Difference between revisions of "Hepatic Lipidosis"
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{{cat}} | {{cat}} | ||
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==Signalment== | ==Signalment== | ||
| + | Indoor cat more prone to primary hepatic lipidosis | ||
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| + | ==Description== | ||
| + | Hepatic lipidosis is the derangement of lipid and protein metabolism, which occurs cats and dogs, but more clinically significant in cats. It is important to differentiate primary (idiopathic) hepatic lipidosis from secondary hepatic lipidosis. | ||
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| + | '''Primary hepatic lipidosis''' is most recognised in obese indoor cats following anorexia in North America. The mortality rate is high unless the disease is treated aggressively. | ||
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| + | '''Secondary hepatic lipidosis''' is a common response in dogs and cats to other diseases for example, pacreatitis, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and primary hyperlipidaemia. The effect on dogs is less clinically significant. Aggressive intervention of the hepatic lipidosis and the underlying cause is required. | ||
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| − | + | Up to 50% of cats have an underlying disease which leads to anorexia. If treated aggressively, it is often a reversible process. | |
Factors which contribute to hepatic lipidosis are: | Factors which contribute to hepatic lipidosis are: | ||
Revision as of 11:49, 11 August 2009
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This article is still under construction. |
Signalment
Indoor cat more prone to primary hepatic lipidosis
Description
Hepatic lipidosis is the derangement of lipid and protein metabolism, which occurs cats and dogs, but more clinically significant in cats. It is important to differentiate primary (idiopathic) hepatic lipidosis from secondary hepatic lipidosis.
Primary hepatic lipidosis is most recognised in obese indoor cats following anorexia in North America. The mortality rate is high unless the disease is treated aggressively.
Secondary hepatic lipidosis is a common response in dogs and cats to other diseases for example, pacreatitis, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and primary hyperlipidaemia. The effect on dogs is less clinically significant. Aggressive intervention of the hepatic lipidosis and the underlying cause is required.
Up to 50% of cats have an underlying disease which leads to anorexia. If treated aggressively, it is often a reversible process.
Factors which contribute to hepatic lipidosis are:
- Cholangitis/Cholangiohepatitis
- Obesity
- Starvation
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetes
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
- Often obese cats following a sudden starvation
- Anorexia and lethargy
- Icterus
- Diarrhoea (sometimes)
- Palpable hepatomegaly (sometimes)
- Hepatic Encephalopathy
Laboratory Tests
Haematology
Biochemistry
Other Tests
Diagnostic Imaging
On ultrasound, an enlarged and diffusely hyperechoeic liver is seen.
Histopathology
Fine needle aspirate of the liver is normally sufficient for a diagnosis Biopsy and culture of the liver tissue is always indicated to determine the underlying cause of the disease.
Treatment
- Nutritional support for 4 - 6 weeks
- Ensure the diet is of adequate calorific content with an increase in protein content and added arginine and ornithine.
- Treat for Hepatic Encephalopathy if presented.
Prognosis
References
- Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman, E. C. (2000) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diseases of the Dog and Cat Volume 2 (Fifth Edition) W.B. Saunders Company.
- Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition) Mosby Elsevier.