Hepatic Lipidosis

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:

• 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

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.

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.