Amy and Six
Very Active Member
This past week one of my civies, Lyle, had a severe case of pancreatitis (spec-fPl results = 16). He was hospitalized from Monday night until Saturday (today). Quite frankly, until the results came back, I didn't think (and neither did my vet) this was a case of p~titis simply because he has been a healthy cat. Thankfully, my vet treated it as a possible case because all other test results came back negative (no blockage, no strange blood work results).
My sugar cat Six, also had a bout with p~titis in February.
So...2 of our 7 cats have now suffered from p~titis in the past three months and at least in civie Lyle's case, I suspect a change in his diet was the contributing factor (and my vet is in agreement). Understandably, I am scared to death that any of our other civies would suffer an attack, not to mention civie Lyle and dc Six having another attack. We are prepared at home to treat anyone who looks like might be suffering from an attack (fluids, bupe, sam-e).
Because of number of cats and issues with feeding time, we switched all of the civies to LC food January, with the option of some dry food supplement (Core Wellness). I am now looking at moving to MC wet - lower fat, but higher in carbs and adjusting Six's insulin dosage if necessary.
I have found the old board posts with lists of Low-Carb/Med Fat Food lists (thank you to all who complied those lists). We also have a struggle because a few of the civies are fish sensitive (vomit) and many of the options on the list are fish foods.
So here are the specifics I am looking for...but welcome any other advice or links.
1. Has anyone else experienced a civie developing p~titis after switching to LC food? Please give details - especially if you thought food was a factor. I would love any links connecting food and pancreatitis in cats.
2. Any other food recommendations to suggest? I am currently mixing some LC with some HC to create MC food (adding and dividing the fat/carb to equal what I'm looking for in food...not a precise science right now, but I decided I needed to do something asap as I gather more data.)
****Today I am going to buy what Merrick I can find and order some cases. I have had very little luck finding the cowboy cookout and such locally. I'm also going to pick up some raw to try with the cats...haven't done that yet. Sienne recommended making our own raw, so I know that's an option.
3. I brought home a case of EN Gastroenteric Feline Formula Wet from the vet for Lyle (and possibly Six). Lyle wouldn't touch anything else at the vets besides some dry once he started eating again. It's recommended for p~titis flare ups. I emailed Purina for the "as fed" numbers, but does anyone else have them by chance? I have the min breakdown
Protein 9.5
Fat 4.0
Fiber 2.0
Moisture 78%
If the min are close to the "as fed" I could use this with Six too...and others. Would be $$. I also like the idea of more natural type foods (no by-products), but I am learning it's what my cats like. :smile:
4. Finally, B-12 supplement shots. I haven't started research, but would welcome any comments as to why some people use it to help prevent p~titis. My vet wasn't aware of its benefits (but she's totally open to what info I being her from this board).
Thank you for your help and advice!
My sugar cat Six, also had a bout with p~titis in February.
So...2 of our 7 cats have now suffered from p~titis in the past three months and at least in civie Lyle's case, I suspect a change in his diet was the contributing factor (and my vet is in agreement). Understandably, I am scared to death that any of our other civies would suffer an attack, not to mention civie Lyle and dc Six having another attack. We are prepared at home to treat anyone who looks like might be suffering from an attack (fluids, bupe, sam-e).
Because of number of cats and issues with feeding time, we switched all of the civies to LC food January, with the option of some dry food supplement (Core Wellness). I am now looking at moving to MC wet - lower fat, but higher in carbs and adjusting Six's insulin dosage if necessary.
I have found the old board posts with lists of Low-Carb/Med Fat Food lists (thank you to all who complied those lists). We also have a struggle because a few of the civies are fish sensitive (vomit) and many of the options on the list are fish foods.
So here are the specifics I am looking for...but welcome any other advice or links.
1. Has anyone else experienced a civie developing p~titis after switching to LC food? Please give details - especially if you thought food was a factor. I would love any links connecting food and pancreatitis in cats.
2. Any other food recommendations to suggest? I am currently mixing some LC with some HC to create MC food (adding and dividing the fat/carb to equal what I'm looking for in food...not a precise science right now, but I decided I needed to do something asap as I gather more data.)
****Today I am going to buy what Merrick I can find and order some cases. I have had very little luck finding the cowboy cookout and such locally. I'm also going to pick up some raw to try with the cats...haven't done that yet. Sienne recommended making our own raw, so I know that's an option.
3. I brought home a case of EN Gastroenteric Feline Formula Wet from the vet for Lyle (and possibly Six). Lyle wouldn't touch anything else at the vets besides some dry once he started eating again. It's recommended for p~titis flare ups. I emailed Purina for the "as fed" numbers, but does anyone else have them by chance? I have the min breakdown
Protein 9.5
Fat 4.0
Fiber 2.0
Moisture 78%
If the min are close to the "as fed" I could use this with Six too...and others. Would be $$. I also like the idea of more natural type foods (no by-products), but I am learning it's what my cats like. :smile:
4. Finally, B-12 supplement shots. I haven't started research, but would welcome any comments as to why some people use it to help prevent p~titis. My vet wasn't aware of its benefits (but she's totally open to what info I being her from this board).
Thank you for your help and advice!