Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
14:39
A Simple and Rapid Method for Simultaneous Isolation of Primary Islets and Primary Pancreatic Acinar Cells from Mice
Published on: January 9, 2026
Pancreatitis in cats
P Jane Armstrong1, David A Williams
1Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota St. Paul, MN 55108, USA. armst002@umn.edu
Topics in Companion Animal Medicine
|November 15, 2012
Summary
Feline pancreatitis is now recognized as common, unlike previously thought. Diagnosis has improved with advanced imaging and blood tests, though causes remain unclear.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Feline pancreatitis was historically considered rare.
- Diagnostic challenges in cats compared to dogs were noted.
- Advancements in diagnostics have revised this perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of feline pancreatitis.
- To highlight diagnostic and etiological considerations.
- To discuss co-existing conditions and therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of retrospective studies and clinical observations.
- Emphasis on diagnostic advancements like ultrasonography and specific blood tests.
- Comparison of feline and canine pancreatitis characteristics.
Main Results:
- Feline pancreatitis is now considered as common as in dogs.
- Etiologies for feline pancreatitis are less understood.
- Common co-morbidities include inflammatory bowel disease and cholangitis.
- Hepatic lipidosis can be triggered by pancreatitis; diabetes mellitus can be complicated by it.
Conclusions:
- Feline pancreatitis is a significant and common disease.
- Early nutritional support is crucial for managing pancreatitis and preventing hepatic lipidosis.
- Chronic pancreatitis is more prevalent in cats than dogs and may benefit from corticosteroid therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis centers on injury to pancreatic acinar cells, which initiates a cascade of harmful intracellular events.This injury leads to premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin then activates other digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, elastase, and phospholipase A2, which begin breaking down pancreatic tissue. The resulting autodigestion causes local inflammation, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis.Injured acinar cells...
01:25Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by the early activation of digestive enzymes, leading to the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue. This results in local inflammation and, in severe cases, systemic complications.EtiologyUnderstanding the underlying causes is crucial, as identifying the etiology guides treatment and anticipates complications. Acute pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors, typically grouped into the following clinical categories.Biliary...
01:27Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...