High Bilirubin in Cats: Effective Management Strategies

Section 1: Causes of Feline Jaundice Hepatitis

Jaundice hepatitis in cats can be triggered by a variety of factors:

1. Toxicity: Cats may develop toxic jaundice due to exposure to multiple substances, including medications like aspirin and paracetamol, chemical agents such as carbon tetrachloride and arsenic or phosphorus, plants like castor seeds and mushrooms, contaminated food with aflatoxins, and insecticides like thallium. Additionally, metabolic deficiencies and malnutrition can also lead to hepatitis.

2. Infection: Jaundice hepatitis is caused by infections from organisms such as paratuberculosis, Toxoplasma gondii, FIP virus, various pyogenic bacteria, and fungi.

3. Parasitic: Parasites like Toxoplasma, intestinal flukes, or roundworms can invade the intestines and liver.

Section 2: Symptoms of Feline Jaundice Hepatitis

Cats with jaundice hepatitis may exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or inability to eat, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. They may also have a fever, anemia, and jaundice.

Section 3: Treatment for Feline Jaundice Hepatitis

1. Specialized veterinary medications for liver disease can aid in repairing damaged liver cells, reducing ascites, restoring bile function, and lessening jaundice, thereby encouraging cats to eat. Typically, after administration, cats show significant improvement, regain their appetite, and their spirits are restored.

2. Intravenous Fluids: Depending on the situation, electrolyte solutions can be administered orally or injected (5060ml/kg/day). It's also advisable to supplement with Vitamin B and Vitamin K. Since the disease can alter blood sugar levels, a blood sugar test should be conducted before infusion to determine the appropriate amount of glucose to administer.

3. Biliary Drainage: Dehydrocholic acid can be used to regulate bile flow, taken three times a day at a dosage of 1015mg/kg. To reduce plasma ammonia and lactose, arginine or glutamine can be administered instead.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on feline jaundice, click on "Symptoms and Treatment of Feline Jaundice" to learn more.