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What is
hepatic lipidosis?
Also
known as Idiopathic Hepatic Lipidosis or Fatty Liver Disease,
Hepatic Lipidosis is the most common cause of
liver disease
in cats. It is caused when
a cat becomes
anorexic (stops or reduces the amount of food it's
eating), the body begins to use fat stores as fuel. These fat
stores are sent to the liver, to be broken down to supply
nutrients.
Unfortunately, the liver sometimes becomes overwhelmed & is
unable to process this fat as quickly as necessary, leading to a
build up of fat in the liver, which interferes with normal
liver function.
This
disease can strike any cat of any age, although it is seen more
often in obese cats. Left untreated, this condition can quickly
lead to death & veterinary attention must be sought
immediately if a cat stops eating.
What causes
hepatic lipidosis?
There are several
causes of hepatic lipidosis, including some medical conditions
which may predispose your cat to the disease, some of which are;
renal failure, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism,
FLUTD, owner
induced diet (without careful veterinary supervision). Stress
leading to a loss of appetite can also cause the disease.
50%
of cases have no known cause, this is known as "idiopathic
(no known cause) hepatic lipidosis.
What are the
symptoms of hepatic lipidosis?
In the early
stages there may be no signs of hepatic lipidosis other than
anorexia. This is why it is so important that cat owners are
aware of their cat's eating habits & seek medical advice
urgently.
How is it
diagnosed?
Your veterinarian
will perform a physical examination of the cat & ask for a
history.
Biochemical profile to check serum levels of certain liver enzymes
which may be markedly elevated. [1] Ultrasound or x-ray of the
liver may be performed to check the appearance of the liver
& rule out other conditions. A sample of liver cells either
taken by biopsy or fine needle aspirate, which will detect
the presence of fat cells to confirm diagnosis.
How is it
treated?
If
caught in time, approximately 70% of cases can be reversed.
Untreated, hepatic lipidosis will lead to death.
Treatment depends on the severity of disease & any
underlying medical conditions. Aggressive therapy will be
required to save the cat.
-
Intensive
nutritional support. Most frequently this involves feeding
a calorie dense, high protein food via a feeding
tube either directly into the stomach or esophageus.
This type of feeding will usually be required for 6 -
8 weeks.
-
Fluid
& electrolyte therapy if the cat is dehydrated.
How can I
prevent hepatic lipidosis in my cat?
Be aware of your cat's eating habits & if you notice your
cat eating less or nothing at all seek veterinary advice
immediately.
Never put your cat on a diet without close veterinary
supervision.
Try to prevent obesity in your cat, under close
veterinary supervision.
References:
[1] The Cornell Book of Cats
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a
veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice. |
