Hepatic Lipidosis



Category:WikiClinical FelineCow


Signalment

Description

Hepatic lipidosis is the derangement of lipid and protein metabolism, which occurs primarily in cats only. 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:

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.