Feline Flash Notes - Feline Pancreatitis Flashcards
what is triaditis?
pancreatitis + IBD + cholangitis
T/F: it is common for cats with pancreatitis to have concurrent triaditis
true
what is the classic presentation of a cat with pancreatitis?
VAGUE! any cat with vague clinical signs!
> 50% show anorexia, lethargy, dehydration
25-50% show weight loss, hypothermia, vomiting, & icterus
< 25% show fever, abdominal pain, & dyspnea
what are the risk factors for feline pancreatitis?
abdominal trauma, pancreatic hypoperfusion, pharmaceuticals, & infections
what is the test of choice for diagnosing feline pancreatitis?
serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (spec fPL)
what is seen on abdominal ultrasound that is consistent with feline pancreatitis?
enlarged, hypoechoic pancreas
what is the treatment of choice used for feline pancreatitis?
IV fluids & supportive care
analgesia, anti-emetics, nutritional support to prevent hepatic lipidosis, & +/- glucocorticoids
what treatment is used for chronic cases of feline pancreatitis?
glucocorticoid trial, empirical treatment with praziquantel for possible liver flukes
why is metoclopramide not used for treatment in cats with pancreatitis?
it decreases perfusion to the pancreas!
a 4 year old DSH cat presents with an acute history of anorexia & vomiting. the physical exam is unremarkable. lab work is done with the following results:
cbc - normal.
chemistry - elevated ALT.
abdominal radiographs - normal.
abdominal ultrasound - enlarged, hypoechoic pancreas & prominent bile duct.
what additional diagnostic test should be performed to confirm a presumptive diagnosis of pancreatitis?
spec fPL
a cat with suspected pancreatitis has a normal result on its serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity test. what does this mean?
normal levels do not rule out the diagnosis of pancreatitis
run a spec fPL instead - high sensitivity & specificity
