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Expert care and a tailored plan saved Ed from pancreatitis
The pancreas may be small, but its role is vital, and when it fails, the consequences can be severe. Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that disrupts digestion and often goes unnoticed until a cat becomes seriously ill. That was the case for Ed, whose vague symptoms worsened over time before suddenly escalating into a life-threatening emergency. Thankfully, with expert care from Cat Specialist Services, she made a full recovery.
At CSS, we treat a wide range of feline conditions, from hyperthyroidism to diabetes, in a dedicated, cat-friendly environment. When it comes to pancreatitis, early recognition and specialised care are essential for the best possible outcome. For Ed’s family, navigating her illness was overwhelming, but they always felt reassured she was in the best hands.
Understanding pancreatitis in cats
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 may also be possible.
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’s diagnosis and treatment
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 naso-oesophageal feeding tube was placed to ensure she received the nutrition required for a fast 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 dedicated time in a larger room. Over time, ultrasounds revealed gradual improvement, and as her pain and nausea eased, she began showing interest in food again.
Recovery and Long-Term Management
Ed’s family visited her most nights during her hospital stay, finding comfort in seeing her in person, while daily update calls reassured them she was in the best care.
After nearly a week receiving intensive care, Ed was finally well enough to go home. Her family was relieved but knew her recovery wasn’t complete just yet. She was discharged with a carefully managed diet designed to support her digestive system, along with appetite stimulants to help her regain her strength. In the early days, she was still hesitant to eat, but with patience and encouragement, her appetite slowly returned.
Routine follow-ups at CSS at one week, one month and then three months kept her recovery on track, including ultrasound scans to closely monitor her pancreatic health.
In the weeks after discharge, Ed had a brief episode of vomiting, but otherwise, her recovery continued without major setbacks. Each check-up brought encouraging news, and by her final visit, her pancreatitis had fully resolved. Today, Ed is back to her usual self, eating well, playing and showing no signs of the ordeal she went through.
Ed’s parents, James and Katelyn, credit early intervention and the specialist care at CSS for saving her life, knowing the outcome could have been very different without prompt diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. They have a message for fellow cat owners: “Please keep an eye on your cat if they’re experiencing vomiting. It’s hard to know what’s normal or not, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“Early recognition and specialised care are critical for pancreatitis.”
Talk to the cat specialists at CSS
“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.
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
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.
For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pancreatitis in cats?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. When inflamed, the pancreas can begin releasing enzymes prematurely.
Why can pancreatitis be difficult to recognise?
Symptoms often start subtly and may worsen over time. In some cases, the condition escalates suddenly into a serious medical emergency.
What complications can pancreatitis cause?
Pancreatitis can lead to inflammation of the abdominal lining and may affect insulin production. This can sometimes result in diabetes mellitus.
How was Ed’s case treated?
Ed received specialist veterinary care and a tailored treatment plan. With appropriate treatment and monitoring, she made a full recovery.
Why is specialist care important for pancreatitis?
The condition can become life-threatening if untreated. Specialist evaluation helps guide accurate diagnosis and supportive care.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Key Takeaways
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can disrupt digestion and overall health.
Symptoms may develop gradually before suddenly worsening.
Complications can include diabetes or inflammation of the abdominal lining.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
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Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed