Expert care and a tailored plan saved Ed from pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ essential for producing digestive enzymes and regulating blood sugar through insulin. When inflamed, the pancreas may release enzymes prematurely, leading to self-digestion. Potential complications include peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal lining, and diabetes mellitus due to impaired insulin production.

The exact cause of pancreatic inflammation in cats is often unclear, but infections, dietary factors and underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or liver disease are potential triggers. Obesity may contribute by increasing fat levels in the blood, while genetic factors remain uncertain.

A cat suffering from pancreatitis may not always show obvious signs of illness, but small changes can signal something is wrong. They might eat less, seem unusually tired or prefer to be alone. Some cats vomit or stop grooming, while others become weak from dehydration and weight loss. Noticing these signs early and seeking veterinary care can make all the difference.

Ed, short for Edwina, was a farm rescue named after Ed Sheeran when her owners initially mistook her for a boy. Once they realised she was female, they settled on Edwina—but still Ed for short. For months, she occasionally vomited once or twice a week, which seemed normal at first. But as it became more frequent, her family grew concerned. Their regular vet scheduled an ultrasound, but before it could happen, Ed’s condition deteriorated, and her vomiting became almost constant.

Recognising the urgency, her family rushed her to their veterinarian, but as the clinic was near closing time, they were referred to an emergency hospital. After two nights of stabilisation without a clear diagnosis, Ed was sent to Cat Specialist Services for specialist care.

A thorough assessment confirmed severe pancreatitis with peritonitis, along with neutropenia and a persistent fever. She was immediately started on intravenous fluids to correct dehydration, pain relief to keep her comfortable, and anti-nausea medication to help settle her stomach. When she still wouldn’t eat, a nasogastric feeding tube was placed to ensure she received the nutrition required for recovery.

Ed’s owner, James, described the admission to CSS as smooth and reassuring. From check-in, the team were compassionate, and clearly outlined her treatment plan and costs, helping to ease the stress of an already overwhelming situation.

Despite intensive care, Ed faced complications, including a persistent fever and a low white blood cell count, requiring close monitoring and adjustments to her treatment. She also showed signs of stress, struggling to urinate in her hospital cage but improving when given space in a larger room. Over time, ultrasounds revealed gradual improvement, and as her pain and nausea eased, she began showing interest in food again.

“Just wanted to send a massive shout-out to the entire team, including the nurses and reception staff, and especially Dr Rachel! Ed really went through it, but the entire experience and her recovery was made stress-free with all the support, help and updates along the way, right from the first visit and her one-week stay all the way through to her follow-up appointments. Nothing was ever too much trouble with visits or asking questions and getting updates. Thanks again for looking after her and getting her all better!” – James Connolly and Katelyn Clifford

Specialist feline care can make all the difference in complex cases. If your cat shows signs of pancreatitis, digestive issues or other concerns, early veterinary intervention is key to the best possible outcome.

At CSS, our cat-exclusive clinic is designed to provide a minimal-stress experience for cats and their families, during what is already a difficult time. To learn more about our services, contact a friendly member of our team or browse our extensive range of online resources.

Vets can refer patients for treatment here.

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

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