Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / February 2006

My 6 year old cat was diagnosed with pancreatitis in the beginning of
January.  He had started slowing down on his activity (he is normally
a very active cat, frequent cat crazies and avid soccer player!) on
Jan 5, until not running around at all by about Jan. 21.  It took
until an ultrasound on Feb 1 to find a diagnosis.  His pancreas was
found to be very inflamed, along with elevated amylase.  He was
started on Science Diet ID on Jan 17, and after the ultrasound started
a 28 day course of Baytril, and given Torbutrol 0.5mg prn.  I had
given him the Torb twice a day for the first couple of weeks, now down
to once a day which has him playing soccer again and running around a
bit, although still not as much as before.  His only other symptom was
increasingly soft stool, at least until starting the ID and Torb.  He
has always had a great appetite.  I thought he was starting to
improve, but have tried him without any pain med and he is back to
sitting hunched down with his eyes pinched, not playing at all, not
running.  I am starting to get really discouraged, and am wondering if
anyone has an idea how long I could expect it to be until his pain
starts to subside.  I know this isn't something that can really be
predicted, but am looking for anyone with experience anyway.  His
doctor is very good, and she can't say, but I am asking around just in
case.  Also has anyone had success with a non-narcotic pain
medication?  I would like to get him on something else, but mainly I
want him to feel better.

Teri