From the Research
Chronic pancreatitis in cats should be managed with a multimodal approach, prioritizing pain management, nutritional support, and treating underlying causes, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The management of chronic pancreatitis in cats is a complex process that requires a comprehensive approach. Key components of this approach include:
- Pain management with medications such as buprenorphine (0.01-0.02 mg/kg every 8-12 hours) or gabapentin (5-10 mg/kg twice daily) 1
- Nutritional support with highly digestible, low-fat diets fed in small, frequent meals
- Treatment of underlying causes, such as inflammatory bowel disease and cholangitis (triaditis)
- Regular monitoring through physical exams, fPLI testing, and ultrasound to assess disease progression The use of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may be beneficial in the management of chronic pancreatitis, as demonstrated in studies such as 2 and 3. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 should be prioritized when making treatment decisions. Some important considerations in the management of chronic pancreatitis in cats include:
- The disease often requires lifelong management with medication adjustments based on clinical response
- The inflammation caused by chronic pancreatitis can lead to progressive damage to pancreatic tissue, affecting both digestive enzyme production and insulin regulation
- Addressing underlying conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and cholangitis, simultaneously can improve outcomes It is essential to prioritize the most recent and highest quality study 1 when making treatment decisions for chronic pancreatitis in cats, as it provides the most up-to-date and evidence-based recommendations for management.