HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS: GETTING CATS OUT OF THE YELLOW

摘要

Hepatic lipidosis is a well recognized disease syndrome in cats. The disease may be idiopathic or develop secondary to some other underlying medical problem. Many affected cats were formerly obese and significant weight loss of up to 25 percent body weight may occur by the time they are presented for complaints of anorexia and weight loss. Hepatic lipidosis is the most common hepatobiliary disorder affecting cats in our hospital, as well as that reported in other hospitals in the United States.The liver is responsible for a variety of important functions within the body, including metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, synthesis of proteins and vitamins, storage of vitamins and iron, production of coagulation factors, and removal and excretion of toxins. Because the liver is involved in many crucial biological functions, a cat with liver disease may show a wide variety of signs including lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, weakness, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, and behavioral changes.