If your cat is suddenly refusing to eat, acting extremely lethargic, or showing a yellow tint to their skin, it is important to evaluate their liver health immediately. Hepatitis and Cholangiohepatitis refer to inflammation of the liver and its bile ducts. Here is an overview of why it happens, how we diagnose the underlying causes, and the best paths for long-term treatment.
What Is Feline Hepatitis?
The liver is responsible for many essential functions, including digestion, metabolism, detoxification, immune function, and nutrient storage. Hepatitis and Cholangiohepatitis occur when the liver and/or bile ducts become inflamed. This condition may develop suddenly or progress slowly over time. Potential causes include infection, inflammation, cancer, toxins, congenital abnormalities, and hereditary disorders, although the exact cause is often unknown.
Common Signs to Watch For
If your cat is suffering from liver disease, you might notice:
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Lethargy and weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the gums, eyes, or skin)
- Increased thirst and urination
- Abdominal distension (swelling)
- Bruising, bleeding abnormalities, or changes in stool color
How We Diagnose Liver Disease
To determine the underlying cause and severity of the disease, a combination of diagnostics is highly recommended:
- Comprehensive Blood Work & Urinalysis: A CBC and chemistry panel to evaluate liver enzymes and overall organ function.
- Bile Acids Testing: A specialized blood test that requires a 3-hour drop-off appointment to tell us the exact functionality of the liver.
- Abdominal Ultrasound: Performed by a boarded radiologist who looks at the architecture of the liver and scans the entire abdomen. (Your cat’s belly will need to be shaved, but this usually does not require sedation).
- Liver Biopsy: The gold standard for determining the exact cause. Done under general anesthesia, the radiologist guides a tru-cut biopsy directly into the liver. We must check blood clotting factors beforehand to ensure this is safe for your cat.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends heavily on the underlying cause but generally includes a multimodal approach to reduce inflammation and support liver regeneration.
Diet and Supplements
- Prescription Liver Diets: To reduce the workload on the liver.
- Denamarin®: A liver antioxidant shown in studies to reduce liver enzymes and improve overall liver health.
- Vitamin E & Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Both compounds provide powerful antioxidant benefits directly to liver cells.
Medical Therapy
- Prednisolone: A systemic steroid that reduces inflammation in the liver.
- Antibiotics (Clavamox® & Marbofloxacin): Specifically target bacterial infections within the liver and biliary system.
- Ursodiol: Increases the viscosity of the bile and allows it to move more freely through the bile duct system.
- Omeprazole: An antacid medication that reduces stomach acid, as patients with liver disease have a high propensity to develop gastric ulcers.
Prognosis and Follow-Up Care
The prognosis varies with the underlying cause, the severity of the damage, and the response to treatment. Fortunately, the liver has an excellent ability to regenerate, and many patients can improve significantly with appropriate therapy and monitoring.
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnostic or treatment guidance. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, please contact Cascade Heights Veterinary Center directly by phone at 206-403-1108, email, or by scheduling an appointment. Medications, supplements, and prescription diets can be conveniently ordered through our online pharmacy.