What is Enlarged Liver?
If you notice that your cat is acting lethargic, has a loss of appetite, or they are having abdominal distress, they should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. In fact, if proper treatment is not received, it could lead to full liver failure, which could be devastating to you and your cat.
An enlarged liver in a cat indicates that the organ is swollen. A variety of underlying causes can lead to this condition, which is known in the medical community as hepatomegaly. If you notice that your cat has a swollen abdomen, then you should have your cat examined to see what the underlying issue is. A swollen and enlarged liver can cause parts of the organ to fail to function properly.
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Symptoms of Enlarged Liver in Cats
When your cat is suffering from an enlarged liver, the following symptoms may be present. Some of these symptoms may be more difficult to see, so if you notice any combination of them, take your cat to see a veterinarian.
- An enlarged abdomen
- Lethargy and inactivity
- Discomfort and pain when moved
- A loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
- Increased thirst and urination
Causes of Enlarged Liver in Cats
An enlarged liver can be caused by a number of underlying causes. Here are a few of the more common ones:
- Cholangitis or Cholangiohepatitis are inflammatory bacterial infections in the bile ducts that find their way into the liver.
- Hepatic Lipidosis is when fat accumulates in the liver and slowly deteriorates the liver’s functionality.
- Portosystemic shunts occur when the blood in your cat’s body bypasses the liver. This miscommunication prevents the blood from being cleansed of the toxins in your cat’s system.
- Liver cancer and a few other types of cancer can cause an enlarged liver.
- Toxic liver damage can also result in an enlarged liver, which can be the result of medications that your cat ingested.
Diagnosis of Enlarged Liver in Cats
When your cat is ill, it is never recommended to diagnose the illness yourself. A misdiagnosis can actually cause more harm to your cat when it comes to an enlarged liver, especially if the underlying cause needs immediate treatments. Here are some of the tests your veterinarian may use to diagnose your cat:
- Take an x-ray to determine how large the liver is.
- Take an ultrasound to ensure that there are no obstructions blocking the pathway into the liver.
- Check for changes in the ALT, ALP, GGT, and AST enzyme levels. Testing these enzymes will require a blood test.
- Check your cat’s glucose and cholesterol levels.
- Check your cat’s bilirubin levels by way of a blood sample to see if they are elevated.
- Perform a urinalysis to check for ammonium biurate crystals.
- Test your cat’s thyroid to make sure it is functioning as it should.
- Take a blood count to measure the number of white and red blood cells in the body.
- If cancer is a concern, a biopsy of the liver may be taken to be tested.
Treatment of Enlarged Liver in Cats
Treatments will vary based on the findings of the underlying cause of the enlarged liver. Here is a breakdown of the treatments of some of the most common causes:
Cholangitis and Cholangiohepatitis
Antibiotics and other drugs may be prescribed. Intravenous fluids will most likely be used to keep your cat hydrated, and their nutritional intake will be monitored. If your cat is vomiting, then your veterinarian may suggest antacids to help. Recovery may only take a few days, unless chronic Cholangitis is the issue, then it could require additional therapy and treatment.
Hepatic Lipidosis
When your cat suffers from this disease, they typically refrain from eating, which causes a failure of the fat that is ingested to be broken down. Until the reason for your cat’s anorexia-like behavior is determined, the best way to treat them is to ensure that they are eating. In most situations, this means that a feeding tube is required. The sooner he or she begins eating on their own, the quicker they will recover.
Liver Cancer
If cancer is found in the liver it is often recommended that the lobe affected be removed. Chemotherapy can be initiated to slow the progress of the cancer. This treatment is often effective, but cancer that is located in more than one lobe often offers a poor outlook.
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Recovery of Enlarged Liver in Cats
To ensure that your cat’s liver is functioning properly, you must monitor their food intake and drinking habits to assure that the liver is working properly. Give them the antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian as well as any vitamins that they need to replenish in their systems. Treatment and recovery from an enlarged liver is not a difficult process, but if you ignore the symptoms of an enlarged liver when you first notice them, it could be fatal.
Enlarged Liver Average Cost
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Average Cost
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Top
Enlarged Liver Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Sock cat
5 months
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing Moaning And Extreme Fatigue
My cat was diagnosed with liver failure and wasn't given a chance to live but after a night of fluids he responded a little. And after antibiotics he responded a little more. He now eats and uses the box on his on. But he seems bloated or has fluid in his abdomen. Maybe his liver is swollen. Any advice?
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. At 5 months old, liver disease carries a very guarded prognosis, but if he seems to be improving with therapy, nothing is impossible. If you are able to continue his therapy for a few weeks and monitor him for improvement, I think that it would make sense to try, as long as he is feeling okay.
Oct. 10, 2020
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cat
Three Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Inactive, Sleeping Everytime, Loss Of Appetite, Enlarged Abdomen
My cat is sleeping all the day, she doesn't want to eat, and very inactive, she don't want to play with her mom, her chest little bit of enlarged.
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 18, 2020
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Chartreux
Simba
3 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Hello Doctor,
My Kitten is 3 months old, today he was lethargic and had 104 temperature he had lose stool too. i take him to the vet he said his liver is swelled.i am giving him cat food of 2nd stage is this the reason of liver swelling or something else ?
July 22, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are many different causes for hepatomegaly in cats, but in younger kittens we normally see infectious or toxic causes for enlargement; a second age (not stage) cat food should be suitable for a kitten this age. I cannot determine the cause of the hepatomegaly without examining Simba first and doing a few tests. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 23, 2018
Dr another issue I have observed that he did not sit on our lap and gets irritated whenever I hold him.Everytime he is afraid and made hallowen posture.
July 25, 2018
Simba's Owner
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dsh
Mooch
11 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My kitten, 11 mo ths old, was dx with liver infection. His albumin was low and bilirubin high. The vet put him on Prednisolone 5mg qd, and Zenequin 25mg 1/2 tablet qd. When he went in due to lethargy, weight loss, poor appetite, he was not bloated. He is now bloated, but since coming home seems brighter, more alert and actually eating and drinking. He doesn't react in pain if I pick him up, but I was wondering how long before the bloating goes away?
July 10, 2018
0 Recommendations
Is he bloated due to gas or is the abdomen distended from fluid because of low albumin? If the cause is due to fluid, it would need to be managed medically; however if it is gas it may or may not improve over time. Keep an eye on Mooch for now and if there is no improvement or he starts showing signs of pain return to your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 10, 2018
I took him back to the vet today and he has FIP 🙁 my next question is, do I need to keep him isolated from our other cat now?
July 11, 2018
Mooch's Owner
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Persian
Ginger
4 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Vomiting Diarrhea
My kitten start to have diarrhea 4 days ago. Then yesterday starting vomiting after eating and drinking. They did X-ray and found that he have liver enlargement maybe because of food and they gave him 2 injections. I was giving him last week adults cat food. He is now two days without food nor water. What should I do for him. He’s starving and looking for food. I gave him little water and he vomited. I’m sad for him.
Feb. 15, 2018
0 Recommendations
If Ginger is not eating or drinking you should return to your Veterinarian so that he may receive fluid therapy; a smooth and wet kitten diet should be mixed with water and syringed slowly into the mouth to encourage eating and hydration, but again you should return to your Veterinarian for treatment. Without examining Ginger I cannot prescribe any medications. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 15, 2018
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Indian
simba
18 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
hello, my cat was vommitting 2 days without intake any food so I went to a doctor and do cbc and liver profile in which I found that platelates- 76, Neutrophils- 22.1, Total Leucocyte count- 25.8 are abnormal in CBC and ALT-85, Urea-151.10 in Liver profile. Since last two days he is on Iv fluids with antibiotics but seems recovers since today he starts to eat slightly. Can anyone tell me is it due to poison available in mosquito sticks and is he will recover or is there and damage to kidney and liver.. plz help me
Tiger
Milo
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
Second visit to a vet, 2 nd vet, I have a 8 year old cat the I got 3 months ago from a shelter. He was ok the first month then started to decline, lethargic, not eating and, then sporadic drinking. He was loosing weight, the 1st vet did blood work only, not very helpful. It came back normal, he continued to decline. I contacted a second veterinarian, he examined him thoroughly. X-ray showed no growth but enlarged liver. He said the prognosis wasn’t good. He stayed 2 days , antibiotics, special food, I brought him home to try and feed him, he’s not sure it will work
Enlarged Liver Average Cost
From 524 quotes ranging from $400 - $2,000
Average Cost
$900
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
