Yellow Jaundice in Cats: Life Expectancy and Care

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When Can Cats Develop Jaundice?

Jaundice in cats can manifest in three distinct types, each with its own underlying causes. These are known as prehepatic, posthepatic, and hepatic jaundice. Let's delve into the specifics:

1. Prehepatic Jaundice: This form of jaundice occurs when there is an increase in the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Common causes include diabetes, immunemediated hemolytic anemia, Heinz body hemolytic anemia, and genetic disorders.

2. Posthepatic Jaundice: This type of jaundice is primarily due to abnormal excretion of bilirubin and bile in the cat's body. It often stems from conditions like gallstones, cholangitis, or bile duct obstruction.

3. Hepatic Jaundice: This category involves abnormalities in the liver's ability to take up, conjugate, and secrete bilirubin. Potential triggers include feline infectious peritonitis, liver parasites, poisoning, and liver tumors.

How Long Can a Cat Live with Jaundice?

The prognosis for a cat with jaundice depends greatly on the underlying cause. If the jaundice is due to fatty liver disease, proper treatment can lead to a prolonged life. However, if the cat is in a critical state with severe jaundice and fatty liver, it may not survive more than 12 weeks.

In cases where feline infectious peritonitis leads to jaundice, the prognosis is grave. While treatment with drugs targeting the feline coronavirus can be effective, it requires at least two months of consistent treatment and can be quite costly.

How is Cat Jaundice Treated?

Cat jaundice is primarily treated by addressing the underlying bilirubin metabolism disorder. Since the excretion of bilirubin is proportional to bile secretion, medications like bile acid hepatoprotective tablets can be used. These supplements help suppress fatty liver, detoxify, protect the liver, aid in bile secretion, and promote the synthesis of complement proteins, effectively treating and alleviating symptoms of fatty liver.

It's crucial to act quickly if you notice signs of jaundice in your cat. Immediate veterinary care is essential to identify the cause of the jaundice and administer appropriate treatment.

Important Reminder: Prehepatic and hepatic jaundice can often be managed and cured with medication. However, posthepatic jaundice may require surgical intervention to clear bile ducts. Should you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult with an online veterinary expert.

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