What Does Hepatitis Look Like in Cats

1. What Does Hepatitis Look Like in Cats? A visit to the vet is hardly a fun experience for most pets. It’s hard when pets get sick because they can’t tell us their symptoms whether it’s getting worse or better, or what they need. Fortunately, a Vancouver veterinary hospital can give you some peace of mind via a diagnosis and get your pet feeling well again. When the diagnosis comes back revealing a health problem such as hepatitis, it can be quite shocking. You wouldn’t imagine that cats can develop hepatitis, but in fact, hepatitis can infect the livers of both cats and dogs. There are a few different ways that your cat could develop hepatitis. Viral and bacterial infections could potentially lead to hepatitis as can other pre- existing metabolic conditions. Additionally, parasites have also been known to cause hepatitis in cats. This article will explore some of the signs and symptoms of the two types of hepatitis that occur in cats: cholangiohepatitis and lymphocytic portal hepatitis. Cholangiohepatitis This particular type of hepatitis causes both the liver and bile ducts to become inflamed. A fungal infection may be to blame, or it could be brought on by a bacterial infection. Occasionally, other disorders of the digestive can occur simultaneously such as IBS or inflammation of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. If your cat has a history of any other immune-mediated infections, be sure to let your vet know, as conditions such as these may also lead to cholangiohepatitis. Signs to watch out for include vomiting, decreased appetite, and/or jaundice. If you have an animal thermometer, check to see that your cat has a fever in addition to any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Lymphocytic Portal Hepatitis Older cats who have been treated for hyperthyroidism are more susceptible to this type of hepatitis. Medical professionals are still trying to determine the exact cause of lymphocytic portal hepatitis, but the general consensus is that it is linked to thyroid disease or some kind of dysfunction of the immune system. Symptoms are similar to those associated with cholangiohepatitis but there are other signs to watch for. If your cat has any unexplained weight loss, is more lethargic than usual, or has diarrhea, consult with your vet. They will likely take an image of your cat’s liver to check for any signs of enlargement to rule out lymphocytic portal hepatitis. If you suspect that your cat may be suffering from hepatitis, the first thing you need to do is book an appointment with your vet. If your pet’s medical history is unknown, you will need to answer a series of questions to rule out any other conditions. Your vet may perform a complete blood count, urinalysis, liver biopsy, and liver ultrasound to get a definite diagnosis, much like how hepatitis is diagnosed in humans.

2. The treatment may vary, depending on the extent of the damage done by hepatitis. Medication and IV treatment to replenish any loss of nutrients is likely to be required at first, but overall, your Vancouver veterinary hospital can help you manage your cat’s symptoms.