Signs of Liver Failure in Cats
One of the most serious health problems a cat can face is liver failure. This important organ serves many functions within the body and when it shuts down, it can cause illness or even death.
Other People Are Reading
-
Facts About the Liver
-
The liver removes toxins and unhealthy chemicals from the system, as well as regulates healthy chemicals the body needs. It produces and secretes bile, aids in digestion and even produces hormones. There are also blood-clotting factors that are produced by the liver.
Signs of Liver Disease and Failure
-
Though liver problems can be hard to detect, there are some signs you can watch for. Loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss are indicative of liver failure, though weight loss may be hard to see as some cats will have abdominal swelling. Diarrhea, vomiting, pale gray feces and orange urine are also signs. Other symptoms to watch for include lethargy, seizures and a yellowing of the eyes, ears and gums (jaundice).
-
Warning
-
Signs of liver failure may not show up until the problem has progressed. Symptoms may also resemble diseases or disorders of other organs, so it could be misdiagnosed. It is important that if you see any signs of liver failure, or feel that it could be liver failure, you take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Considerations
-
Though dogs are more prone to liver disease than cats, cats are more prone than humans. This is especially true if they are older cats who may not have always had the best care. In many cases, liver disease will accompany other diseases and disorders, such as congestive heart failure, pancreatitis, and hyper or hypothyroidism.
Causes of Liver Disease and Failure
-
Toxic substances, other diseases, heat stroke, shock and chemicals can all cause liver failure. Fatty liver disease, cancer and acute circulatory failure have all been found to trigger liver failure; so have chemotherapy treatments, anesthetics and pain medication. It is important to discuss with your vet all possible side effects of chemical treatments you may want to give your cat.
-
More Like This
Comments
View all 7 Comments-
My orange cat Milo was taken in today, we have to put him to sleep wed.I am a mess. my heart is so broken. He is suffering. I feel I am losing a child.
-
my cat was also just euthenized this past tuesday becuase of sudden liver disease. from his condition , I think he must of have it for awhile, butwe never knew. he always had urinary tract problems, and we would always have to take him to the vet to get unblocked, I do not know, but maybe this problem led to another, we just don't know. hw was only 8 years old , I have been so broken up about it and its so painful to have lost him.
-
so sorry to hear this big hugs to you and the family xxx
-
Hi, We had to have our cat Chuckie put to sleep yesterday, Looks like liver failure also. He had lost about a third of his bodyweight in about 3 days and wasn't eating, but drinking loads. On examination, he was slighty jaundiced and found to have a mass in his tummy. He was 16 an had cancer before, we were told back then he would only last 6 monthsand he lasted another 4 and half years. We will miss him so much (I'm typing through tears), He wasn't just apet he was part of the family. Miss you so much my boy. XX
-
so sorry
