Liver Disease in cats can lead to a decreased appetite, lethargy, and yellowing around the eyes. It’s important to get your cat to a veterinary soon if you see those symptoms.
In cats, liver disease doesn’t typically follow a staged progression but rather presents as mild, moderate, or severe cases. The intriguing aspect is that the symptoms are often subtle and lack specificity. Early detection it’s really important in feline liver disease. Timely diagnosis ensures prompt initiation of treatment protocols.
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Causes of Liver Disease in Cats
The liver plays a pivotal role in maintaining the well-being of your feline companion by facilitating various essential processes, such as blood clotting, detoxification, food metabolism, and bile production. However, if the liver sustains damage, it can lead to the development of liver disease.
Liver disease can manifest as either primary, originating from issues within the liver itself, or secondary, where liver damage occurs as a result of another underlying disease process. Here are some examples of primary liver diseases:
- Cholangitis: This involves inflammation of both the liver and biliary system. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, cholangitis and hepatic lipidosis (also known as fatty liver disease in cats) are responsible for a significant proportion of feline liver disorders treated in typical cat clinics or veterinary hospitals.
- Infectious hepatopathies: These are caused by sources such as viral diseases like feline infectious peritonitis, parasitic liver flukes, and toxoplasmosis, which is another parasitic condition.
- Hepatic cancer: The occurrence of cancerous growths in the liver can also contribute to liver disease.
- Toxins: Certain toxins found in specific houseplants, including sago palms, can negatively impact the liver.
Secondary liver diseases encompass hepatic lipidosis and hepatopathy secondary to hyperthyroidism. Additionally, while liver shunt, a congenital condition affecting blood flow to the liver, is more commonly observed in dogs, it can also occur in cats. Liver complications may also arise from feline diabetes.
Signs and Symptoms of Cat Liver Disease
Remember how we mentioned that detecting liver disease in your cat can be challenging? This is because the early warning signs, which are crucial for prompt treatment initiation, often overlap with symptoms of other conditions like kidney disease or vestibular disease.
Nevertheless, if you observe any of the following symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit to the veterinarian:
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
These symptoms of cat liver disease are often subtle and can go unnoticed by cat owners until the disease has progressed significantly.
Another indicator of the disease is icterus, commonly known as jaundice, which manifests as a yellowish tint in the skin, gums, and white parts of the eyes. The intensity of jaundice can range from subtle, almost peach-orange hues to a bright yellow shade resembling a highlighter. However, this symptom can also be overlooked by owners at home due to the presence of low, warm-toned lighting in residential settings.
In severe cases of liver disease in cats, vomiting and complete loss of appetite (anorexia) may develop later in the course of the illness. Some pet owners have reported the presence of bile-colored (bright green-yellow) vomit in advanced stages.
How to Treat Liver Disease
When you bring your cat for an examination, your veterinarian will likely recommend conducting blood work and possibly an ultrasound to confirm the presence of liver disease.
Blood work typically reveals elevated liver enzymes to varying degrees, sometimes increased bilirubin (a pigment found in the blood and bile), elevated white blood cell count, and changes in the shape of red blood cells known as poikilocytosis. An abdominal ultrasound can show indications such as an enlarged or shrunken liver, liver masses, blockage in the biliary tree (including the presence of stones), or mild alterations in liver texture.
While abdominal x-rays may provide information about the size of the liver or the presence of liver masses, an ultrasound is more sensitive in detecting liver abnormalities.
Once a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian will likely prioritize treating the underlying cause. For instance, if hyperthyroidism is identified, it will be addressed accordingly. In cases of hepatic lipidosis, which often occurs due to reduced appetite, the treatment approach involves appetite stimulants, anti-nausea medications, and sometimes pain relief, particularly if there is concurrent pancreatitis.
If your cat has a primary liver condition, the treatment plan may include antibiotics, liver-protective supplements like SAMe, and prescription medication such as ursodiol, which enhances bile flow. Blockages and shunts might require surgical intervention for the best outcomes.
Home treatments for cat liver disease typically begin with immediate clinical attention, followed by the administration of recommended supplements and supportive care as advised by your veterinarian within a comprehensive care plan. In cases of mild or moderate recovery, proper nutrition and feeding play a crucial role in restoring health. The MSD Veterinary Manual suggests high-protein, calorie-dense, well-balanced meals in small but frequent intervals.
Home treatment may be suitable for mildly affected cats, but owners should be prepared for multiple daily treatments and possibly the use of a feeding tube.
Prognosis
The prognosis for liver disease in your beloved feline companion depends on the promptness of detection and initiation of treatment. In mild to moderate cases, where the liver has the ability to regenerate and restore normal function, the outlook is generally positive.
Unfortunately, many cases of liver disease are not identified until the cat’s condition has deteriorated significantly. These cases often require hospitalization for several days, involving intensive rehydration, nutritional support, and medication. The prognosis in such situations varies on a case-by-case basis, especially when underlying or concurrent conditions are present.
Diagnosing liver disease in cats can be challenging due to the subtle nature of symptoms and the diverse range of causes. The most important advice for any cat owner is to closely monitor their cat for changes in appetite, activity levels, and body weight. Seek veterinary attention promptly to facilitate early detection of the disease. Additionally, be prepared for a potentially long and sometimes costly treatment plan.