Nov 1, 2024
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.
The Role of a Cat’s Pancreas
A cat’s pancreas serves two main purposes: exocrine and endocrine support.
Exocrine Function
The cat pancreas aids in digestion through the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes help break down the important nutrients needed by cats, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. If a cat’s pancreas does not produce enough of these enzymes, your cat may experience symptoms like weight loss and diarrhea due to poor nutrient absorption.
Endocrine Function
A cat’s pancreas also plays another important role in insulin production. Insulin is an important product in keeping blood sugar levels balanced, as it helps the body absorb glucose. If a cat’s pancreas does not produce enough insulin, the body will face serious health concerns such as diabetes mellitus. This disorder makes cats want to drink more water, urinate more frequently, and experience changes in weight.
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
Pancreatitis is a condition wherein the pancreas itself become inflamed. This can vary from acute or 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.
Causes of Pancreatitis
Although a definitive cause is still unknown, pancreatitis is known to be caused by the enzymes the pancreas. This can happen when the enzymes produced by the pancreas activate prematurely, causing the pancreas to inflame and get irritated.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Some of the common symptoms of pancreatitis are weight loss, loss of appetite, and vomiting. As a result, additional symptoms such as lethargy, dehydration and abdominal discomfort will follow suit. These symptoms can be hard to spot at first because they won’t happen immediately.
Diagnosing Pancreatitis
Diagnosing pancreatitis in cats is generally tricky. It begins with a physical examination to test for the usual symptoms. We also use laboratory testing techniques such as blood tests and lipase tests. Additional tests will include the use of diagnostic imaging technologies such as X-rays and ultrasounds.
Treatment for Pancreatitis
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 medicines to manage your cat’s symptoms. Nutritional changes will also be an option, as we may recommend providing your cats with foods that are bland and foods specially formulated to help cats with pancreas issues.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a condition in cats that happens when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin for regulating blood sugar levels. Because of diabetes, other bodily functions will be affected, causing a number of problems along the road.
Causes of Diabetes Mellitus
The main causes of diabetes mellitus include obesity, age, medications, and genetics, with obesity being considered one of the most common causes. However, other factors such as age and genetics can also increase the risk of getting diabetes, with Burmese cats being frequent victims. Other health conditions, such as chronic inflammation of the pancreas, as seen in pancreatitis, may also contribute to diabetes over time.
Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus
Some of the key symptoms cats experience from diabetes mellitus are increased thirst and frequent urination. Overall, lethargy and weight loss are also to be expected. When this disease is left untreated, it will manifest several dangerous conditions, such as malnutrition, ketoacidosis, and, in some cases, death.
Diagnosing Diabetes Mellitus
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.
Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus
The treatment for diabetes mellitus involves long-term commitment, as the disease can’t be treated with just a single visit. Initially, some cases require you to leave your cat at the hospital for several days to regulate its glucose levels. In here, insulin will be supplied in the form of injections and oral medications.
In addition to treatments, constant monitoring will also be needed to help your cat recover. Diet changes and weight management will be done to help adjust your cat’s body.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is a condition when the cells of the cat’s pancreas don’t function as they should, leading failure of producing insulin. Without insulin, cats will have difficulty absorbing the nutrients their bodies need.
Causes of EPI
EPI is less common in cats than dogs but can develop due to chronic pancreatitis or other long-term pancreatic damage. In rare cases, it may be congenital, meaning a cat is born with it.
Symptoms of Epi
Cats with EPI often experience weight loss, frequent diarrhea, a greasy or unkempt coat, and increased appetite due to the body’s inability to absorb nutrients effectively.
Diagnosing Epi
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.
Treatment for EPI
EPI is managed with enzyme replacement therapy, where enzymes are added to the cat’s food to aid digestion. Diet adjustments may also be necessary, and the condition requires lifelong management. With proper treatment, most cats with EPI can lead normal, healthy lives.
Pancreatic Cancer
Although rare, pancreatic cancer can develop in cats and tends to have a poor prognosis. The cancer is often aggressive and can spread to nearby organs.
Causes of Pancreatic Cancer
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.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
The signs of pancreatic cancer may not show up until the disease has already progressed. This may include weight loss, lack of appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Due to the subtlety of these signs, the cancer is typically advanced by the time it’s diagnosed.
Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer can prove to be challenging, which is why a variety of tests are usually used. This includes a physical exam, lab tests, diagnostic imaging tests, and a biopsy in some cases.
Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer
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. However, due to the nature of cancer, surgery will be the best option to hopefully help your cat recover.
Prevention of 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 of getting serious issues such as pancreatitis. Here are a few tips on preventing cat pancreas issues:
Maintain a Healthy Diet
It’s super helpful to feed your cat a balanced and nutritious diet. Avoid feeding high-fat foods, and ensure your cat's diet provides the right balance of protein and nutrients. Our vets can recommend the best diet for your cat’s age, weight, and health status, especially if your cat has a predisposition to conditions like diabetes.
Encourage a Healthy Weight
Managing your cat’s weight can prevent a variety of diseases, including diabetes and pancreatitis. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight will relieve stress on the pancreas. This can be done by exercising and by serving healthier portions of food. Playful interactions, engaging toys, and regular activity are great ways to keep your cat fit.
Regular Vet Checkups
Routine check-ups allow our vets to monitor your cat’s overall health and detect any early signs of pancreatic issues. 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 carefully is important. Keeping chronic illnesses under control with regular veterinary care 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. If you’re unsure about the safety of a substance, it’s best to consult our vets.
Conclusion
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 super helpful in maintaining your cat’s pancreas and preventing any issues from happening. If you need help, contact us to get started.