HEPATITIC LIPIDOSIS

Hepatitic Lipidosis is also known as “Fatty Liver Syndrome.”  It is a very common liver condition found in older cats, especially if obese.

Hepatitic Lipidosis usually is the result of a period of time the cat does not eat.  As the cat’s body fat is broken down into nutrients for the cat that is not eating, the liver is unable to keep up with the digestive action resulting in the fat being deposited in the liver.  This prevents the liver cells from being able to function properly.  The end result is that the cat looks “jaundiced,” a yellow color to the mucous membranes and whites of the eyes.  Once this occurs, the condition will be fatal unless treated very quickly.

Diagnosis of the condition is confirmed by blood tests for the serum enzymes of the liver and a biopsy.  Liver cells viewed under the microscope contain large amounts of fat.

Recovery from this condition is dependent on getting the cat to eat.  If the underlying causes of no appetite can be corrected, the chances are good the cat will recover. 

Treatment of the disease is directed at nutritional support.  These cats MUST eat to survive!  FORCE FEEDING is usually required.  Force feeding may be required for 6-8 weeks.  It is very difficult to force sufficient nutrition into the cat’s mouth to be effective.  In most cases STOMACH TUBES or esophagostomy tubes are placed for ease of feeding. 

FORCE FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS:

1.        Feed 3-5 times daily.

2.        Nutritional Formula:       1 can Feline p/dÒ

  10 ounces Water

  2 ounces Wesson Oil

  8 Tumil KÒ Tablets

3.        Liquefy in a blender (fastest speed) and then pour through a kitchen strainer.

4.        Remove the feeding tube cap.

5.        Inject _____ cc (ml) of the liquid food into the feeding tube _____ times/day for a total of _____ cc (ml) every 24 hours.  Inject the food slowly and elevate the cat’s front feet during the feeding.

6.        When the feeding is completed, inject 5cc (ml) tap water through the tube to ensure no food is left in the tube to harden.

7.        Replace the cap on the feeding tube.

8.        Store unused food in the refrigerator.  Warm the appropriate amount to body temperature (100^oF) before feeding.  ALWAYS check the temperature before feeding to be sure it is not too hot.  Caution:  mix food thoroughly that has been warmed in the microwave.

At least once weekly, offer the cat free-choice food.  The tube may be removed after the cat has been eating on its own for at least 5-7 days.  The tube will not be harmful when left in.  It is much better to leave the tube in place until you are sure the cat will continue to eat on its own.  Otherwise you might have to replace the tube at a later date.

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