What is Acute Liver Failure?
Because the liver is necessary for life, cats who have acute liver failure can have a variety of different organ systems that are affected by the condition, putting the cat at risk of death.
Acute liver failure, also known as hepatic failure, occurs when the cat's liver suddenly loses 75 percent or more of its function. It differs from chronic liver failure in that it is not due to a hepatic disease or related condition that slowly causes it to lose function over time.
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Symptoms of Acute Liver Failure in Cats
Acute liver failure affects several organ systems, which include the gastrointestinal tract, renal system, the liver and gallbladder (hepatobiliary system), nervous system, and the blood (hematologic system). Because of the widespread effect, symptoms can present throughout the entire body. These symptoms include:
- Sudden weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowing of the mucous membranes, eyes, and inner ears)
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Seizures
- Swollen abdomen due to fluid
- Depression
Causes of Acute Liver Failure in Cats
Determining the cause of acute liver failure is essential in stopping tissue death. These causes include:
- Hepatotoxic drugs, including some antibiotics, analgesics, chemotherapy agents, and anesthetics
- Infectious agents, such as leptospirosis
- Biologic toxins, which include Amanita phalloides mushrooms
- Heat stroke
- Inability to breathe (hypoxia)
- Excessive exposure to heat during hyperthermia cancer treatment or excessive time spent outdoors or inside closed spaces such as cars
- Poor flow of fluids into liver (perfusion)
- Blood clots
- Shock
- Acute circulatory failure
- Problems with protein synthesis due to a metabolic disorder
Diagnosis of Acute Liver Failure in Cats
The veterinarian will need to know all of the cat's symptoms, how long symptoms have been present and the cat's complete health history. The veterinarian will examine the cat, looking for signs of jaundice and abdominal distention.
Several lab tests will be taken. These will include a complete blood count, a biochemical profile and a urinalysis. These tests will determine if an infection is present that is causing the liver problems, will assess what other organ systems are being affected and will check for protein synthesis impairment, abnormally high liver enzyme activity and/or the presence of bilirubin in the urine.
Though all of these tests can indicate acute liver failure, a biopsy will be necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis and to determine why the liver is failing. The veterinarian will take a small sample of the liver either using an ultrasound-guided needle aspiration or during abdominal surgery. This sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
X-rays and ultrasounds may also be performed in order to look for liver enlargement and other hepatic abnormalities.
Treatment of Acute Liver Failure in Cats
Fluid Therapy
The cat will be given fluids intravenously in order to prevent dehydration and to support the circulation. Electrolytes and intravenous dextrose (sugar) will also be administered to correct any electrolyte imbalances and low blood sugar levels.
Feeding Tube
The veterinarian will place the cat on a special diet that will be given to the cat through a feeding tube if they are not eating themselves. The feeding tube may either be inserted through the nose or directly into the esophagus through a small incision in the cat's neck. The tube will deliver calories, protein and nutrients directly to the stomach or intestines. The diet will be high in protein with vitamins E and K to promote healing and prevent blood clots from occurring.
Medications
A variety of complications can occur throughout the body as a result of acute liver failure. Medications will be prescribed both to treat these complications and to treat the primary cause of the liver failure. These medications include:
- Antioxidants to promote healing
- Hepatoprotectants to prevent additional damage to the liver
- Antiemetics to treat vomiting and nausea
- Antibiotics to kill bacteria or infections in the liver or other organs
- Diuretics to help remove excess fluid from the body
- Mannitol (a specific type of diuretic) to decrease cerebral (brain) swelling
- Lactulose to stop the absorption of ammonia
- Antiulcer medications to treat ulcers
- Coagulopathy medications to help the blood clot to prevent internal bleeding
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Recovery of Acute Liver Failure in Cats
The cat will need to follow the prescribed diet once at home to ensure the liver continues to heal and that the cat is getting all of the nutrients it requires. Any medications that were prescribed by the veterinarian will need to be taken according to the instructions given in the hospital. When the primary cause is diagnosed and treated within a few days of liver failure, the prognosis is better.
The cat will need to regularly follow up with the veterinarian in order for labs to be drawn to check on liver function and to ensure that all other organ systems have healed from the liver failure. Any complications that occurred due to the liver failure will also need to be followed up on a regular basis.
Acute Liver Failure Average Cost
From 339 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
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Acute Liver Failure Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Calico
Chloe
16 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Liver Failure
Hello,
My 16 year old cat, Chloe, has been diagnosed with end stage liver failure and early renal failure. This has all happened within the past 3 weeks. I was wondering if there is a general time frame in which (not to sound uncaring or hard-hearted) in which liver failure usually causes death when untreated. We are not really sure why she has gone into liver failure. We noticed her weight loss after she had lost a pretty substantial amount of weight (for her, probably 3-5 lbs, and I know that is alot but cats tend to hide when they are sick pretty well and she also has a very long coat). We took her and our other cat (who also had a long coat but tended to run on the skinny side all of his life (19 years) to the vet and they ran blood work and determined that she is in acute liver failure with early signs of renal failure. I am doing the best I can to try and give her the best possible time she has left (homemade bone broth from pasture raised organic chickens, making the areas that she spends the most time in warm and comfortable, moving food and water to those areas, and also a make shift litter box so she doesn't have to go as far to where the normal box is kept). My vet says that she is not in any pain with liver failure but she is so weak and sunken in. I have read that seizures can come along with renal failure as the toxins build up in their bodies and I just don't want her to suffer or be in any kind of pain or anxiety. I just want to do the best I can for her, for the time that she has left. I have been trying to figure out just how much time that might be. Any help and suggestions for care and "compassionate care" (I don't like the term PTS but I'm also very aware of where we are headed) is greatly appreciated.
April 25, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
I'm so sorry that that is happening to Chloe. I wish that I had better news, but with liver and kidney failure, time is probably short. It is difficult for me to assess her quality of life without seeing her, but if she is still eating and relatively comfortable, you may have a little time left. Normally with both of those diseases, appetite is one of the first things to go. It would be a good idea to discuss her quality of life with your veterinarian, as they have seen her, and can help guide you as to whether she is comfortable, or when she is suffering. I am sorry, again, that this is happening to her.
April 25, 2018
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Siamese
TJ
5 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My cat, the love of my life, quit eating for one day, vomited once, very lethargic, and oily coat. Took him into the vet and they said he was dehydrated and kept him with IV fluids. Next day they said he had a UTI, next day they said something was wrong with his liver and his bilirubin was high. Started him on steroids and kept him on an IV. He died in the night. How can a perfectly healthy cat become so sick in a short amount of time? The vets that were on TJ's case were out Saturday when I was informed of his death, so they were not able to answer my questions.
March 11, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. i am very sorry for your loss. Liver disease in cats can be a very serious condition, although it does tend to be more of a disease where they deteriorate over time. A toxin is one thing that might cause such a quick progression. Without knowing more about TJ, I have a hard time commenting on what might have happened with him. It would be quite acceptable to follow up with the veterinarians who were on duty with him, once they are back in the clinic, to find out their thoughts on his case. I am sorry, again, for your loss.
March 11, 2018
Hello. The same thing happened to my cat. We moved and thought she was going to be fine. She was a little nervous at first but then started getting used to it. She wasnt coming out of the room and we found put she hadnt been eating so we moved her bowl. Shep started to wat a little but not as much as before. We tool her to the vet and she was diagnosed with fatty liver disease and the vet gave her fluids a b12 shot and appetite stimulants. We got het home and she started to eat again but a week later the same thing so back to the vet for more fluids. Soon enough she just got worse over a short time. Her liver was really bad and she ended up passing. Im just wondering why did it seepm like she was getting better? And why did it happen in just a couple weeks/months?
March 26, 2018
Jenna
Thank you. I spoke with the vets. They told me that he could have been sick for a while, but that cats tend to hide it well and do not allow their symptoms to show until they are very ill. They named 2 types of liver conditions in cats that he could have had and they started treatment as the treatment for both was the same, steroids. TJ must have hidden it well because one day he was just fine and himself and the next day he was on his deathbed.
March 14, 2018
TJ's Owner
The same thing happened to my cat Moxie. He died last wednesday which was 5 days ago now and my whole family are still grieving.
Moxie lost lots of weight quickly and stopped eating on the saturday. We took him to the vet Monday and then the toxins went to his brain on Wednesday during his IV treatment. We had to have him put to sleep because of this inflammation to the brain. It was all so sudden and we are all still in shock. I am still looking for answers. So sad :(
Sept. 3, 2018
Maddy L.
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mixed
Bugsy
5 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite, Jaundice, Etc..
My friends cat, Bugsy, has been diagnosed with acute liver failure. The get rid dive him fluids intravenously for two days and sent him home with medication, Denosyl, to be given 1x daily until gone. That was over a week ago and Bugsy is not showing any improvement. I realize he's probably not going to recover. My question is; Is he suffering? He doesn't seem to be in pain. We don't want him to suffer unnecessarily even tho it will be hard to let him go.
Is it painful for him?
March 10, 2018
1 Recommendations
Whilst liver failure itself isn’t painful, the effects that it can have on the body especially as toxins build up in the blood stream over time; generally dietary management and medications like Denosyl or Denamarin (I prefer Denamarin as it contains the same ingredient as Denosyl but also has silybin as well). I cannot say whether or not Bugsy is suffering or not, but you would be able to see if he is the same cat or just going through the motions of life; it is really a decision which needs to be made by yourselves. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 10, 2018
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SHORT HAIRED CAT
MINTY
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite
hi my cat is 12 years old he suddenly lost a lot of weight, so I took him to the vet, who told me he has liver failure, and Cancer, the cancer is quite advanced and as such he felt that the chances of him surviving any kind of operation would be very slim, He has given me steroids which I have to give him everyday how long do you think he is likely to live, he is eating a small amount frequently the vet did assure me that at the moment he is in no discomfort but obviously I dont want him to suffer any longer than he should, I know I will need to put him to sleep but how long should I waite, Obviously he is a very loved family member, and we are all very devastated.
thank you for any advice you may be able to give.
April
Feb. 26, 2018
0 Recommendations
Liver failure and cancer is not easy to predict without performing an examination and I am unable to give you an indication of life expectancy due to the many variables involved, your Veterinarian would be in the best idea but then it would still be a wide ballpark. You should take each day as it comes and ensure that Minty is kept comfortable, keep an eye on him and look out for signs of pain, discomfort or any other symptoms. When the time comes, you’ll know. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 26, 2018
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Siamese cross
Simon
2 Days
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Teary Eyes
Hi, i would like to knw the prognosis and life expectancy of a two year old cat battling with liver disease for two months he also has teary eyes after sedation? Thanks
Feb. 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without knowing more about Simon, and the type of liver disease that he is fighting, I can't really comment on his life expectancy or prognosis. It would be best to discuss those questions with your veterinarian as they know the specifics of his condition, what medications he is on, and his history. I hope that he recovers well.
Feb. 13, 2018
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Acute Liver Failure Average Cost
From 339 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,000
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