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Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver)

This is a relatively common disease that occurs in cats.  It is characterized by an accumulation of fat in individual liver cells.  This can eventually lead to liver failure and death if the disease goes untreated.  The good news is that with aggressive therapy, the condition can be completely reversible.

 The cause of this disease can be numerous.  Often, it is caused by some form of anorexia (lack of appetite) or starvation secondary to many diseases such as feline leukemia, cancer, diabetes, etc.  Occasionally, we cannot find a definite cause of the disease.  This is known as idiopathic hepatic lipidosis. 

 Symptoms of this disease include anorexia, vomiting, depression, and icterus (jaundice – a yellow appearance to the skin and eyes).  There are a number of factors that lead to diagnosis of this disease.  Sometimes the liver can feel enlarged during a veterinary exam.  Several abnormalities can be apparent on bloodwork.  An aspirate can be taken of the liver and examined under the microscope, and an ultrasound exam could even be performed.  Once a diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is made, a veterinarian often searches for a concurrent illness such as those mentioned above that may have caused the hepatic lipidosis.

 Treatment involves intense nutritional support.  In some cases, this means giving an appetite stimulant to entice the cat to eat on its own.  In most cases, however, some form of force feeding is required.  Often, this is accomplished by a veterinarian placing a feeding tube either directly into the stomach or esophagus.  An owner is then able to put a liquid diet into the tube to force needed nutrients into the cat.  Such force feeding is often needed for 3 – 6 weeks.  These feeding tubes are temporary and can be removed when the cat begins to eat enough food on his own.  The earlier therapy is started, the better chances for recovery.

 Prevention of obesity seems to be the best prevention against hepatic lipidosis  Weight reduction programs for obese cats can be recommended by a veterinarian.  Food intake and occasionally liver activity should be monitored during the weight reduction program.  Any obese cat that decides not to eat for more than 24 – 48 hours should be seen by a veterinarian to try to treat any illnesses before hepatic lipidosis has a chance to occur.

For additional information, please e-mail kpercival@cathospitalofaustin.com.

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