My cat has an enlarged pancreas. What tests diagnose pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is difficult to diagnose and is done by analyzing compatible clinical signs and lab test results. Cats with pancreatitis commonly experience lethargy, loss of appetite and occasionally vomit, but these clinical signs can also be caused by a variety of other conditions. Typical blood testing includes a CBC (red & white blood cell count and platelets), chemistry (to evaluate overall organ function, blood glucose and electrolytes), T4 (thyroid hormone), as well as a urinalysis (to evaluate kidney function and look for infection). If pancreatitis is still suspected, a blood test called an fPL can be done to either rule pancreatitis out or make you more suspicious of that as the diagnosis (this is not a conclusive test). Abdominal ultrasounds can be helpful to determine if the pancreas is inflamed or if other abnormalities are present, but these are not performed in all cases.

Cats with pancreatitis commonly also have concurrent diseases - such as inflammatory bowel disease, cholangitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or cholangiohepatitis (inflammation of the gallbladder and liver). Uncommonly, cats with pancreatitis can become diabetic if there is enough damage to the endocrine portion of the pancreas.

There is no definitive treatment for pancreatitis. The goal is to manage Bella's clinical signs supportively (i.e. IV fluids, anti nausea medications, pain medications, etc.) as needed. If you are concerned about the treatment plan that your vet has started for Bella, call her to discuss the options. Odds are that she has a reason for starting or not starting certain medications or diagnostics. If you feel uncomfortable with this plan after speaking with her, it is always reasonable to get another opinion. I hope that Bella is feeling better soon!