What is Liver Inflammation?
Liver inflammation is a medical condition that involves the swelling of the tissues of the liver, blood vessels in the liver, or the bile ducts. When inflammation occurs, blood and bile flow are affected, which results in bile and fluid accumulation in the liver and surrounding tissues. This swelling can cause issues with liver function, eventually causing blood clotting and neurological issues. Liver inflammation can affect cats of any age, sex, or species. The symptoms may be mild when inflammation begins but will grow more noticeable and severe as inflammation increases or continues for an extended time. Liver inflammation can cause severe, life-threatening issues including seizures, shock, coma, or death. Any animal exhibiting symptoms should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible.
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Symptoms of Liver Inflammation in Cats
A variety of symptoms is associated with liver inflammation in cats. Many of the symptoms are similar to those caused by liver disease. In cases which liver inflammation is mild to moderate, symptoms may not be present. Prolonged or significant inflammation will result in a number of symptoms presenting, caused by poor liver function and the accumulation of bile as ducts become blocked by inflammation.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Jaundice or yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Inappetence or unwillingness to eat
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Dark urine
- Grey or white feces
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Poor coat quality
- Hair loss
- Drooling
- Changes in behavior
- Head pressing
- Poor coordination
- Muscle wasting
- Fainting or collapse
- Seizures
- Coma
Types
Several types of liver inflammation occur in cats. Some types of inflammation are related to poor liver function, and others are brought on by various conditions. Some of the more common types that affect cats and other companion animals include:
- Hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease
- Cholangitis-Cholangiohepatitis Syndrome or CCHS (Suppurative CCHS or Nonsuppurative CCHS)
- Hepatitis granulomatous
- Infectious liver disease
Causes of Liver Inflammation in Cats
Liver inflammation can be brought on by a variety of conditions or issues. Inflammation can occur due to infection, disease, dietary issues, or stressors. It can also be brought on by issues with nearby organs and related bodily systems, including the pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and the circulatory system. Some common causes of liver inflammation in cats and other companion animals include:
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Parasites
- Poisoning or toxicity
- Gallbladder issues
- Gallstones
- Some cancers, especially those located in or near the liver
- Certain medications
- Immune system disorders
- Blood diseases and cancers
- Dietary issues and changes
- Environmental causes
- Stress
Diagnosis of Liver Inflammation in Cats
Symptoms of liver inflammation are similar to the symptoms associated with almost any liver disease or disorder. This can make diagnosing the issue challenging for veterinary staff. Multiple diagnostic measures will likely be employed to ensure the underlying cause of your pet’s inflammation is identified. Be prepared to provide your veterinarian with your pet’s full medical history, any symptoms you have observed, any recent changes or issues that could be causing the issue, and the timeline associated with symptoms. Your veterinarian will complete a full physical examination of your cat. This will allow them to identify visible symptoms and feel for any abdominal swelling, particularly swelling located around the liver.
Blood and urine samples will be taken, and routine laboratory analysis will be performed. Blood tests will include complete blood count, biochemistry panel, electrolyte panel, and clotting ability. Blood and urine will also be analyzed for signs of infection. Fecal samples may also be taken and tested, particularly for parasitic infections. Abdominal x-rays, ultrasound, or other diagnostic imaging techniques will allow your veterinarian to examine your cat’s liver noninvasively. If inflammation is severe and infection is not determined to be the cause, further diagnostic measures may be required. Analysis of bile acids, exploratory surgery, and liver biopsy may all be used in conjunction with other diagnostic techniques to determine the exact cause of the inflammation.
Treatment of Liver Inflammation in Cats
The specific treatment methods your veterinarian uses will vary depending on the underlying cause of liver inflammation determined by diagnosis. In many cases, medication will be prescribed to help treat the cause and to treat the more serious symptoms. Pets with severe inflammation or serious underlying conditions may require hospitalization. Some common treatment methods for liver inflammation include:
Antibiotics
Liver inflammation is frequently caused by bacterial infection of the liver, blood, or the body in general. In these cases, antibiotic medications will be prescribed. This is a common treatment for suppurative CCHS. Antifungal or anti-parasitic medications may also be used, depending on the type of infection. This treatment carries a low to moderate risk. Proper dosing is essential to reduce the risk of side effects.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
This category of drugs is used to reduce inflammation. This will help with the treatment of the symptoms associated with the inflammation. It also aids in pain management. Proper dosing is key in reducing the risks associated with this type of medication.
Intravenous (IV) Fluids
Fluid therapy is required for cats who are experiencing dehydration associated with vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive urination, which are common symptoms of liver inflammation. This is a low-risk treatment, which is generally provided on an inpatient basis.
Supplementation and Nutritional Support
Some dietary changes and supplements may be recommended to improve your pet’s physical state and aid with healing the liver. Vitamin K is often used to treat jaundice and aid in restoring liver function. If dietary changes are recommended, gradually changing your pet’s diet is essential to reducing any risk.
Feeding Therapy
If inappetence has become a severe problem, feeding therapy may be prescribed. Appetite stimulants or a feeding tube may be used. This therapy will continue until your cat has reached a healthy weight.
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Recovery of Liver Inflammation in Cats
Your cat’s prognosis will vary depending on the underlying cause of the inflammation, the severity of damage to the liver, and the success of the treatment methods. The prognosis will be poor if the liver disease has reached an advanced stage or is of the variety that does not respond well to treatment. It may take several weeks or months for your pet to fully recover, even if treatment is successful. Be sure to follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions, including proper dosing of any prescribed medications and returning for any requested follow-up visits. Continue to support your pet’s healing process by ensuring they receive proper nutrition and that stress is kept to a minimum. Avoid making any significant changes to your cat’s environment during healing.
Liver Inflammation Average Cost
From 509 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$800
Top
Liver Inflammation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Brazillian short hair
Lucy
10 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sleepy
Lathargic
Trouble Breathing
Lack Of Energy
Not As Vocal
My 10 year old female cat was having trouble breathing last week so I brought her to the vet. The did an XRay on her and she had fluid in her lungs with only about 10-15% of veiwable healthy tissue. The vet I went to said he couldn’t tell if she had tumors or not because the fluid was blocking the view from the X-ray. He’s said there was a chance that she could have lung cancer tumors or otherwise but he honestl couldn’t tell. So he proscribed her furosemide syrup 1%. She has improved and her breathing is better. She not 100% but is a lot better than a week ago. I noticed that she has two lumps just below her rib cage. Based on what I’ve seen in the cats Anatomy it could be her liver inflamed. I was going to take her to a cat hospital after this weekend. Just wanted some advice. Please help she is eating regularly she doesn’t drink as much water as she did before the meds so we have been sneaking water into her wet food. So she doesn’t get dehydrated. Please help
July 26, 2018
2 Recommendations
Without examining Lucy it is difficult to say what the specific cause for the fluid is and whether the abdominal swelling is due to an enlarged liver (should have shown up on physical exam or x-ray) or another cause. The furosemide is a diuretic and will help with water excretion, but if he water intake is low we need to be careful of dehydration; I cannot really say what the cause is but if she is breathing better it may be worth doing the x-ray again to see if anything can be seen. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 27, 2018
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Common
caty
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic, Not Eating
Lethargic,
Lethargic, Not Eating, Yellowish Ea
Hi, to continue with Caty, cat not eating for 2 weeks +, took her to vet. Her ears, mouth, eye turning yellow. She has jaundice and post liver condition. Vet gave medicine. But Caty resisted the medicine and now scared and shivering. What do you think are chances she will get well? I mean I will try feed her medicine, but I guess not in the dosage prescribed due to her nature. She put up a fight last night and did not want to take any food. Vet gave us syringe to insert liquid food + medicine into her mouth. I had not much success though. Post liver and jaundice and possible gall bladder issue - does it mean the end is near for Caty? I mean from your past experience with other cats. Caty is 5 years old.
March 28, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is difficult to say since jaundice is a symptom and not a condition itself, the specific diagnosis (gallbladder obstruction, inflammation, infection, cancer) and severity will determine the prognosis; an ultrasound may be useful in this case to look at the liver in detail and to look at the bile ducts. However, without knowing more information I cannot give you an indication of prognosis. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 28, 2018
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Common
Caty
5 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic
Lethargic, Not Eating
Lethargic, Not Eating, Dazed Look
Hi, do you have any advice on getting cat to eat? My cat did not eat for 2+ weeks show no interest in food, wet or dry. Only drinks water.
I am afraid it can be liver or kidney issue and some kind of inflamation. Is there a natural food I can give her to alleviate it?
March 26, 2018
1 Recommendations
A loss of appetite for two weeks is concerning, however there are various different causes for loss of appetite including dental disorders, oral injuries, foreign objects, parasites, liver or kidney disease among other causes; you should check inside Caty’s mouth to look for any issues which may cause a loss of appetite and visit your Veterinarian for an examination. As for diet, if she is not eating anything it is unlikely she will eat anything else; you can try to feed some boiled chucks of chicken to see if she will eat that or warm up some high quality wet food in the microwave like you would heat up baby food to see if that helps. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 26, 2018
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Liver Inflammation Average Cost
From 509 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$800
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