What is the function of the pancreas in the body?
The pancreas is a glandular tissue that has ducts leading to the duodenum. It is located in close proximity to the liver and stomach.
The pancreas secretes enzymes that break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates so that the body can absorb the substances. To prevent the enzymes from breaking down surrounding tissue, they are secreted in an inactive form into the intestine. In the intestine, the enzymes are activated, so that the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates only takes place there. This is a protective system that prevents the enzymes from starting to break down the surrounding tissue, which is what happens when the pancreas is inflamed.
The pancreas also secretes a factor that allows the body to absorb B12 through the intestine.
The pancreas also produces insulin, which regulates sugar levels in the body.
Why do cats get pancreatitis?
In about 95% of cases, it is not known for sure what caused the inflammation of the pancreas. This is called idiopathic pancreatitis.
In many cases, cats also have inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and sometimes also of the gallbladder and liver. When the pancreas, intestines and liver are inflamed at the same time, it is called triaditis. Vomiting can contribute to fluid from the intestines being pushed up through the ducts to the pancreas, and this can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
Low blood pressure, viral infections, high calcium levels and trauma can also cause inflammation of the pancreas, but this is much more uncommon.
It is common for cats with pancreatitis to have several other diseases at the same time.
Symptoms of pancreatitis in cats
Cats with pancreatitis may have vague and nonspecific symptoms. They can range from mildly depressed to severely ill. Common signs include the cat:
- is subdued and withdraws
- has poor appetite
- vomit
- is dehydrated and has poor fluid balance
In some cases, the cat will have significant abdominal pain, fever, and yellowing of the whites of the eyes (icterus). Cats that are seriously ill may also have a low body temperature.
What happens in the body when the pancreas is inflamed?
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the protective system fails to function. The enzymes begin to break down the tissue in the pancreas itself, triggering inflammation that also usually affects the liver.
The inflammation can affect the cells that produce insulin, and there is a risk that a cat with pancreatitis will develop: diabetes.
There is also a risk that the inflammation will become chronic. In this case, the pancreas will eventually be unable to produce the enzymes needed to break down the nutrients. The cat may then develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, EPI, and may need enzyme supplements to absorb the nutrients.
In some cases, severe inflammation of the pancreas can also affect other organs.
How is pancreatitis in cats diagnosed?
Acute pancreatitis is diagnosed with blood tests and ultrasound. Chronic pancreatitis can be more difficult to diagnose, as the findings are vaguer and more subtle. In some cases, tissue samples from the pancreas may be helpful.
Since the cat can have anything from mild to severe symptoms, and often several diseases at the same time, which samples to take are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Treatment of pancreatitis in cats
There is no specific treatment for pancreatitis in cats. Treatment is usually supportive, and the inflammation is allowed to heal over time.
Care at an animal hospital
In some cases, the cat is so sick that it needs to be hospitalized. The treatment is then an intravenous drip, as it is important to have a good fluid balance in the body, as well as pain relief and medication for nausea. The cat may also be given appetite stimulant medication.
Food for pancreatitis
The cat is also usually given a special diet to reduce inflammation. Often it is an easily digestible medical gastrointestinal food or a hydrolyzed diet (allergy food).
B12 supplements
Cats with pancreatitis, and in many cases also inflammation of the intestine, often have low B12 levels and may need to be treated with vitamin supplements.
Drugs that reduce inflammation
In some cases, medications that reduce inflammation are needed. This is especially true for cats that have developed chronic pancreatitis. Since these cats often also have inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and sometimes the liver, a holistic view and a well-thought-out treatment plan are needed.
What is the prognosis for pancreatitis in cats?
Acute inflammation can heal completely. Sometimes, a chronic form develops with lesions that do not heal, and these cats may experience recurring symptoms.
In acute pancreatitis that heals, the prognosis is good to watchful, depending on how severe the inflammation is. In mild inflammation, the prognosis is considered good, in more severe cases, it is watchful.
There is not much information on prognosis for chronic pancreatitis, likely because these cats have so many other diseases at the same time. One study shows that cats with chronic pancreatitis and concomitant diabetes had a median survival of 955 days.
Is your cat vomiting, eating less, or seems lethargic? We examine the cat at a home visit, without transport and waiting room.
Frequently asked questions about pancreatitis in cats
Can pancreatitis in cats go away on its own?
Acute inflammation can heal over time, but the cat usually needs supportive care in the meantime: fluids, pain relief, anti-nausea medication, and proper nutrition. Cats that are seriously ill may need to be treated in a veterinary hospital. If the inflammation becomes chronic, the damage will not heal completely.
What food should a cat with pancreatitis have?
Usually an easily digestible medical gastrointestinal food or a hydrolyzed diet, i.e. an allergy food. The aim is to reduce inflammation. Many cats also need B12 supplements.
Can cats get diabetes from pancreatitis?
Yes, there is a risk. Insulin is produced in the pancreas, and the inflammation can damage the cells that produce it.
What is the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis can heal completely and is diagnosed with blood tests and ultrasound. Chronic pancreatitis causes damage that does not heal, can cause recurring symptoms, and is more difficult to diagnose because the findings are more vague.
Text: Emma Riberdahl
Licensed veterinarian
Level 1 specialist in dog & cat diseases
Chief veterinarian
