Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pancreatitis in cats: diagnosis and management of a challenging disease.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Zoran, Debra L
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Feline pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas in cats, can be tough to diagnose because cats often show vague symptoms. To figure it out, vets look for signs during a physical exam, check blood tests for specific markers, and use ultrasound to see if the pancreas looks abnormal. Even with these tests, diagnosing pancreatitis can still be tricky, especially in cats that have had it for a long time. Treatment mainly involves keeping the cat hydrated, managing pain and vomiting, preventing infections, and adapting care as needed. Overall, managing this condition can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can be addressed effectively.
Abstract
Feline pancreatitis can be a very difficult disease to diagnose and often requires a combination of clinical suspicion, appropriate physical examination findings, elevations in serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, and changes on abdominal ultrasonography consistent with pancreatic disease. The diagnostic difficulties encountered are related to a lack of specific and readily attributable clinical signs in cats. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of pancreatitis are highest when a combination of tests is utilized; but even when such tests are employed, the diagnosis is still problematic, especially in cats with chronic pancreatitis. Therapy is symptomatic and focuses on maintaining fluid volume, controlling pain and vomiting, preventing infection, and adjusting to changes in the cat's condition as they occur.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16397189/