by Penny Howington

Created on: February 26, 2010

Fatty liver disease can affect cats of all ages, but is most commonly seen in senior or obese cats.  Also known as feline hepatic lipidosis, the condition causes deposits of fat to build up in the liver. This in turn prevents the liver from functioning properly.  Causes of fatty liver disease can be metabolic, renal failure, hyperthyroidism, toxic substances, pancreatitis or nutritional in nature. Often, cats being treated for other diseases such as cancer or FeLV also develop fatty liver disease. In many cases of the illness, the cause is never discovered. Because of this, fatty liver disease is known as an idiopathic disease.

The most common symptom of fatty liver disease in cats is anorexia.  Other symptoms include salivating, weight loss, dehydration, lethargy, vomiting, jaundice and diarrhea. Because these symptoms mimic so many other feline illnesses, your veterinarian will do tests to determine if fatty liver disease is present.  A liver biopsy to confirm that fat cells are present and complete blood profile will probably be performed.  Your veterinarian may also order x-rays and ultrasound.

It is extremely important to get your pet to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect fatty liver disease. The liver has sustained a lot of damage before symptoms are usually seen.  Without proper treatment, the disease is fatal. How your veterinarian treats the condition depends on the severity of the disease and if there are any other medical conditions present. Treatment may include force feeding of your cat with a feeding tube to increase nutrients in the cat’s body so the metabolic function will return to normal.  This process may have to be done for a period of weeks until the pet’s appetite returns to normal.  Your veterinarian may also re-hydrate your cat with electrolytes and fluids if the pet is de-hydrated.

Vitamin K and a thiamine supplements may also be prescribed to restore your cat’s metabolic functioning to normal.  Anti-biotics may be given in cases where there is a  surpressed immune system. Medications which stimulate the movement of food through the stomach and bowels may also be prescribed. 

Even with good veterinary care, it is estimated that 35% of the cases of fatty liver disease are fatal.  Those who respond favorably to treatment generally have their liver function restored to normal.  Livers have a remarkable ability to regenerate. Pet owners can help prevent this disease by helping their cat maintain a healthy body weight.  It is very important that you never put your cat on a diet without your veterinarian's supervision. Proper nutrition and adequate food intake is essential in keeping your cat health and happy.   

Sources:

http://cats.about.com/cs/healthissues/a/fatty_liver. htm

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?aid=217&c=1+2135

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/liver.html

http://www.cat-world.com.au/hepatic-lipidosis-fatty- liver-disease

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