The liver is one of the most important organs and it can have serious consequences if the liver is not working as it should.

The liver plays a vital role in digesting nutrients and detoxifying chemicals and is an essential part of the immune system. It is involved in building and breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. The liver also plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and is responsible for storing vitamins and minerals. 

Basically…

Since the liver has so many important functions, it goes without saying that when the liver is not working properly, there can be serious health consequences. Canine liver disease is a broad term describing a number of liver diseases in dog. Chronic liver inflammation in dogs is also known as canine hepatitis or hepatitis in dogs.

Early diagnosis of canine liver disease is important, i.e. so the condition can be treated or at least managed.

There are many possible causes for liver problems in cats. Any cat can get liver disease, but the most common causes are:

- The cause can be genetic

- Age as liver diseases are more common in older cats

- Trauma to the area, e.g. if the cat has been hit by a car

- Infection, e.g. feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and feline toxoplasmosis

- Diseases like diabetes and pancreatitis can cause secondary liver issues

- Some prescribed medication can cause liver issues in cats, like use of painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

- The cat breed does not seem to matter, but obese cats are more likely to get feline fatty liver disease or feline hepatic lipidosis

Symptoms of liver diseases can be like symptoms of many other diseases and therefore are often missed in the beginning. These are considered the most common symptoms of liver disease in cats:

- Loss of appetite (most common symptom)

- Vomiting and / or diarrhoea

- Weight loss

- Lethargy

- Build-up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (Ascites)

- Excessive thirst and / or urination

- Blood (in the pee or poop)

- Drooling

- Jaundice

- Fever

- Confusion

- Seizures

- Unstable walk

- Circling, wandering and/or pacing

- Head pressing

- Increased aggression

- Blindness

If you at any time suspect your cat may have liver disease you should see your Vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can mean all the difference for your cat.

The prognosis depends on the severity and length of time of liver pathology. For formal diagnosis, your Vet will take blood tests and most likely do an X-ray or ultrasound to get a better picture of what is going on in your cat's liver.

The liver has amazing healing capacities so most feline liver disease can be successfully treated. 

Unfortunately, some types of liver disease in cats are incurable, but with supportive care, the patient may still be able to live a comfortable, though shortened, life.