Feline Pancreatitis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas and is one of the most commonly diagnosed exocrine pancreatic disorders in cats. Unlike dogs, where acute pancreatitis predominates, approximately 65-90% of feline pancreatitis cases are chronic. The disease is historically underdiagnosed due to vague, nonspecific clinical signs and limitations in diagnostic testing. Importantly, feline pancreatitis frequently occurs with concurrent diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cholangitis, and diabetes mellitus.

A unique anatomical feature in cats predisposes them to multi-organ inflammation: the major pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct before entering the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla. This anatomical arrangement (found in approximately 80% of cats lacking an accessory pancreatic duct) facilitates ascending bacterial infection and bile reflux into the pancreas, contributing to the development of triaditis (concurrent pancreatitis, cholangitis, and IBD).

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Causes of Feline Pancreatitis

Greater than 90% of feline pancreatitis cases are idiopathic. Unlike dogs, high-fat diets and obesity are NOT significant risk factors in cats. Identified causes include: