Liver Disease
Cat
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Liver disease in cats can be triggered by something as simple as your cat not eating. If your cat doesn't eat for more than even 1 day, be sure to consult with your veterinarian to avoid a liver problem such as hepatic lipidosis. Liver problems can also be the cause if your cat is vomiting and appears disoriented.
There are several cause of feline live problems. These include:
Hepatic Lipidosis in Cats
The most common cause of liver disease in cats is hepatic lipidosis. Another name for this condition is feline fatty liver disease or FHL. 26% of cats with a liver problem have this condition. While the exact reason why cats get lipidosis is not known, it is believed that when cats refuse to eat for a long period of time, fat builds up in the liver. Another name for the fats is lipids. As the fat deposits build up, the liver swells causing liver failure. Symptoms of this condition include:
- Drooling
- Food avoidance
This type of cat disease liver is thought to be triggered by other conditions 85% of the time. These include:
- Urinary tract problems
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hyperthyroidism
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Pancreatitis
- Anemia
To diagnose this feline hepatic lipidosis, your veterinarian will do a blood test and take a liver sample for testing (biopsy) using a technique called fine needle aspiration.
Treatment involves making sure your cat starts eating again, even if you have to force your cat to eat by using an intravenous feeding tube. Your veterinarian will put your cat on a high protein/low carbohydrate diet and make sure that phosphorus and potassium levels are restored. It takes up to 3 months to recover. If your cat survives for 4 days, then 85% of cats recover.
Cholangiohepatitis in Cats (bile duct inflammation)
This liver disease cat condition occurs when the liver and the bile ducts become inflamed. A bile duct is a tube that carries a yellowish fluid called bile from the liver, where it is manufactured, to the gallbladder for storage. Bile helps your cat digest fats that are eaten.
This liver disease cat condition has three causes.
1. Bacteria (Neutrophilic): when bacteria travels up your cat's small intestine moves up the bile duct to the gallbladder and liver. Other related conditions are pancreatitis and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).
2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (lymphocitic): inflammation in the lining of the intestines.
3. Pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas.
Symptoms of cholangiohepatitis in cats includes:
- Jaundice: ears, skin and eyes look yellow
- Anorexia: lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Weight Loss
- Bad mouth odor
Treatment of cholangiohepatitis includes making sure that your cat eats and is hydrated such as the use of a feeding tube. If your cat is suffering from a bacterial infection then antibiotics will be prescribed. Conventional medications such as Actigall and prednisone (both for inflammation).
Your veterinarian may also recommend a homeopathic remedy that contains milk thistle such as PetAlive Liver-Aid which is made to naturally eliminate toxins and strengthen resistance against disease and infection in Pets. Milk Thistle has clinical support for its positive effect on liver function and is widely recommended by veterinarians. Other herbs such as Burdock and Greater Celandine also are known for their positive impact.
Portosystemic Shunt
This is a liver disease cat condition that is inherited. The problem occurs when digested food is absorbed into the a vein called a portal vein. Instead of carrying digested food to the liver, in a cat with this problem it carries the digested food to the blood and heart. Without the liver removing toxins, ammonia builds up in the system causing symptoms such as:
- Drooling
- Weight Loss
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Circling
The condition is diagnosed with a blood test and
an x-ray of the liver. Treatment involves placing your cat on a low
protein diet. The condition may cause an ulcer. Surgery can correct the
way blood flows. After surgery, your cat can live a normal life.
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References - Liver Disease Cat:
Liver Disease: Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Dr. Fleming, Sherwood Animal Clinic
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Feline Liver Disease
D.C. Twedt
College of Veterinary Medicine
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Cat
Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook
Eldredge, Debra, Carlson, Delbert, Carlosn, Liisa, Giffin, James
3rd Edition
