My cat has an enlarged pancreas. What tests diagnose pancreatitis?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2.9 lbs
how to diagnose the pancreas? yesterday she took liver tests at office...she said it was liver..we did an ultrasound..liver was fine pancreas was enlarged...she took more blood tests and we wait until next week. she never mentioned even diabetes! What ELSE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO DIAGNOSE THIS? Please tell me...what qustions should I ask to her? What if it is an infection? I am not sure how good ths vet is....? What else needs to be done??? She never gave medicine for anything..not even vomiting!"
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 28th, 2017
Pancreatitis is difficult to diagnose and is done by analyzing compatible clinical signs and lab test results. Cats with pancreatitis commonly experience lethargy, loss of appetite and occasionally vomit, but these clinical signs can also be caused by a variety of other conditions. Typical blood testing includes a CBC (red & white blood cell count and platelets), chemistry (to evaluate overall organ function, blood glucose and electrolytes), T4 (thyroid hormone), as well as a urinalysis (to evaluate kidney function and look for infection). If pancreatitis is still suspected, a blood test called an fPL can be done to either rule pancreatitis out or make you more suspicious of that as the diagnosis (this is not a conclusive test). Abdominal ultrasounds can be helpful to determine if the pancreas is inflamed or if other abnormalities are present, but these are not performed in all cases. Cats with pancreatitis commonly also have concurrent diseases - such as inflammatory bowel disease, cholangitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or cholangiohepatitis (inflammation of the gallbladder and liver). Uncommonly, cats with pancreatitis can become diabetic if there is enough damage to the endocrine portion of the pancreas. There is no definitive treatment for pancreatitis. The goal is to manage Bella's clinical signs supportively (i.e. IV fluids, anti nausea medications, pain medications, etc.) as needed. If you are concerned about the treatment plan that your vet has started for Bella, call her to discuss the options. Odds are that she has a reason for starting or not starting certain medications or diagnostics. If you feel uncomfortable with this plan after speaking with her, it is always reasonable to get another opinion. I hope that Bella is feeling better soon!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 30th, 2020
According to VCA animal hospital (which summarizes it very nicely!): Laboratory tests usually reveal an elevated white blood cell count; however, an elevated white blood cell count may also be caused by other conditions besides pancreatitis. If there is an elevation of pancreatic enzymes in the blood, the diagnosis is confirmed, but many cats with pancreatitis will have normal pancreatic enzyme levels. In recent years, a new pancreatic test has become available to diagnose pancreatitis even if pancreatic enzyme levels are normal. Radiographs may show changes associated with inflammation in the area of the pancreas with severe hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Ultrasound studies may be more helpful by showing inflammation in the pancreas or surrounding area. Unfortunately, many cats with pancreatitis will elude detection with any of these tests. Consequently, the diagnosis of pancreatitis may be tentative or presumptive in many cases, based solely on clinical signs and medical history. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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