Fatty Liver Disease In Cats: What You Need To Know About This Common Liver Disease In Your Pet

Fatty Liver Disease is one of the most common liver diseases seen in cats. It is typically seen in middle-aged, obese, or overweight cats.

Lipids (fats) accumulate inside the affected cat’s liver cells. The resulting disease process aggravates the original issue. Overweight or obese cat doesn’t eat for an extended period of time. Excess body fat spreads to the liver and causes secondary problems in the cat s metabolism.

Causes of Fatty Liver disease in cats can range from a primary disease to a change in lifestyle. Signs of FatTY Liver Disease include rapid weight loss with muscle wasting, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, jagice and yellowing of the gums. Your veterinarian will perform a series of tests to determine if your cat has the condition.

Liver tissue may be felt to be enlarged. Over 70% of cases exhibit liver function. A liver biopsy could be used to make a definitive diagnosis but this is not generally necessary.

Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) is a very fine needle used to test liver function . Force-feeding is not recommended. It causes stress and fear. Most cats need a feeding tube.

A naso-esophageal tube is placed through a nose and then into the esophagus. Survival rates vary from 20% to 80%. Each case is different. Your Vet is the best person to advise you. The cost depends on severity of the condition, any underlying primary problems and the degree of veterinary intervention. . .