Pancreatitis is a disease caused by inammation of the pancreas, an organ located next to the small intestine, that assists in the digestion of food. Pancreatitis can be quite painful causing a sore abdomen and lack of appetite. The condition presents in varying degrees of severity and can result in uncontrollable vomiting and dehydration. In cats the inammation can extend to surrounding organs, resulting in liver disease and inammation of the intestines, known as triaditis. The pancreas provides enzymes that help breakdown the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that make up food, it also produces hormones that control blood sugar levels. The enzymes are normally stored within the pancreas and are released into the small intestine when food is being digested, however, when the pancreas is inamed, these enzymes leak into the surrounding tissue and begin to digest it. There is no single cause of pancreatitis, some breeds and individuals seem to be more susceptible. It can occur after a large addition of fatty foods in the diet, or after a period of gastrointestinal disease causing vomiting. It has also been associated with stress. Once the pancreas has been inamed, some animals are prone to repeat episodes in the future. Pancreatitis can be diagnosed by specic blood tests and ultrasound of the abdomen. Sometimes it is necessary to perform X-rays to rule out other causes of sudden abdominal pain and vomiting. Conventional medicine has no specic treatment for pancreatitis. Treatment involves supportive care until the inammation reduces. This can involve the removal of food for 1-2 days to prevent further stimulation of the pancreas so that enzymes aren't released and intra-venous uid support to prevent dehydration. Anti- nausea medication and pain relief are also given to help animals feel better while the body recovers. Thankfully, we have a range of complementary therapies that can be powerful treatments that help to reduce the cell damage caused by the leaking enzymes and to rapidly reduce inammation. We use high dose intravenous vitamin C as a potent anti- oxidant and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to reduce cell damage and inammation and to promote healing. Specic homeopathic and herbal treatments also help to assist with healing and may be helpful in preventing re-occurrence. Milk thistle, a well known herb used for thousands of years for liver support, is also helpful to the pancreas for repair. Pancreatitis can be a difcult condition to manage but with a balance of conventional medicine and complementary therapies, many pets recover very well. When your pet starts to feel hungry again after the inammation has settled, it is important to offer tasty and easy to digest food that is low in fat and doesn't aggravate the pancreas. Feeding small volumes of cooked kumara, pumpkin and chicken or scrambled egg will help support digestion. Gradually they can be transitioned onto an easy digestible low fat food long term, and this can often be given as a well-balanced raw or lightly cooked diet with a range of vegetables and important nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants to prevent re-occurrence and support optimal health. PANCREATITIS