There are a few important primary liver diseases that affect cats and the liver may also be affected by other disease processes. Symptoms may include jaundice, anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, depression, dehydration, fever, and diarrhoea.
With the exception of the skin, the liver is the largest organ in your cat's body. Its main functions are to gather, transform and accumulate the substances of metabolism and to eliminate toxins.
There are a few important primary liver diseases that affect cats which are described in this article. The liver may also be affected by other disease processes such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis).
What are the symptoms of liver disease?
Specific signs of liver disease include jaundice, fluid accumulation in the abdomen and enlargement of the liver. There may also be non-specific signs which could include anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, depression, dehydration, fever, and diarrhoea.
Although jaundice is generally the major sign of liver disease, other diseases not associated with the liver may also cause it.
How is liver disease diagnosed?
Blood tests will show changes in your cat's liver enzymes, as well as other parameters. If there is fluid accumulation in the abdomen, a sample may be collected for analysis. An ultrasound can provide information on the size and shape of your cat's liver. A biopsy sample of the liver taken by your veterinarian, usually during an ultrasound, may be able to give the definitive diagnosis of the disease process present.
What kinds of liver disease affect cats?
There are a few important primary liver diseases of cats including:
- Feline Cholangiohepatitis Complex
- Hepatic Lipidosis
- Toxic Hepatopathy
- Cancer
Feline Cholangiohepatitis Complex
Bile contains the waste products of red blood cell destruction that occurs in the liver and is stored in the gall bladder before being discharged into the intestine. Cholangitis refers to disease affecting the gallbladder and its ducts and hepatitis refers to disease of the liver.
Feline Cholangiohepatitis Complex covers a group of inflammatory liver diseases of the cat. The diseases cannot be separated from each other due to the overlap of disease processes and pathological test results.
Treatments recommended by your veterinarian may include antibiotics (if there is a bacterial cause), intravenous fluid therapy, vitamin E, nutritional support and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). UDCA is a synthetic bile acid that stimulates bile flow and improves the immune system. If there is no bacterial cause, your veterinarian may also prescribe cortisone.
Hepatic Lipidosis
Hepatic Lipidosis is represented by abnormal fat metabolism levels and its cause is unknown. In this disease, most of the liver cells become filled with fat. It is usually seen in obese cats and is preceded by a period of rapid weight loss or stress.
The disease is usually diagnosed by liver biopsy. Treatment involves intravenous fluid therapy and nutritional support. In 60%-70% of cases, cats make a recovery.
Toxic Hepatopathy (toxin exposure)
This type of liver disease is caused by exposure to toxins, including chemicals or drugs, that damage the liver. A common cause of Toxic Hepatopathy in cats is paracetamol (which is in Panadol, Panadeine, Nuromol, generic painkillers and cold and flu medications). Treatment is supportive, and the chances of recovery depend on the amount of liver damage that has occurred.
If you notice any symptoms of liver disease in your cat, particularly if their onset is fast, it is important to bring him or her to your veterinarian promptly.