Feline pancreatitis is commonly underdiagnosed due to subtle clinical signs, causing chronic welfare compromise that appropriate diagnosis and management can significantly improve.
Feline pancreatitis causes chronic nausea, abdominal discomfort, and malaise that often goes unrecognised because cats mask signs of illness. The subtle presentation — reduced appetite and mild lethargy — is easily attributed to normal variation by owners unfamiliar with the condition. Cats with chronic pancreatitis may experience continuous low-grade suffering for months before diagnosis. The triaditis syndrome, combining pancreatitis with IBD and cholangitis, creates compounded gastrointestinal welfare harm requiring simultaneous management of multiple conditions. Pain management with buprenorphine or meloxicam provides relief during acute episodes, and is often underutilised because the condition is not recognised as painful in cats.