In brief
Pancreatitis often causes vague signs such as reduced appetite, nausea, lethargy, weight loss and sometimes vomiting. No single test confirms or excludes every case.
Why it looks different in cats
Cats with pancreatitis may not show dramatic abdominal pain or repeated vomiting. Some simply eat less, hide or lose weight. Pancreatitis may occur alone or alongside inflammatory bowel disease, cholangitis, diabetes or other illness.
Diagnosis is a combination
History, examination, blood tests, feline pancreatic lipase measurement and abdominal ultrasound each contribute information. A normal ultrasound or pancreatic lipase result does not exclude every case, particularly mild or chronic disease. Biopsy is rarely the first step and is not practical for every patient.
Treatment priorities
- Treat nausea and pain proactively.
- Correct dehydration and electrolyte problems.
- Encourage early, adequate nutrition; feeding-tube support may be appropriate.
- Address concurrent disease and complications such as diabetes or biliary disease.
- Use antibiotics only when there is a specific reason to suspect bacterial infection.
Prognosis
Mild cases can recover well, while severe pancreatitis can be life-threatening. Chronic or recurrent disease may require long-term monitoring and treatment of associated conditions.
Conclusion
In cats, “not eating and not themselves” can be the main presentation. Early supportive treatment is important even while the diagnostic picture is still being assembled.