If you've ever taken a good look at your cat and thought they looked a little yellow, you were right! A jaundiced cat has too much bilirubin in its system, which gives them that telltale yellow hue. There are a few things that can cause a cat to become jaundiced, so it's important to be able to spot the signs. In this post, we'll take a look at some of the most common causes of jaundice in cats, so you can better identify if your cat is at risk.
What exactly is a jaundiced cat?
A jaundiced cat is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice can occur for many different reasons, including liver disease and certain types of infections. In cats with jaundice, the bilirubin often builds up in the tissues, particularly in the skin and eyes. As jaundice progresses, the skin and claws can take on a yellowish hue, while the whites of the cat's eyes may become tinted with a yellowish color. Signs and symptoms of jaundice in cats can also include lethargy, vomiting, and weight loss but depends on the underlying cause of jaundice. If you suspect that your cat has jaundice, it is important to seek veterinary attention right away to rule out any underlying issues and begin treatment as needed.
1. Hepatic Lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome)
Hepatic lipidosis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when fat accumulates in the liver. Hepatic lipidosis in cats can be caused by many factors, including obesity, diabetes, and starvation. In cats, the most common cause of hepatic lipidosis is pancreatitis.
Hepatic lipidosis is often diagnosed when a cat is presented to its veterinarian with signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the eyes and skin with a history of sudden weight loss in overweight or obese cats. Other common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Hepatic lipidosis can lead to liver failure if left untreated. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause(s) and nutritional support. Many cats require a feeding tube to halt the body from mobilizing fats to the liver.
2. Cholangiohepatitis (Hepatitis)
Cholangiohepatitis is a condition that results when the bile ducts in the liver become inflamed. This can lead to jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, as well as other problems with the liver. Cholangiohepatitis is commonly seen in cats and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, inflammation, or cancer.
Cholangiohepatitis can be diagnosed with a detailed physical exam by your veterinarian, blood tests that evaluate liver enzyme activity and abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include antibiotics, medications to reduce inflammation or dietary changes.
3. Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemia is a condition where there is an increased breakdown of red blood cells in the body, resulting in a jaundiced cat. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, cancer, or exposure to toxins and medications.
Bilirubin is produced when hemoglobin breaks down. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells, so any damage to red blood cells will increase bilirubin levels in the blood and cause a jaundiced cat.
The treatment for hemolytic anemia will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, such as with infection, treatment may be as simple as antibiotics. In other cases, more aggressive treatment may be necessary, such as blood transfusions or corticosteroids.
4. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a common condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatitis is commonly associated with a jaundiced cat due to post-hepatic obstruction. Normally, bilirubin will flow through the biliary ducts and be excreted into the bile. A severely inflamed pancreas will obstruct the biliary ducts causing a backflow of bilirubin into the bloodstream.
Some of the symptoms of pancreatitis can be similar to other conditions, so jaundice should always serve as a red flag for cat owners. These symptoms can include lethargy, lack of appetite as well as jaundice.
If your cat is jaundiced and showing any other signs of pancreatitis, it is important to seek veterinary attention right away to determine if treatment is necessary. Treatment for pancreas-related jaundice will depend on the underlying cause but may include medications to reduce inflammation, antibiotics, and nutritional support.
5. Hepatic Neoplasia (cancer)
Hepatic neoplasia, or cancer of the liver, can result in a jaundiced cat. Hepatic neoplasia can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can affect any age, breed, or sex of the cat.
Symptoms of jaundice associated with hepatic neoplasia can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Symptoms may include jaundiced skin and eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, and weight loss due to liver dysfunction.
Diagnosis of jaundice associated with hepatic neoplasia can be done through blood tests and abdominal ultrasound. If cancer is suspected, additional testing such as an endoscopic biopsy or liver tissue sample may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment will depend on the type and stage of cancer that your cat has developed.
If you are concerned that your cat may be jaundiced, it is important to seek veterinary attention right away. Jaundice in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including hepatic lipidosis, cholangiohepatitis, hemolytic anemia, pancreatitis, and hepatic cancer. Treatment for a jaundiced cat will depend on the underlying cause but may include antibiotics, medications to reduce inflammation or nutritional support. Most cats will benefit from hospitalization and intravenous fluids to help with hydration and metabolic support. If you have any questions about jaundice in cats, please contact your veterinarian for further support.