🧬 Vet Guide to Triaditis in Cats (2025): IBD, Cholangitis & Pancreatitis Explained 🐱🩺

Triaditis is a complex condition in cats involving three diseases at once: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, and cholangitis (inflammation of the liver and bile ducts). While each disease can exist alone, many cats suffer from this trio simultaneously due to how their anatomy links the GI tract, pancreas, and biliary system. In this 2025 vet guide, Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc breaks down what cat owners need to know about recognizing, diagnosing, and managing triaditis. 🐾

🔬 What Is Triaditis?

Triaditis refers to the co-occurrence of:

• 🔥 Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, disrupting digestion
• 🟡 Cholangitis/Cholangiohepatitis – Inflammation of bile ducts and liver
• 💩 IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) – Chronic intestinal inflammation affecting digestion and nutrient absorption

All three organs are anatomically connected in cats, which may explain why inflammation in one can easily affect the others. 🔄

🧬 What Causes Triaditis?

Though the exact cause is often unknown, common triggers include:

• 🦠 Intestinal dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria)
• 🧫 Bacterial infections traveling from the intestines up the bile or pancreatic ducts
• 🔁 Autoimmune response to intestinal irritation or food sensitivities
• 🧬 Genetic predisposition

⚠️ Symptoms of Triaditis

The signs can be vague and overlap with many other conditions. Watch for:

• 🤢 Vomiting (most common symptom)
• 🐾 Lethargy or decreased activity
• 🚫 Poor or no appetite
• 💩 Diarrhea or loose stool
• 📉 Weight loss
• 🟡 Jaundice (yellow gums, skin, or eyes)
• 🌡️ Fever or swollen abdomen in advanced cases

🧪 Diagnosing Triaditis

Because three different organs are involved, diagnosis can be complex. Your vet will likely perform:

• 🧫 Blood work (CBC, chemistry panel, pancreatic enzyme levels)
• 🖥️ Abdominal ultrasound to examine pancreas, intestines, liver, and gallbladder
• 🔬 Biopsies of liver, pancreas, and intestines for definitive diagnosis
• 🧪 Bile culture and sensitivity testing if infection is suspected

Biopsy is the gold standard but not always needed to begin treatment. Diagnostic imaging and lab values often provide enough evidence to move forward. 🩺

💊 Treating Triaditis

Because triaditis involves three systems, a multi-faceted treatment approach is required:

1. 🍽️ IBD Treatment

• 🥩 Hypoallergenic or hydrolyzed diets
• 💊 Immunosuppressants (e.g., prednisolone)
• 💊 Probiotics and B12 supplements

2. 🔥 Pancreatitis Management

• 💧 IV fluids for hydration
• 💉 Pain and nausea medications (e.g., Cerenia®)
• 🍗 Early nutritional support to avoid hepatic lipidosis

3. 🟡 Cholangitis Treatment

• 💊 Liver protectants (SAMe, Denamarin®, ursodiol)
• 🦠 Antibiotics if infection is present
• 🩺 Surgery or gallbladder removal in rare severe cases

Feeding tubes may be needed if the cat refuses to eat. Nutritional support is critical for recovery. 🥣

🧪 Managing Complications

Triaditis can lead to serious secondary problems, including:

• 🩸 Bleeding disorders
• 🧬 Gallstones (choleliths)
• 🦠 Severe infections or abscesses
• 🔋 Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration

All of these require immediate vet care and hospitalization. ⛑️

📈 Prognosis and Monitoring

With early and comprehensive treatment, many cats with triaditis improve significantly. However:

• ⚖️ Prognosis depends on severity and complications
• 📆 Some cats experience flare-ups requiring long-term diet or medication
• 👀 Owners should monitor for appetite loss, vomiting, or lethargy

Routine rechecks, lab work, and possibly imaging are often required. 🩺

📲 Ask A Vet for Triaditis Support

Suspect triaditis or need help managing your cat’s ongoing care? Connect with Dr. Duncan Houston and licensed vets on the Ask A Vet app for real-time diagnostics, diet advice, or symptom tracking. 🐱💬

Visit AskAVet.com or download the app for expert guidance today. 📱

💬 Final Thoughts

Triaditis is a tough trio of conditions, but cats are tougher. With early intervention and consistent care, many cats bounce back and enjoy great quality of life. Don’t wait if your cat shows signs of digestive trouble—Dr. Duncan Houston and Ask A Vet are here to help. 🐾❤️