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Overview:
The pancreas is an pale pink,
lobulated organ located near the liver & behind the stomach. The pancreas
performs both exocrine (secretes enzymes via a duct) & endocrine (secretes
hormones directly into the bloodstream) functions. Small clusters of
cells called Islets of Langerhans are responsible for the
production of the hormones insulin & glucagon which regulate blood sugar. The pancreas also produce pancreatic
juice, a digestive enzyme rich in sodium bicarbonate which helps break down proteins, fats & carbohydrates.
This juice is secreted from the pancreas & collected in the pancreatic duct,
where it joins with the bile duct from the liver prior to entering the duodenum.
Normally, the pancreas protects
itself from the digestive enzymes it manufacturers, stores & secretes. To do
this this it secretes them inactivated (known as zymogens), they don't become activated until they
reach the duodenum. Pancreatitis is the acute or
chronic inflammation of the pancreas as a result of inappropriate activation of
the digestive enzymes which begin to break down & digest the pancreas,
leading to inflammation. Surrounding tissues such as the liver
may become involved. Some causes of pancreatitis include
toxoplasmosis,
hyperlipidemia (high fat content in the blood), hypercalcemia (high calcium
content in the blood), feline herpesvirus I, feline infectious peritonitis, feline parvovirus, obesity,
certain drugs, high fat diet, hepatic
lipidosis, trauma (car accident, high fall). In most cases (around 90%), the cause cannot be determined
(idiopathic).
What are the
symptoms of pancreatitis in cats?
Pancreatitis can be acute
(sudden onset) or chronic (persistent/long lasting). Cats with pancreatitis often
exhibit vague/non specific signs. Both acute & chronic pancreatitis can range from
mild to severe/life threatening.
Some signs your cat may display include;
The above three are the most
common symptoms. Other less common symptoms include;
Pancreatitis may run
concurrently with other diseases such as
cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis,
hepatic
lipidosis (fatty liver disease), &
inflammatory bowel disease.
Pancreatitis, cholangiohepatitis
& inflammatory bowel disease running concurrently are collectively known as 'feline
triad disease'.
How is
pancreatitis diagnosed?
Due to the vague symptoms,
which are similar to a host of other disorders, diagnosis can be a challenge &
many cases of pancreatitis go undiagnosed as a result of these non-specific
symptoms. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical
examination of your cat & obtain a medical history. Some tests he may wish to
perform include;
-
Complete blood count &
biochemical
profile - These often come back non specific. Pancreatic enzymes are
often normal. Mild elevations of hepatic enzymes ALT
may be seen.
-
fTLI (feline Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity)
- This test measures the concentrations of trypsin-like proteins in
serum.
-
TAP (trypsin activation
peptide)
-
fPLI (feline
Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity)
- This test measures
feline pancreatic lipase (an enzyme secreted by the pancreas which breaks down
fat) immunoreactivity in serum.
-
X-ray
-
Ultrasound can be useful to
check the size, shape & density of the pancreas.
-
Laparotomy - Surgical
incisions are made in the abdomen to allow your veterinarian to examine the
organs. In this case, the pancreas.
-
Biopsy of the pancreas, liver
or intestines may be of additional help.
How is
pancreatitis treated?
If possible, find & treat the
underlying cause.
-
Analgesics (painkillers) for
abdominal pain.
-
Antemetics (anti nausea
medication) if vomiting is
present.
-
Supportive care such as
intravenous fluids to prevent or treat dehydration.
-
If hepatic lipoidosis is also
present, nutritional support, otherwise withhold food & water or 24 - 48
hours. Once food is resumed, a bland, low fat food may be recommended.
-
Antibiotics may be prescribed
if there is infection present.
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian &
should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit.
The articles are provided for informative purposes only & should
not be used for
the diagnosis or treatment of any
medical condition.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great care
has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot
guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any
doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.
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