Pancreatitis is a disease in cats where the pancreas, a key part of their digestive system, becomes inflamed. This illness can appear suddenly, but with the right care, most cats can recover and get back to feeling like themselves.1
Let’s go over the potential causes of pancreatitis in cats, as well as the symptoms to look out for, treatment options, and potential veterinary costs. We’ll also cover how pet insurance can help manage the costs, so you can focus on getting your furry friend the care they need.
What Is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an important organ involved in your cat’s digestive system. Normally, the pancreas releases inactive digestive enzymes into the small intestine to help with digestion, but when these enzymes are activated prematurely in the pancreas itself, it causes pancreatic inflammation.1
This inflammation can also spread to other parts of your cat’s digestive tract, including the intestines and liver. It can lead to conditions like hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) if left untreated.1
What Causes Pancreatitis?
The exact cause of pancreatitis in cats isn’t fully understood because it can develop suddenly and without a clear trigger, which can make it difficult for veterinarians to pinpoint a specific underlying cause. Some of the risk factors for feline pancreatitis can include the following:2,3
- Underlying health conditions: Pancreatitis is often linked to other health conditions, like diabetes mellitus, liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Physical injury: An injury to the cat’s abdomen can also contribute to pancreatitis.
- Infections: Certain bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation in the pancreas, which can lead to pancreatitis.
- Reactions to medications: Some medications, like certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, may cause adverse reactions that can cause feline pancreatitis.
Your vet might do a biopsy to help determine how severe the inflammation is or rule out other feline health conditions.2,3 Pancreatitis can affect any cat, regardless of breed, age, or sex.1,3 Your vet can help assess your cat’s risk by reviewing their medical history and overall health during a physical examination.
What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Cats?
Early recognition and treatment are key to helping your cat make a full recovery from pancreatitis. Some of the most common clinical signs of pancreatitis in cats can include:1,2
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Reduced appetite or anorexia
- Abdominal pain
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit the vet — even if it turns out not to be pancreatitis. Early intervention can help manage your cat’s health more effectively.
How Is Feline Pancreatitis Diagnosed?
Your vet may recommend a series of tests to achieve a diagnosis of pancreatitis. They’ll usually conduct blood tests to check for abnormalities, like elevated white blood cell counts or high levels of enzymes, which indicate inflammation in the pancreas. Radiographs or ultrasound imaging may also be used to detect inflammation in and around your cat’s pancreas.1,2,3
The feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) test is a more recent development and one of the most reliable tests for diagnosing pancreatitis in cats. This test measures specific blood serum markers to quickly provide a positive or negative pancreatitis diagnosis.2
The SNAP fPL version of the test gives same-day results in many clinics, while the Spec fPL is sent to an external lab for a more detailed analysis. However, these tests might not detect mild or chronic cases of pancreatitis. Based on the results of the test, your vet can recommend the right treatment plan for your kitty.2
Pancreatitis in Cats: Treatment Options
Treating chronic or acute pancreatitis in cats usually involves intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain hydration and balance electrolytes. In many cases, your cat may need to stay in the animal hospital for a few days to receive fluids and medications that help control symptoms like vomiting, reduce inflammation, and manage pain.1,2,3
If your cat has a more severe case of pancreatitis, there’s a risk of systemic shock, which requires more intensive care. In these situations, your vet may give higher doses of fluids and medication, and extend your cat’s hospital stay to closely monitor their recovery.1
Most cats will recover from pancreatitis with the right treatment, but some may develop chronic pancreatitis. This means they might experience periodic bouts of inflammation throughout their life, requiring ongoing treatment sessions and care. Your vet may prescribe a low-fat diet and nutritional support to help manage inflammation, especially if your cat has also been diagnosed with IBD or diabetes.1,3
How Much Does It Cost to Treat Feline Pancreatitis?
The cost of treating pancreatitis in cats can vary depending on several factors, including where you live. Clinics located in more populated areas may have higher fees for treatment compared to those in rural areas.
On average, pancreatitis treatment costs between $400 and $1,500.4 If your cat has a more severe form of pancreatitis, the total cost may be on the higher end. For cats with chronic pancreatitis, the cost of ongoing vet visits and treatments might mean additional expenses over time. However, pet insurance may be able to help you cover some of these potential costs.
For example, a cat in Greenville, Texas, was treated for pancreatitis with a total vet bill of around $820. With an 80% coverage plan through MetLife Pet Insurance, the owner was reimbursed about $660 for the pancreatitis exam.5
With a cat insurance policy, you can focus on getting your cat the care they need without the stress of unexpected costs, like those associated with pancreatitis.
Manage Feline Pancreatitis Costs With Pet Insurance
Caring for your cat’s health, especially with conditions like pancreatitis, can be stressful. Luckily, a cat insurance policy can help you manage the costs. MetLife Pet Insurance may be able to provide coverage for diagnostic tests, hospitalization, medications, and more.
Get a personalized quote today to see how MetLife Pet Insurance can help you cover your cat’s pancreatitis costs.