What Are the Causes of Elevated Levels in Liver Function of a Feline?

Liver disorders are very common in felines. Elevated liver function tests are typically indicative of an underlying health problem, such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease. A liver function panel consists of a group of blood tests that can distinguish between liver damage and liver function issues. These may be important in the diagnostic process and in ensuring your cat receives the right treatment.

  1. The Liver

    • The liver is a vital organ with a wide range of functions. These include the production of bile and blood clotting factors, detoxification, hormone production and breakdown, protein synthesis and vitamin storage. Liver function blood tests are designed to give an accurate representation of the state of your pet's liver.

    Liver Function Tests

    • The blood assays typically used as part of a liver function panel in cats include bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT are enzymes. Elevated liver enzymes are generally indicative of liver damage. The liver produces bilirubin when hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells, breaks down. An elevation in bilirubin levels can point to disorders of the bile duct, gallbladder or liver.

    Fatty Liver and Hepatitis

    • A common cause of elevated liver function tests in cats is feline fatty liver disease, otherwise known as hepatic lipidosis. This disorder may be triggered if your pet stops eating for more than a day, and without treatment can lead to liver failure. Infections, immune system disorders and medications can cause hepatitis in felines. Hepatitis is associated with chronic liver inflammation. Liver function tests are normally elevated in cats with hepatitis.

    Cholangiohepatitis

    • Bile is a compound necessary for the digestion of food. It is produced by the liver and transported through the bile ducts to the intestine. Inflammation of the intestine or pancreas can lead to cholangiohepatitis, inflammation of the bile ducts and liver. The disorder may also be caused by infection of the bile ducts. Bilirubin and liver enzyme levels are typically elevated in a pet with cholangiohepatitis.