A cat’s liver is one of the most vital organs in its body. It's responsible for covering critical functions, such as processing nutrients, filtering out toxins, and helping regulate your cat’s energy. The liver is essentially a powerhouse.
But what happens when this vital organ fails? When the liver gets damaged or overwhelmed, it can mean a whole lot of problems, including liver failure. In this blog, we’ll talk about what causes liver failure in cats, what the signs are, and how we can help.
What Is Liver Failure in Cats?
Liver failure is a serious condition that happens when the liver is unable to carry out its responsibilities. This has two types: acute and chronic.
Acute Liver Failure
Acute liver failure occurs when the liver loses around 70% of its function, resulting in the rapid deterioration of the organ’s purpose.
This type of liver failure in cats happens suddenly, often as a result of poisoning, infection, or physical trauma. During this short period, the liver is damaged and overwhelmed, requiring emergency veterinary care to help cats recover.
Chronic Liver Failure
On the other hand, chronic liver failure in cats is a condition that happens over time, gradually increasing in severity. This is usually brought about by chronic health issues, diet, and lifestyle. In many cases, the initial signs may not show until significant damage has already occurred.
What Causes Liver Failure in Cats?
Now that we have discussed the two main types of feline liver failure, let’s talk about what causes them.
Hepatic Lipidosis
This is the most common cause of liver failure in cats. It’s also known as fatty liver disease and happens when the cat stops eating, resulting in rapid fat mobilization in the liver. This will ultimately overwhelm the organ and lead to a buildup of fat, impairing overall liver function.
Hepatic lipidosis is generally more common in overweight or obese cats. Plus, stress also contributes to this condition.
Toxins
Toxin ingestion is another common cause of liver failure in cats. They work by overwhelming the liver’s ability to detoxify the compounds, which will result in cell damage. This can lead to damage in lower doses and full-blown failure in higher doses.
In some cases, the harmful substances are converted into much more dangerous metabolites. These can deal even more damage through oxidation. Even some toxic plants can cause liver failure in cats. Common examples of dangerous toxins include acetaminophen, sago palm, and xylitol.
Infections
Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites can lead to liver inflammation and, if left untreated, eventually to liver failure. These infections often cause widespread inflammation that can severely damage liver tissues.
Some of the common infectious diseases that could lead to liver failure include feline infectious peritonitis, leptospirosis, and toxoplasmosis.
Cholangitis
Cholangitis is an inflammation of the liver’s bile ducts, usually caused by bacterial infections or immune-mediated diseases. This inflammation will impair the liver’s ability to produce and move bile, making excess bile back up into the liver.
Through this, the liver’s cells will become more damaged. Over time, this can result in the replacement of healthy liver tissue with connective tissue.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes heavily scarred and loses the cells responsible for liver function. This will reduce its ability to function efficiently.
Long-term liver inflammation caused by infections, inflammation, or trauma can lead to the development of scar tissue. When this happens, the damage is irreversible.
Hepatic Neoplasia
Cancers such as lymphomas can also be the reason why your cat’s liver fails. In these cases, the cancerous cells can invade the liver’s cells, displacing and damaging them.
What Are the Symptoms of Liver Failure in Cats?
The severity of the symptoms will depend on whether the type is acute or chronic. Here are the common ones:
Jaundice. This is described as the yellowing of the skin, gums, and eyes of the affected cat. The yellowing of the skin is generally caused by the buildup of the waste product bilirubin, which can happen during liver failure.
Lethargy and Weakness. Cats with liver failure often become lethargic and less active. They may seem tired, weak, and reluctant to move or engage in normal activities.
Appetite and Weight Loss. When cats experience liver failure, they might lose their appetite. Cats will be less responsive to meals and will show less interest in treats. As time passes by, this will result in weight loss and malnutrition.
Vomiting and Diarrhea. The liver plays a big role in digestion, and when it fails, cats can experience vomiting and diarrhea. You might also notice that your cat’s stool looks pale or has blood in it.
Abdominal Pain or Swelling. When liver failure progresses, the cat’s abdomen may feel sensitive and painful. It can even appear swollen due to the buildup of fluid.
Increased Thirst and Urination. Some cats with liver failure will drink more water and urinate more frequently. This can happen because the liver is unable to filter the toxins. In some cases, the urine may appear dark.
How Do Vets Diagnose Liver Failure in Cats?
Diagnosing liver failure in cats requires a thorough examination with the right tools to reach the correct diagnosis. First, we do a physical exam and assess the symptoms present. After this, we can proceed to some laboratory tests.
Blood and Urine Tests. Bloodwork can help diagnose liver failure by looking for elevated liver enzymes, low albumin, and high bilirubin. A urinalysis can check for bilirubinuria and certain urine crystals, which can indicate liver disease.
Imaging. X-rays and ultrasounds can also help in diagnosing liver failure in cats. These work by giving us a better view of the organ, including its shape and size. It also helps us detect any possible growths and irregularities.
Liver Biopsy. For a definitive diagnosis, a liver biopsy can be done. This works by taking a small sample of the liver tissue and examining it under the microscope to identify the specific type of disease.
How to Treat Liver Failure in Cats?
Once we’ve diagnosed the cause, we’ll work to treat the underlying issue. In acute liver failure and severe cases, hospitalization will be required to ensure complete recovery. Here, your cat’s condition will be monitored.
The treatment process will make use of specific pet medications to address the liver condition and alleviate the symptoms. This may include medicines for nausea, infections, pain, and liver protection. Surgery may also be required in some cases, like a bile duct blockage.
IV fluids will also be supplied to restore hydration levels and regulate electrolyte balance. Special prescription diets will also be recommended to help your cat regain liver function. These diets will be more easily digestible with higher amounts of protein and antioxidants.
If your cat cannot eat or refuses to, then we may install a feeding tube to help provide essential calories and nutrients. In severe cases, your cat will need plasma or blood transfusions to address specific complications such as anemia.
Prognosis for Cats With Liver Failure
The prognosis for liver failure in cats will depend on the type and associated health issues. Cats with early-stage liver failure have a better outlook, while chronic conditions can be harder to treat.
Cats with liver failure due to hepatic lipidosis, infections, or toxin ingestion may recover well if treated early. However, liver failure from cirrhosis and other severe diseases will have a poorer prognosis. Essentially, the earlier the treatment is started, the better the prognosis is for cats.
"A strong liver is the quiet hero behind a cat’s vibrant life. Let's do our best to protect it."
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Knowing what causes liver failure in cats is a good way to start protecting their liver. With proper care and attention, we can make sure our cats get the best life has to offer.
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