The pancreas is a glandular, V-shaped organ located along the base of the stomach and first portion of the small intestine. A system of ducts drains enzymes produced in the pancreas into the small intestine near the stomach. Some of the ducts join with the common bile duct, which empties bile into this same area.

The pancreas, an exocrine gland, produces digestive enzymes that break down fats, proteins and starches into their smallest subunits that can then be absorbed into the blood stream. The Islets of Langerhans are located on the pancreas. These are the cells that release insulin into the blood to regulate blood sugar levels and do not play a part in the enzymatic activities of the gland.

Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and digestive enzymes contained within the gland are released into surrounding tissues. These enzymes will inflame and digest organs and tissues close to the pancreas, as well as cause shock and other circulatory complications. Depending on the amount of damage, this may produce mild illness or be of such a severe nature as to cause the death of the cat. Almost all cats will have cholangitis at the same time pancreatitis is identified.

The cause of this disease is usually nonspecific, and although cases have been associated with certain diseases and parasitic problems, in most cases it is impossible to identify a specific cause. Clinical signs of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, mild abdominal pain, increased thirst, weakness, jaundice and dehydration. In a few very severe cases, shock, collapse and death may occur. In cats, unlike dogs, symptoms are often less severe and more subtle to detect. Diagnosis is based on history, physical exam, blood counts, serum enzyme levels, urine analysis, X-rays and ultrasound studies. Sometimes abdominal fluid analysis or exploratory surgery may be necessary for a final diagnosis. Since cats usually have associated liver disease, this may give the veterinarian a clue as to the possible presence of pancreatic disease. ((Pancreatitis))

Treatment of pancreatitis should be started quickly and involves the administration of intravenous fluids, withholding food and water to rest the organ, using antiemetics to control vomiting, analgesics to control pain and other treatments as specifically indicated. If flukes can be identified they need to be eradicated with medication. This care most always will involve a stay in the hospital for your cat. Long term weight reduction and the feeding of low fat, high fiber and/or highly digestible food with the avoidance of scraps and other fatty treats may help prevent recurrence.

CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

Chronic pancreatitis involves having multiple episodes of acute pancreatic damage that usually results in progressive destruction of the pancreas and possibly the Islets of Langerhans. The signs of chronic pancreatitis are similar to those of acute pancreatitis, but this disease may evolve to cause exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and diabetes mellitus. Many cases of chronic pancreatitis will be associated with liver disease due to the fact that the pancreas and liver are closely associated. Otherwise, the individual bouts of (chronic) pancreatitis will mimic the symptoms of acute pancreatitis. ((Pancreatitis))

Treatment of chronic pancreatitis involves the administration of intravenous fluids, withholding food and water to rest the organ, using antiemetics to control vomiting, analgesics to control pain and other treatments as specifically indicated. This care most always involves a stay in the hospital for your cat. Long term weight reduction and the feeding of low fat, high fiber and/or highly digestible foods with the avoidance of scraps and other fatty treats will help prevent recurrence. Diet seems more important in cases of chronic pancreatitis.

This disease occurs when the pancreas fails to secrete digestive enzymes into the intestine. The cause of this problem will either be a congenital atrophy (incomplete formation present at birth) of the pancreas, fluke infestation or secondary to recurrent bouts of pancreatitis which destroys normal tissues. Very few cases have been seen in cats.

Signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency include weight loss (or poor weight gain in young animals), diarrhea (large voluminous rancid stools) and a ravenous appetite. Diagnosis is based on history, physical exam, fecal enzyme analysis and other more specialized tests that measure the digestion and absorption of certain drugs by the cat. X-rays and ultrasound analysis may also prove useful to diagnosis.

The administration of a digestive enzyme replacement, the use of cimetadine if needed to reduce gastric acid secretion, and the use of an easy to digest diet that is low in fat will help stabilize patients suffering from this problem. Cats will, however, vary in how well they are able to respond to this type of treatment and therapy must be continued for life.

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©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.