Introduction
The symptoms of liver disease may be mild or severe depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic. While liver disease in cats has many different causes, there are common symptoms that are associated with liver disease of all types.
Symptoms of Liver Disease
Among many other functions, the liver is responsible for cleaning toxins out of the blood and regulating food digestion. Symptoms of liver disease are often associated with a build up of toxins in the blood and gastrointestinal problems. As toxins build up in the body, the cat will begin to experience an increase in thirst as the body attempts to flush toxins through urine, and an increase in urination occurs as well. High levels of toxins can also lead to a loss of appetite and, in time, weight loss. In some cats, the weight loss is particularly noticeable as a loss of muscle mass.
The digestive functions can be severely upset if a cat is suffering from liver disease. As a result, the cat may develop symptoms which include diarrhea, bad breath, and vomiting. Additional symptoms of liver disease include behavioral changes such as lethargy and depression.
Advanced cases of liver disease may cause swelling of the liver and jaundice. When the liver is not functioning properly, a substance called bilirubin can build up in the blood. As a result the color of the gums, skin, and whites of the eyes can turn yellow.
A successful recovery of liver disease is dependent on timely treatment. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, a prompt veterinarian check-up is highly recommended.