Chronic Feline Pancreatitis

Chronic feline pancreatitis is a very serious problem for cats. The disease causes the cat a lot of pain. If not treated, death occurs. If the pet owner knows the signs and symptoms of the disease, it might be possible for the cat to receive treatment soon enough to recover. In chronic feline pancreatitis, however, the symptoms will likely recur from time to time.

  1. Function

    • The pancreas creates enzymes that help the cat digest food, according to Manhattan Cats. When pancreatitis develops, the digestive enzymes activate before they can be released. The enzymes begin digesting the cat's pancreas. This causes severe inflammation in the cat.

    Causes

    • Pet Education warns that many factors can lead to cats developing pancreatitis. Some medications, including anti-cancer drugs, can cause it. Insecticides are responsible in some cases. Cats with metabolic disorders, such as hypercalcemia, are more prone to develop the condition. Infections, including feline calicivirus and toxoplasmosis, cause the disease as well.

      Diseases in the small intestines, such as bile duct disease and inflammatory bowel disease, lead to the disease on some occasions. Genetics also may play a part, as domestic short-hair cats and Siamese have proved to be more susceptible to pancreatitis.

    Symptoms

    • Cats with pancreatitis display a variety of symptoms, according to Pet Education. Loss of appetite is a common symptom, and it often leads to the cat losing weight. Some cats suffer from dehydration and lethargy. About half the cats that develop pancreatitis display vomiting and abdominal pain. An increased heart rate, changes in breathing, fever and jaundice are present in some instances.

      In severe cases of the disease, sepsis, heart arrhythmias and disseminated intravascular coagulation can occur. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is potentially deadly because it causes multiple hemorrhages.

    Treatment

    • According to Manhattan Cats, one of the first things done to help the cat is to stop it from eating, drinking or taking medications by mouth. This stops the pancreas from producing any more digestive enzymes. The cat is given fluid intravenously or by injecting it under the skin to counter dehydration.

      Pet Education says that vets give medications that help the cat stop vomiting. Meperidine or butorphanol are two medications that help relieve the cat's pain.

    Prognosis

    • Chronic feline pancreatitis often leads to other conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and pancreatic insufficiency, warns Pet Education. Weight loss will be a reoccurring problem for cats with this condition.

      The treatment will be lifelong, and it can be expensive, but it is possible for the cat to lead a long life with the disease as long as its owner watches for symptoms and follows the treatment regime the vet lays out.