Kedilerde Pankreatit

The pancreas, located on the right side of the abdomen next to the stomach, is an organ with vital functions. It produces both enzymes that aid in the digestion of consumed food and hormones such as insulin that regulate the glucose mechanism and blood sugar. Pancreatitis, in its simplest definition, is inflammation of the pancreas. When pancreatitis occurs in cats, liver and intestinal inflammation are usually seen simultaneously. In this article, you can find answers to important questions such as "What are the symptoms of pancreatitis in cats?" and "How is pancreatitis treated in cats?". But first, we want to answer a frequently asked question about cat anatomy.

What is Pancreatitis in Cats?

The question "Do cats have a pancreas?" is frequently asked. Yes, cats have a pancreas. Therefore, diseases related to the pancreas also occur. In cats, the pancreas consists of two separate parts with different functions: the endocrine pancreas and the exocrine pancreas. The endocrine pancreas produces the hormones glucagon and insulin, which regulate blood sugar. The most common disorder of the endocrine pancreas is diabetes mellitus. The part of the pancreas called the exocrine pancreas is responsible for producing enzymes that aid in the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. If these enzymes produced by the exocrine pancreas are activated prematurely, they can damage the pancreas and surrounding organs. This can lead to inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis. In cats, these enzymes produced by the pancreas are normally inactive and are transported from the pancreas to the duodenum, a part of the small intestine. Upon reaching the small intestine, the enzymes become activated, and digestion begins. In pancreatitis, the digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas become activated before reaching the small intestine. This means that in cats with pancreatitis, the pancreatic enzymes begin to digest not the food, but the pancreas itself or the body parts where the enzymes are activated.

In cats, these enzymes produced by the pancreas are normally inactive and are transmitted from the pancreas to the duodenum, a part of the small intestine. Upon reaching the small intestine, the enzymes become activated and digestion begins. In pancreatitis, the digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas become activated before reaching the small intestine. This means that in cats with pancreatitis, the pancreatic enzymes, rather than the food, begin to digest the pancreas or the body parts where the enzymes are activated.

Pancreatitis in cats was considered a disease with a low incidence in previous years. However, thanks to the development of testing and diagnostic methods in the veterinary field today, it has been determined that the incidence of this disease is higher. Pancreatitis in cats can occur in cats of all ages, genders, and breeds.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Cats

Symptoms of pancreatitis in cats can vary in both type and severity. Symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, dehydration, fever or a drop in body temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing if the lungs are affected, and loss of coordination may be encountered. Again, it would not be correct to generalize that all these symptoms will be seen in every cat.

Kedilerde Pankreatit Nedenleri

Instead of mentioning the exact causes of pancreatitis in cats, risk factors can be discussed.

• It is accepted that blood pressure drops or the formation of small blood clots that cause impaired blood flow to the pancreas,
• Falls from a height, accidents or traumas,
• Infections such as feline parvovirus, toxoplasmosis, herpes virus and feline infectious peritonitis,
• Certain medications and
• Inflammatory bowel disease can cause pancreatitis in cats.

Diagnosis of Pancreatitis in Cats

There is no specific test to diagnose pancreatitis in cats. After obtaining information about the symptoms of pancreatitis in cats, veterinarians evaluate the clinical signs and use blood tests and imaging techniques. A general screening consisting of a complete blood count and a chemistry panel may be necessary. Many cats may have elevated liver enzymes and electrolyte changes due to vomiting; these data are also taken into account during diagnosis. An increase in red blood cell count and changes in kidney values ​​are also considered within the scope of pancreatitis diagnosis. However, all these changes cannot be solely attributed to pancreatitis in cats. Therefore, if necessary, a tissue sample may be taken from the pancreas to examine acute or chronic changes in the pancreas. Biopsy is not a preferred method in typical cases because it requires general anesthesia and abdominal surgery.

Treatment of Pancreatitis in Cats

Treatment of pancreatitis in cats is planned with four main goals in mind. In mild to moderate cases, home treatment may be recommended to manage dehydration, nausea, pain, and feeding. In acute pancreatitis, cats may need intravenous medication and intensive nutritional supplementation from a veterinarian. Fluid support is critically important in the treatment of pancreatitis. Dehydration can occur in cats due to pancreatitis, and in some cats, fluid loss can be so severe that it affects blood pressure. The aim of treatment is to establish electrolyte balance along with fluid supplementation. If inflammatory bowel disease is suspected as the cause of pancreatitis, it is important for cats to follow a feeding plan according to their sensitivities. Also, treatment for cats with diabetes may be longer and more complex. You can access our content titled "Can Cats Get Diabetes? Symptoms of Diabetes in Cats" here.

Long-term successful results are achieved with treatments applied after diagnosis of pancreatitis in cats. However, it is possible to encounter various health problems in chronic pancreatitis or severe cases. The absorption mechanism may be damaged due to the destruction of a significant number of cells that produce digestive enzymes. If insulin-producing cells are destroyed, diabetes may develop in cats. In such a case, daily insulin injections may be necessary.