The pancreas is a vital organ responsible for producing hormones and enzymes to aid in digestion. Feline pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. It can occur in any cat regardless of sex, breed, or age. Some cats have recurrent episodes of feline pancreatitis which allows enzymes to spill over and possibly damage adjacent organs.

Causes

Most cases of feline pancreatitis occur with no known cause. However, there are certain factors that increase the risk that your cat gets this condition. One of the most common causes is when your cat suffers a traumatic injury. Feline pancreatitis can also be caused by infections of the pancreas or feline distemper. Some medications can also cause the condition.

Symptoms

If your cat has feline pancreatitis, he will display a range of symptoms. Two of the most common include loss of appetite and lethargy. Some cats develop a fever while others have a lowered temperature. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea.

Diagnosis

Feline pancreatitis can be a hard condition to diagnose. Blood and urine tests usually aren’t enough to make a definitive diagnosis. Also, x-rays usually won’t show the problem either. Therefore, the two main methods for diagnosing feline pancreatitis are surgery and an ultrasound.

Treatment

Mild cases of feline pancreatitis are treated by withholding oral fluids so that the pancreas can rest. Your cat will need to have intravenous fluids instead so that he doesn’t become dehydrated. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are often administered too. If your cat is experiencing vomiting, the veterinarian may elect to withhold food also.