Dr. Hazel Carney, Feline Behavior and Medicine, offers some insight for owners whose cats suffer from Pancreatitis. without treatment.

A cat’s pancreas has the same function as a human’s pancreas; it produces both important enzymes that help in food digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar—critical to healthy, happy cat. Dr. Hazel Carney, Feline Behavior and Medicine, on Pancreatitis in Cats.Pancreatitis occurs when there is an inflammation of the pancreas. It may cause enzymes to leak into the cat’s abdomen—a very painful condition for the cat.

This disease could come on suddenly or become progressively worse. Regardless, left untreated, the cat’s pancreas may suffer enough damage that it will no longer function properly. This can bring on further health issues, including diabetes.

Your cat may show the following symptoms: lethargy, poor appetite, dehydration, increased respiratory rate, lower body temperature; about 35% of cats vomit. Dr. Hazel Carney, Feline Behavior and Medicine Specialist, contributed to a magazine article on Pancreatitis in the September 2014 issue of Cat Fancy. You can read that article HERE.

To diagnose pancreatitis, your veterinarian will complete a physical examination and ultrasound, and process some blood work.

Treatment for pancreatitis in cats includes pain management, extensive fluid therapy, and careful monitoring of the electrolytes. In addition, often cats will need hospitalization for a few days to successfully treat the disease.

Pancreatitis may be caused by trauma, parasites, infection, and/or drug reactions. However, 90 percent of all pancreatitis cases in cats has no identifiable cause. Siamese cats may have a genetic predisposition.

If you have any questions about pancreatitis in your cat, please call WestVet at 208.375.1600 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carney.

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