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Triaditis In Cats
overview
Overview
symptoms
Symptoms
diagnosis
Diagnosis
treatment
Treatment
outlook
Outlook
overview
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Triaditis is the collective name for a combination of conditions specific to cats:
- Cholangitis (inflammation of the gall bladder and bile ducts)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine)
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In cats, the small ducts from the gall bladder and pancreas combine before entering the intestine. It is believed that this anatomical link leads to development of triaditis, possibly due to bacteria ascending from the intestine.
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Not all cats will have all three components of triaditis. Typically, pancreatitis and enteritis alone have milder symptoms, while cats with cholangitis are much sicker. However, all three components have very similar symptoms:
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Biopsies of the pancreas, liver and intestines are the only test that is 100% specific for triaditis. However, this is almost never justified. Instead, non-invasive tests provide a strong index of suspicion and guide treatment.
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Blood tests
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Blood tests typically show elevation of liver enzymes and bile acids with cholangitis, as well as an increase in white blood cells. Protein levels may be low with chronic enteritis. Elevated lipase is suggestive of pancreatitis, but additional tests may be needed at an external lab to confirm this.
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Ultrasound
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Ultrasound provides the best mechanism of viewing the organs involved in triaditis. Changes seen can include distension of the gall bladder and bile ducts, inflammation of the pancreas, and thickening of the intestines, however some cases have no obvious changes. The pancreas is a very small organ, so identifying it on ultrasound can be tricky and takes practise. Ultrasound may be repeated to monitor improvement during the course of treatment.
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Bile analysis
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Occasionally, a small sample of bile may be taken out of the gall bladder with a fine needle. This allows testing for bacterial infection to confirm diagnosis and guide antibiotic choice.
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There is no specific cure for triaditis, and treatment is mostly supportive. Depending on the severity of disease, cats may need to be admitted for inpatient care. Treatment typically includes:
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Fluids
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Many patients are dehydrated, and may be lacking in electrolytes due to vomiting and inappetence. Fluids are usually provided intravenously, using a drip.
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Pain relief
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Pancreatitis is very painful, which contributes to inappetence. Often strong, opioid based drugs are required to control discomfort.
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Supportive care
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Depending on the symptoms shown, other medications are used including anti-nausea, gastro-protectants, and hepatic support (if the liver is affected).
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Antibiotics
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Cholangitis is usually due to bacterial infection. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used, with bile sampling for culture considered if there is poor response. Antibiotics may need to be given for 4-6 weeks depending on severity.
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Feeding
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Although most patients don't want to eat, feeding is extremely beneficial to the recovery process. Controlling pain and nausea will help, and in some patients, appetite stimulants are used. In severe cases, a feeding tube may be recommended. Long-term, cats with chronic enteritis may require a prescription diet for management.
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Steroids
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Some types of cholangitis respond well to anti-inflammatory doses of steroids. This is not the case for all cats, however; your vet will advise if appropriate.
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The prognosis for triaditis is variable. Mildly affected cats usually make a full recovery, but more severely affected cats may need prolonged hospitalisation. Rarely, severe triaditis can be fatal. Cats who have suffered from triaditis once are prone to repeat episodes.
2024-06-21T00:00:00Z
2026-06-21T00:00:00.000Z
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