Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
that they are best used only in a short-term situation.Veterinarians cur-
rently favor esophagostomy tubes (a tube placed into the esophagus)
because they can be easily placed in a sedated patient. Cats can still eat
and if there are problems with the tube, there is no risk of peritonitis
(infection of the abdominal cavity).Tubes placed directly into the stom-
ach or intestine are more technically complicated, require general anes-
thesia, and leakage can cause peritonitis.
Other Causes of Liver Disease
Hepatic lipidosis is generally considered to be a secondary problem,
occurring after another disease has caused loss of appetite. Some pri-
mary liver diseases are:
•
Viral, bacterial, or parasitic hepatitis
•
Cholangiohepatitis
•
Exposure to toxins
•
Congenital disease
•
Liver shunts
•
Hepatic neoplasia
A cat's liver is comprised of four lobes and may fill up to one-fourth
of the animal's abdominal cavity. Seventy to 80 percent of a liver can be
impaired before functional problems are apparent.
Blood tests can indicate that inflammation of the liver is occurring,
and they can indicate that liver function is significantly impaired, but
they are not specific when it comes to determining cause. A liver biop-
sy is needed to make a conclusive diagnosis.
Almost all cases of liver disease have similar clinical signs. Some types
of liver disease are easier to treat than others, and the liver is an organ
that can regenerate if it is not too severely damaged. Bleeding disorders
can be a secondary problem in cats with liver disease, since the liver is
responsible for creating the components needed for blood clotting.
Cholagiohepatitis
This disease is an inflammatory condition of the bile ducts and liver.
Vomiting, anorexia and jaundice are common signs in affected cats.The
cause of cholangiohepatitis is rarely found, and, as in other forms of
liver disease, a biopsy is needed for diagnosis.
