How to Treat Cat Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is common in cats-and can become life threatening if left untreated-but the good news is that for the most part it's fairly easy to control. Pancreatitis is basically severe inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located in the abdomen that aids in metabolism of sugar and digestion of nutrients. This article will focus on the possible causes, signs to look for and treatments for feline pancreatitis.

Instructions

1

Look for the signs of feline pancreatitis which may include: an increased heart rate, lethargy, depression, frequent urination, diarrhea, little or no appetite, weight loss and vomiting (although unlike with dogs less than 50 percent of cats experience vomiting).

2

Be aware of your cat's behavior since this may aid your vet in making a diagnosis. For instance, does he get into garbage or eat a lot of table scraps?

3

Bring your cat to the vet for a physical examination and blood panel if you suspect pancreatitis. The pancreas enzyme "numbers" will help your vet to make a diagnosis. Symptoms of feline pancreatitis may not always be present as it is with dogs, which is why it's a good idea to take your cat for regular examinations.

4

Feed your cat an easily digestible, low-fat diet if the diagnosis is pancreatitis. Cooked or boiled chicken (no skin or bones) and rice is a safe choice. To ensure your cat gets additional nutrients many vets recommend mixing in a small amount of Hill's Prescription Diet i/d or w/d canned formulas or perhaps another brand's formula for digestive health. After feeding the chicken, rice and canned food diet for a week or two (depending on the severity of the pancreatitis) you can gradually work in your cat's regular food and phase out the special food. If it's recurring pancreatitis your vet may recommend keeping your cat on the prescription formula. In this case you can gradually work in the prescription dry version and continue to feed canned mixed with dry.

5

Give your cat small amounts of water frequently, especially if there's vomiting. Fluid therapy may be necessary if your cat becomes dehydrated.

6

Administer any medication prescribed by your vet which will likely include one or more antibiotics and perhaps an antacid and/or pain medication if necessary. Your vet may prescribe an ongoing antibiotic if your cat experiences recurring pancreatitis.

7

Return to your vet for repeat blood work and an examination after you complete a round of medication. If the results are still not normal, your vet will likely prescribe further medication and possibly x-rays to detect another cause such as blockage or an abdominal ultrasound to make sure it's not a pancreatic tumor rather than pancreatitis.