Feline pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory process that can be classified as acute or chronic, depending on whether fibrosis or other irreversible changes are present on histopathologic evaluation. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can be mild or severe. In most cases, the cause in cats is never identified. Some cases, however, have been associated with severe abdominal trauma, infectious diseases, cholangitis, cholangiohepatitis, and intoxication by organophosphate or other drugs. The clinical presentation of cats with pancreatitis is nonspecific. Likewise, routine laboratory findings are non-specific but may show elevations in hepatic enzymes, azotemia, and electrolyte imbalances. Serum levels of lipase and amylase are rarely increased, but concentrations of serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity may be elevated. Radiographic abnormalities are often subtle. Abdominal ultrasonography, however, can provide valuable observations. Removing the inciting cause, providing supportive and symptomatic therapy, and monitoring for early detection of systemic complications are important. Fluid therapy, nothing by mouth, nutritional support, and analgesics are the mainstays of supportive therapy.