Cat Liver Cells

Cats can develop various liver diseases, which are often categorized by their underlying cause or the part of the liver affected. Here are the main types:  

1. **Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease)**  
- **Cause**: Often linked to anorexia or rapid weight loss, common in overweight cats.  
- **Features**: Fat accumulation in liver cells impairs function.  
- **Signs**: Lethargy, jaundice, vomiting, and significant weight loss.  
- **Treatment**: Nutritional support is critical, often with feeding tubes.

2. **Cholangitis/Cholangiohepatitis Complex**  
- **Types**:
  - **Neutrophilic (bacterial)**: Caused by infections ascending from the gastrointestinal tract.  
  - **Lymphocytic (immune-mediated)**: May be linked to chronic inflammation or immune system disorders.  
- **Signs**: Vomiting, fever, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort.  
- **Treatment**: Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or immunosuppressive therapy, depending on the type.  

3. **Hepatic Neoplasia (Liver Cancer)**  
- **Primary**: Rare but includes hepatocellular carcinoma.  
- **Secondary (metastatic)**: More common, with cancer spreading from other organs.  
- **Signs**: Non-specific signs like weight loss, lethargy, and jaundice.  
- **Treatment**: Surgery, chemotherapy, or palliative care.  

4. **Toxic or Drug-Induced Liver Disease**  
- **Cause**: Ingestion of toxins (e.g., plants, chemicals) or adverse reactions to medications (acetaminophen is especially toxic to cats).  
- **Signs**: Vomiting, jaundice, lethargy, and anorexia.  
- **Treatment**: Discontinuation of the toxin and supportive care (e.g., IV fluids, liver protectants).  

5. **Portosystemic Shunts (Congenital or Acquired)**  
- **Cause**: Abnormal blood flow bypassing the liver, reducing its detoxifying function.  
- **Signs**: Neurological symptoms (hepatic encephalopathy), stunted growth, vomiting, and diarrhea.  
- **Treatment**: Surgical correction or medical management with diet and medication.  

6. **Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)**  
- **Cause**: Mutated feline coronavirus causing severe inflammation, including in the liver.  
- **Signs**: Jaundice, fever, and systemic illness.  
- **Treatment**: Experimental antivirals (e.g., GS-441524) may help, but the prognosis is guarded.  

7. **Idiopathic Liver Disease**  
- Some cases of liver disease remain without a clear cause but may respond to supportive therapy.  

### Diagnosis and Treatment  
- **Diagnostic Tools**: Blood tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin), imaging (ultrasound), and liver biopsy.  
- **Treatment**: Depends on the disease but often includes supportive care (fluid therapy, liver supplements like SAMe or silymarin) and addressing the underlying cause.  

Early detection and intervention are key to improving outcomes.