Feline Pancreatitis Symptoms, Treatment

Feline pancreatitis is a gastrointestinal disease that occurs in cats. It is characterized by swelling of the pancreas. The pancreas produces insulin and other digestive enzymes. In cats that are affected by pancreatitis, the enzymes spread within the pancreas and other organs of the abdomen. This leads to inflammation of the pancreas. The toxins arising out of an infected pancreas may hamper the production of insulin. Feline pancreatitis symptoms include vomiting and fever. In addition the cat may also experience diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, lethargy and dehydration. However these symptoms are not unique to feline pancreatitis symptoms. They may occur in other conditions as well. Therefore a proper examination of the affected cat is necessary. Cats affected by hepatic lipidosis are more likely to develop feline pancreatitis.

The main causes of cat pancreatitis are intestinal parasites and infection. Pancreatitis in felines may also result due to the infection that causes feline distemper. Genetic factors could also play a role in the development of this condition. The role of genes is especially strong since it has been observed that Siamese cats are more susceptible to feline pancreatitis. Cats that are exposed to the insecticide known as organophosphate may be vulnerable to this disease.  Diagnosis of feline pancreatitis is done by examining the levels of the enzymes lipase and amylase. When these enzymes are present in high levels, the disease is confirmed.  Swelling of the pancreas seen through ultrasound imaging is also indicative of this illness. Biopsy may also be done to diagnose the condition, although many veterinarians prefer not to do it since the inflammation may be aggravated.

When dealing with pancreatitis in a feline treatment is mainly aimed at reducing the swelling of the pancreas. Symptoms of cat diarrhea may be treated through fluid therapy. In case of vomiting, the cat must be given water regularly. Nausea and pain may be alleviated through administration of medications. The diet may also be modified for a few days. In some cases, digestive enzymes are given to the cat in the form of supplements. It is difficult to cure chronic feline pancreatitis completely. Cats with this condition require a great deal of care. Proper cat diet and medication is necessary to manage the symptoms caused by this disease. In many cases, once a cat survives acute pancreatitis, there are very few chances of it occurring again. For recurring pancreatitis, the vet may prescribe ongoing antibiotic medication.