Hepatic lipidosis in cats refers to a disease that stops the liver from carrying out its normal detoxification and metabolic functions. It can cause a cat to stop eating and can be fatal if not treated early.
Hepatic lipidosis in cats is also often referred to as fatty liver disease. If you see any of the symptoms in your cat, then you must get to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for hepatic lipidosis.
Symptoms Of Hepatic Lipidosis In Cats
Symptoms of hepatic lipidosis in cats generally start with the feline displaying a loss of appetite.
Further symptoms in cats include:
- Noticeable weight loss
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Withdrawal from daily life
- Excess salivation
- Jaundice
Causes Of Hepatic Lipidosis In Cats
Hepatic lipidosis in cats appears when a feline stops eating. In turn, their body starts to rely on its own fat cells for energy.
Some related causes include:
- Stressful or sudden environmental changes
- Liver or kidney disease
- Pancreatitis
Treatments For Hepatic Lipidosis In Cats
If your vet suspects that your cat is suffering from hepatic lipidosis, they’ll carry out a physical exam and also ask questions about any recent life or environmental changes that might have caused the cat distress.
They’ll also order blood and urine tests and, in some cases, might suggest an ultrasound.
In many cases, a vet will insert a feeding tube into the cat’s neck so they can take on sufficient food. The vet might also need to administer fluids intravenously if dehydration has set in.
Eventually, after successful treatment, the vet can remove the feeding tube as the cat begins to eat normally from their bowl again.
Has your cat ever suffered from hepatic lipidosis? How did your vet treat your cat’s fatty liver disease? Let us know in the comments section below!
