Description
This lecture will investigate the complex interplay between pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and cholangitis in the cat. With the help of a clinical case, we will investigate why feline anatomy and physiology predisposes cats to develop these three conditions; focusing on the lack of an accessory pancreatic duct in most cats, the relatively short bowel of cats, with high bacterial populations within the duodenum, plus the idiosyncrasy of local immune responses. We will consider why so many cases of anorexia and/or diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the cat result from the complex interactions of Triaditis i.e. concurrent inflammation of the pancreas, small bowel and biliary system.
We will consider the complexity and challenges of diagnosing these three separate conditions, and then how best to approach the management options of these cases, especially when all three conditions can occur concurrently.
We will reflect on why chronic lymphocytic inflammatory bowel disease in the cat can evolve into lymphocytic or even lymphoblastic intestinal lymphoma, consider the importance of assessing serum cobalamin (B12) concentrations in these cats, and how best to approach the management of these cases.
We will then review a case of acute pancreatitis – considering the likely causes, and variable presentations of this disease in cats. While these cats most commonly present with anorexia, depression and weakness, they only rarely present with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, and can even present with pulmonary oedema and pleural fluid, the latter occurring secondary to systemic vasculitis. We will consider treatment options and potential long-term outcomes.