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

'''Neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis''' is characterised by infiltration of large numbers of [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]] into portal areas of the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] and into the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology #Hepatic Duct Systems|bile ducts]].  It results from ascending bacterial infection from the [[Small Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestines]].  ''[[Escherichia coli]]'', [[:Category:Staphylococcus species|''Staphylococcus spp.'']], ''[[:Category:Streptococcus species|Streptococcus]] spp.'', ''[[:Category:Clostridium species|Clostridium spp.]]'', ''[[Bacillus species|Bacillus spp.]]'', ''[[:Category:Actinomyces|Actinomyces spp.]]'', ''Bacteroides spp'' and occasionally ''[[Salmonella|Salmonella spp.]]'' have been isolated.  Concurrent biliary tract disease are common in cats, especially [[Pancreatitis|pancreatitis]] and [[Inflammatory Bowel Disease|inflammatory bowel disease]].  Other predisposing factors include congenital or acquired abnormalities of the biliary system such as that of anatomic abnormalities of the [[Gall Bladder - Anatomy & Physiology|gall bladder]] or common bile duct, bile duct obstruction caused by inspissated bile, cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

*More common in cats than in dogs.

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.

*Cats of all breeds and ages can be affected, but often young to middle-aged cats.

*Male cats are more at risk.

 

 

'''Neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis''' is characterised by infiltration of large numbers of [[Neutrophils - WikiBlood|neutrophils]] into portal areas of the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] and into the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology #Hepatic Duct Systems|bile ducts]].  It results from ascending bacterial infection from the [[Small Intestine - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestines]].  [[Escherichia coli]], [[Staphylococcus spp.]], ''[[Streptococci|Streptococcus]] spp.'', ''[[Clostridium species|Clostridium spp.]]'', ''[[Bacillus species|Bacillus spp.]]'', ''[[Actinomycetes|Actinomyces spp.]]'', ''[[Bacteroides|Bacteroides spp.]]'' and occasionally ''[[Salmonella|Salmonella spp.]]'' have been isolated.  Concurrent biliary tract disease are common in cats, especially [[Pancreatitis - WikiClinical|pancreatitis]] and [[Inflammatory Bowel Disease - WikiClinical|inflammatory bowel disease]].  Other predisposing factors include congenital or acquired abnormalities of the biliary system such as that of anatomic abnormalities of the [[Gall Bladder - Anatomy & Physiology|gall bladder]] or common bile duct, bile duct obstruction caused by inspissated bile, cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

===Clinical Signs===

===History and Clinical Signs===

Acute presentation with

Acute presentation with severe illness in contrast to cats with [[Cholangitis, Lymphocytic|Lymphocytic cholangitis]] who often do not appear ill. Signs include pyrexia, depression, lethargy, abdominal pain, [[Icterus|jaundice]], dehydration ,anorexia and vomiting. If presented whilst the disease is chronic, signs will include episodic anorexia, vomiting, jaundice, weight loss and possibly hepatomegaly or ascites. Many cases will have concurrent [[IBD]].

*severe illness - compared to cats with other liver disease

*pyrexia

*depression and lethargy

*abdominal pain

*[[Liver General Pathology - Pathology|jaundice]]

*dehydration

===Laboratory Tests===

===Laboratory Tests===

====Haematology====

====Haematology====

*Mild [[Changes in Inflammatory Cells Circulating in Blood - Pathology #Neutrophilia|neutrophilia]] with left shift

Mild [[Neutrophilia|neutrophilia]] with left shift

 

====Biochemistry====

====Biochemistry====

*Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Normally to slightly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Normal to slightly increased total bilirubin concentration

*Normally to slightly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

*Normal to slightly increased total bilirubin concentration

===Diagnostic Imaging===

===Diagnostic Imaging===

===Histopathology===

===Histopathology===

Liver cytology or tissue biopsy is required to differentiate inflammatory liver disease from [[Hepatic Lipidosis - WikiClinical|hepatic lipidosis]] and [[Neoplasia - Pathology|neoplasia]].  Bile samples for cytology is needed for a definitive diagnosis.  It is not adequate to perform liver biopsy alone as the disease tend to be confined to the biliary tract and pathology of the liver can be non specific and  mild.  Cytologically, neutrophilic cholangitis usually shows bacteria and [[Neutrophils - WikiBlood|neutrophils]].  Culture and sensitivity should be performed for appropriate choice of antibiotics.

Liver cytology or tissue biopsy is required to differentiate inflammatory liver disease from [[Hepatic Lipidosis|hepatic lipidosis]] and [[Neoplasia - Pathology|neoplasia]].  Bile samples for cytology is needed for a definitive diagnosis.  It is not adequate to perform liver biopsy alone as the disease tend to be confined to the biliary tract and pathology of the liver can be non specific and  mild.  Cytologically, neutrophilic cholangitis usually shows bacteria and [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]].  Culture and sensitivity should be performed for appropriate choice of antibiotics.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

A long course (4-6 weeks), of an appropriate antibiotic should be given in light of bacterial culture and sensitivity results. Selected antibiotic should be excreted in the bile in active form, and should be active against aerobic and anaerobic intestinal coliforms. [[Penicillins|Amoxicillin]] potentiated with clavulanic acid is a good initial choice. [[Nitroimidazoles|Metronidazole]] may be added to extend the spectrum of anaerobes and coliforms.

**A long course, 4-6 weeks, of an appropriate antibiotic should be given in light of bacterial culture and sensitivity results.

Surgery is warranted if discrete choleliths or complete biliary obstruction is identified. In cases of complete extrahepatic biliary obstruction, surgical decompression and cholecystoduodenostomy or cholecystojejunostomy should be performed.

**Selected antibiotic should be excreted in the bile in active form, and should be active against aerobic and anaerobic intestinal coliforms.

[[Liver Drugs|Ursodeoxycholic acid]] may be given as it has hepatoprotective (anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antifibrotic effects) properties and choleretic effect.  The latter promotes increased fluidity of biliary secretions for treating or preventing sludging.

**[[Penicillins|Amoxicillin]] potentiated with clavulanic acid is a good initial choice.

Aggressive supportive care is required due to severe illness. Fluid and electrolyte derangements should be corrected and Vitamin K1 may be given if bleeding diatheses develop. A high protein diet rather than a protein-restricted diet is more appropriate for feeding anorexic cats to prevent the development of [[Hepatic Lipidosis|hepatic lipidosis]]

**[[Nitroimidazoles|Metronidazole]] may be added to extend the spectrum of anaerobes and coliforms.

Monitor response to treatment with serial complete haematology and biochemistry.

*Surgery is warranted if discrete choleliths or complete biliary obstruction is identified.

**In cases of complete extrahepatic biliary obstruction, surgical decompression and cholecystoduodenostomy or cholecystojejunostomy should be performed.

*[[Liver Drugs|Ursodeoxycholic acid]] may be given.

**It has hepatoprotective (anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antifibrotic effects) properties and choleretic effect.  The latter promotes increased fluidity of biliary secretions for treating or preventing sludging.

*Aggressive supportive care is required due to severe illness.

**Fluid and electrolyte derangements should be corrected.

**Vitamin K1 may be given if bleeding diatheses develop.

*A high protein diet rather than a protein-restricted diet is more appropriate for feeding anorexic cats to prevent the development of [[Hepatic Lipidosis - WikiClinical|hepatic lipidosis]]

*Monitor response to treatment with serial complete haematology and biochemistry.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Good provided the cats are treated early and appropriately.

Good prognosis provided the cats are treated early and appropriately.

==References==

==References==

*Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''.

*Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''.

*Marks, S.L. (2003). '''Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Cholangiohepatitis''' ''Waltham Feline Medicine Symposium''.

*Marks, S.L. (2003). '''Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Cholangiohepatitis''' ''Waltham Feline Medicine Symposium''.