Pancreatitis

[Ann & Liz]

Could someone give me an idea of a pancreatic reading of 14. Is this a reading that would indicate significant issues.? This is a cat that we were considering adopting and has recently been vomiting quite violently most days at present and sitting hunched at times and then settling to appear quite relaxed. Also drinking a fair bit. But vet says no ckd or diabetes present in tests only the pancreas levels raised.

 

[jayla-n-Drevon]

Hi
Sounds like kitty needs cerenia and ondansetron as well as some sub q fluids.

Cerenia should stop the vomiting for 24 hours. You can give orally or injection-the injection burns like fire. I only give injection of cerenia right after I give fluids and shoot right into the fluid bubble. I also keep the cerenia inj in the fridge.

Ondansetron is for nausea they can be given together in the same gel cap. Fluids will help keep hydrated and in my experience helps the episode pass quicker.

I will bump this up for the experts on the forum this is just what I do when my boys have a flare -- I can tell the very early symptoms and get on it quickly which makes the episode last only a few days (I continue the meds for longer than when it appears to be cleared up just in case)
Pancreatitis can be very painful untreated which generally ends up in the "meatloaf" position you mentioned.

BUMP

 

[jayla-n-Drevon]

PS -- anything or nothing can set it off in my experience but stress seems to play a factor.

 

[Ann & Liz]

PS -- anything or nothing can set it off in my experience but stress seems to play a factor.

Thank you for all the info. The cat in question is 16y and seems like he may have been diagnosed with pancreatitis in the past. Is the reading of 14 likely to indicate an acute flare up or a level that he has been living with for a while do you think. At the moment we don't feel we can probably take him on as our energies are really low after caring for ageing animals in past few years etc. And soon moving house!

 

[Olive & Paula]

The 14 depends on which test was run. On the Precision PSL normal is 8-26. I do not know the other test off hand. The cat in questioned could be getting food that doesn't agree with him. Most shelters feed dry food because it's economical for them. Also cat would probably do better if food was given in mini meals throughout the day. Shelters tend to leave a full bowl out for the entire day, if lucky might get a fresh bowl for the overnight when they close.

A change in diet and some meds temporarily, permanent home could make all the difference in the world.

 

[jayla-n-Drevon]

I also am not confident enough about the 14 to comment on it. I have 2 seniors (19 and 20). I give my 20 year old a cerenia and ondansetron every morning and ondansetron at night-he also gets daily fluids .
I know it sounds like a lot but it really only takes about 5-10 minutes and he no longer has tummy troubles and never vomits. With the 2 old boys we are all about the preemptive strike
He has IBD and on budesonide--he had water poo for months and no answers... we had to figure it out ourselves but he is doing great now.

I agree about the small meals and better quality may make a huge difference. Even taking away or limiting dry food could make a change. Shelters are very high stress which is so sad.

I hope the kitty is feeling better and not in the "meatloaf" position.... sending prayers

 

[Ann & Liz]

Thank you for the replies. After much thought and soul searching we have decided that we are emotionally and physically at present not the right people to take on this cat. He is a burmese and being cared for by burmese rescue who are getting veterinary support for him and when he is stabilised and a treatment plan in place will continue to look for a supportive foster/permanent home for him. We have had to be really honest with ourselves and realise that it is probably too soon after losing Lila for us to take on health problems from the start. We are hoping that the right person comes up for him very soon.

 

[PussCatPrince - GA]

Thank you for the replies. After much thought and soul searching we have decided that we are emotionally and physically at present not the right people to take on this cat. He is a burmese and being cared for by burmese rescue who are getting veterinary support for him and when he is stabilised and a treatment plan in place will continue to look for a supportive foster/permanent home for him. We have had to be really honest with ourselves and realise that it is probably too soon after losing Lila for us to take on health problems from the start. We are hoping that the right person comes up for him very soon.

It takes very strong and caring people to make the right decisions like that.

I hope Lila finds a person but I am absolutely positive you are the finest of people when it comes to care.

 

[jayla-n-Drevon]

I know how hard that decision is and very unselfish. I wish I could take more but like you in all honesty I could not care for the ones I have properly if I did. I am glad kitty is with Burmese rescue..a beautiful breed.