Symptoms & Diagnostic Methods for Feline Fatty Liver

Section 1: Symptoms of Feline Hepatic Lipidosis

1. Early Symptoms: The early stages of feline hepatic lipidosis can be almost asymptomatic, or the symptoms may be so subtle that they go unnoticed. Cats in the initial phase of this condition often exhibit no change in their mental state, making it difficult to detect any issues. The only noticeable sign might be a slight decrease in appetite, which is a common occurrence and often overlooked by owners. Some cats may also show signs of discomfort, such as a reluctance to groom themselves, increased eye discharge, or the appearance of the third eyelid, which are common indicators of unease in cats.

2. Middle Symptoms: As the condition progresses, affected cats may experience a lack of appetite, weight loss, and changes in bowel movements, including constipation. At this point, attentive pet owners might start to wonder if their cat has been stressed or exposed to any triggers that could explain the loss of appetite and thirst.

3. Late Symptoms: When the disease worsens, cats may develop jaundice, a sign of liver dysfunction. The cat's normally pink gums may turn yellow, indicating a critical situation. If the condition continues to deteriorate, it can lead to a decrease in the cat's blood clotting ability, causing bruising from even minor bumps. In more severe cases, cats may develop a syndrome of skin fragility.

Section 2: Diagnostic Methods for Feline Hepatic Lipidosis

1. Biochemical Testing: In cats with moderate to severe hepatic lipidosis, alkaline phosphatase levels increase, and bilirubin levels are often elevated above normal. AST and ALT are also indicators of liver health, although they are less consistent than alkaline phosphatase and can vary. GGT testing can help assess bile flow and rule out certain diseases, pinpointing potential issues that may lead to feline lipidosis. Measuring bile acids can also be helpful, as liver damage can cause bile acids to rise, and cholesterol levels in the blood may also increase.

2. Ultrasound Examination: An ultrasound can detect feline hepatic lipidosis because it affects the entire liver tissue, not just specific areas.

3. Anemia Assessment: Approximately onethird of cats with hepatic lipidosis may exhibit anemia. This is due to a decrease in the liver's ability to produce coagulants, which can lead to increased bleeding and, over time, anemia.

4. Urinalysis: Cats with hepatic lipidosis may have elevated levels of ketones in their urine, although this can also be a sign of diabetes. It's important to differentiate between the two conditions.

Dr. OxygenPet has shared information on the symptoms and diagnostic methods for feline hepatic lipidosis. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and Dr. OxygenPet will be happy to provide online assistance.