Abstract
Serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) is commonly used to diagnose feline exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). This study aimed to describe signalment and clinical data of cats with EPI. Determination of TLI was performed using an in-house ELISA; the reference interval was defined using a Reference Limit Estimator. Groups were formed from 4813 cats (2019–2020), based on their fTLI concentration: 1 (<8 µg/L; decreased; n = 275), 2 (8–88 µg/L; reference interval; n = 4256), and 3 (>88 µg/L; increased; n = 282). Males and Domestic Shorthairs were most common in all groups. Group 3 had the highest (13 years), and group 1 had the lowest (9 years), median age. Clinical information was available for 200 cats (decreased fTLI: n = 87, lower reference interval (8–12 µg/L): n = 113). Treatment response was observed in 83% (decreased fTLI) and 66% (lower reference interval). EPI cats displayed weight loss (69%), diarrhoea (68%), vomiting (41%), anorexia (39%), poor hair coat (35%), lethargy (33%), and/or polyphagia (21%). The lower the serum fTLI concentration, the more often good treatment response was reported (p = 0.022) but there were no statistically significant clinical signs. In conclusion, fTLI is a helpful parameter to diagnose EPI but predicting treatment response based on signalment or clinical signs is not possible.
Highlights
Feline exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a rare disease caused by the lack of synthesis and/or secretion of pancreatic enzymes, which leads to intestinal malabsorption [1]
This study aimed to investigate the signalment of cats with suspected EPI and to evaluate signalment, clinical signs, and treatment response of cats diagnosed with EPI
This study describes the signalment of cats for which samples were submitted for the measurement of serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) concentration in a large study population of 4813 cats
Summary
Feline exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a rare disease caused by the lack of synthesis and/or secretion of pancreatic enzymes, which leads to intestinal malabsorption [1]. The cause for this is most often associated with pancreatic acinar atrophy, while chronic pancreatitis is rarely reported [4,5]. Severe chronic pancreatitis with subsequent extensive tissue destruction (atrophy, fibrosis, and loss of the acinar cells) is thought to be the most common cause of EPI in cats [6]. Cats with EPI have more non-specific clinical signs than dogs. Most cats display weight loss and unformed faeces (occasionally diarrhoea); poor hair coat, anorexia, increased appetite, and/or lethargy were reported irregularly [6,7] often making it challenging to diagnose EPI
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
