Introduction
The pancreas is a very important gland located in the abdomen. It has two main functions: one function is hormone production (e.g., insulin) and the other is to produce and release enzymes for digestion via a connection with the duodenum, the segment of intestine closest to the stomach. The word pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas. This painful condition can occur in dogs and cats and can either be sudden onset (acute) or a low-grade gradual condition (chronic).
Causes
Inflammation of the Pancreas results from activation of digestive enzymes within the gland rather than within the intestine. These activated enzymes literally digest the pancreas around them, resulting in an inflammation response. Inflammation may extend into the abdomen around the pancreas as well. The signs commonly noted include vomiting, pain in the front part of the abdomen, lethargy, fever and dehydration, and perhaps diarrhea.
Pancreatitis may be associated with factors such as high fat intake, obesity, toxins or certain drugs, trauma to the gland, presence of diabetes mellitus, and kidney, gut or liver malfunction. It may occur when bacteria in the gut travel up the connecting duct into the pancreas from the intestine.
Types of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis in cats can occur in chronic or acute forms. Chronic pancreatitis has less severe symptoms and can occur in repeated bouts throughout the cat’s life. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly with extremely severe symptoms, and this form of pancreatitis is the most dangerous. Fortunately, less than one-fourth of all pancreatitis cases in cats are the acute form.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis
The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis in cats include loss of appetite, weight loss, and chronic vomiting. In some cases the cat has a low body temperature. Cats with chronic pancreatitis can also experience diarrhea and/or difficulty breathing. Chronic pancreatitis symptoms often come on slowly and progress with time.
Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis symptoms in cats include severe vomiting and diarrhea, signs of shock, and collapse. Cats with this condition will also stop eating, or eat very little, and they may appear lethargic or depressed. These symptoms generally come on quickly and rapidly accelerate.
Pancreatitis can be a potentially lethal condition if it is not treated in time. The vague symptoms of pancreatitis have caused difficulty with properly diagnosing this disease in the past. However, as more and more veterinarians are becoming aware of this condition, and as new tests to diagnose pancreatitis in cats have been developed, many cats with pancreatitis are now receiving the treatments they need in time for a complete recovery.
Diagnosing Pancreatitis
Diagnosis begins with a history taking interview and a physical examination, but identifying pancreatitis requires further diagnostic tests. Blood count, blood chemistry profile, blood enzyme assay (amylase, lipase) and a TLI (Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity) assay are usually recommended. The TLI test is most specific.
Another assay, Trypsinogen Activation Peptide (TAP) may hold promise as another test for acute pancreatitis diagnosis. Sometimes X-rays and ultrasound of the abdomen show characteristic or suspicious changes. A biopsy can fully confirm the diagnosis.
Treating Pancreatitis
Cats suffering from pancreatitis often do not display symptoms despite the fact that they are in severe pain from this condition. As a result, many veterinarians will prescribe pain medication whether or not there are any visible symptoms. Though cats seem to be able to retain electrolytic balance while they have pancreatitis, it is still a good idea to monitor these blood values. Intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapies are provided as well to prevent dehydration.
In some cases corticosteroid medications will be administered if the cat does not improve. While there is no direct evidence that corticosteroids treat pancreatitis, some veterinarians have seen good results using these therapies.
If a cat has not eaten food for more than two days, there is a risk of fatty accumulation in the liver. This type of condition can develop into a serious complication. To prevent fatty liver, cats with pancreatitis that refuse to eat need to have a feeding tube in place. Once the cat begins to eat on its own, the feeding tube can be removed.
As long as the pancreatitis is diagnosed in a timely manner, and prompt medical treatments are administered, cats usually have a good prognosis for recovery.