by Joshua Keyes DVM

Created on: December 30, 2007   Last Updated: December 06, 2008

Fatty liver disease is also called hepatic lipidosis. It often occurs in cats who are overweight then suddenly stop eating. A sudden change in appetite caused by stressor such as an owner's absence may cause your cat to start to metabolize stored body fat in such a way that lots of fat is deposited in her liver. When enough the liver gets fatty enough to make her sick, he may vomit, act lethargic and/or become jaundiced. She may lose weight and lie around like a dishrag instead of carrying out her normal routine. When she goes to the veterinarian, it will likely be found that she has elevated bilirubin and abnormal liver enzymes. She will likely be dehydrated and possibly shocky, depending on how long she has been ill.

Force-feeding by rubber feeding tube is an important part or caring for this cat. The veterinarian may pass a tube through the esophagus, but surgically placed stomach tubes tend to be the treatment of choice. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics may also be recommended as supportive care, especially if the vet suspects an underlying infectious process as the reason the cat stopped eating. He or she will be interested in searching for the reason that the fatty liver disease arose. You may hear questions like, "Has anything been different in your home lately? New job? Vacation?" and "How was Mittens doing in the weeks before this happened?" You and your vet may or may not be able to figure out why your cat went off her food, but it's important to try. Further work-up may include a variety of diagnostics such as further blood tests, X-rays or ultrasonography as well as Feline Leukemia and FIV screening.

Although the cat with hepatic lipidosis may be in the hospital for a day or two, eventually the owner will take him home and probably keep using the feeding tube there for a few days. It's important for the cat to be comfortable enough to relax and eat on her own as soon as she is ready. Often, this won't happen as quickly in a hospital as it will at home. Even cats without hepatic lipidosis often refuse food when they are hospitalized. If a cat owner feels that he or she can't manage the after care and maintenance of a feeding tube at home, this is the perfect opportunity to call in a pet-sitter, especially one who was once a veterinary nurse or assistant.

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