Feline and canine pancreatitis share many clinical features, but differ in presentation, diagnosis, and management. Cats often show subtler signs, while dogs tend to present more acutely.
Here’s a breakdown of the key similarities and differences between pancreatitis in cats and dogs:
🟢 Similarities
- Pathophysiology: In both species, pancreatitis involves inflammation of the pancreas, often due to autodigestion from prematurely activated pancreatic enzymes Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Risk of complications: Chronic pancreatitis in both cats and dogs can lead to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and diabetes mellitus Veterinary Medical Association of New York City.
- Diagnostic approach:
- Blood tests (e.g., serum lipase levels)
- Imaging (ultrasound)
- Clinical signs and history
- Treatment principles:
- Supportive care: fluid therapy, pain management, antiemetics
- Nutritional support: early feeding is encouraged once vomiting subsides
- Management of underlying conditions
🔴 Differences
| Feature | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Common presentation | Acute, often severe | Often chronic or subclinical |
| Clinical signs | Vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, fever | Lethargy, anorexia, weight loss; vomiting is less common Merck Veterinary Manual |
| Etiology | Often idiopathic; linked to high-fat diets, obesity, certain drugs | Often idiopathic; may be associated with hepatic lipidosis or inflammatory bowel disease Merck Veterinary Manual |
| Diagnosis challenges | Easier to detect due to overt symptoms | Often missed due to vague signs and overlapping conditions |
| Treatment options | Fuzapladib sodium approved for acute cases Merck Veterinary Manual | No specific feline-approved drugs; supportive care is primary |
🧠 Clinical Insight
- Cats often suffer from triaditis—a combination of pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cholangitis—making diagnosis and treatment more complex.
- Dogs may experience more dramatic episodes, but tend to respond more predictably to treatment.
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Sources: Veterinary Ireland Journal Veterinary Medical Association of New York City Merck Veterinary Manual