What signs or symptoms should I look for in a cat with 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!

I am so sorry to hear about your kitty! Pancreatitis in cats is very serious, and can cause significant discomfort. If your cat isn't eating or drinking much, he may not urinate or defecate much. If you don't think the medication is helping, I recommend you chat with your veterinarian for other options. If your cat is lifeless and not responding to you at all, then you should take him to an emergency vet right away. Best wishes for you and your cat.

The symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include vomiting, vomiting undigested food, abdominal pain, fever, lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, and a hunched up posture. If you are concerned that Ralph has pancreatitis, please take him into a vet immediately. That because pancreatitis is a life threatening disease that is fatal without treatment.

Possibly, although my other concerns for increased drinking include kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Weight loss, vomiting or soft stool can also be signs of concern in these conditions. I would ask your vet about running a urine sample and/or some bloodwork to help determine if the increased drinking is a problem. I would also recommend having Brady on wet food (assuming he likes it!) if he is not already as that can help add moisture to his diet. I hope this helps!

I can understand your concern. Cats can hide illness quite well. But typical signs of illness can include: decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and unusual behavior (like hiding or seeking more attention than normal). If you are still concerned that your kitty may be ill then you can request that your vet do a general health check via bloodwork and urine testing as well. A fecal exam is also indicated if Noushmc is having loose stool. Best wishes and take care.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sage. I'm sorry to hear about his ongoing issues with pancreatitis. Continue giving the fluids as you do not want him to become dehydrated. I typically include pain medication as well as an anti-nausea medication in my treatment plan. Pancreatitis can cause abdominal pain and he may not be eating due to nausea. It is also a good idea to have his cobalamin (vitamin B12) level measured in his blood. If this is cost prohibitive, most veterinarians will give an injection of this vitamin. It can help a lot. I hope these options help Sage. Good luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding SweetPea. I am sorry to hear about her diagnosis. Cats hide signs of pain very well. Typically I assume that cancer is painful and will always offer pain medications. Otherwise, I have owners watch for decreased appetite, hiding and crying as these can all be signs of discomfort. I hope this information helps!