Companion Animals

Companion Cat Pancreatitis and Hepatic Lipidosis

Welfare management of feline pancreatitis and hepatic lipidosis, potentially life-threatening conditions.

Key Facts

Feline pancreatitis is often concurrent with hepatic lipidosis and inflammatory bowel disease
Fat mobilisation during anorexia rapidly causes hepatic lipidosis in obese cats
Nutritional support through feeding tubes is life-saving in severe hepatic lipidosis
Triaditis refers to concurrent pancreatitis, IBD, and cholangiohepatitis in cats
Early aggressive nutritional support significantly improves welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Feline pancreatitis and hepatic lipidosis cause severe systemic illness, and early aggressive nutritional support is the most important welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Never allow an overweight cat to go without food for more than 24 hours
Seek veterinary care promptly if your cat stops eating
Ask your vet about feeding tube placement for cats with severe hepatic lipidosis