What Are the Causes of Feline Jaundice?
Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a condition in which the tissues of the body begin to turn a shade of yellow. Causes of jaundice can be divided into three categories: pre-hepatic, hepatic and post-hepatic.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of body tissues (including the whites of the eyes, gums and skin), vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing and lethargy.
Pre-Hepatic Causes
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Pre-hepatic causes of jaundice are causes that occur prior to the liver filtering the blood. This includes blood parasites, drugs or medications, anemia, low phosphate levels, reactions to blood transfusions and though rare, heartworm disease.
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Hepatic Causes
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Hepatic causes of jaundice occur due to issues with the liver itself such as fatty infiltration of the liver, inflammatory diseases, toxins, medications such as diazepam or acetaminophen (Tylenol), infections and cancer.
Post-Hepatic Causes
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Post-hepatic causes of jaundice are caused after the liver has filtered the blood. This includes diseases or cancer of the pancreas, diseases, infections or cancer of the gall bladder and intestinal disease that cause bile duct blockage.
Treatment
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Treating jaundice involves diagnosing and treating whatever underlying cause is present. Depending on the cat's condition, your veterinarian may also recommend IV fluids, electrolyte therapy or a blood transfusion.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Lydia Pintscher
