The dissertation examines the diagnostic criteria for pancreatitis in domestic cats, its prevalence, and provides both experimental and theoretical justification for the effectiveness of a developed treatment protocol and dietary therapy for affected animals.
Pancreatitis ranks among the leading non-infectious gastrointestinal diseases in cats, accounting for 15.25 % of all recorded digestive disorders. Seasonal trends indicate a higher incidence in winter (13.7 %) and autumn (14.5 %).
Age- and sex-related dynamics were identified. The highest prevalence was found in mature cats aged 7–11 years (41.7 % of examined animals), followed by young and adult cats aged 1–6 years (33.3%), and older cats aged 12–15 years (25 %). Gender analysis showed a slightly higher prevalence in females (54.2 %) compared to males (45.8 %).
Clinical signs included appetite disorders such as hyporexia or anorexia (87.5 %), general exhaustion (84 %), dehydration (83 %), vomiting (75 %), and abdominal pain (65 %). Pain was most pronounced upon palpation in the pancreatic area. Less frequent signs included hypothermia (25 %) and diarrhea (13 %).
Ultrasound proved to be one of the most informative diagnostic tools. In affected cats, the pancreas appeared hypoechoic with heterogeneous parenchymal thickening and was surrounded by a predominantly hyperechoic, sparse adipose tissue layer. Computed tomography (CT) provided additional non-invasive diagnostic value, revealing uneven pancreatic thickening with alternating hypo- and hyperdense zones, indistinct parenchymal boundaries, reduced tissue density, peripancreatic edema, fluid accumulation, and a localized mass in the pancreatic body.
Laboratory analyses demonstrated significant biochemical changes. Serum glucose levels increased by 1.5–1.6 times (P < 0.001), while amylase activity was 1.9–2.6 times higher (P < 0.001). Pancreatic lipase (fPLI) increased 1.6–2.2 times (P < 0.001). Liver function markers also changed significantly: ALT and AST activities increased 1.8–2.4 times (P < 0.001), and total bilirubin reached 8.9 ± 0.64 µmol/L in group one and 10.9 ± 0.44 µmol/L in group two (1.6–2.0 times above control values, P < 0.001).
Elevated creatinine (CREA) levels were observed: by 31.4% in group one and 29.8% in group two (P < 0.01), alongside increased urea (UREA) levels – 2.0 and 1.5 times, respectively (P < 0.001).
Hematological analysis revealed characteristic changes: RBC counts exceeded control values by 39.3 % and 26.7 % in groups one and two, respectively (P < 0.01); hematocrit increased by 4.2 % and 6.7 %. Both groups showed marked leukocytosis (3.0 and 2.2 times higher, P < 0.001) with predominant neutrophilia and concurrent lymphopenia, indicating an intense inflammatory response. Platelet counts (PLT) were significantly reduced – 1.8 imes lower than in healthy controls (P < 0.001).
The proposed treatment regimen, supported by both theoretical and practical evidence, included: diet therapy using PRO PLAN® EN Gastrointestinal; intravenous rehydration with Sterofundin ISO, tailored to body weight and dehydration level; pain relief with the opioid analgesic Butomidor (butorphanol) for severe abdominal pain; antiemetic therapy with Serenia (maropitant citrate), combined with antacids Quamatel and Omez (famotidine, omeprazole) to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa; appetite stimulation with Mirtazapine Sandoz in cases of hyporexia or anorexia.
Pancreatic function was monitored via serum levels of fPLI, GLU, and AMY, hematological parameters, and ultrasound examination.
By day 14 of treatment, glucose levels had decreased by 1.3-fold in group one (5.3 ± 0.18 mmol/L) and 1.2-fold in group two (6.1 ± 0.12 mmol/L) (P < 0.001). Amylase activity decreased by 19.8 % and 16.3 % in groups one and two, respectively. Pancreatic lipase decreased by 13.8 % in group one and showed a 7.8 % reduction in group two.
Hematological parameters improved significantly: erythrocyte counts reached 6.9 ± 0.11 and 6.6 ± 0.10 T/L, accompanied by hematocrit reductions of 17.6 % (Р<0,05) and 20.7 % (Р<0,01), suggesting restored hydration and reduced inflammation. Platelet counts rose by 1.7 times (P < 0.001). Leukocyte levels normalized (10.2 ± 0.61 and 8.9 ± 0.45 G/L), with neutrophils decreasing and lymphocytes increasing to near-physiological levels (P < 0.001).
Ultrasound examination after 14 days confirmed the treatment’s effectiveness: in cats with chronic pancreatitis, echogenicity normalized, edema subsided, contours smoothed, and tissue structure was restored. In cats at risk, the pancreas retained normal size and shape, with minimal residual echogenic changes in surrounding fat tissue.
