Cat liver infection is a condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated in time. The liver is an important organ of the cat’s body as it works to filter out toxins, produce bile and other enzymes that help in digestion. Besides this, the liver also manufactures hormones that are necessary for optimal health. Since this organ continues to work even when it’s partially damaged, liver infections often go unnoticed until the condition is severe. You should therefore watch for the symptoms and seek medical help at the earliest.
Symptoms of Liver Infections:
- Decreased appetite
- Loss of weight
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Symptoms of jaundice
- Inflammation of the liver
- Nausea
- Halitosis
- Listlessness
Types of Liver Infections and Problems
Although there are many diseases of the liver, the most common type of infection that’s seen in cats is known as Cholangitis. This infection generally occurs in cats that are suffering from parasite infections, feline infectious peritonitis, irritable bowel syndrome and pancreatitis. Pets that develop Cholangitis experience discomfort because the bile duct and the liver become inflamed. Besides this, cats may also get liver infections when they suffer from other liver diseases like toxic hepatopathy and hepatic lipidosis.
Diagnosis of Liver Infections in Cats
The vet will perform a thorough physical examination and make note of the cat’s medical history. Since pets that develop feline infectious peritonitis are susceptible to liver infections it’s important to inform the vet about any diseases that your pet has suffered from in the past. Depending on the symptoms exhibited the vet will run a series of tests such as the ALT test, the AST test, blood tests, urine analysis, thyroid test and serological tests. It’s important to also find out the real cause of the infection so that the treatment can be administered accordingly.
Treatment of Liver Infection in Cats
If the liver is severely damaged due to the infection, the vet will prescribe certain medicines in small amounts so as to not overwork the liver. Cholangitis in particular is treated with a course of antibiotic medicines. The cat has to be monitored during treatment and any noticeable changes should be made known to the vet. Although corticosteroids help reduce the inflammation, the vet will evaluate the pet’s overall condition and then prescribe these drugs.
Along with medication, the cat may require IV fluids if he is excessively debilitated. A diet that’s highly nutritious and free from additives or preservatives will also benefit the pet.
Tips for Pet Owners
Since all pets are susceptible to liver disorders it’s important to feed the cat high quality foods to avoid toxic buildup in the body. All medicines and pesticides should be stored in a safe place, away from both pets and children. This is because accidental ingestion of these medicines can lead to toxicity and even death.
Since the liver metabolizes medicines that are ingested, it’s important to administer the right dosage to prevent an overdose. Also follow up with vet checks to determine the success of the treatment option used.