.

If you are ever concerned about your cat, especially if you think they are having a pain/pancreatitis flare up, please contact your local Animates Vetcare clinic.

Article disclaimer: The above information is provided for pet owner education only and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a veterinarian. Animates Vetcare disclaims liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from the use of or reliance on information provided in this article. If you are concerned your pet may have a health condition, please contact your local veterinary clinic for advice.