In case your Cat looks uncharacteristically yellow or if your Cat refuses to eat, you might want to bring your animal companion to the vet. Read on in case you’re wondering why.
TOO MUCH FAT IN THE LIVER
In cats with hepatic lipidosis, more commonly known as fatty liver disease, one of the most obvious signs is jaundice. Jaundice is a term that describes the yellowish color that the Cat’s body takes on. In certain Cats with dark-colored fur, the jaundice might be visible only in their gums or in certain parts that don’t have as much fur, such as their ears.
Potentially lethal, hepatic lipidosis may be seen in Cats who refuse to eat for three days or more. Aside from jaundice, other signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and behavioral changes.
HOW DOES A CAT BECOME JAUNDICED?
Hemoglobin is metabolized by the liver, with bilirubin as a metabolic product. A liver that isn’t working as efficiently as it should won’t be able to get rid of bilirubin, resulting in its accumulation in the body, including the skin, eyes, and gums.
This bilirubin accumulation is visible as a yellowish discoloration, known as jaundice.
WHY IT’S DANGEROUS FOR CATS TO GO ON A HUNGER STRIKE
When a Cat refuses to eat, their body mobilizes fat stores to provide energy. The mobilization of fat stores from different parts of their body might exceed their liver’s ability to metabolize the fat, leading to extreme expansion of liver cells and eventual liver injury.
SUSPECTING THE DISEASE
I once had a Cat patient who presented with jaundice. According to the Cat’s human, they had just noticed the feline’s odd color that day. The Cat’s poor appetite, on the other hand, started a couple of days ago. Halfway through the treatment, I was also shown photos of the Cat looking fat.
Something clicked in my mind. If that was fatty liver disease, then I might just be fortunate enough to reverse the condition.
I told the patient’s guardian my working diagnosis while I considered other conditions that presented with jaundice and refusal to eat. The Cat was given intravenous rehydration plus antioxidant supplementation with additional electrolytes.
DO CATS GET BETTER AFTER GETTING HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS?
If left untreated, hepatic lipidosis could be fatal. However, if treated in a timely manner, a Cat suffering from this condition can recover and survive
Treatment usually requires aggressive nutritional support, along with medications to support liver function, decrease nausea, and correct electrolyte imbalances.
ROAD TO RECOVERY
On the second day, the Cat was eating a prescription diet come mid-afternoon. I doubled efforts to make every fluid, medication, and intervention count, because he was my first jaundiced feline patient. I added antibiotics to his regimen.
His recovery was phenomenal, as evidenced by the improvement of his appetite. Tests showed that his liver was also recovering. Because his human guardian struggled with finances, other tests were waived. They were then advised to give small frequent meals so as to maintain the Cat’s blood sugar levels.
HAPPY ENDING
Given the Cat’s symptoms and response to treatment, he was discharged with the final diagnosis of feline idiopathic lipidosis. Thankfully, he started eating again with gusto after hydration, antibiotic treatment, and the administration of liver protectants.
I am happy to report that based on the videos sent by his human, this Cat is once again in the pink of health.
