How do vets diagnose pancreatitis in pets, and what underlying causes exist?

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!

Unfortunately both pancreatitis and cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Ultrasound with an experienced ultrasonographer is often the best way to diagnose pancreatitis, but sometimes the pancreas can look relatively normal or difficult to see during an ultrasound. A tumor in the stomach or the pancreas can be be very difficult to see as well. You may want to ask your veterinarian about referral to a radiologist or internal medicine specialist for an ultrasound if Sirius is not responding well to current treatments.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can be caused secondary to any type of inflammation in the stomach or possible high fat diet. IF Olive ate cat poop than started vomiting. It is possible the vomiting cause pancreatitis but the poop just caused gastric upset. Pancreatitis can be mild where patient recovers fast or can be really severe where patient needs hospitalized. I have not personally seen a case of pancreatitis due to mold. However if the mold caused vomiting or diarrhea it is possible. It can affect the white blood cells in the body. Typically the wbc do increase with this disease because of inflammation. hope that helps

I'm sorry to hear your cat is having GI issues. How was your cat diagnosed with pancreatitis? If the remainder of bloodwork was normal and the fPLI was positive, I would consider X-rays and possibly an abdominal ultrasound for more information. Pancreatitis can be a chronic condition that requires diet changes, B12 supplementation and long-term medications. Pancreatitis can be concurrent with another underlying GI issue, such as IBD or lymphoma. Ultrasound can give more information, but these conditions can only be definitively diagnosed with intestinal biopsies. As the issue isn't resolving, I would recommend your cat be re-evaluated and further diagnostics potentially fine, either by your regular veterinarian or an internal medicine specialist. Good luck!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are several blood tests which can determine the level of pancreatic enzymes in the blood before and after a meal. These can be performed through your veterinarian, who can instruct you on when to feed Lok before coming in for bloodwork. I am happy to answer any other questions you may have and am always available for consultations!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would not give Binx any additional medications or supplements as medications can cause pancreatitis. The pancreas aids in digestion by releasing digestive enzymes in to the duodenum (first segment of the small intestine). It also makes and releases insulin. Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas. The digestive enzymes that are normally excreted in to the small intestine are activated to early with in the pancreas, in a sense causing digestion of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be caused from medications, obesity, high fat foods or getting in to high fat foods and underlying diseases can be a risk factor. I hope this helps!

With pancreatitis, it is typically caused by them eating something that they were not supposed too. Usually from human food. I agree that changing Shadow's diet to a bland diet and keeping him on antibiotics (not long term) will be beneficial for him. Pancreatitis can be serious and is usually painful. Most dogs do very well on exactly what your vet is doing while more severe cases require intensive treatment and hospitalization. Here is some information on Pacreatitis. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-dogs I hope Shadow feels better soon and thank you for using PetCoach.