Pancreatitis questions

[tajana340]

Hi everyone,

I just need some feedback from anyone who has dealt with pancreatitis. My poor spice has it at the moment and I am not sure if it will subside or not. How may days/weeks has anyone dealt with this? What did the vet do? I think this can be recurring. Any info or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx
David

 

[Susan & Sheba]

Hi David,

I'm sorry that I can't help you on this, though I am sure someone will be along to help you. What symptoms does spice have? I'm worried that Sheba may have it (was thinking of bringing her in tomorrow for the test).

Thanks,
Susan & Sheba

 

[tajana340]

Hi David,

I'm sorry that I can't help you on this, though I am sure someone will be along to help you. What symptoms does spice have? I'm worried that Sheba may have it (was thinking of bringing her in tomorrow for the test).

Thanks,
Susan & Sheba

She quit eating for about 2 days before I noticed. She also lost a lot of weight. She hid underneath my end table where she hides only when she feels sick. On the 4th day of this she was hiding in the bathromm and when I went to pick her up she cried out in pain. She went to the vet that morning and got diagnosed with pancreatitis the next day after bloodwork.

 

[squeem3]

Here is info on how pancreatitis is treated in diabetic cats: http://www.felinediabetes.com/phorum5/r ... 722,876722

Some people feel that a lower fat diet helps. Here is a list of low fat/low carb foods: http://www.felinediabetes.com/phorum5/r ... ?8,1259368

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

My cat experienced one bout of pancreatitis and (anti-jinx) it has never recurred. However, there are many cats who experience chronic pancreatitis. The link to Jojo's "Pepsid deficiency"post is excellent. Generally, Pepsid and pain medication are basic requirements for treatment. Many cats, like yours, are in substantial discomfort and won't eat. An appetite stimulant often helps. Many cats are also nauseous. Pepsid may help or a specific anti-nauseant may also be needed. Did your vet give you any medications to treat the pancreatitis?

This is a link to a clinical roundtable on pancreatitis and one on treatment. Both discussions note that there is some controversy about food issues. The amount of fat in the diet appears to be more of an issue in treating dogs vs. cats but every cat is different so you'll need to decide that for your cat.

 

[Vicky & Gandalf (GA) & Murrlin]

Length of pancreatitis illness is an ECID thing, Every Cat Is Different. There are meds which can be given to stimulate their appetite because cats need to eat, they cannot be fasted through the pancreatitis episode like dogs should be. However some cats get so sick they may need to be syringe fed or have a feeding tube placed. We were close to the feeding tube with Gandalf during his first bout. During his three other episodes he had some vomiting and didn't eat for a few days, but with syringe feeding and pain meds and Pepcid AC (famotidine) I got him back on track quickly. The first bout was not identified quickly enough and he got really bad before we started pain treatment.

Since it seems like you caught it quickly, it may not last too long for her. It's important to get treatment as soon as possible. Please note it's important that you're giving Pepcid AC or generic name famotidine, not regular Pepcid. Get 10 mg. tablets and cut them in 3rds or quarters for whatever dose your vet says to give. There are options for pain meds, but most of us who've used it in cats prefer buprenorphine or Buprenex brand name. It can be given orally in the sides of the cheeks (it is absorbed through the soft tissue) or injected, so discuss your preference with your vet.