What Causes an Enlarged Liver in a Feline?

The enlargement of a cat's liver, a condition called hepatomegaly, results from an inability of the liver to function due to an illness of some kind. This condition, usually diagnosed in older cats, is caused by a variety of diseases, infections and toxic substances. If you notice your cat seems lethargic or if you see that its abdomen is distended, seek veterinary care for this possibly life-threatening condition.

  1. Liver Functions

    • A cat's liver is the largest organ in its body and it performs many functions crucial to its survival. The liver filters toxins from the blood, regulates the chemicals in the blood and produces the blood's clotting factors, according to the Cat World website. In addition, it changes ammonia to urea, which it excretes from the body. The liver also produces certain hormones. If the liver ceases normal functioning, it may become inflamed and enlarged, which is sometimes obvious to the naked eye, when you look in the abdomen area on the cat. You may also see that the cat has developed a yellow tint to its eyes, nose, mouth, gums or lips, a condition known as jaundice.

    Diagnosis

    • To properly diagnose a liver problem in your cat, take it to a veterinarian for an examination. Let the veterinarian know if you have observed some of the symptoms of an enlarged liver, and if the cat was exposed to any potential toxins. Some medical conditions that cause an enlarged liver include hepatitis, chronic liver disease, a liver cyst or abscess, an accumulation of fat in the liver tissue, heart disease or liver neoplasia, according to the PetMD website. Infections and drug toxicity can also lead to inflammation of the liver. To determine the underlying cause, the doctor will take blood tests, X-rays, an unltrasound and possibly a sample of liver tissue.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for an enlarged liver depends primarily on the cause of the inflammation. Conditions such as hepatic lipidosis, which cause a build-up of fat in the liver tissue, usually require six to eight weeks of tube feeding nutrient-rich foods to the cat. Since this condition results from feline anorexia, a failure to eat, you may also need to treat another underlying condition to prevent a relapse. Cholangitis or cholangiohepatitis complex, an inflammatory condition that affects the liver, if caused by a bacterial infection or parasitic infection, requires antibiotic or anti-parasitic drug therapy to alleviate the condition. Tumors, cysts or abscesses of the liver may require surgical removal, according to PetMD.

    Aftercare

    • During or after treatment, the cat may become dehydrated and may require intravenous fluids and cage rest. Your veterinarian might recommend a special diet high in protein and low in salt or a vitamin supplement for your cat to take daily, especially in cases of heart-related liver problems. Never adjust any medications given to you by your veterinarian, or administer pain medications, without asking the doctor first, because the liver metabolizes these medicines. Keep the cat away from toxins such as chocolate or acetaminophen. Prompt medical attention and continued follow-up care for cats with an enlarged liver greatly increases its chances of survival.