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How do vets diagnose pancreatitis in pets, and what underlying causes exist?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Male | neutered | 11 years and 9 months old | 10 lbs

1. What does this statement mean – NB-fPLi test is relatively sensitive and specific for pancreatitis BUT this may be secondary to another underlying condition, e.g. hypovolemia? 2. Are biopsies of small intestine and live the definitive diagnosis of pancreatitis but not ultrasonography? 3. Can the underlying cause of pancreatitis be IBD/lymphoma? Should one always check for the underlying cause in order to apply the proper treatment?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 23rd, 2017

Finally (sorry i missed the last question): it is fairly common to treat pancreatitis without finding any possible underlying cause (usually is dietary related) but in case there is an actual underlying or related suspected pathological process, it must be diagnosed and treated as well.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    In order: 1. other causes can determine an increase levels in fPLI. It is said that fPLI is usually very sensitive (so it will increase its levels easily) but not so specific as, when increased, can be triggered by other causes (like gastrointestinal diseases for example) that must be ruled out.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    2. Biopsies of pancreas can lead to definitive diagnosis. This is rarely performed though as usually the diagnosis is established with excellent confidence combining clinical signs, physical examination, blood tests and possibly ultrasound findings. Pancreatitis can be secondary to other causes like IBD/lymphoma as they can trigger a generalized inflammatory reaction.

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