Feline Fatty Liver: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding the Causes of Feline Hepatic Lipidosis
1. Typically, cats with no underlying health issues and a standard body shape are at a low risk of developing hepatic lipidosis, even if their daily food intake is reduced by a third. However, when cats suffer from this condition, it often indicates that there is an underlying health issue. This could be due to factors like moving to a new home, foster care, a change in cat food, or the introduction of a new pet. While these factors can contribute to the disease, they are relatively rare causes.
2. The most common scenario for feline hepatic lipidosis is the presence of an undiagnosed disease within the cat's body. This can include chronic inflammatory conditions such as chronic hepatitis, chronic pancreatitis, or cholecystitis, which may be deeply rooted. Additionally, senior cats with cancer, those that are overweight, or those with diabetes are also at a higher risk for developing this condition.
3. A study by Cornell University found that among 157 cats with hepatic lipidosis, 20% had other liver diseases, 14% had cancer, 11% had underlying pancreatitis, 5% were affected by social issues, 4% had respiratory problems, and 2% had diabetes.
This highlights that the majority of cases of feline hepatic lipidosis are often triggered by underlying health conditions.
Cats can be affected by two types of hepatic lipidosis: secondary, which is caused by other diseases, and primary, where the cause is unknown. However, "primary" simply means that the cause has not been identified, not that there is no cause. Regardless of the cause, the symptoms and progression of the disease, as well as the treatment methods, remain consistent.
Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: Pet owners should monitor their cat's weight closely to prevent obesity. Avoid taking your cat to unfamiliar places and try to minimize foster care, as these situations can impact your cat's health. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your feline friend stays healthy!
