Pancreatitis In Cats And How To Treat It

Inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis, allows digestive enzymes to escape damaging both the liver and the pancreas. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and secretes hormones such as glucagon and insulin. Pancreatitis in cats is often hard to diagnose as the symptoms mimic the cats normal behaviours. Consider the following:. Does your cat have pancreatitis?

• Review The Symptoms.
• Potential Causes.
• Processed Cat Food Problems.
• Finding The Right Diagnosis.
• Treatment Plan.

Does your cat have pancreatitis?

If your pet is acting strange and is exhibiting abdominal pain and vomiting this can signal pancreatitis in cats. Diabetes and hepatic lipodosis can complicate the matter and make it more of a threat to their life.

Review The Symptoms

A pet that is more finicky than usual and sleeps more than normal can be indicators of pancreatitis in cats. There can be signs of a tender tummy, a fever and vomiting but these symptoms are not always present. A dog will be easier to detect the symptoms in as they will vomit and have abdominal pain and in a cat the symptoms are more subtle.

Potential Causes

A viral or parasitic infection could be the cause of pancreatitis in cats. It could be caused by exposure to pesticides. Some medications will cause problems, like phenobarbital, prednisone or diuretic drugs. Most veterinarians feel there is not an exact cause in many of the cases. Some pets have had a trauma to their pancreas which can cause the problem.

Processed Cat Food Problems

Most cats will present symptoms in their intestines. It could be diagnosed as gastritis or colitis. Most of the problems lie in pet food allergies. Commercial cat food contains allergenic substances that upset your kitty's tummy and over time he probably has an allergy to the protein in the cat food also. An inflammed intestine will stress the pancreas. Commercial cat food is also lacking in natural enzymes, unlike the diet your cat would have if he hunted for his own food. This food also is loaded with carbs which require high amounts of insulin in order to process. An overworked pancreas equates to pancreatitis in cats.

Finding The Right Diagnosis

Symptoms are difficult to detect in cats, it is best to have your vet run a series of tests to make sure what you are dealing with. Typical tests that may be run are: Physical examination. Chemistry panel and blood count to include evaluation of lipase and amylase. Urine test. Ultrasound or X-ray. Biopsy.

Treatment Plan

The first thing you should do is get your cat stabilized, one way to do this is to give him digestive enzyme supplements. Maintain this level of enzymes in your cat's diet to ease up the workload on his pancreas. High quality probiotics are excellent as well as changing his diet away from the heavy carbs and grains to reduce his chances of a relapse. In the wild cats hunt for their prey and consume the entire animal which is rich in naturally occurring digestive enzymes.

The chance of a recurrence is high and and it is a serious disease. Complications such as brain damage, clotting disorders, hepatic lipodosis and diabetes can occur. Consider working with a holistic vet to put your cat on a healthy regimen.