Cats Liver Failure: Causes & Treatments Explained

Below, you'll find an overview of feline hepatic failure, along with detailed information on diagnosing and treating this condition.

Common Causes of Feline Hepatic Failure

Drugs can lead to liver failure when used inappropriately, including:

Antibiotics

Chemotherapy drugs

Anthelmintics (antiparasitic medications)

Pain relievers

Anesthetics

Toxins such as:

Amanita phalloides mushrooms (death cap)

Aflatoxins (toxins produced by molds or fungi)

Infectious agents that can cause liver failure include:

Canine hepatitis

Lyme disease

Other causes may include:

Heatstroke

Thrombotic disorders

Shock

Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Acute circulatory failure due to any cause

Signs of Feline Hepatic Failure

Vomiting

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes)

Diarrhea (which may be bloody)

Depression

Seizures

Coma

Bleeding in other areas

Abdominal swelling

Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)

Diagnosis of Feline Hepatic Failure

Your veterinarian may recommend the following diagnostic procedures:

Complete blood count (CBC)

Blood chemistry analysis

Urinalysis

Bilirubin level testing

Aminotransferase levels

Coagulation tests to rule out coagulopathies

Abdominal radiographs (xrays)

Abdominal ultrasound

Liver biopsy and culture/sensitivity

Laparotomy

Laparoscopy, a surgical procedure that allows for the observation and sampling of abdominal structures through a small incision

Treatment of Feline Hepatic Failure

Treatment involves addressing any underlying or related diseases. Hospitalization and supportive care often include fluid and electrolyte therapy, as well as glucose supplementation for dehydration, metabolic imbalances, and hypoglycemia. Some specific treatment methods include:

Nutritional support and dietary management

Administration of colloids, such as plasma or hydroxyethyl starch

Antibiotics for treatment

Antiemetics to control excessive vomiting

Diuretics to help the body expel excess fluid

Oral lactulose to slow the absorption of ammonia from the gastrointestinal tract

Mannitol to reduce brain edema or swelling

Laxatives such as normal saline, neomycin, and lactulose

Antiulcer therapy

Administration of vitamin K

Home Care and Prevention

Follow your veterinarian's guidance for all prescribed medications and diets. Additionally, your pet will require followup exams and blood chemistry assessments to monitor the progress of recovery.

The prognosis for liver failure depends on the amount of liver tissue that has been damaged and the ability to control underlying diseases and complex factors.

Preventing liver failure is challenging, but not impossible. As a pet owner, it's crucial to keep your pet away from drugs and toxins that can be toxic to the liver.