A cat’s pancreas is an important part of its body. It’s responsible for two main functions that affect the body as a whole. By doing its job, the pancreas helps keep cats’ bodies healthy and well-regulated.
But when this organ faces problems and issues, the cat’s entire body can suffer as a whole. To help you get a good understanding of the common issues a cat’s pancreas faces, here’s a guide.
What’s the Role of a Cat’s Pancreas?
A cat’s pancreas serves two main purposes: exocrine and endocrine support.
Exocrine Function
Exocrine function is characterized by a role in digestion. The cat’s pancreas aids in digestion by producing digestive enzymes.
These enzymes help break down the important nutrients needed by cats, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Specifically, proteases for proteins, amylase for carbs, and lipase for fats.
If a cat’s pancreas does not produce enough of these enzymes, then digestion will be disrupted, leading to impaired nutrient absorption and maldigestion. This results in several gastrointestinal issues.
Endocrine Function
A cat’s pancreas also plays another important role in insulin production. Insulin is a crucial product in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, as it facilitates the body's absorption and storage of glucose.
If the pancreas’ endocrine function is compromised and it doesn’t produce enough insulin, cats will be at risk of issues such as diabetes mellitus.
What Are the Early Signs of Pancreas Problems in Cats?
The earliest signs of pancreas issues in cats often include a reduced appetite, lethargy, and hiding. As the problem progresses, other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can start to be noticeable.
5 Common Cat Pancreas Issues
Pancreatic issues in cats can vary in severity, but all conditions are a threat to their well-being due to the nature of the organ’s functions. Here are some of the common pancreas issues cats face:
Pancreatitis
Feline pancreatitis is essentially an inflamed pancreas in cats. This can vary from acute to chronic. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed pancreatic issues in cats, yet it can be tricky to detect because symptoms are often mild or gradual.
Although a definitive cause is still unknown, pancreatitis is known to be caused by the enzymes produced by the pancreas. This can happen when the enzymes produced by the pancreas activate prematurely, causing the pancreas to become inflamed and irritated.
Some of the symptoms of pancreatitis in cats include:
Vomiting and dehydration
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Abdominal discomfort
Lethargy
Fever
These symptoms can be hard to spot at first because they won’t immediately show during the initial stages of the disease.
Diagnosing pancreatitis in cats is generally tricky. It begins with a physical examination to test for the usual symptoms. We also use techniques such as blood and lipase tests. Additional tests will include the use of diagnostic imaging technologies such as X-rays and ultrasounds.
Because a definitive cure for pancreatitis has not been discovered yet, the treatment process will make use of supportive care treatments. This will involve IV fluids and medications such as pain relief, antibiotics, and other supportive treatments to relieve the symptoms.
We’ll also look into using a feeding tube for cats who are not eating. This may be necessary in scenarios where cats have virtually no appetite due to pancreatitis.
Diabetes
Feline diabetes is a condition in cats that happens when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. From here, other functions around the body will be affected.
This can result in more problems such as diabetic ketoacidosis, nerve damage, and kidney disease.
While obesity, age, genetics, and diet are all triggers for feline diabetes, cat pancreas issues such as pancreatitis are one of the main reasons for insulin deficiency.
Some of the key symptoms cats experience from diabetes mellitus include:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Lethargy
Weight loss
Poor coat condition
Vomiting and diarrhea
Diabetes is typically diagnosed using blood tests to examine a cat’s glucose levels. A persistently elevated blood sugar level, especially when paired with symptoms like increased thirst and urination, is a strong indicator of diabetes.
Urine tests are also used to check for glucose and ketones, which are often present in diabetic cats.
The treatment for diabetic cats involves long-term commitment and management. Initially, you might need to hospitalize your cat for several days so we can regulate its glucose levels consistently. Here, insulin shots will be provided.
In addition to treatments, constant monitoring will also be needed. Dietary changes and weight management will be done to help your cat recover.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a condition in which the cells of the cat’s pancreas don’t function as they should. This means that the amount of digestive enzymes the pancreas produces will be significantly less.
Because of this cat pancreas issue, they will have difficulty absorbing the nutrients from the food they eat.
EPI is notably caused by chronic pancreatitis, but can also develop due to tumors or congenital abnormalities that obstruct the pancreatic duct.
Cats with EPI often experience:
Weight loss
Increased appetite
Vomiting and diarrhea
Poor coat condition
Lethargy
Foul stools
Despite the increase in appetite, affected cats will still want to eat more food. This is because the cat’s body can’t efficiently absorb the nutrients from the food it eats, prompting the body to require more food to compensate.
EPI is diagnosed primarily through blood tests, particularly the feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity test, which measures pancreatic enzyme levels. Low levels of trypsin in the blood also indicate that there are low levels of insulin in the cat’s body, confirming EPI.
Feline EPI is managed with enzyme replacement therapy, a process in which the enzymes are added to the cat’s food to aid digestion. Diet adjustments may also be necessary, and the condition requires lifelong management.
Pancreatic Abscess
A pancreatic abscess in cats is a localized pocket of pus or infected fluid located on or around the pancreas. While it’s rare, it’s a serious condition that can potentially result in sepsis in severe cases.
These abscesses are generally caused by a complication of severe or untreated feline pancreatitis. This happens when the inflamed tissue becomes infected. Other triggers include significant trauma to the pancreas or the spread of infections.
Common signs of this cat pancreas issue include:
Severe vomiting and diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Lethargy and weakness
Loss of appetite
Fever
Breathing difficulties
Pancreatic abscesses are generally diagnosed through physical examination and bloodwork initially, with diagnostic imaging tests and fine-needle aspiration being more definitive tests.
The treatment process for pancreatic abscesses in cats includes the use of antibiotics, pain medications, fluid therapy, nutritional support, and surgery. Surgery will be used to either drain or remove the pocket of fluid.
Pancreatic Cancer
Although rare, pancreatic cancer can develop in cats. The cancer is often aggressive and can spread to nearby organs, resulting in a poor prognosis.
The main causes of pancreatic cancer in cats are still relatively unknown to this day. However, some cases can be linked to age, genetics, and chronic pancreatitis.
The signs of pancreatic cancer may not show up until the disease has already progressed.
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Vomiting and abdominal pain
Jaundice
Lethargy
Changes in bowel movements
Due to the subtlety of these signs, the cancer is typically advanced by the time it’s diagnosed. Diagnosing pancreatic cancer can prove to be challenging, which is why a variety of tests are usually used.
This includes a physical exam, a series of blood tests, diagnostic imaging, and a biopsy in some cases. These tests also help rule out other issues and check the conditions of other organs.
Treating pancreatic cancer in cats will depend on the stage of cancer, but will generally include surgery, chemotherapy, and other forms of supportive care to help manage your cat’s condition.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Cat Pancreas Issues
While some issues can’t be fully prevented, there are lots of ways to take good care of your cat’s pancreas. Doing so will reduce the risk significantly over the long run. Here are a few tips:
Provide a Healthy Diet
Feeding your cat a balanced and nutritious diet is always good practice. Avoid feeding high-fat foods, and ensure your cat's diet provides the right balance of protein and other nutrients.
If you need easy options, we have an in-depth guide on cat food. For natural options, we suggest fish and beef.
Encourage a Healthy Weight
Managing your cat’s weight can prevent a variety of diseases, including those relating to the pancreas. Maintaining a healthy weight for your cat can also alleviate stress on the pancreas. This can be done by exercising, using interactive toys, and serving manageable portions.
Regular Veterinary Checkups
Routine checkups allow our vets to check for any cat pancreatic issues and monitor their overall health. Blood tests and physical exams can help catch potential problems before they progress, especially in older cats or those with chronic health conditions.
Manage Chronic Health Conditions
If your cat has other health issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease or diabetes, managing these conditions is crucial. It can prevent further strain on the pancreas and lower the risk of secondary pancreatic issues.
Avoid Exposure to Toxins and Harmful Foods
Certain chemicals, medications, and foods can irritate the pancreas. Keep all household cleaners, insecticides, and medications out of reach, and avoid feeding your cat table scraps, especially fatty or processed foods.
“Caring for your cat’s pancreas today means giving them the chance for a healthier life.”
- Dr. Rokas Proscevicius
Final Thoughts
A cat’s pancreas is an important part of its body, which is why it’s crucial to make sure it stays healthy and protected. Regular checkups are helpful in maintaining your cat’s pancreas and preventing any issues from happening. If you need help, contact us to get started.
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