My 11-1/2yr old cat has recently been diagnosed with Pancreatitis (an ultrasound was done, and the fPLI was sent off, results not back yet). The ultrasound showed that his pancreas is definitely enlarged. I am currently supplementing him with Mercola's Complete Probiotics, but was wondering whether the Mercola Digestive Enzymes might also be beneficial? His diet is currently mostly RADCat Turkey, some Primal Turkey, and EVO dry (though I will probably be switching to EVO Prime as soon as the current supply is finished - he doesn't eat that much dry). I know that in humans, if, for example, testosterone is supplemented, the body tends to cease its own production of it - I'm wondering whether that might be the same with the pancreas in cats? If I supplement the digestive enzymes, would the body tend to produce less of them, thereby inhibiting the pancreatitis? I asked my current vet but he said he had not seen or heard of any studies being done in that area. He suggested just a low residue diet. Comparatively, IAMS low residue (which I would NEVER use) has 9.52% protein, 2.91% fat, and 0.91% fiber, while RADCat has 15.5% protein, 5.23% fat, and 1.7% fiber. Would this still be considered low residue? Thank you for any assistance! :)

Pancreatitis means the pancreas becomes angry and instead of releasing enzymes into the small intestine, digestive enzymes are released into the bloodstream (wrong location). This means there is often times an enzyme deficiency for digesting food, so the addition of enzymes is widely accepted as a good idea, not only now, but for preventing additional bouts of pancreatitis in the future. You must start very slowly with enzymes and only if he's not currently vomiting. Vomiting must be controlled first. I strongly recommend you stop the dry food (especially the high fat dry you're currently offering)if he can maintain his weight on all canned or raw food. I recommend you consider adding in Standard Process Pancreatrophin now too, if you have an integrative vet you work with. This pancreatic glandular reduces pancreatic stress. Most importantly, recheck your PLI regularly until it's normal...leaving a simmering subclinical festering pancreas only leads to scarring and more issues down the road. Good luck!

Thank you SO much for the *ULTRA* fast response Dr Becker! :) I ordered 2 bottles of the SPP tonight along with Mercola's Digestive Enzymes For Pets, so they should get here by the end of next week or sooner. Fortunately, he is not having issues with vomiting, aside from hairballs (which were HUGE), however last week, we had him shaved down just to help eliminate one potential irritant. Since then he has only tossed up one small hairball. His stool also seems to be of a decent consistency, neither rock hard nor sloppy (though I may consider adding some lactulose to be on the safe side). He is literally the world's finickiest eater - if I mix *anything* in with his food (either the RADCat, the Primal, or the EVO canned) he won't touch it at all. So I end up having to assist feed him with a syringe once a day, mixing all of his supplements into one batch (which he still manages to coat half the kitchen floor and walls with). The other supplements he's getting are 3-6-9 Fish Oil, Coconut Oil, a small amount of Acacia power, and either K-9 Liquid Health or Nature's Farmacy Newf Warrior Mix. (He has a bit of arthritis starting in his spine, which is why I've added the glucosamine). When we get the results of the fPLI back, I'll post them (not certain which of the 2 labs it went to). I can also post the measurements taken of his pancreas if that is of any help. What about the issue of a low residue diet? Would the levels I listed for RADCat and Primal still be considered low reside? Thank you again! :)

Hello Dr Becker! I received the SP Pancreatrophin today, but the dosage is 1 tablet per meal for humans, what would be the appropriate dosage for cats? (Still have not received the fPLI results back yet). Thank you!

Hi Adam77 -- Dr. Becker can't actually give you a dosage as it would be considered prescribing and she is not able to prescribe without first doing an evaluation of your cat.. :( BUT, you can call Standard Process directly and ask for their veterinary department. They have a vet and at least one vet tech on staff that can answer your question for you. If you can find a holistic or integrative vet in your area that would be your best bet though :) PS --- I LOVE LOVE LOVE Standard Process products. I take them myself and my dogs get them too - including my pup with kidney disease. I am CERTAIN Standard Process has added to her quality of life as well as longevity!! (She was born with kidney disease and will be 6 the end of June and still in excellent health..) GREAT products!!

Hi swinn!! Thanks so much for the response. I will call SP right away them, and also confirm with my vet (even though he's not a holistic vet - unfortunately, there aren't any in my area). I'll post what they have to say, so other can know too :)

Ok, the doctor just called and advised that the "normal" range is 0.1 to 3.5 and Yoda's PLI level is 2.9. SP called back to advise the dosage should be (as he is 11.5yrs old and ~9lbs) 1 tablet per day for the 1st week, then 2 tablets per day thereafter (crushed and mixed with meals)