Hepatic Failure in Cats

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Hepatic Failure in Cats

By: Dr.Bari Spielman

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Section: Overview

Hepatic (liver) failure is the loss of greater than 75 percent of the function of the liver, occurring secondary to severe, massive liver necrosis (death). This is a syndrome seen more commonly in dogs than in cats, and there are no age, breed, or sex predilections.

General Causes

Drugs

Antimicrobials (antibiotics)

Chemotherapy agents

Anthelmintics (anti-parasite medication)

Analgesics (pain medication)

Anesthetics

Biologic Toxins

Amanita phylloides mushrooms

Aflatoxins (toxin produced by a mold or fungus)

Infectious Agents

Canine infectious hepatitis

Leptospirosis

Other

Heat stroke

Post-whole body hyperthermia treatment for cancer

Thromboembolic (blood clot) disease

Shock

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Acute circulatory failure from any cause

What to Watch For

Vomiting

Jaundice (yellow color to the skin and mucus membranes)

Diarrhea (with or without blood)

Depression

Seizures

Stupor

Coma

Bleeding

Abdominal enlargement

Ascities (fluid in the abdominal cavity)

Diagnostic Tests

Your veterinarian will recommend the following diagnostics:

A complete blood count (CBC)

Biochemical profile

Urinalysis

Serum bile acids

Ammonia levels

A coagulogram (clotting profile) to rule out a clotting disorder.

Abdominal radiographs (X-rays)

Abdominal ultrasound

Liver biopsy and culture/sensitivity

Ultrasound

Exploratory laparotomy (abdominal surgery)

Laparoscopy, which is a procedure that allows visualization and sampling of abdominal structures by an instrument introduced through a tiny incision

Treatment

Specific treatment is needed for any underlying or associated disorders. Hospitalization and support generally includes fluid and electrolyte therapy as well as dextrose (sugar) as needed for dehydration, metabolic imbalances and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Some more specific treatments include:

Nutritional support and dietary management

Colloids, such as plasma or hetastarch

Antibiotic therapy

Antiemetics, which are medications that stop or control excessive vomiting

Diuretics, which are drugs that help the body eliminate excess fluid

Lactulose, which is a drug that slows the absorption of ammonia from the GI tract

Mannitol, which is a drug that has several actions, including alleviation of cerebral edema or brain swelling

Enemas (saline, neomycin, lactulose)

Antiulcer therapy

Vitamin K

Home Care and Prevention

Administer all medication and recommended diet as directed by your veterinarian. Your pet will need to have follow up examinations and biochemical evaluations to monitor progress.

The prognosis of the liver failure depends on the quantity of liver mass destroyed and the ability to control underlying disorder and complicating factors.

Preventing liver failure can be difficult, if not impossible. To reduce the risk, try to avoid drugs and toxins associated with liver toxicity.

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