Types and Causes of Liver Disease in Cats
- Toxic Hepatopathy, or Damage by Toxins. The liver processes toxins, both ingested and from the environment. ...
- Fatty Liver Disease. Fatty liver disease, also known as Hepatic Lipidosis, is the most common type of liver disease found in cats.
- Inflammatory Liver Disease. ...
- Toxoplasmosis. ...
- Liver Shunt. ...
How long can my Cat live with liver disease?
With proper management of the disease, life expectancy can range anywhere from a few months to several years. Early diagnosis of the disease truly makes a difference when it comes to prognosis. As long as you follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for management, you have all the tools needed to prolong their life.
What causes distended stomach in cats?
Probable causes include:
- Viral infection (such as feline infectious peritonitis)
- Bacterial infection
- Parasitic infection (often worms)
- Pyometra (uterine infection)
- Pregnancy
- Cancerous or benign tumors
- Kidney or liver disease
- Foreign body consumption (leading to tear or obstruction)
- Traumatic injury (such as a car accident)
- Failure to form blood clots
Why do cats have liver failure?
What causes liver failure in cats?
- Antibiotics (to help prevent secondary infections)
- Corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation and scarring of the liver)
- Cytoprotective agents (to prevent ulcers in the stomach or intestines)
- Diuretics (to reduce swelling in the abdomen)
What causes lack of appetite in cats?
Less frequent causes of a cat not eating may include:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Tumors
- Pulmonary disease
- Feline AIDS
- FeLV
- Aging
Can a cat recover from liver disease?
If the liver disease is diagnosed and treated early, cats tend to make a full recovery. But untreated liver disease can lead to more serious conditions like biliary cirrhosis — in which the bile duct is replaced by connective tissue. Acute liver failure can also occur.
What can affect a cat's liver?
What can cause liver disease in cats?Infection by viruses or bacteria.Intoxications (poisons).Hepatitis (liver inflammation), which is often due to an unknown cause. ... Tumours.Genetic problems in some breeds.Inherited problems related to the liver's blood vessels, called ´portosystemic shunts´.More items...
Is liver problem common in cats?
Liver disease is quite common in cats and can occur at any age, from kittens to old age. Usually the signs of liver disease, like many diseases in cats, are a bit vague; affected cats are often just quiet, have reduced appetite and lose weight.
How long can a cat live with liver problems?
Liver disease in a cat's life expectancy is virtually nil if left untreated – with a mortality rate of above 90%. Cats usually die due to severe malnutrition or other complications. Cats treated in the early stages can have a recovery rate of between 80-90%.
How do I know if my cat has liver problems?
Symptoms to look out for include:Poor or loss of appetite.Sudden weight loss.Weight loss.Jaundice (yellowing of gums, whites of the eyes or skin)Increased thirst.Vomiting or diarrhea.Changes in behavior.Excessive drooling.More items...
Can a cat recover from elevated liver enzymes?
Elevated liver enzymes and a high white blood cell count are often seen in cats with cholangiohepatitis — inflammation of the liver and bile ducts. If further testing confirms that your cat does have cholangiohepatitis, treatment with antibiotics would be warranted, and most cats respond nicely.
Can stress cause liver disease in cats?
Causes. Important risk factors are obesity, stress, a change in living arrangements, getting lost, loss of appetite, and generalized diseases.
Can you reverse liver failure in cats?
The cat liver has a high regeneration rate and the disease will eventually reverse assuming that irreparable damage has not been done to the liver. The best method to combat feline hepatic lipidosis is prevention and early detection.
What is the best cat food for cats with liver problems?
Purina Pro Plan Focus Kitten Chicken & Liver Entrée Classic Cat Food. ... Purina Pro Plan Focus Kitten Favorites Variety Pack Cat Food. ... Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets OM Crunchy Bites Cat Treats. ... Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Adult Turkey & Vegetables Entrée in Gravy Cat Food.More items...
What causes elevated liver levels in cats?
Non-hepatic causes of increases in liver enzymes include: Common: diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic infections (e.g., dental disease). Uncommon: congestive heart failure, severe hemolytic anemia, abdominal trauma, neoplasia.
What can I give my cat to help her liver?
In general, diets for cats with liver disease should have:High quality protein to reduce the workload on the liver.Highly digestible carbohydrates.High quality fats.Added antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium to combat oxidative stress.
Can stress cause liver disease in cats?
Causes. Important risk factors are obesity, stress, a change in living arrangements, getting lost, loss of appetite, and generalized diseases.
How long can cats live with liver failure?
This depends on the cause of the liver failure: some cats can live normal lifespans, while others may only live for weeks or months.
What are the signs of liver failure in cats?
Signs of liver failure include inappetence, polydipsia (excessive drinking of water), dullness, weight loss, digestive upsets such as vomiting and...
Is liver failure in cats treatable?
Yes, there are many possible treatment options for most types of feline liver failure, but this does depend on diagnosing the precise type of liver...
Are cats with liver failure in pain?
Liver failure generally is not painful, but this is an individual issue, and for some cats, good quality pain relief can be an important part of th...
What Is Liver Failure?
A cat’s liver is a large solid organ at the front of the cat’s abdomen, just behind the diaphragm which separates the abdomen from the chest.
What Are The Signs Of Liver Disease?
In the early stages, liver problems may be asymptomatic (there may be no external clinical signs), but as the liver disease advances to become a liver failure, signs of illness become increasingly obvious.
What Is The Prognosis For Cats With Liver Failure?
The prognosis depends on the underlying cause of liver failure. Many liver diseases have a good prognosis, with appropriate treatment, but others, such as liver cancers, cannot be cured.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Cat With Liver Failure?
The life expectancy depends on the cause of the liver failure: some cats can live for many years, while others may have a shortened life. Again, a detailed discussion with your own veterinarian is needed to know the expectation for your individual pet.
What is the most common liver disease in cats?
Hepatic lipidosis is the most common liver disease in cats. It often occurs when cats suddenly stop eating or experience sudden excessive weight loss. Hepatic lipidosis usually occurs in overweight, middle-aged female cats (about 7 years old). However, it can also occur in male cats.
What does the liver do?
It performs important functions including detoxifying or removing waste substances like damaging drugs or chemicals from the body. The liver helps control metabolism through the use of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It also makes essential proteins, bile to help with digestion of food, and blood-clotting factors.
What happens if my cat doesn't eat for 24 hours?
If your cat has not eaten for 24 hours or more, contact your vet right away. This can trigger hepatic lipidosis in some cats. If you notice that your cat has any of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to contact a vet right away.
What happens if a cat is overweight?
Keep a close eye on your cat’s weight and eating habits. Overweight and obese cats are more at risk of developing hepatic lipidosis and other diseases that can affect the liver.
Why do cats need to be hospitalized?
Cats with signs of dehydration, weight loss, and not eating often need to be hospitalized. Treatment in the hospital is geared toward keeping your cat hydrated, providing nutrition, appropriate medications, and close monitoring. Cats with severe liver disease are at risk for developing problems with other organs, such as the kidneys, and must be monitored closely by medical staff.
Why is it important to know if your cat has a liver disease?
For this reason, it’s important to recognize early signs of illness in your cat so that he can be treated quickly. Continue reading for more information on common liver diseases in cats, how they’re diagnosed, and how you can keep your cat healthy and happy!
What does it mean when a cat's liver is yellow?
Signs that suggest liver disease include a yellow tinge or color to the skin or the white part of the eyes. This yellow coloring is also known as jaundice or icterus. Cats may also develop swelling of the abdomen or stomach area called ascites. This happens when fluid builds up in the abdomen.
What does the liver do for cats?
The liver has a lot of jobs to do in a cat’s body. Some of its work includes metabolizing fats, proteins and carbohydrates, and storing vitamins and minerals. In all, it has more than a thousand duties. And because of its numerous tasks, the liver is prone to damage from a variety of systems within the body.
Why is my cat's eye yellow?
If you see yellow in the whites of your cat’s eyes, take action immediately. This yellowing — known as jaundice — could be an indicator of liver disease and must be taken seriously.
Why does my cat have a bad liver?
And because of its numerous tasks, the liver is prone to damage from a variety of systems within the body. Here are some of the more common causes of liver disease in cats: Fatty liver syndrome, which can be caused by rapid weight loss. Bacterial or viral infections. Lymphoma.
