- Joined
- Apr 30, 2023
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- Purraise
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EPI sounds like a better fit, other than the fpl (which is very specific for pancreatitis). The symptoms list you mentioned (dull coat, quick weight loss, etc. matches pretty closely to EPI. However, the diagnostic test for epi is fTL/ftli (feline trypsin-like immunoassay), while fPl/fPli is testing for feline pancreatic lipase. fTl is typically low for EPI cats, while fPl is elevated in pancreatitis cats.Katlove, Cali had the FPL test and her values were listed as "HIGH". I have a copy of G.I. lab report.
Thanks for the info about pancreatitis. Maybe she has both IBD and EPI ?????
EPI cats desperately need enzymes to help them digest and absorb their food (there are some OTC), as they either have too little or the the enzymes they produce aren't working properly.
Pancreatitis cats have an excess of pancreatic lipase (ie, too much of an enzyme).
In either case, the above conditions can cause IBD/IBD-like symptoms. IBD is less specific of a diagnosis than EPI and pancreatitis, and is sometimes harder to control. Ideally, the exact cause is found (too much/not enough digestive enzymes, infection/inflammation of one or more organs in the GI tract, etc.) so that a very specific treatment plan is developed by the vet.
Do you know what the number was for the fPL? Was there also a test for fTL? If so, do you know if it was high or low or normal range?
I surely hope you can find answers soon...you're doing a great job being proactive and helping your sweet girl.
BTW, I had a cat named Cali (calico, of course) when I was little- she lived outside at my grandparents' house and lived to be 21 years old (major accomplishment for an outdoor girl). So you can imagine how much I love your cat's name.