This blog post shares information about fatty liver disease in cats.
Hepatic lipidosis, also called fatty liver, happens when fat accumulates in liver cells. Eventually, the buildup of fat storage impedes the liver from functioning properly. This disease is unique to felines and is one of cats’ most prevalent liver diseases. This blog post shares information about fatty liver disease in cats.
What is Hepatic lipidosis in Cats?
When fat is broken down quickly to supply energy and nutrients to an anorectic cat, it may overwhelm the liver’s capacity to process it. This fat becomes stored, surrounding the liver cells and compromising liver function. At this point, fatty liver disease is deadly if not treated rapidly and aggressively. A cat is particularly at risk when he or she is not eating or has a low appetite. Many cats have an underlying disease that causes low appetite and hepatic lipidosis becomes a consequence of that.
Causes of Hepatic Lipidosis
Hepatic lipidosis is directly caused by the breakdown of fat that then builds up in liver cells. This is a result of the body attempting to utilize stored energy (fat) due to minimal energy being brought into the body from lack of eating. The chances of hepatic lipidosis are higher if the cat is overweight or obese before the anorexia begins. These felines are often middle-aged and have probably lost at least 25% of their body weight. An underlying disease is the cause of the inappetence in more than 90% of cats that experience fatty liver. It is important to treat the immediate problem, but also to diagnose and treat the initial cause of the anorexia.
Signs and Symptoms
Cats with hepatic lipidosis typically have some combination of the following symptoms:
- Poor or no appetite
- Quick weight loss
- Jaundice – a yellow discoloration of the white surrounding the eye pupils
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Lethargy and depression
- Diarrhea or constipation
Diagnosis
Veterinarians can usually diagnose fatty liver disease in cats by performing blood exams that demonstrate poor liver function or from a liver biopsy or fine needle aspirate. A fine needle aspirate is performed by inserting a needle into the cat’s liver through the skin using an ultrasound. A liver biopsy requires exploratory surgery and is typically a last resort since of these patients are not stable enough to undergo surgery. A feline with hepatic lipidosis will have significant fat in and among the liver cells. Other diagnostic exams might be completed to determine why the cat initially stopped eating.
Treatment and Prognosis
Fatty liver disease in cats is treatable with aggressive nutritional support until their normal appetite returns. Nutritional support is required for the liver to continue functioning and mobilize the excessive fat stores. In most cases, a feeding tube is placed to allow for regular feeding without the stress of force feeding an already sick cat. This does require minimal sedation and will be performed at a veterinary hospital. The veterinary team will manage and monitor the feeding tube to ensure appropriate nutrition is being achieved. If the feeding tube is needed longer term, your veterinary team can show you how to use and care for the feeding tube at home. Once your cat starts eating on its own, the feeding tube can be removed.
Although nutritional support is essential, many cats are also treated with medicine to support liver function, lower nausea, and correct electrolyte imbalances. Treating the underlying initial reason for the inappetence is also vital for fully recovering from fatty liver disease in cats.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook.