A CAT suffering with pancreatitis has been named as Okeford Veterinary Centre's most recent Braveheart Award winner.

Whizkitz Odysseus is a handsome Siamese cat who had not eaten for three days. Since this was very unlike Whiz, his owner was concerned.

Blood samples revealed he was suffering from pancreatitis — a painful condition involving inflammation of the pancreas.

Whiz was admitted for hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous fluids and anti-inflammatories.

Despite this initial treatment, Whiz's appetite failed to return, he was losing weight and becoming weaker. After almost five days of not eating he was sedated and a feeding tube inserted directly into his oesophagus.

Whiz started to eat spontaneously only two days after its placement. From that day onwards he made excellent progress and ate his special low fat diet with gusto!

He was discharged after five days of hospitalisation and seen a week later to repeat his blood sample. Most of his blood parameters had returned to their normal levels by this time.

Whiz is now more vocal than ever and coming to terms with a life of low fat food — no more deluxe cat meals!