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My 16-year-old cat recently had a geriatric workup at the vet. I originally wanted everything checked again because she's been having bouts of regurgitating what appears to be partially digested food. Additionally, sometimes it appeared that she was trying to hack up a fur ball and only brown fluid (bile?) came up. She's also lost about three pounds over the past four years.
The vet originally suspected hyperthyroidism. Because her lab results didn't indicate an issue with the thyroid, she basically said everything looked fine and that my cat is in "really good shape" for her age. She did prescribe Hill's Science I/D for her food, which she has been on for the past three weeks or so.
But then I thought to get the actual lab results myself. Everything does look normal except for this:
PSL LIPA: 63 U/L H (The normal range is 8-26)
The footnote says this level correlates with abnormal PLI concentrations, which is supportive of a diagnosis of pancreatitis.
The vet said nothing about this, and I'm not sure how serious this may be. Anyone have knowledge or experience with this?
Pancreatitis is very serious. I almost lost my 15 year old last summer. He stopped eating and drinking and stayed in one spot for over a day. It took the vet a good bit of time to finally diagnose him. He lost several lbs (in combination with hyperthyroid diagnosis). Perhaps a follow up is in order to get some answers from the vet to your questions.
Our Tucker had pancreatitis and he nearly died, but he had other symptoms and had an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Vomiting can be, but is not always, a sign of pancreatitis.
I would call and ask to speak to your vet about your concerns about the blood work.
Also, ITA with cats mom about not feeding prescription dry. A canned or raw diet is much healthier for your kitty, especially an older kitty. Here's a great website about feline nutrition: Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition
Pancreatitis can't be diagnosed on bloodwork alone; that's why the lab report says the results are only "supportive of a diagnosis of pancreatitis". Usually an ultrasound has to be done, sometimes a biopsy. Definitely call your vet and ask him what he thinks of the bloodwork results. If you aren't satisfied with his answer, my recommendation would be to ask another vet. Good luck!
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