Percy is a handsome, 11 1/2 year old Domestic Long Hair cat who was recently diagnosed with pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ which produces metabolic hormones (such as insulin which regulates blood sugar) and digestive enzymes. When the pancreas become inflamed, digestive enzymes begin to break down fat and proteins in other organs as well as the pancreas.
Symptoms can include nausea, abdominal pain, lethargy and appetite loss. 90% of the causes of pancreatitis are unknown. Risk factors can include inflammatory bowel disease, organophosphate exposure, or certain drugs.
Pancreatitis often progresses rapidly in cats, but can often be treated without any permanent damage to the organ. However, if pancreatitis goes longterm without treatment, severe organ damage, failure and even death can occur.
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. It can range anywhere from hospitalization, intravenous fluid support, feeding tubes and dietary changes.
Percy’s owners got him help immediately, and we are happy to report that he is back to normal. His owners are to be commended, as they have multiple cats, all on various special diets, and yet these incredible owners seem to have found a way to make it work!
Thanks so much Dr. Toles for profiling Percy as pet of the week! We are forever grateful for the prompt and loving care Percy received from you and your staff and the Niagara Veterinary Emergency Clinic.
We are so happy to have our “Ginger Boy” back! He is doing remarkable well! Cathy and Mark