Pancreatitis In Cats With Diabetes

Cats with diabetes mellitus may need to begin insulin and have their diets changed.

Pancreatitis in cats with diabetes. Diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis are two distinct diseases encountered commonly in small animal practice. Whilst the clinical signs of diabetes mellitus are usually unmistakeable a firm diagnosis of pancreatitis can prove more elusive as clinical signs are often variable. The pancreas is an internal organ that lies by the stomach in a cat.

The overall prevalence of pancreatitis in diabetic cats was 57 and in control cats 60. When cats get pancreatitis the general clinical signs involve the gastrointestinal tract. It has very important hormonal functions including release of insulin in response to eating.

What is Pancreatitis and how does it relate to diabetes. Pancreatitis is a common comorbidity in cats and can be frequently found diagnosed alongside diabetes mellitus during its first presentation to medical practitioners. In recent years a new pancreatic test has become available to diagnose pancreatitis even if pancreatic enzyme levels are normal.

Cats with acute pancreatitis can become insulin resistant and develop transient diabetes mellitus. Diabetic animals that have a bout of pancreatitis. Diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis are two distinct diseases encountered commonly in small animal practice.

Diabetes develops because insulin-producing cells the islet cells of the pancreas become damaged. For example cats with pancreatitis will likely need hospitalization and supportive care to treat pancreatitis. 15 In a recent laboratory study increased fPLI was found in 24 of 29 83 samples from diabetic cats.

Chronic pancreatitis should be considered in cats who are not responding well to treatment for other chronic illnesses. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can interfere with insulin production resulting in diabetes mellitus. 4 The diabetes may resolve or become permanent especially if chronic pancreatitis persists.