Causes and Symptoms of Feline Acute Hepatitis

Section 1: Causes of Feline Acute Hepatitis

1. Toxic Stimuli: Cats suffering from diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis, enteritis, or uremia may experience toxins that can stimulate their liver. This can lead to liver cell degeneration or necrosis, resulting in a hepatopathy.

2. Bacterial Infections: Unintentional infections from bacteria like E. coli or Staphylococcus can lead to suppurative hepatitis if they invade the cat's liver.

3. Parasitic Infections: Parasites such as flukes or toxoplasma, if they reside in the cat's liver bile ducts, can cause proliferative inflammation. These parasites also release toxins that can damage liver cells, leading to obstructive jaundice and potentially liver cirrhosis.

4. Heart Failure: Disruptions in the anal venous circulation can lead to acute or chronic congestion in the liver, causing sinusoid dilation and compressing liver cells, thereby impairing liver function.

5. Poisoning: Certain chemicals can damage liver cells in cats, leading to severe hepatitis or liver necrosis. Examples include carbon tetrachloride, aflatoxins, copper, and arsenic. Additionally, ingestion of pesticides, rodenticides, or spoiled food can significantly harm the cat's liver.

6. Drug Allergies: Repeated administration of drugs like chlorpromazine or testosterone can trigger acute hepatitis in cats. Moreover, a diet long lacking in methionine or choline can also cause liver necrosis in cats.

Section 2: Diagnosis and Symptoms of Feline Acute Hepatitis

1. Diagnosis is made through a review of the cat's medical history, clinical symptoms, and liver and urine function tests, with the results guiding the diagnosis.

2. The causes of feline hepatitis are varied, and the extent of liver damage can differ accordingly, as can the symptoms of liver dysfunction.

3. In the early stages of the disease, the cat's digestive system may malfunction, leading to loss of appetite and vomiting.

4. Initially, the feces may be dry, but as the condition progresses, it can become softer and lighter in color, sometimes even turning grayish.

5. The cat may exhibit lethargy, weakness, and a general slowing down of movement.

6. Sometimes, the cat may become suddenly agitated, only to fall into a state of drowsiness or coma afterward.

7. Jaundice, indicated by yellowing of the skin or eyes, may be present.

8. The cat may experience fever, abdominal pain, and pain or groaning during defecation.

9. During acute hepatitis, the cat's urine may darken or turn yellow, and bilirubin and protein may be detectable in the urine.

Dr. OxygenPet has shared insights into the causes and symptoms of feline acute hepatitis. It's always uncomfortable when our pets fall ill. We hope all pet owners will help their beloved companions by keeping up with vaccinations to keep them safe from hepatitis.