? Deciphering results from high Spec fPL test (pancreatitis test)

Status
Not open for further replies.
Bronx's dad (GA)

Bronx's dad (GA)

Member Since 2016
Hello all,

Here are the results of Bronx's test, is 8.0 about normal for our diabetic cats? What should be my next plan of action, if any? He is not showing any signs of lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, vomiting or diarrhea. IGF-1 & IAA results are pending. Thanks!

SPEC fPL TEST RESULT 8.0 ug/L (H )
REFERENCE RANGE 0.0 - 3.5

SPEC fPL: Serum Spec fPL concentration is significantly increased which occurs with
pancreatic inflammation. If clinical signs of pancreatitis are not present,
consider additional diagnostics, instruct owner to monitor closely and recheck
Spec fPL in 2 to 3 weeks. If clinical signs of pancreatitis are present, treat
appropriately, investigate for risk factors and concurrent diseases including
enteritis, cholangitis, hepatic lipidosis and diabetes mellitus. Monitor Spec
fPL to help assess response to treatment.

IGF-1 and IAA: pending to MSU.
 
Last edited:
Some cats may have low-grade pancreatitis and may be fairly asymptomatic. A positive Spec fPL of 8 isn't very high.

Keep an eye out for sitting in a slightly tense meatloaf position after feeds, or perhaps withdrawing/seeking out cooler surfaces after eating (e.g. stone/tiled floors).


Mogs
.
 
Critter Mom said:
Some cats may have low-grade pancreatitis and may be fairly asymptomatic. A positive Spec fPL of 8 isn't very high.

Keep an eye out for sitting in a slightly tense meatloaf position after feeds, or perhaps withdrawing/seeking out cooler surfaces after eating (e.g. stone/tiled floors).


Mogs
.
Click to expand...

That is exactly what he does, seeking out those cooler surfaces before & after eating which started about the same time he was diagnosed with FD. Never uses his heated bed anymore, even on cold nights. He used to love that bed.
 
Last edited:
(((Bronx)))

Have a look at the pancreatitis primer in the FDMB FAQs section.

Also its a good idea to learn to recognise nausea symptoms as they can act as a guide to making food choices which are more comfortable for Bronx to eat:

Nausea symptoms and treatments

It might be worth asking your vet about giving Bronx some slippery elm to see whether it might soothe his GI tract. A course of buprenorphine for pain relief might help the inflammation to subside.

Feeding smaller, more frequent meals may help reduce discomfort (e.g. 1 mini meal every 3 hours - timed feeders are a godsend!). Raising the bowls a few inches off the ground can also make eating more comfortable. Although there is no research evidence to indicate that dietary fat levels make pancreatitis symptoms worse anecdotally there are reports in some online feline pancreatitis support groups that the proportion of fat in the diet may have an effect on inflammation levels.

Adding a couple of teaspoonfuls of water to each feed to improve hydration may also improve things.

Here is a very helpful resource; lots of information on symptoms and treatments:

IDEXX pancreatitis treatment guidelines

Supportive meds for the liver may also aid digestion; I suggest asking your vet for a recommendation as to whether a supplement might help Bronx.

A full course of B12 injections can help a great deal with pancreatitis problems. Also when you do get Bronx's BG better regulated you may see a reduction in pancreatitis symptoms.

Going forward it is very helpful to keep a squirrel stock of anti-nausea medication meds at home so that any nausea problems can be addressed promptly and reduce risk of kitty becoming inappetent. It's also a good idea to have an appetite stimulant in the home medicine cabinet, too (though usually if nausea is resolved quickly appy stimulants tend not to be called for). I have found ondansetron (for nausea) and cyproheptadine (for appetite) to be very effective supportive meds.

Another thing to keep tabs on is stool quality. Constipation may exacerbate pancreatitis symptoms. Here's a very helpful site:

www.felineconstipation.org

I can't recommend strongly enough that you start keeping a journal for Bronx (food brand/variety and batch number, clinical signs, meds, etc.). Getting repeat Spec fPL tests at suitable intervals may help you to determine which foods/treatments work better (though no guarantees).

I'd like to add a final word about eye health. As is well-known, diabetics need to be more careful about eye health. I learned the hard way that one should also be very careful about eye health for pancreatitis kitties because they are potentially vulnerable to developing eye problems (e.g. uveitis). I would recommend that all kitties with pancreatitis issues get regular, thorough eye exams (including intraocular pressure) as part of their regular veterinary check-ups.

Hope you find some of the above helpful.


Mogs
.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top