Feline Pancreatitis Aftercare

Question
Hi!!  I have a 10 year old male cat who recently had what the vet is almost sure was pancreatitis. During the complete blood tests that the vet took it showed he had increased creatinine levels and also mild anemia along with the elevated pancreas numbers. He had to spend the whole weekend hospitalized and was just able to come home.  She re-did blood work the day he was released and his creatinine levels had come down to almost normal they were .2 of a point high.  She wants to do a follow - up blood test in 3 weeks.  My question is she sent him home with a prescription for 2 months worth of Benazepril HCl 5 mg.  With instructions to give 1/2 tablet once a day.  She said it will help support kidney function while he finishes recuperating.
I just looked up the possible side effects of this drug and found the following:  vomiting, weakness, decrease in apetite, and change in urination.  This concerns me becuase these were the EXACT symptoms that I took him in for originally.  I am worried that if he should have these I won't be able to tell if it's from the meds or if his condition is getting worse.
Also I read that this medicine may cause increased creatinine levels and low red blood cell count in blood tests.
So when she re-checks in 3 weeks ........if his levels are off.....how will we know for sure if it is the medicine or if he's still doing poorly??
I just need a second opinion on if this seems like the right thing to do in this situation??  He is doing much better than he was over the weekend and I am nervous to give him something that may cause him to get worse again.  Thanks in advance for your advice.

Answer
Amy -


 I am sure your vet would not give your kitty meds that would harm him.  You should trust your vets' opinion and express your concerns to the vet regarding side effects.

All medication  has potential side effects - the operative word is "potential".  That does not mean that your cat will develop those side effects. It means that animals that have been on this drug have sometimes shown those side effects - not all animals.  They have to list the side effects that animals have experienced - but all animals have not experienced these side effects.


Your vet is correct to prescribe this medication for your cat - it can help protect the kidneys while your cat is getting better.



Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM