Pancreatitis and feeding tube - help.

daisyandjersey

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My cat Daisy (2 1/2 years old) came down with pancreatitis about 2-3 weeks ago now. After 2 nights in hospital, antibiotics, feeding tube placement and a very large vet bill later, she is doing much better. She has vomited 3 times (almost exactly every 4 days) after the feeding tube being placed. We have to keep her feedings very slow, about 1 hour to get in 30-50 mLs of food, trying to get 200mLs of food in her per day. She will eat temptations treats, but none of the healthier treats I've bought (freeze dried salmon) and no food. She picked at a wet food today but only ate a couple bites. She is repulsed by the prescribed a/d food - she literally gags when I offer it to her.

Her nausea seems to be under control now after switching off cerenia to metoclopramide but she has no appetite for anything but temptations treats. She has had the feeding tube for about a week and a half now. How long does it typically take for a cat to regain their appetite? Her personality is about 90% back to normal as well as her energy, she just doesn't want to touch any food. Are there any foods that are irresistible to cats but not complete junk? I haven't tried any fresh meats as we are vegetarians but I would be willing to. 

Is it ok to just let her eat a ton of treats if she is willing to eat them? If your cat has successfully recovered from pancreatitis, I would love any advice you may have. 
 

denice

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My kitty had a feeding tube for fatty liver disease which is different from the reason for your kitty having one.  He had the feeding tube for a little over a month and it was about three weeks for him to start eating well on his own.  I know with the fatty liver I didn't really push him to eat on his own because he was getting everything he needed through the tube.  I would leave a little kibble down for him and twice a day I would put a little wet food down for him.  
 

ruthm

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It can take weeks before you see improvement.  When my girl Tiger had her first bout with Pancreatitis last year, I learned it is very common to develop food aversions, so if your kitty is turning away from a particular food, I would not try to force the issue. You may have to offer a completely different rotation of foods to see what kitty will eat- it is critical that she eat!   Nausea and inappetance and pain(look for the meatloafing position) are the major symptoms- but cats are experts at hiding their pain. So if you see your kitty sniffing at food and walking away, you may want to ask your vet about either getting Cerenia or Ondansetron for nausea. Also important if you see the meatloafing position, get some Buprenorphine from your vet- remember pancreatitis is extremely painful, the body is trying to digest itself. If you are seeing a lot of vomiting, be sure to keep checking for signs of dehydration- your kitty may benefit from sub-Q fluids.
 
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