Hepatic lipidosis in cats is characterized by the accumulation of excessive fat in the liver which eventually prevents the liver from functioning normally. It is a life-threatening disease, which, if not treated aggressively, can cause death in cats.
Cats that are predisposed to the problem are often older, overweight cats that have been exposed to stressors that cause a sudden decrease of appetite that continues for several days or weeks. There may also be a distinct loss of muscle mass, some vomiting, and jaundice. In some cases, there may be hepatic encephalopathy in which the brain is affected.
The condition has also been linked with serious medical problems like diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, cancer, pancreatitis, heart disease, and hyperthyroidism. It can also be associated with chronic cases of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and chronic disease of the upper respiratory tract. However, about 50% of feline hepatic lipidosis cases are “idiopathic”, meaning the cause has not been fully understood or identified. Obesity, prolonged decrease in appetite, and stress are known predisposing factors.
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