THERAPEUTIC APPROACH AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN THE TREATMENT OF PANCREATITIS IN CATS

Abstract

Feline pancreatitis is a frequent inflammatory condition with variable clinical presentation, manifesting acutely or chronically and often associated with comorbidities such as cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease, forming the feline triad. Diagnosis remains challenging due to the nonspecificity of clinical signs and the absence of a single definitive diagnostic method in the antemortem period. This study aimed to review the main therapeutic approaches and emergency management strategies employed in the treatment of pancreatitis in cats. A narrative literature review was conducted using scientific articles indexed in the PubMed database, selecting relevant studies related to diagnosis, intensive care support, nutritional therapy, and pharmacological interventions in feline pancreatitis. The literature demonstrates that contemporary management prioritizes hemodynamic stabilization, analgesia, nausea control, and early enteral nutritional support, replacing the old concept of pancreatic rest. Furthermore, immunomodulatory therapies, such as prednisolone and cyclosporine, have shown benefits in cases of presumed chronic pancreatitis. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and cobalamin deficiency stand out among the main chronic sequelae of the disease, requiring continuous monitoring and prolonged supportive therapy. It is concluded that the management of feline pancreatitis requires a multimodal and individualized approach, based on clinical severity, presence of comorbidities, and constant monitoring, aiming for a better prognosis and quality of life for patients.