Jaundice is not a disease in and of itself, but a symptom of an underlying disease. It occurs when bilirubin, a yellow-red pigment found in bile, builds up in the body instead of being expressed through the urine and stool. There is no specific treatment for jaundice per se and it will usually resolve itself when the disease that causes it is diagnosed and treated.
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Causes
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Jaundice appears as a result of either liver disease, bile duct obstruction or hemolysis, the destruction of red blood cells. Ingestion of toxic plants, drugs or chemicals, as well as parasites such as fleas and ticks (usually seen between June-September), retrovirus, and heartworm are all possible causative agents of jaundice. This is why it is so important to schedule a veterinarian appointment as soon as you see any clinical signs of jaundice in your cat.
Symptoms
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The most overt sign of jaundice is easy for even the most novice cat owner to detect. If the whites of your cat's eyes turn yellow or you detect yellow coloring in their ear flaps, skin or gums, your cat is jaundiced. Some cats may become lethargic and/or experience diarrhea, vomiting or loss of appetite as well as the associated weight loss.
Diseases Associated with Jaundice
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There is a long list of diseases associated with jaundice but some of the more common are feline leukemia virus, toxmoplasmosis, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), fatty liver disease, inflammation of the liver, pancreatitis or bile duct obstruction.
Supportive Therapy
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Since so many of the diseases associated with jaundice are so debilitating, your veterinarian may prescribe supportive therapies such as whole body massage, vitamin and mineral supplements, IV fluids (for cats who will not drink enough water and as a means of getting the necessary supplements in them) or a special veterinary diet.
Prognosis
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It's difficult to give a definitive answer concerning your cat's prognosis. There are so many variables including, but not limited to, the underlying disease, how far that disease has advanced, your cat's immune system and also, while difficult to discuss it should be mentioned, your financial situation. Some diseases, especially ones that require surgery, are very expensive to treat and not always affordable for the cat's owner. Other diseases, such as cancer, are also very expensive and supportive therapy can be cost prohibitive. You should discuss all options with your veterinarian and be frank about your financial resources. Sometimes the best thing you as a loving cat owner can do is to put the creature out of its pain and misery by letting your veterinarian do a humane euthanasia.
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