FrançaisThe signs are vague
| Sign | Frequency across studies |
|---|---|
| Lethargy | 51–100% |
| Eating less or not at all | 62–97% |
| Dehydration | 37–92% |
| Low body temperature | 39–68% |
| Vomiting | 35–52% |
| Weight loss | 30–47% |
| Diarrhea | 11–38% |
| Jaundice | 6–37% |
| Apparent belly pain | 10–30% |
The panel thinks belly pain is under-recognized in cats rather than truly rare [1]. Pancreatitis can be acute (fully reversible) or chronic (with lasting changes); the difference is mainly seen under the microscope, not in the signs [1].
The tests and what they show
- Spec fPL (feline pancreatic lipase): the most specific blood test. In 275 sick cats, a high result was right 90% of the time, but a normal result did not exclude pancreatitis [1]. Values above 5.4 µg/L are compatible with pancreatitis and 3.6–5.4 µg/L are equivocal; chronic cases often have normal values [2].
- SNAP fPL: an in-clinic test; a normal result makes pancreatitis unlikely [1].
- DGGR lipase: a cheaper lipase test that agreed fairly well with Spec fPL, but it is less specific because other lipases are measured too [1].
- Amylase is of little use in cats [1]. See lipase and amylase.
- Ultrasound should be part of the basic work-up, but it misses many mild cases (sensitivity 11–67%) [1].
How to read the Spec fPL line
Here is an example line from a cat that stopped eating.
- Abbreviation Spec fPL or fPLI. Not the same test as total lipase or DGGR lipase.
- Result 9.8 µg/L in this illustrative line: above the 5.4 µg/L cut-off.
- Unit µg/L.
- Laboratory interval Up to 3.5 µg/L is considered normal; 3.6–5.4 is a grey zone [2].
- Flag H: above the interval. Supports pancreatitis when the signs and ultrasound fit [1].
Diseases that often come with it
Pancreatitis in cats is linked with chronic bowel disease, inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis), fatty liver (hepatic lipidosis), diabetes and kidney inflammation [1]. Cats share a single opening for the bile duct and the pancreatic duct into the intestine, which may explain the link with bile duct inflammation [1]. When bowel, liver and pancreas are inflamed together, vets speak of “triaditis”; in one study of 47 cats it was found in 17% [3].
A cat that does not eat for several days can develop a fatty liver, which substantially increases the risk of death; withholding food is not recommended [1]. Chronic pancreatitis can also lead to diabetes or poor digestion (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) [1]. See high liver enzymes in cats and diabetes in cats.
Outlook
Mild and chronic forms are common and can often be managed. In acute pancreatitis, reported mortality ranges from 9% to 41%; low ionized calcium, low blood sugar and raised kidney values are poor signs [1].
Related articles
En français : la pancréatite du chat.
When a cat stops eating for days: hepatic lipidosis.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
- Is the Spec fPL high, normal or in the grey zone?
- Does the ultrasound show changes in the pancreas, liver or intestine?
- Could my cat also have bowel disease, cholangitis or a fatty liver?
- Are the glucose, calcium and kidney values normal?
- How do we make sure my cat keeps eating?
Get your cat’s pancreas, liver and kidney values explained together.
AI DiagAnimals reads Spec fPL, liver enzymes, bilirubin, glucose and the rest of the panel together with your laboratory’s intervals, and prepares the questions for your vet. The service opens soon: leave your email to be told first.
Frequently asked questions
What are the early signs of pancreatitis in cats?
Usually lethargy and eating less. Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and jaundice are less consistent, and belly pain is hard to see in cats [1].
What causes pancreatitis in cats?
In more than 95% of cats no cause is found. It is often associated with bowel disease, cholangitis, fatty liver or diabetes [1].
Can a cat have pancreatitis with a normal Spec fPL?
Yes. A normal result does not exclude it, especially in mild or chronic pancreatitis [1, 2].
What is triaditis in cats?
Inflammation of the bowel, the bile ducts and the pancreas at the same time. One study found it in 17% of 47 cats examined [3].
Should a cat with pancreatitis stop eating?
No. Withholding food is not recommended, because cats that do not eat can develop a fatty liver [1].
Sources
- Forman MA et al. ACVIM consensus statement on pancreatitis in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2021;35(2):703-723. doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16053
- eClinPath, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Lipase. eclinpath.com/chemistry/pancreas/lipase
- Fragkou FC et al. Prevalence and clinicopathological features of triaditis in a prospective case series of symptomatic and asymptomatic cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2016;30(4):1031-1045. doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14356
Laboratory methods and reference intervals vary. This article explains; it does not diagnose. For a decision about your pet, use the original report and talk to your veterinarian. Our editorial policy.