Cat Liver Diseases

Feline liver disease leaves many cats feeling lethargic. Common symptoms include weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea and jaundice, which is characterized by yellow eyes, skin and gums. Several types of liver disease can affect cats, from liver shunts in kittens to cancer in mature cats. These diseases interfere with liver function, which causes poor digestion and toxic build up that makes cats feel unwell. Fortunately, some of these diseases respond well to treatment.

  1. Hepatic Lipidosis

    • Hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease, comes on quickly in cats who stop eating. When cats do not eat enough to fuel their bodies, they rely on stores of fat to survive. When the liver cannot keep up with the workload of processing this fat, it suffers from fat build up and stops functioning properly, according to Cat World in Australia. Veterinarian Holly Nash at Pet Education says that weight loss and vomiting are common symptoms. Nutrient supplements, appetite stimulants and feeding tubes help some cats regain their appetites and liver function. Nash states that 65 percent of cats recover, usually within six weeks.

    Liver Cancer

    • Liver cancer is a serious disease typically found in older cats. While the cancer sometimes originates in the liver, it is more common for it to spread from other organs and cause liver tumors. Pet Place states that cats exposed to carcinogens are at greater risk than others, especially since the liver processes these chemicals. These carcinogens include pesticides and fungus from rotten pet food. Treatment includes surgery to remove the tumors and chemotherapy.

    Hepatic Shunts

    • Unlike other diseases that tend to affect older cats, hepatic shunts are typically congenital and occur in kittens before they reach their first birthday, according to Cat World. This disease occurs when blood flows around the liver, rather than through the liver--which means the liver has no chance to rid the blood of toxins. Lack of blood flow can also stunt the liver's growth. Poison build up in the bloodstream leads to lack of appetite, weakness, salivation, vomiting, bloody urine, stumbling, seizures and blindness. Surgery to close the shunts can treat this disease, allowing blood to pass through the liver as it should.