Introduction
The main types of liver disease in cats are hepatic lipidosis, cholangiohepatitis, and portosystemic shunt disease. Cats may also develop liver disease if they ingest toxins or if the liver is physically injured through an accident.
Types of Liver Disease in Cats
Hepatic Lipidosis
One of the most common types of liver disease that occurs in cats is a condition called hepatic lipidosis also known as fatty liver disease. The liver becomes affected when a cat’s appetite is depressed, and overweight cats are at an increased risk for this condition if they stop eating. Hepatic lipidosis occurs when a cat’s body begins to break down fat for energy, and the fat goes to the liver to be processed. However, a cat’s body is not equipped to handle fat breakdown of this kind, and the large amounts of fat going to liver begins to harm the function of the liver. If the condition is not treated in a timely it can be fatal.
Cholangiohepatitis and Portosystemic Shunt Disease
Two other types of conditions in cats, cholangiohepatitis complex and portosystemic shunt, will also cause liver disease. There are different types of cholangiohepatitis, but in all cases the bile ducts in the liver become inflamed and irritated, and the liver’s function is reduced. Portosystemic shunts interfere with the amount of blood that is supposed to circulate through the liver, and overtime liver disease may develop.
Toxin Injestion
Liver disease may also occur if the liver is damaged through injury or poisons. Cats that are in severe bodily injuries may suffer an injury to the liver that can impair the function of the liver. Toxins, especially plant toxins, may also reduce the ability of the liver to function properly.