Liver inflammation in cats is one of the most dangerous early signs of potential liver disease. If your cat suffers from liver inflammation, it's crucial that you get him the help and treatment that he needs in order to restore his liver to proper health. If you do not, the condition can progress to full on liver disease and the eventual death of liver cells. Unfortunately, liver inflammation can be difficult to recognize due to the mild symptoms and the common nature of the various warning signs associated with the condition as well.
Liver Inflammation Overview
There are two primary types of liver inflammation in cats. The first, cholangitis, refers to a general inflammation of the various ducts throughout your pet's liver. These ducts carry bile out of the liver and into the bloodstream and bring other toxins into the liver for treatment and neutralization. When these ducts become inflamed, a number of potentially harmful effects occur in your pet's body.
The second primary type of liver inflammation is known as cholangiohepatitis. Cholangiohepatitis is one of the more serious conditions that can arise in your cat's liver. This is characterised by a general swelling and inflammation of the liver itself.
These two types of liver inflammation can occur together and often do. When this happens, the condition is jointly called Cholangitis-Cholangiohepatitis Syndrome and is abbreviated CCHS. This condition may affect both dogs and cats but strikes in cats much more commonly.
Liver Inflammation Symptoms
For the three different distinct types of CCHS (supporative, in which bile and other liver materials seep out into the rest of the body, non-supportive, which is recurring and generally more serious, and lymphocytic), there are three different unique sets of symptoms. However, it's a good idea for you as the cat's owner to be familiar with all of the symptoms. Be sure to take note of any of the following warning signs of liver inflammation:
- Distended abdomen
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Lack of appetite
- Sluggishness
- Vomiting
- White or gray feces
Bring your list of symptoms to your vet as soon as you recognize them and are able to.
Liver Inflammation Treatment and Causes
Liver inflammation can be caused by a wide variety of different things, including infections, separate chronic diseases and conditions, dietary issues, allergies and more. Because of this, treating your cat's inflamed liver can be a somewhat difficult task. Fortunately, your vet can tell a good deal about the cause of your pet's liver inflammation by a blood sample. In order to treat your pet, you'll likely have to make adjustments to his diet, his exercise routine and other aspects of his daily life.
Generally, a medicine regimen is also very helpful at eliminating liver inflammation. This is especially true for cases of infection, in which antibiotics can be used to eliminate inflammation. There are other conditions that can be monitored and managed through medical treatments as well.
For more information about liver inflammation and how to both
recognize and treat it in your cat, speak with your veterinarian soon.