New pancreatitis Dx…diet change needed?

[Howiesmom]

Howie was just diagnosed with pancreatitis today due to vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite. He’s on Cerenia and a transdermal appetite stimulant. He already was eating better tonight which is a relief. He currently only eats Weruva pates that are under 8% carbs and low phosphorus. My vet doesn’t think I need to change up his food but wanted to ask the experts on here! Anything else I should know and do? I feel bad as it’s probably been going on for 2-3 weeks. I just updated his labs on his spreadsheet too.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Sheba used to respond fairly quickly to treatment for pancreatitis...which is supportive until it settles down.
So the main things are pain relief because pancreatitis is very painful. Sheba used to get a bupe injection at the vet and that mostly was enough for her unless it was a bad flare.
She also had a cerenia injection and subQ fluids. If Howie looks at all dehydrated ask for sub Q fluids. You can feel his gums...they should be slippery. If dehydrated they will be tacky.
The food you are feeding should be fine.

 

[Howiesmom]

Sheba used to respond fairly quickly to treatment for pancreatitis...which is supportive until it settles down.
So the main things are pain relief because pancreatitis is very painful. Sheba used to get a bupe injection at the vet and that mostly was enough for her unless it was a bad flare.
She also had a cerenia injection and subQ fluids. If Howie looks at all dehydrated ask for sub Q fluids. You can feel his gums...they should be slippery. If dehydrated they will be tacky.
The food you are feeding should be fine.

Thank you so much! The. Dr didn’t think that fluids were necessary at this time but I will certainly keep an eye on him. He was a little slower eating his breakfast today but it was better than the past few mornings! The interesting part was that he came up to my room at his normal time to beg for breakfast but just sat there…no begging or crawling on me! Not sure what that was about but it gave me a couple more minutes of sleep!

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I’m glad he seems a bit better. It will take a few days or longer to get back to normal.
Do you have Cerenia tablets to give at home for a few days?
Some cats need them longer than others.

 

[Howiesmom]

I’m glad he seems a bit better. It will take a few days or longer to get back to normal.
Do you have Cerenia tablets to give at home for a few days?
Some cats need them longer than others.

Yep! I got 4 tablets to give him for a week (1/2 tablet/day).

 

[JL and Chip]

How is Howie feeling today?

In case you haven’t seen it, here’s a link to the Primer on Pancreatitis.
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/a-primer-on-pancreatitis.79693/

My Charlie had a rough time with chronic pancreatitis. Pain meds (bupe) and subQ fluids were key, as was an antacid/anti-nausea med (we used famotidine back in the day). You do have to be cautious with fluids if a heart issue is present (not uncommon in acro cats).

Low-fat foods are important when dealing with pancreatitis in dogs but not so much in cats. I fed Charlie the same food as usual; I think most other folks do too. ECID, of course, and I do recall one former member whose cat seemed to do better on a lower fat food.

 

[Howiesmom]

How is Howie feeling today?

In case you haven’t seen it, here’s a link to the Primer on Pancreatitis.
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/a-primer-on-pancreatitis.79693/

My Charlie had a rough time with chronic pancreatitis. Pain meds (bupe) and subQ fluids were key, as was an antacid/anti-nausea med (we used famotidine back in the day). You do have to be cautious with fluids if a heart issue is present (not uncommon in acro cats).

Low-fat foods are important when dealing with pancreatitis in dogs but not so much in cats. I fed Charlie the same food as usual; I think most other folks do too. ECID, of course, and I do recall one former member whose cat seemed to do better on a lower fat food.

He’s doing better today which is such a relief to see. He still takes breaks when he’s eating, but not as much as before. How long before a meal should he get the cerenia and the appetite stimulant (transdermal)? They just told me once every 24 hours. I’m trying to give it within an hour before his supper.

 

[Virginie & Chewie (GA)]

So glad Howie is starting to feel better! I have a kitty with chronic pancreatitis, and it's not always easy to get them to eat.
I have had good luck with the mirtazapine ointment, I typically only have to use a half dose, but every cat is different, and you can certainly start at full dose, then dial back if you find Howie gets too ravenous.
When does Howie get the most of his meals? If you're home and he eats mostly during the day, I would consider giving the meds in the morning so you get to feed him as many times as he wants during the window of maximum efficacy.
If you feed him mostly in the evening then you could give the meds as soon as you get home.
When I gave mirtazapine in the evening in the past, it worked so well that I was woken up twice that night by a howling, hungry kitty!