Chronic Pancreatitis

epona

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My elderly boy Jakey has just been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis and stage 1 chronic kidney disease.

I know a bit about CKD but was wondering whether anyone had any links, info or advice about chronic pancreatitis.

He is doing OK at the moment, the diagnosis was from changes seen in his pancreas during an ultrasound scan (I think usually called a sonogram in the US?), blood tests, along with the symptom of on off vomiting. He is not currently vomiting, the vet said to phone whenever he goes through a bout of nausea - I know the signs of this in cats - or vomiting so that I can get medication, but at the moment he is keeping his food down OK and is cuddly and playful (for an elderly cat).
 

FeebysOwner

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Hi. There is information on Tanya's web site about pancreatitis that you might be interested in reading. Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease - Pancreatitis (felinecrf.org), but the entire web site is worthy of reading if you have not already done so. There is also a forum associated with this web site that you can join (for free) and present questions to - although, they do like to see that you have some familiarity with Tanya's web site in general. [email protected] | Home

While it is suspected that my cat probably also has pancreatitis, the most important aspect is ensuring these cats eat fairly well and remain hydrated (sub-Q fluids, if deemed necessary). Some of the more serious cases might also require pain meds as I understand this condition can be a bit painful. It doesn't sound like Jakey is a serious case if he is eating on his own and is actually playful!

They do call them ultrasounds here too in the US - or, at least that is how I know them! And, oddly enough, the ultrasounds Feeby has had have not even shown any issues with the pancreas. From what I understand, it is often very hard to see. Did they actually run the SNAP fPL and/or Spec fPL tests or were the vets relying on the Amylase and Precision PL testing that is often part of the Super Chem panel (at least in my 'next of the woods')?
 
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epona

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Thank you FeebysOwner FeebysOwner for your response!

I will definitely have a look at the links you provided, much appreciated :)

He did have a load of blood tests recently (including some that were in addition to the geriatric panel that I gave the OK to after the initial results had come back, that might have been the ones you mention), and ultrasound on Monday morning which according to the imaging specialist indicated changes in the pancreas and kidneys that backed up the blood results.

I think maybe the pancreas showed on the scan because over the weekend he was vomiting which means he was having a flare-up at the time the scan was done? I don't know if that sounds feasible.

He seems to be doing a lot better now and has kept all his meals down this week, which is great. I've been feeding him smaller portions more frequently, which seems to help, with added water for hydration, so it's soupy with thin gravy (prescription wet food).

I am worried that if it flares up again it could be incredibly painful for him, but he hasn't at any point yet (so far, touch wood) lost his appetite, which I take as a good sign that right now he is not in too bad a way, I know of course that if he loses his appetite or is bringing up every meal that is an emergency.

Thank you for the links!
 

neely

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Aafia Ijaz

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My elderly boy Jakey has just been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis and stage 1 chronic kidney disease.

I know a bit about CKD but was wondering whether anyone had any links, info or advice about chronic pancreatitis.

He is doing OK at the moment, the diagnosis was from changes seen in his pancreas during an ultrasound scan (I think usually called a sonogram in the US?), blood tests, along with the symptom of on off vomiting. He is not currently vomiting, the vet said to phone whenever he goes through a bout of nausea - I know the signs of this in cats - or vomiting so that I can get medication, but at the moment he is keeping his food down OK and is cuddly and playful (for an elderly cat).
What was he vomiting?
 

Aafia Ijaz

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Hi. There is information on Tanya's web site about pancreatitis that you might be interested in reading. Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease - Pancreatitis (felinecrf.org), but the entire web site is worthy of reading if you have not already done so. There is also a forum associated with this web site that you can join (for free) and present questions to - although, they do like to see that you have some familiarity with Tanya's web site in general. [email protected] | Home

While it is suspected that my cat probably also has pancreatitis, the most important aspect is ensuring these cats eat fairly well and remain hydrated (sub-Q fluids, if deemed necessary). Some of the more serious cases might also require pain meds as I understand this condition can be a bit painful. It doesn't sound like Jakey is a serious case if he is eating on his own and is actually playful!

They do call them ultrasounds here too in the US - or, at least that is how I know them! And, oddly enough, the ultrasounds Feeby has had have not even shown any issues with the pancreas. From what I understand, it is often very hard to see. Did they actually run the SNAP fPL and/or Spec fPL tests or were the vets relying on the Amylase and Precision PL testing that is often part of the Super Chem panel (at least in my 'next of the woods')?
How is it suspected that your cat has pancreatitis? And does ckd often lead to pancreatitis? Is there any link?
 

FeebysOwner

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How is it suspected that your cat has pancreatitis? And does ckd often lead to pancreatitis? Is there any link?
Lethargy and inappetence, along with high amylase and Precision PSL numbers on her Chemistry panel. But, neither of the vets she has seen recently want to do further testing, such as the SNAP fPL and/or Spec fPL tests. I suppose it is because the numbers I referenced can be elevated without it specifically being pancreatitis - not to mention the lethargy and inappetence can be tied to so many other conditions. And, I have read that pancreatitis in cats is relatively rare.

I don't believe there is any direct link between it and CKD; as I understand the actual cause of pancreatitis is hardly ever identified. It is thought to be more likely to be related to cats with IBD, but that is primarily medical speculation.
 

Aafia Ijaz

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Lethargy and inappetence, along with high amylase and Precision PSL numbers on her Chemistry panel. But, neither of the vets she has seen recently want to do further testing, such as the SNAP fPL and/or Spec fPL tests. I suppose it is because the numbers I referenced can be elevated without it specifically being pancreatitis - not to mention the lethargy and inappetence can be tied to so many other conditions. And, I have read that pancreatitis in cats is relatively rare.

I don't believe there is any direct link between it and CKD; as I understand the actual cause of pancreatitis is hardly ever identified. It is thought to be more likely to be related to cats with IBD, but that is primarily medical speculation.
Do high amylase and Precision PSL numbers always mean pancreatitis? Also، don't you think the inappetence and lethargy is due to the CKD? Does your cat also vomit?
 

FeebysOwner

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Does high amylase and Precision PSL numbers always mean pancreatitis? Also، don't you think the inappetence and lethargy is due to the CKD? Does your cat also vomit?
No, those numbers do not always mean pancreatitis. Yes, inappetence and lethargy can be due to CKD, and probably somewhat due to her arthritis as well. Knock on wood, Feeby rarely ever vomits. She does spit up hair once or twice a month. but mostly just the hair and nothing else.
 

Aafia Ijaz

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No, those numbers do not always mean pancreatitis. Yes, inappetence and lethargy can be due to CKD, and probably somewhat due to her arthritis as well. Knock on wood, Feeby rarely ever vomits. She does spit up hair once or twice a month. but mostly just the hair and nothing else.
How is her stool though? And what color?
 

Aafia Ijaz

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My cat does large poops (in width and length) though they are cylinderical in shape. They are actually separate poops but are joined when she poops, when i pick them up with scoop they separate. I don't if large poop is normal.
 
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