History
Twenty five years ago pancreatitis was considered to be a very rare disease in cats. Nowadays we can almost consider it to be a common problem. Why the difference? We really don’t know the answer. Since Pancreatitis is a disease of unknown etiology (cause), it is possible that the incidence of Pancreatitis is simply increasing. What we do know for certain is that we are much better at diagnosing Pancreatitis by ultrasound and by a new blood test called FPL. More on this in the diagnosis section.

Definition
What is Pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is literally inflammation of the Pancreas. Pancreatitis can be divided into acute and chronic forms. In both forms, digestive enzymes that are produced by the pancreas become activated prematurely and rather than acting in the small intestine to help with digestion, they produce inflammation and auto digestion (the organ begins to digest itself) of the Pancreas.

Clinical Signs
The clinical signs of Pancreatitis in cats are non-specific. It is impossible to make a diagnosis of Pancreatitis from history and physical examination. The most common clinical signs in cats with Pancreatitis are lethargy, decreased appetite, dehydration and weight loss. Once again these symptoms are non-specific (they can be the result of many different diseases).

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Pancreatitis is based on a simple blood test that we are now able to do in the office called FPL. In addition we strongly recommend an abdominal ultrasound. The basis for this recommendation is to confirm the diagnosis and to evaluate how severe the inflammation is. Additionally, Pancreatitis is often accompanied by IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and liver disease (either Lipidosis or Cholangitis. So it is critical to know about the presence of these other conditions that require treatment.

Treatment
Since the cause of Pancreatitis is unknown there is no medication that treats the cause. Therefore the therapy for cats with Pancreatitis is symptomatic. The mainstay of therapy of Pancreatitis is four fold

1. Fluids – Fluids are used to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
2. Analgesics (pain medications) – these medications are indicated for all cats with acute pancreatitis for obvious reasons.
3. Antiemetics (anti-vomiting or anti-nausea medication) – These medications help to correct Nausea and thus enables cats to regain their appetite.
4. Appetite stimulants – These medications are crucial to the recovery of cats with Pancreatitis.

In chronic Pancreatitis, Glucocorticoids (i.e. cortisone) are often beneficial in decreasing inflammation in the Pancreas.

Prognosis
The prognosis for cases of chronic Pancreatitis is generally good.
The prognosis for acute Pancreatitis is dependent on the severity of the inflammation of the Pancreas and whether there is disease present in the intestines and/or the Liver. Results of abdominal ultrasound and routine blood tests are very useful in arriving at a prognosis for cats with acute Pancreatitis.

As the holiday season approaches a few important items to take note of.

• Tinsel and Ribbons. Cats love to eat these items which can lead to serious gastro-intestinal problems and sometimes even surgery.
• Poinsettias when ingested produce irritation of the mouth and the stomach.
• Lillies are highly toxic and can produce life threatening kidney failure.
• Chanukah candles are a hazard to cats because they are unaware of the danger of fire. Most often their tails catch fire and initially they do not realize it.
• Chocolates are toxic to cats because they contain a chemical called methyl-xanthine.Dark chocolates have a much higher level of this chemical than milk chocolate.

There has been lots of press recently about bed bugs. Bed Bugs usually do not parasitize cats. The exception is when people aren't around or are in short supply, then the bugs will occasionally bite cats. Bed bugs are easy to see, all you need to do is comb through your cat's hair. You do not need to use insecticides on your cat.

The most common calls received by Pet Poison Helpline for cat toxicities are:

• Lilies
• Canine permethrin insecticides (topical flea and tick medicine for dogs)
• Household cleaners
• Rodenticides (mouse and rat poison)
• Paints and varnishes
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory veterinary medications such as meloxicam, Rimadyl, and Deramaxx
• Glow sticks/glow jewelry
• Amphetamines, such as ADD/ADHD drugs
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol in brand name or generic form)
• Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin in brand name or generic form)

The City of New York
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
2009 Veterinary Alert # 11

Three Raccoons from Central Park Test Positive for Rabies in Recent Months - December 7, 2009

Between 1994 and 2008 occasional rabid raccoons have been identified in Queens

The DOHMH also encourages veterinarians to ensure that their clients’ pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Maintaining vaccination against rabies is required for all dogs and cats, 4 months of age or older in New York City. Any unvaccinated dog or cat that may have been exposed to a rabid animal is required to enter into six month quarantine in an approved facility or be euthanized. If a pet is up-to-date with its rabies vaccination but potentially exposed to a rabid animal, a booster vaccine should be given immediately, and the owner should be advised to confine and observe the animal at home for the next 45 days.

Any pet dog or cat that has bitten or scratched a person is required to be confined and observed by the owner (in most instances) for 10 days. If the dog or cat is not currently vaccinated against rabies, vaccination should not accur until after completion of the 10 day observation period.

Reports from Cornell University Feline Health Center indicate that there is no evidence that cats can contract the Swine Flu virus.

Cats are masters at hiding illness. If you notice any of these subtle signs of sickness, talk to your veterinarian today.

1. INAPPROPRIATE ELIMINATION BEHAVIOR
When your cat eliminates or urinates in inappropriate places, it may be tempting to think your cat is angry with you. Instead, seek professional advice on the cause, because such behavior can signal an underlying medical condition.
2. CHANGES IN INTERACTION
Cats are social animals; they enjoy interaction with their human family and often with other pets. Withdrawal or aggressive behavior may signal problems such as disease, fear, pain or anxiety.
3. CHANGES IN ACTIVITY
A decrease or increase in activity can be a sign of a medical condition. It’s important to understand that cats don’t usually slow down just because they are getting older.
4. CHANGES IN SLEEPING HABITS
The key to differentiating abnormal lethargy from normal napping is knowing your cat’s sleeping patterns. If your cat is sleeping more than usual or has discomfort lying down or getting up, this may be a sign of underlying disease.
5. CHANGES IN FOOD AND WATER CONSUMPTION
Contrary to popular belief, most cats are not “finicky” eaters. Look for changes, such as an increase or decrease in consumption and how the cat chews its food.
6. UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS OR GAIN
Some conditions can cause weight loss despite a good appetite. On the other hand, obesity is a serious health concern in cats and can lead to increased risks for other conditions.
7. CHANGES IN GROOMING
Typically, cats are fastidious groomers. A decrease in grooming behavior can indicate fear, anxiety, obesity or other illnesses. An increase in grooming may be a sign of skin problems.
8. SIGN OF STRESS
Stresses cats tend to spend less time grooming and interacting and more time awake and scanning their environment. They may even withdraw and hide. Because stress can result from illness, it’s important to find out what’s behind these changes in behavior.
9. CHANGES IN VOCALIZATION
An increase in vocalization or howling is more common in older cats and is often seen with conditions such as hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure. Many cats also vocalize more if they are in pain or anxious.
10. BAD BREATH
One of the early indicators of a dental problem is bad breath. Regular home teeth brushing and veterinary dental care prevent bad breath, pain, tooth loss and the spread of infection to other organs.