Pancreas

The pancreas, although a small organ in size plays a huge role in food digestion and regulation of blood sugar. The pancreas is divided into two sections based on its function.

1. Exocrine pancreas which is larger and secretes digestive enzymes that are involved in the breakdown of proteins and fats in the food.
2. The endocrine pancreas is smaller in size and secretes hormones that regulate blood sugar.

• Abnormalities that are common in the pancreas include:
• Inflammation of pancreas or pancreatitis. Cats having pancreatitis have symptoms that include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency- inability to produce an enzyme that regulates blood sugar levels
• Diabetes mellitus- failure to produce a hormone that controls blood sugar levels
• Cancer

• Acute Pancreatitis
• Exocrine Insufficiency