Feline hepatic lipidosis (also known as FHL or fatty liver disease) is a serious condition that affects cats. It’s caused by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, resulting in impaired liver function and potentially fatal consequences if left untreated. Feline hepatic lipidosis typically occurs when a cat has prolonged periods of insufficient caloric intake or sudden weight loss due to illness or stress.
Cats with FHL can have symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and abdominal pain. Left untreated, the disease can progress to more severe signs including seizures and coma. Treatment typically involves a combination of dietary management (high-calorie diets to help restore normal liver fat levels), medication (to reduce inflammation in the liver) and supportive care (including fluids and electrolytes).
Prevention is the best approach to minimize the risk of FHL in cats. Ensuring that your cat gets a balanced diet with adequate calories, avoiding sudden weight loss, and reducing stress levels are all important steps to take in helping to prevent this disease.
Symptoms of Feline Hepatic Lipidosis
The symptoms of feline hepatic lipidosis can vary from cat to cat, but some of the most common signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and abdominal pain. Other symptoms that can be present include:
- Depression
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
If left untreated, the disease can progress to more severe signs including seizures and coma. It’s important for pet owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of FHL so that they can get prompt medical attention for their cat if necessary.
Diagnosing Feline Hepatic Lipidosis
The diagnosis of feline hepatic lipidosis is typically made through blood tests, ultrasound imaging, and biopsy of the liver tissue. Blood tests can show elevated levels of liver enzymes, indicating damage to the liver. Ultrasound imaging can be used to identify fatty infiltration in the liver, as well as any structural abnormalities that could be present. The biopsy will give you information about the extent of the disease and the type of fat that is present in the liver.
Stage of Feline Hepatic Lipidosis
Feline hepatic lipidosis is typically split into four stages based on the severity of the condition:
Stage 1
The liver is mildly infiltrated with fat.
Stage 2
There is significant fat infiltration in the liver, but liver function has not yet been affected.
Stage 3
Liver function is beginning to be affected by the accumulation of fat and there can be signs of clinical illness present.
Stage 4
The liver is severely affected and there are signs of clinical illness present.
Treating Feline Hepatic Lipidosis
Treating feline hepatic lipidosis typically involves a combination of dietary management, medication, and supportive care. Dietary management is essential in restoring normal liver fat levels and includes giving your cat high-calorie diets that are specifically formulated for cats with this condition. Medications can also be prescribed to reduce inflammation in the liver and to help the cat regain its appetite. Supportive care might be necessary to ensure that the cat is receiving adequate fluids and electrolytes.
Preventing Feline Hepatic Lipidosis
The best way to prevent feline hepatic lipidosis is by ensuring that your cat gets a balanced diet with adequate calories. Avoid sudden weight loss and reduce stress levels. If your cat becomes ill or is underweight, talk to your veterinarian about nutrition and dietary management plans that can help minimize their risk of FHL. Regular check-ups with your vet are also important so any potential health issues can be identified and managed early.
If your cat is diagnosed with FHL, treatment typically involves a combination of dietary management (high-calorie diets to help restore normal liver fat levels), medication (to reduce inflammation in the liver) and supportive care (including fluids and electrolytes). The prognosis for cats with FHL depends on the severity of the disease and other factors such as age and overall health. With proper treatment, cats can often make a full recovery.