What Is Fatty Liver Disease in Cats?
Also called feline hepatic lipidosis, fatty liver disease is a serious and potentially deadly condition that especially affects elderly overweight cats. Symptoms include a cat with decreased appetite, lowered muscle mass, jaundice and occasional vomiting.CauseFeline hepatic lipidosis often occurs when a stress factor, such as new food, new environment, or diabetes or another illness, causes a cat to lose its appetite.Fatty DepositsWhen a cat stops eating, its body begins to break down its own fat stores. Fatty deposits accumulate in the liver, leading to liver damage.TreatmentIf you suspect that your cat has developed fatty liver disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. Treatment for fatty liver disease often involves feeding the cat through a tube inserted into the stomach, which halts the breakdown of fat stores.Dangerous OddsEven with intensive treatment, fatty liver disease is still often fatal. Fatty liver disease proves fatal in approximately 35 percent of diagnosed cats,
