Pancreatitis Sucks

It really does. Pearl has had bouts off and on for years, but they seem to get more chronic as she gets older. She has issues, as you know from the blog and I think we can add teeth to that, which doesn't help.

Major things to know about pancreatitis in cats is that 1) it's really common. Probably more common than is diagnosed and 2) vets are beginning to agree that pain management is probably a key thing in controlling it. Here are some GREAT reads to share with your vet if you are facing this issue. Yes, I know, Idexx has interests here, but the roundtable link is I think particularly frank and good. I'm always at war with my distaste for Big Pharma and my need for some of their products.

I keep pepcid a/c on hand too as it seems to help. (NOTE: ONLY regular pepcic/famotodine, NOT the complete or advanced kinds). This is one case where it is actually a good reason to use it for a cat. Some people jump on it too quickly but I don't think you can for panc attacks (or as I accidentally texted to my sis "pancake attack").

Luckily, the last bad attack, my vet gave me two little vials of buprenex for pain so I had some on hand which was great at 3 a.m. when she was yowling from discomfort. It's easy to give, tasteless and seems to provide great comfort quickly. Sometimes vets are very cagey about giving that out though. Some don't even have it. If you have a pancreatitis prone kitty, see if you can get your vet on board with having a little vial on hand for emergencies. I can only offer luck there on your relationship with your vet.

One thing I have learned from many people with pancreatitis prone kitties is that food is in the category of "Each Cat Is Different" or ECID. What works for one may not work for another. For Pearl, w/d by Hills works pretty well. It's not a great food, IMO, as many but when she gets poopy and pukey it usually helps. I also like to get her Earth's Best Chicken and Brown rice or Chicken and Squash baby food. For her low fat, high fiber helps. But you may have to experiment. You can find lots of info in the FANTASTIC JANET AND BINKY'S FOOD PAGE.

Water, water, water. De-hydration makes you feel YUCK anyway. It will add to the situation here, so try to get them that water anyway possible.

Well, for what it is worth, there are some tips. Good luck to anyone searching "cats" and "pancreatitis". I feel for you and your kitty.