Feline hepatic lipidosis (also referred to as fatty liver) is a disease in which fats accumulate within the liver cells, interfering with the proper functioning of this organ. Hepatic lipidosis is the leading disease of the liver in the United States, the country with the highest proportion of obese cats. Obesity occurs most often in cats between the ages of 4 and 12. Sterilized cats are more likely to become obese, as are females. The onset of hepatic lipidosis occurs when an obese cat stops eating. This form of anorexia, which some equate with the psychologically-based anorexia found in humans, can be triggered by stress, including disease, changes in routine or surroundings, arrival of a new animal or person, or a sudden change in diet. If a cat does not like the food offered, he will not eat; unlike dogs, cats will literally starve themselves to death. If there are several pets in the home, the owner may not notice that one cat is not eating, particularly since the cat typically remains energetic. Sometimes, an owner will note (with pleasure) a slight weight loss. However, weight loss corresponds not only to loss of fatty tissue, but also of muscle mass, since body proteins are not being replaced with sufficient intake of protein.
After the cat has not eaten for several days or weeks, the liver suddenly stops functioning and signs of hepatic lipidosis appear, including jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy (blank stare, excessive salivation), followed by coma lasting several days, then death. A definitive diagnosis is based on a liver biopsy, since these symptoms are not specific to hepatic lipidosis, but merely indicate cessation of normal liver function.
Cats suffering from hepatic lipidosis need to be treated under the care of a qualified veterinarian.
Treatment focuses on force-feeding the animal a special liquid diet using a syringe or feeding tube until the animal regains his appetite. Typically the cat begins feeding on his own within two or three weeks. Reintroducing the cat to food (whether liquid or solid) must be done gradually with small meals. Outcome is favorable if the disease is detected early and appropriate treatment is provided.
This disease can be avoided by closely monitoring an obese cat that is being placed on a reduction diet. When the new diet is introduced, the owner should make sure that the cat is eating. A new diet should be introduced in stages, gradually replacing the old food with greater quantities of the new over a period of two weeks.
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