Cholangitis, Neutrophilic

Also known as suppurative cholangitis, exudative cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis and acute cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis.

Signalment

More common in cats than in dogs. Cats of all breeds and ages can be affected, but often young to middle-aged cats. Male cats are more at risk.

Aetiology and Pathogenesis

Neutrophilic cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis results from asecending bacterial infection from the small intestines. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Clostridium spp., Bacillus, Actinomyces, Bacteroides and occasionally Salmonella spp. have been isolated. Concurrent biliary tract disease are common in cats, especially pancreatits and inflammatory bowel diesease. Other predisposing factors include bile duct obstruction, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis.

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Acute presentation with pyrexia, abdominal pain, lethargy, jaundice.

Haematology & Biochemistry

Increased segmented and band neutrophils. Increased ALT and total bilirubin concentration

Imaaging

A coarse or nodular texture to the liver on ultrasonography. More chronic cases may have dilation of the biliary tract.