Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Review of Feline Pancreatitis Part Two: Clinical Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment
- Journal:
- Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
- Year:
- 2001
- Authors:
- Mansfield, CS & Jones, BR
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University College, Dublin, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
In the last ten years, veterinarians have recognized that pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, is an important health issue for cats. This condition can be mild and chronic, often occurring alongside other common problems like inflammatory bowel disease (which affects the intestines) or liver issues. Acute pancreatitis, which can cause serious complications similar to those seen in dogs, is also being diagnosed more often in cats. However, the signs of pancreatitis in cats can be vague and not very specific, making it hard for vets to identify without strong suspicion. This condition can also lead to diabetes in cats and complicate the treatment of other abdominal diseases.
Abstract
In the past decade pancreatitis has become recognised as a significant disease in the cat. Chronic, mild pancreatitis is often associated with more commonly diagnosed diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis. Furthermore, acute pancreatitis with similar complications to those seen in dogs is now diagnosed more frequently in cats. Unfortunately, the clinical signs and clinicopathological findings in cats with pancreatitis are often non-specific and vague. The lack of specific signs often results in a diagnosis being made only when the veterinary surgeon has a strong index of suspicion for pancreatitis and vigorously pursues that diagnosis. Pancreatitis is an important disease in cats, has been implicated as a potential cause of diabetes mellitus, and when present complicates the treatment of diabetes and other intra-abdominal diseases in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1053/jfms.2001.0130