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Jaundice in cats manifests itself as yellow discoloration of the eyes, gums, ear flaps, and skin of the animal. Foot pads also become yellowish. Jaundice equals high bilirubin levels in the blood. It is a serious illness. Cat jaundice is also called “icterus”.
Every cat is susceptible
Cats of any age, species, and sex could fall sick with jaundice. This disease becomes apparent when even the overweight cat with a healthy appetite loses its proclivity to food. If this continues, then a condition termed hepatic lipidosis may develop. Hepatic lipidosis disease is also known as feline fatty liver disorder. Jaundice happens when an excess of bilirubin yellow pigment stacks up in the cat's blood and its body tissues. The intensity of yellow increases with the quantity of bilirubin. Since cat skin is covered by fur, you can only find out whether your cat suffers from jaundice by looking at its eyes, ear flaps, gums, and foot pads. Detection becomes harder if your kitty has dark skin and gums. Jaundice is a symptom of serious illness.
Signs
If you own a cat, do look out for signs like anorexia or appetite loss in your car. Yellowed skin and weakness are other signs coupled with vomiting and diarrhea. Your cat's abdomen will suddenly be round, and it will exhibit stomach discomfort signs. The cat's coat will turn rough and look poor. There will be a distinct absence of grooming. Dehydration and lethargy are common symptoms. Your cat will exhibit unusual behavior, and if wounded, there will be prolonged bleeding. Your kitty will have difficulty breathing, and will its urine will be of bright orange color. It will drink more water and urinate more. Fever is a surety.
Treatment
Your kitty could develop jaundice due to a number of problems located within their bodies. Treatment of jaundice depends on the individual cause. The list of causes includes liver disease, which damages the liver cells, and red blood cell destruction or hemolysis. Another frequent jaundice-causing factor is the obstruction of the bile duct. If this happens, the bile ducts could be inflamed, or the bile could become thick. The gallbladder may also be inflamed. It could also be caused by heartworm or liver enlargement. Other reasons could be pancreatic cancer, hepatic lipidosis, lymphoma, hepatic, and cholangiohepatitis. It can also be the deadly feline infectious peritonitis. Veterinarians treat the condition which causes jaundice rather than the disease itself. If they can successfully find it and subsequently treat it, then jaundice will automatically go away. For example, if the cause is a bacterial infection, the veterinarian prescribes steroids or antibiotics. The kitty may undergo chemotherapy if the vet finds liver cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cat recover from jaundice?
Yes, it is possible for a cat to recover from jaundice, but it depends on the underlying cause and how severe the condition is. Jaundice in cats is usually a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as liver disease, infections, or certain types of cancer. If the underlying cause of the jaundice is identified and treated, the cat may recover from the condition. Treatment options can include medications, dietary changes, and supportive care such as fluid therapy and nutritional support. However, if the underlying cause is not identified and treated in time, the condition can worsen and lead to further complications. In some cases, severe liver damage may occur, which can be life-threatening for the cat.
Is jaundice an emergency?
Jaundice in cats can be a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood, and it can be a sign of liver disease, pancreatitis, or other underlying health problems. If your cat is showing signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or disorientation, you should take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet may perform blood tests, imaging tests, or other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of jaundice and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
What is the most common cause of jaundice in cats?
The most common cause of jaundice in cats is liver disease, which a variety of factors such as infections, toxins, cancer, autoimmune disease, and metabolic disorders can cause. Hepatic lipidosis is a condition where there is an excessive fat buildup in the liver, often caused by obesity, stress, or lack of appetite. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation and subsequent liver failure. Cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis are inflammatory conditions of the bile ducts and liver that can cause jaundice. Inflammation of the pancreas can lead to liver damage and jaundice. Certain medications, plants, and chemicals can cause liver damage and subsequent jaundice. Liver tumors can cause jaundice by obstructing the bile ducts.
What are the symptoms of liver failure in cats?
Liver failure in cats is a serious condition that can be caused by various factors. Some common symptoms of liver failure in cats include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Weight loss despite an increased appetite, lethargy, weakness, increased thirst and urination, behavioral changes, and bleeding disorders are also common symptoms. In severe cases, cats may develop neurological symptoms such as seizures, circling, or other signs of neurological dysfunction. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is crucial to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
What do you feed a cat with jaundice?
There is some evidence to suggest that feeding a diet that is high in easily digestible carbohydrates, high-quality fats, and limited amounts of sodium may help to manage ongoing liver damage and improve liver function in cats with certain liver conditions. However, it's important to note that the specific dietary recommendations for cats with liver disease may vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition. For example, cats with hepatic lipidosis may require a diet that is lower in fat and higher in protein, while cats with cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis may benefit from a diet that is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. In addition, cats with liver disease may require specific vitamin and mineral supplements to support liver health. The best approach to feeding a cat with jaundice is to consult with a veterinarian who can evaluate the cat's specific health status and provide individualized dietary recommendations based on its unique needs. Your veterinarian may recommend a prescription diet that is formulated specifically for cats with liver disease, or they may suggest modifying your cat's current diet to support their liver health better.
