2021 Volume 52 Issue 2 Pages 31-35
A 14-year-old spayed long-haired mixed breed cat underwent forelimb amputation to treat a synovial sarcoma of the right forelimb. The cat was in good condition for 2 days postsurgery but suddenly became anorexic, and her general condition deteriorated. Blood tests showed leukopenia (1,790/μl) with neutrophil depletion (1,110/μl). Subsequently, the cat showed mild azotemia, an elevated serum total bilirubin concentration and jaundice. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed pancreatic swelling, and qualitative testing for feline pancreatic-specific lipase yielded a strongly positive result. The cat was diagnosed with postoperative acute pancreatitis of unknown causes and underwent medical treatment for pancreatitis. The treatment resulted in improved blood test results and an improved general condition. Eight months after the first visit, the cat remains in good general condition. This case revealed that acute pancreatitis can occur after surgery without intraperitoneal manipulation in cats. Veterinarians should recognize that feline leukopenia is one early clinical symptom of acute pancreatitis in cats.
