Fatty Liver In Cats: These Signs Should Worry You

Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic lipidosis, is a common form of liver disease in cats. It occurs when a cat's liver becomes overwhelmed with fat, causing it to stop functioning properly. The disease can be life-threatening and lead to liver failure and death if left untreated. Signs of hepatic lipidosis can be subtle, but may include decreased appetite or complete inappetence (anorexia). A biochemical profile will show further signs of the disease, including high liver enzyme levels and high bilirubin levels.

Decreased appetite

Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic lipidosis, is a common form of liver disease in cats. It occurs when a period of decreased appetite causes a buildup of fat cells in the liver. This can lead to liver failure and death if left untreated.

Signs of hepatic lipidosis can be subtle, so it's important to watch for clinical signs of the disease, including decreased appetite or complete inappetance (anorexia). This may be caused by stressful situations, such as having guests stay in your house for a few days.

If you notice your cat is eating less, it's important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis. The diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is typically based on history, clinical signs, blood work, and an abdominal ultrasound. Specific blood work should evaluate the white and red blood cells, kidney and liver function, protein, electrolytes, and potentially even the clotting function of the body.

A biochemical profile will also show further signs of the disease, including high liver enzyme levels and high bilirubin levels. Generally, in a case of fatty liver disease, you would expect an increase in circulating bilirubin, more than a two-fold increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), along with a normal or mildly increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) level.

High liver enzyme levels

The diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is typically based on history, clinical signs, blood work, and an abdominal ultrasound of the abdomen (specifically looking at the liver and gall bladder). Specific blood work should evaluate the white and red blood cells, kidney and liver function, protein, electrolytes, and potentially even the clotting function of the body.

Generally, in a case of fatty liver disease, you would expect an increase in circulating bilirubin, more than a two-fold increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) along with a normal or mildly increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) level.

It is important to watch for clinical signs of hepatic lipidosis, as they can be really subtle. These signs include decreased appetite or complete inappetance (i.e. anorexia).

High bilirubin levels

Fatty liver disease in cats, also known as hepatic lipidosis, is a serious illness that can lead to liver failure and death if left untreated. The condition occurs when there is a build-up of fat cells in the liver, which causes it to stop functioning properly.

One of the signs of fatty liver disease in cats is high bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a yellow compound that is produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin so that it can be excreted from the body. However, when the liver is overwhelmed with fat, it can no longer function properly, leading to high bilirubin levels in the blood.

It is important to watch for clinical signs of fatty liver disease, as the signs can be subtle. These may include a decreased appetite or complete inappetance (anorexia). If left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to complete liver failure, which is often fatal. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial for the cat's recovery.

High blood sugar levels

Fatty liver disease in cats, also known as hepatic lipidosis, is a serious illness that can lead to liver failure and death if left untreated. The disease occurs when a period of decreased appetite causes a buildup of fat cells in the liver, resulting in the organ becoming overwhelmed and no longer functioning properly.

One of the signs of fatty liver disease in cats is high blood sugar levels, which can indicate diabetes. This is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Other signs of the disease include high liver enzyme levels and high bilirubin levels, which can be detected through a biochemical profile and specific blood work.

The diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is typically based on history, clinical signs consistent with the disease, blood work, and an abdominal ultrasound. Specific blood work should evaluate white and red blood cells, kidney and liver function, protein, electrolytes, and potentially even the clotting function of the body.

It is important to note that the signs of hepatic lipidosis can be subtle, so cat owners should be vigilant in monitoring their pet's health and behaviour. Any changes in appetite or energy levels should be noted and discussed with a veterinarian. Early detection and treatment of fatty liver disease can significantly improve the chances of recovery for affected cats.

Kidney disease

Fatty liver disease in cats, also known as hepatic lipidosis, is the overaccumulation of fat in the liver that causes serious illness. It is one of the most common forms of acquired liver disease in cats and can quickly lead to liver failure and death without treatment.

Kid liver disease is a common condition in cats that can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, trauma, and exposure to toxins. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and maintaining fluid balance in the body. When the kidneys are damaged, they are unable to perform these functions effectively, leading to a build-up of waste products and fluid retention.

The signs of kidney disease in cats can include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. In some cases, cats may also exhibit behavioural changes, such as hiding or aggression. It is important to note that these signs can also be indicative of other health issues, so a thorough veterinary examination is necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

The diagnosis of kidney disease in cats typically involves a combination of blood and urine tests, as well as imaging techniques such as ultrasound or X-rays. Specific blood work should evaluate kidney function, as well as liver function, protein, electrolytes, and clotting function. Urine tests can help assess kidney function and identify the presence of protein, blood, or other abnormalities.

Treatment for kidney disease in cats aims to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. This may include a prescription diet to reduce protein and phosphorus intake, fluid therapy to maintain hydration and support kidney function, and medications to control vomiting, high blood pressure, or other complications. In some cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be considered.

The prognosis for cats with kidney disease varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With proper management, many cats can live comfortably for several years after diagnosis. However, kidney disease is a progressive and irreversible condition, so ongoing veterinary care and monitoring are essential to ensure the best possible outcome.

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