Pancreatitis is a result of an inflamed pancreas, which causes leaking of digestive enzymes into the tissue of the pancreas. The pancreas' job is to generate the enzymes that will help with the breaking down of food so that it can be absorbed through the intestines more easily. The symptoms in cats are a limited or no appetite, abdominal pain or depression. The more serious cases can cause shock or collapse. Cats are much more vulnerable to having chronic pancreatitis, which causes weight loss, active vomiting, decreased body temperatures, diarrhea, a decrease in appetite and breathing difficulty.
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Diagnosis
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It is a complicated task to diagnose pancreatitis, since the symptoms are often indicative of other illnesses as well. In addition, ultrasounds have a more difficult time in distinguishing the pancreas and its inner workings. Half of all cats with pancreatitis symptoms have low calcium levels, so blood work will most likely be necessary. The Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity test is considered to be the most effective way to diagnose pancreatitis in cats. A 12-hour fasting must be done before having the blood drawn.
Prednisone
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Because inflammation happens in varying degrees with pancreatitits, it is necessary that cortisteroids be prescribed. These can be found in the form of prednisone to use for cats. A higher dose may be initially prescribed to quickly begin the process of decreasing the inflammation. Dosages need to be tapered slowly rather than abruptly, because the prednisone suppresses the adrenal glands and their ability to manufacture cortisone naturally. By gradually decreasing the doses, it will stave off adrenal depletion.
Disadvantages
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It should be noted, however, that prednisone can have negative side effects, especially if it is used over a long term. It can activate diabetes, create fluid retention that cause hypertension. In addition, it can cause the camouflaging of other possible infections. Therefore, prednisone should never be used with diabetic cats. There is a possibility of congestive heart failure that could occur within a week of the prednisone administration.
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