Tier 1 — must know
Feline
Gastrointestinal
Pancreatitis
Acute and chronic pancreatitis in cats · triaditis · supportive care
⏱ 3–4 min read · Topic 5 of 5
5
Practice Qs
4
Traps
High
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Exam core — read this first
Feline pancreatitis → often chronic, low-grade, with vague signs; acute necrotizing pancreatitis is less common
Triaditis → pancreatitis + cholangiohepatitis + IBD concurrent; common in cats
Diagnosis → fPLI is most sensitive/specific; ultrasound shows hypoechoic pancreas + peripancreatic fat changes
Board logic → any cat with vague GI signs and lethargy should have pancreatitis on the differential
Visual summary — Triaditis
Triaditis = Pancreatitis + Cholangiohepatitis + IBD
Shared anatomy: bile duct and pancreatic duct enter duodenum at major duodenal papilla → ascending inflammation/infection pathway.
| Component | Key features | Treatment clue |
|---|---|---|
| Pancreatitis | fPLI ↑, hypoechoic pancreas, vomiting, anorexia | Early enteral nutrition, maropitant |
| Cholangiohepatitis | ↑ ALT/ALP, ↑ bilirubin, fever (suppurative) | Antibiotics (amoxi-clav), ursodiol |
| IBD | Chronic vomiting/diarrhea, thickened bowel loops | Prednisolone, novel protein diet |
Key data
fPLI
> 5.3 mcg/L
Most specific test
Amylase/Lipase
Not useful in cats
Do not use
Ultrasound
Hypoechoic pancreas
Operator-dependent
ALT/ALP
May be elevated
Triaditis clue
Practice questions
A 7-year-old cat presents with lethargy, anorexia, and mild vomiting. fPLI is 12 mcg/L. Ultrasound shows hypoechoic pancreas. Most likely diagnosis?
A cat has pancreatitis, elevated liver enzymes, and duodenal thickening on ultrasound. What syndrome is this?
What is the most important nutritional approach for a cat with pancreatitis?
Which antiemetic is commonly used in feline pancreatitis?
Why are serum amylase and lipase NOT useful for diagnosing pancreatitis in cats?