ANIMAL DOCTOR

Q. Recently my 5-year-old cat was found to have felinepancreatitis. Blondie, my cat, has been sickly for more than sixmonths. I took her to my veterinarian several times until he almostgave up. Finally the diagnosis came in, and now Blondie is feelingbetter. Why did it take so long to diagnose?

P.F., Chicago

A. Until very recently the tools and tests to establish thisdiagnosis were not available. The disease presents a vague clinicalpicture, mimicking many other diseases in cats. At times it showsonly vague symptoms such as being quiet and not eating. The causesmay be many, from infectious diseases to trauma. Symptoms usuallyvary from case to case and may involve weight loss, vomiting,diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficult breathing, fever, jaundice,drinking more than usual and urinating more.The most common lab tests used in dogs and humans have proven tobe valueless in cats. There is one new test, TLI, that recently haspromised more accuracy in pinpointing the disease. Unfortunately, ittakes a week to get the results, and even this test is not 100percent. Ultrasound is helpful, much more so than X-ray.Treatment varies in each case depending on the symptoms shown.Support with fluids, no food for three days, antibiotics, steroids,and other drugs for pain. Try a bland diet, either professionallymade or one suggested by your doctor.Prognosis varies depending on the pathology. Cases of severe,acute pancreatitis are guarded. Cases of chronic, mild,nonsuppurative pancreatitis are fair.Send questions for veterinarian Sanford Blum to: ChicagoSun-Times, Features Dept., 4th Floor, 401 N. Wabash, Chicago, Ill.60611. This column also can be found at www.sun times.com