Articles
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Pancreatitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a vital organ that produces enzymes to assist in food digestion and hormones such as insulin, which regulates blood sugar or glucose metabolism. Pancreatitis occurs occasionally in cats, and it may be acute (sudden) or chronic (recurring).
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Pancreas-specific lipase is a digestive enzyme that is only produced in the pancreas. When the pancreas is inflamed, levels of pancreatic-specific lipase often increase. Pancreas-specific lipase is measured with a test called feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI), which requires a simple blood test.
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Pancrelipase (brand names: Viokase, Epizyme, Panakare, Pancrepowder Plus, Pancreved, Parcrezyme) is a pancreatic enzyme supplement used to treat exocrine pancreatic enzyme insufficiency (EPI) in dogs, cats, and birds. In rabbits, pancrelipase has also been used to treat fur balls.
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Pandora syndrome affects multiple organ systems, including the urinary tract. The term is often used synonymously with Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), but FIC is only one component of Pandora syndrome. It is believed to be related to chronic stress. This article discusses causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for cats with this condition.
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Panniculitis is a localized inflammation of the tissues under the skin, causing a firm swelling (nodule) that may ulcerate and drain fluid. It is a common problem in cats and is less common in dogs. In cats, it is often caused by bite wounds from fighting. This handout discusses causes, signs, and treatment of this condition.
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Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (stomach acid reducer) used to treat stomach ulcers in cats, dogs, and other animals. It has also been used to treat esophagitis and gastric reflux. This medication is used off-label in veterinary medicine.
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Papillomas are benign, sometimes multiple, tumors caused by viruses. They are commonly known as warts. The virus is transmitted through direct contact from an infected pet or the pet’s environment (e.g., toys, food bowls, or bedding) and gain access to the body when the skin becomes softened by moisture, through cuts and abrasions, or with the assistance of insects. Pets with immature immune systems such as young dogs and puppies, and those that are immune compromised, are more prone to developing papilloma tumors. The tumors often disappear within 1-2 months because the animal slowly develops an immunity to them. However, sometimes they persist, and surgical removal is necessary.
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Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Internal Parasites in Cats -
Parathyroid tumors are uncommon in dogs and cats. Benign adenomas occur more often than malignant tumors. Keeshonds appear to have a genetic predisposition to developing parathyroid tumors, but no breed or genetic relationship has been established in cats. Pets may exhibit signs of lethargy, little or no appetite, vomiting, and muscle twitching. Diagnosis is confirmed with PTH testing and ultrasound of the neck region after hypercalcemia is observed on bloodwork. Surgery to remove the affected gland(s) is the typical treatment, but ultrasound-guided ablation may be pursued. Careful monitoring of calcium levels post-surgery is important, as some pets may develop transient hypocalcemia and require calcium supplementation. Prognosis is excellent, and the metastatic rate for these tumors is extremely low.
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Paromomycin (Gabbrovet®, Parofor®) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat intestinal parasites in dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, amphibians and reptiles. In dogs, paromomycin is also used topically to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis.