If there is something that causes a large number of he alth problems in your cat, it is loss of appetite. Sometimes, whether due to stress, as a result of some other illness, or for other reasons, the cat refuses to eat and this is much more dangerous for him than you imagine.
One of the problems that is unleashed by not eating are liver diseases, that is, those that put the functioning of the liver. These ailments are so dangerous for cats that, if not treated promptly and properly, they can be fatal 90% of the time. Among the liver ailments is Fatty liver in cats, which is why we are talking here about its symptoms and treatment. Keep reading this article on our site!
What is fatty liver in cats?
The Fatty liver, also called Feline hepatic lipidosis, It is the disease of said organ that most affects cats, regardless of whether they are female or male. It consists of the accumulation of fat in the liver, which prevents it from working properly. When the liver fails, the entire body is compromised, so mortality due to this condition is quite high.
It can affect cats of any age, but it is more common in cats over 5 years of age, especially if they are pets and have weight problems. It is usually triggered when the animal's food cycle is disrupted, either by being put on a diet that is too strict that makes it lose weight rapidly, which you should never do, or due to some other he alth condition or very stressful situations the cat has lost its appetite.
What happens is that, in the absence of food, the body begins to transport the fats it gets to the liver in order for it to process them, but when the loss of appetite spreads, the liver It is overloaded with work and is unable to synthesize all the fats, so these accumulate in said organ. Faced with this accumulated fat in the area, the liver collapses.
A cat with physical discomfort that stops eating for one day is not a cause for concern, but after the second it is advisable to go to the vet immediately, because the feline organism it deteriorates very quickly due to lack of food.
What are the causes of feline hepatic lipidosis?
In the first place, obesity is a determining factor when suffering from fatty liver in cats, especially when for some reason the cat begins to lose those extra kilos rapidly. In addition, any element that causes the cat to stop eating represents a danger for him, whether he refuses to do so in response to some situation that causes stress, that he does not like the food (if the usual food has been changed or because he got bored of the same flavor), among other problems. All of these cause anorexia, and anorexia leads to liver failure.
In addition, some diseases, such as certain heart or kidney ailments, cause a lack of appetite, as do pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, cancer and any type of diabetes As if that were not enough, problems related to the mouth, such as bumps, infections such as gingivitis, trauma and anything that makes it difficult or painful the act of eating, lead the cat not to try a bite.
Similarly, the lack of a meal schedule, translated into the administration of food in an inconstant manner, causes eating disorders and generates stress in the cat, since he will not be sure when his next meal will be. food (don't forget that they are routine animals), causing this disease in the liver.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver in cats?
The loss of appetite, and therefore of weight, is one of the most obvious symptoms. The cat may experience vomiting and diarrhea or constipation, accompanied by dehydration and general weakness, so you will notice that he is tired and listless.
When liver failure occurs, bilirubin levels increase and jaundice becomes noticeable, which is a yellowish coloration in the skin, gums and eyeballs. Tremors may also occur, and the cat will adopt an indolent attitude towards itself, causing it to stop grooming itself. Expert review by palpating the abdomen will reveal the swollen liver
How is the diagnosis made?
If the fatty liver disease in the cat is advanced, at first glance the veterinarian will be able to distinguish the yellowish signs of jaundice, in addition to palpating the abnormally swollen liver. To confirm that it is feline hepatic lipidosis, other tests will be required:
- Blood tests.
- Ultrasound of the abdomen, which will make it possible to analyze the size and condition of the liver.
- Liver biopsy, consists of taking a sample of the liver wall with a needle. Some cats may require quick surgery to take a larger sample.
- Abdominal X-ray.
In addition, according to the physical examination, the information you are able to provide to the veterinarian about the signs of the disease and the state of the feline, tests will be necessary to determine the origin of the liver disease.
What is the treatment for feline hepatic lipidosis?
Initially, after being diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, the cat will likely need to be hospitalized for a few days, during which time awill be administered. fluid therapy , necessary to combat dehydration, weakness and lack of nutrients in the body.
After this, which is only emergency care, the most important thing is for the cat to eat again, but this is usually complicated in most cases. It will not be enough to offer him his favorite food, it can be treated but the most usual thing is that he continues to refuse to eat. Because of this, they go to assisted feeding The first thing is to try with food made into a puree that will be administered through a syringe, but if this is not successful the The veterinarian must place a tube, either in the nose or in the neck, that takes the food directly to the stomach, a treatment that will be necessary for weeks or even a few months. The specialist will guide you on the type of food, the portions and the daily frequency.
In addition to this, it is necessary to treat the disease that caused the liver failure and even medications that stimulate appetite are recommended, since the ultimate goal is not only to control the condition, but also for the cat to lead a normal life, eating on its own.
