What Is Hepatitis In Cats?

What is Hepatitis in cats?

While talking about hepatitis, it is vital that you have a thorough understanding of the disease itself, its impact upon the body, as well as the common feline hepatitis symptoms your cat might display if she has been affected. 

Cat hepatitis is a medical condition often times utilized to describe liver inflammation in cats. It is linked to an accumulation of inflammatory cells in the liver, along with progressive scarring or the emergence of excess fibrous tissue inside the liver.

Over time, symptoms may lead to reduced liver function that can become very severe as it progresses.

Hepatitis may be caused by bacterial infections, consumption of toxic substances (more on this below), medicines that attack the liver, as well as contact with one other infected animal (through blood, feces, and mucous membranes).

Is Hepatitis in Cats Contagious?

Cat hepatitis may be infectious, in which case it can spread to other cats. According to the source, transmission may occur through contact with the feces or blood of an infected cat. If your cat is diagnosed with infectious hepatitis, isolating them from other pets is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of infection.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important, particularly in households with multiple cats. While acute hepatitis may resolve quickly, chronic hepatitis can be more difficult to manage and may not be completely curable. Working closely with your veterinarian can help manage symptoms and protect other pets in the household.

How does the liver work?

The liver is an amazingly important organ that performs a number of key tasks. It’ll produce enzymes that support digestion and metabolize fats, proteins, and carbs. Also, it stores essential nutrients and vitamins, breaks down toxins, as well as eliminates body waste.

Because of the liver’s big reserve capacity, if one part of the liver stops working, one other area may take over. In some circumstances, the liver even can regenerate its own tissue.

But hepatitis actually can break down the liver function over a period of time, rendering it less effective.

Symptoms of Hepatitis in cats

Because the liver has the job of a number of functions, cats that have hepatitis might show a broad spectrum of symptoms. Below we list some common symptoms of cat hepatitis:

1. Loss of appetite

With key liver functions such as digestion, as well as metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, it is common for felines to lose their appetite as they’re diagnosed with hepatitis. Appetite weight loss is a major sign that your cat needs to visit the vet.

2. Fatigue

With less and less food coming in, felines inevitably will have a reduction in energy levels. Cats frequently show indications of sluggishness, which oftentimes become rapidly apparent.

3. Loss of weight

One other byproduct of a reduction in appetite is weight loss. If you see your pet’s weight dropping rapidly, it is vital to take him to your vet as soon as you can.

4. Diarrhea and Vomiting

Indications of feline diarrhea and vomiting in cats typically are the initial signs you might recognize. Because the liver is less and less effective, and within some instances incapable of doing the key aforementioned jobs, diarrhea and vomiting oftentimes ensue.

5. Excessive thirst and frequent urination

Diarrhea and vomiting along with a reduction in appetite all contribute to excess thirst. It isn’t uncommon for felines that have hepatitis to consume more liquid than usual. Naturally, that leads to consistent urination. It is crucial that you observe your cat’s fluid consumption as it may be one other tell-tale indication that something is wrong with her health.

6. Abdominal swelling

Swelling of the abdomen results from liver enlargement in conjunction with a build-up of fluid inside the abdomen.

7. Jaundice

As this disease progresses, it may lead to jaundice, resulting in the eyes, gums, and skin turning into a yellowish color. It may be one of the tell-tale indications of hepatitis.

8. Unusual feces color

It isn’t uncommon for fecal matter to become discolored because of a decrease in liver function.

9. Nervous system and neurologic signs

These symptoms usually appear if the disease has worsened. Neurologic symptoms like:

• depression
• disorientation
• aggression
• blindness

Symptoms concerning the nervous system like coma and seizures may occur, although less common, and have also happened in some instances.

What is Cat Liver Disease

A feline’s liver is as vital for survival and good health as his human being companion’s. It’s responsible for a host of tasks that involve the storage, absorption, elimination, and processing of body substances, amongst several other crucial functions.

Therefore, keeping a keen eye on your cat’s liver condition is strongly in your interest as a pet owner.

This section will cover an overall liver scope: malfunction, function, liver disease symptoms and signs, and treatments for cat liver problems.

Liver functions

In addition to the biggest internal organ, the liver has the job of carrying out several tasks that keep the body properly functioning.

Unlike the colon or gallbladder, the body can’t function without the liver because of its critical role in maintaining homeostasis. The liver’s responsibilities involve:

• Eliminating body toxins and waste
• Metabolizing carbs, fats, and proteins
• Regulating energy/metabolism
• Supporting healthy digestion
• Storing essential minerals/ vitamins

Types of Cat Liver Disease

Liver disease is the consequence of a damaged liver that is caused by immune dysfunction, bacteria, toxic waste, or additional factors. Because of the high volume of nutrients, waste, and toxins processed on a daily basis by the liver, vulnerability to disease from those various sources isn’t uncommon.

Below we list three typically discovered cat liver diseases: 

1. Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease) 

Hepatic lipidosis, also known as Fatty Liver disease, is the body’s response to malnourishment and/or starvation. In people, the body fights starvation by instantly sending reserves of fat to the body’s liver to convert to lipoproteins for energy. 

This helps maintain a stable metabolism until food is eaten again.

However, as a cat is malnourished, his liver has problems processing the reserve fats it obtains from the body.

Fats accumulate and ultimately become swollen and turn yellow and cause what’s named jaundice, a yellowing of the body’s eyes.

2. Cholangiohepatitis

It’s a liver disease marked by biliary system inflammation. The biliary system, that carries a greenish-brown fluid referred to as bile, helps with food digestion.

As the biliary system is inflamed, it’s more commonly caused by bacterial infections, as well as, or dysfunction of a regular immune response affecting cells named lymphocytes.

In cholangiohepatitis, bile doesn’t flow properly and becomes trapped in the liver. The bile’s high acidity causes swelling, irritation, and additional damage in what’s occasionally referred to as a “stagnant liver" as the bile duct is basically clogged.

This bacterial-infected biliary system can be treated with antibiotics, but the immune-mediated inflammation must be treated with immunosuppressive drugs. Cholangiohepatitis is among the most commonly seen cat liver diseases.

3. Toxic Hepatopathy

This kind of liver disease is caused by the consumption of toxins inside the cat’s body. As the liver filters through waste and toxins on a daily basis, it’s susceptible to the negative effects of those chemicals.

Excessive quantities of vitamin A, iron, naphthalene, xylitol, and acetaminophen are just a few examples of the multiple toxins which can be discovered in your pet’s body.

Cat Liver Disease Signs and Symptoms

Here are some common signs and symptoms which may assist you in identifying liver disease in your pet.

• Jaundice: Yellowish coloring of the mucous membranes, skin, and eyes; caused by excess bilirubin inside the blood
• Melena: Tarry, dark stools; contain partly digested blood caused by internal bleeding
• Ascites: Abnormal fluid accumulation inside the abdomen caused by elevated blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Dark-colored urine
• Lack of energy

What Types of Food Cause Hepatitis in Cats?

One food group might actually shock you. This section guides you through food sources that are toxic to felines, helping ensure your cat stays healthy and safe. You need to ensure your pet consumes the healthiest food sources possible.

But some things that seem harmless can be harmful to your pet. Because, as you might imagine, a toxic substance could be everyday household cleaning supplies, not regular people food.

One note before we dive in: If you’re reading this and already believe your pet was poisoned, immediately contact your trusted vet or ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center. ASPCA’s phone number is 1-888-426-4435.

1. Dairy

The conventional cliche is a cute furry cat hunched down on all fours, lapping milk up from a saucer. Even though that’s something seen in movies, cartoons, and beyond…it’ll make this realization all the more surprising.

Felines’ digestive systems actually aren’t set up for dealing with dairy. The lactose inside dairy products like milk may stir up stomach issues problems. Stay away from these products: cheese and milk.

Alas, and they appear so sweet lapping up milk from a tiny bowl, do they not?

2. Alcohol

Keep all whiskey away from their whiskers. Our cute furry friends shouldn’t drink any kind of alcoholic beverage. Just one or two licks may be very harmful. It may set off awful symptoms, like disorienting them or upsetting their stomach. (Not so different from the effects upon humans!) It is particularly toxic though because, as they’re so small, even a little bit of alcohol even can be deadly.

3. Grapes 

According to the ASPCA, you should not allow your feline friend to have raisins or grapes. Even though toxic traces are mainly connected with dogs, specialists such as the ASPCA feel the proof is solid enough that no felines should consume grapes, as well.

4. Avocado

To people, an avocado is a superfood. The avocado’s healthy fats are excellent on so many levels. However – for felines – it is an entirely different story. Just like how canines can’t consume avocados, neither can felines. Avocado has a chemical named Persin, which is harmful to cats. It may induce tummy issues and cause cat diarrhea and vomiting in cats.

5. Garlic and Onions

Onions and garlic add a wonderful flavor to our foods (such as assisting in creating guacamole from an avocado shared above), but, they’re harmful to your pet. Thiosulphate, an element in garlic and onions, may induce anemia in your cat. Also, it can be in onion powder, chives, and shallots. This is one other reason to keep foods such as guacamole far from felines – most ingredients are very harmful and may have some severe side effects if eaten.

6. Too much Salt

A tiny amount of salt can be alright, however, having too high an amount may cause salt poisoning, leading to neurological issues.

7. Cherries 

This delectable summer fruit has…cyanide. This may be a type of poison to human beings if a high enough amount is eaten. But it does not take nearly as much for cats or dogs. That’s why cherries are toxic to cats and dogs. The cyanide may result in dilated pupils, problems with breathing, and, in the most serious cases, shock or even death.

8. Chocolate

Just like how canines cannot consume chocolate, neither can felines. Chocolate has theobromine, a stimulant that may cause muscle tremors, heart problems, or even cat seizures. One other factor is that it contains caffeine.

9. Caffeine

Cats shouldn’t consume caffeine, whether in the form of food (like chocolate) or inside beverages (like tea or coffee). The stimulant isn’t good for their system.

10. Dough

If you bake, you know making dough takes a lot of time. For instance, maybe you create a pizza dough then give it a little time to rise. You exit the room to care for some household chores as you wait for the dough to rise. Perhaps your pet jumps on the counter and walks over to the dough. Curious, perhaps he will take a bite.

This isn’t good.

The dough may expand, as it might on the counter, inside his tummy. Results may be as extreme as his tummy rupturing or a fatal condition named bloat in felines to occur. If you think this might’ve happened, call your vet as soon as possible.

Preventing Your Pet from Consuming Toxic Foods

The most perfect thing is, naturally, to keep your pet away from toxic products, plants, and foods like the ones listed above. Keep toxic food sources out of your pet’s reach.

Also, avoid serving human foods, even as treats. It is easier to keep your pet safe when you stick with formulas and food made for cats.

It also is important to see how your pet reacts to food sources in general. As humans may have allergies, so will cats. Therefore, there are food sources that might not be toxic to the majority of cats yet are not so good for yours. Below we list the most typical foods that cause allergic reactions in felines.

Cat Liver Disease Treatments

Amazingly, the liver is able to regenerate, as well as heal itself back to health from even the worst of diseases. The disadvantage of the liver’s hardiness is that it may be up to 70 percent impaired before it starts showing signs of malfunction.

Therefore, it’s vital that you know how to handle these symptoms as they rear their ugly heads.

Talk to your vet for the best advice about what treatments to use depending upon the specific kind of liver disease your pet has, and don’t hesitate to take her in for a check-up.

Now, earlier we discussed hepatitis, and how it can be caused by the ingestion of toxic substances. Let’s dive more into that subject:

What To Do If Your Vet Gets Poisoned?

And keep in mind, if you’re reading this and already believe your feline has been poisoned, act quickly. Attempt to identify all cat poisoning symptoms and immediately report to the vet. Immediately contact your trusted vet or ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center. The ASPCA’s phone number is (800) 628-0028.

Now that the above topics are out of the way, let’s get back to the subject at hand: hepatitis in cats.

Conclusion

Cat hepatitis can be serious, especially when it becomes chronic or is caused by an infectious disease. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking veterinary care can help improve your cat's outlook and reduce the risk of transmission to other pets.

If your cat has been diagnosed with hepatitis, follow your veterinarian's treatment and isolation recommendations closely.

For more information contact Innovet Pet Products today!

Sources:

Liver Inflammation (Chronic) in Cats

Cholangiohepatitis

Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Cholangiohepatitis

Feline Cholangitis/Cholangiohepatitis Syndrome

Regulation of Nausea and Vomiting by Cannabinoids

Approved by:

Dr. Sara Ochoa

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, St. Georges University

LinkedIn | Vetster

Sara Redding Ochoa, DVM was raised in north Louisiana. She graduated from LA Tech in 2011 with a degree in animal science. She then moved to Grenada West Indies for veterinary school. She completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University and graduated in 2015 from St. George’s University. Since veterinary school she has been working at a small animal and exotic veterinary clinic in east Texas, where she has experience treating all species that walk in the hospital. In her free time, she likes to travel with her husband Greg, bake yummy desserts and spend time with her 4-legged fur kids, a dog Ruby, a cat Oliver James “OJ”, a rabbit BamBam and a tortoise MonkeyMan.

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Please do not ask for emergency or specific medical questions about your pets in the comments. Innovet Pet Products is unable to provide you with specific medical advice or counseling. A detailed physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinarian are required to provide specific medical advice. If you are worried that your pet requires emergency attention or if you have specific medical questions related to your pet’s current or chronic health conditions, please contact or visit your local/preferred veterinarian, an animal-specific poison control hotline, or your local emergency veterinary care center.

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