Of all the feline diseases, triaditis is one of the most mysterious and dreaded by cat owners. Triaditis in cats involves inflammation in three different parts of the body: the liver, pancreas and intestines. The exact cause of triaditis in cats remains largely unknown but different theories exist. In this blog post, we will discuss triaditis in cats and outline some of the possible causes and treatments. We hope that this information will help cat owners better understand this condition and provide them with options for treatment.
What is triaditis in cats?
Triaditis is a feline syndrome characterized by three concurrent, inflammatory diseases. These conditions are cholangitis (hepatitis), pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although it is a common syndrome, the exact prevalence of triaditis in cats is unknown. A retrospective study showed the median age at the time of diagnosis was 7 years.
What causes triaditis in cats?
The exact cause of triaditis in cats is unknown and can be acute or chronic in nature. One theory is that when the intestines become inflamed, it causes bacteria to spread from the duodenum into the liver and pancreas. Most cats who are affected by this have a single pancreatic duct. This makes it more likely for these cats to also have other diseases because their one duct enters the duodenum together with the common bile duct at a major point. Vomiting caused by an intestinal inflammatory disease can cause fluids from the duodenum to go back up into both the pancreatic and bile ducts, which then increases inflammation potential.
It is also believed that an immune component may be involved in triaditis in cats. Lymphocytes associated with IBD may have homing receptors that cause them to move to the liver and pancreas. If these lymphocytes are activated in these abnormal locations, it can lead to inflammation and tissue damage, which then causes more lymphocytes to be recruited and creates a persistent state of inflammation.
What are the components of triaditis in cats?
The three medical conditions that makeup triaditis in cats are:
Cholangitis: This is a liver disease characterized by inflammation of the bile ducts. Bile is a yellow-green fluid produced by the liver that helps with digestion. When the bile ducts become inflamed, it can cause a buildup of bile in the liver, which can lead to liver damage.
Pancreatitis: This is a pancreas disease characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that produces enzymes that help with digestion. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, these enzymes are activated and begin to digest the pancreas itself, which can lead to pancreatic damage.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This is a gut disease characterized by inflammation of the intestines and the exact cause is multifactorial. IBD can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain.
What are the symptoms of triaditis in cats?
Clinical signs related to cholangitis predominate, although pancreatitis and IBD are often major contributors to the disease and warrant appropriate treatment.
The main symptom of triaditis in cats is vomiting. Other clinical symptoms of triaditis in cats may include weight loss, dehydration, anorexia, lethargy, diarrhea, abdominal pain and distention, jaundice, and fever.
How is triaditis diagnosed in cats?
Triaditis in cats can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. A complete history and physical examination are important for making a diagnosis. Your veterinarian will likely want to run some laboratory tests, including a complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and fecal examination.
Other blood tests such as Feline Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity (fPLI) and cobalamin (Vitamin B12) can also aid in the diagnosis.
Imaging studies, such as abdominal ultrasonography and radiographs, may also be recommended. These tests can help to rule out other diseases and confirm the diagnosis of triaditis.
How is triaditis treated in cats?
Treatment is directed toward the disease component that is most evident and present. Appropriate nutritional support (e.g. feeding tube placement if necessary) and the correction of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are key aspects of care. Appropriate pain control and the reduction of nausea and vomiting are also important.
What is the prognosis for cats with triaditis?
The prognosis for cats with triaditis can vary depending on the severity, but many cats have a good chance of recovery with proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is the best food for cats with triaditis?
Although no distinct diet is recommended for triaditis in cats, you might want to consider removing known dietary allergens like fish/seafood, beef and lamb from your cat's diet. A canned, low-carb diet that is a limited ingredient could be a good option.
Is triaditis in cats fatal?
Triaditis in cats can be fatal if left untreated, especially in cats with acute pancreatitis. Additionally, cats with hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) or hypoalbuminemia (low blood protein) may be at a higher risk for death. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, many cats have a good chance of recovery.
How common is triaditis in cats?
The exact prevalence of triaditis in cats is unknown, but it is considered to be a relatively common disease.
In conclusion, triaditis in cats is a syndrome of three concurrent, inflammatory conditions: cholangitis, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. A shared underlying disease mechanism is suspected but remains unclear. When observing the symptoms, it appears that cholangitis predominates; however, pancreatitis and IBD are often major contributors to the disease and warrant appropriate treatment. If you are concerned that your cat may be displaying symptoms of triaditis, please consult with your veterinarian to explore further testing and treatment options.