Hepatitis in cats and male cats

Cat hepatitis is a dangerous disease that damages the liver. This disease can affect both male and female cats, so it’s critical for pet owners to identify the symptoms as soon as possible.

The liver is essential to a cat’s general health because it aids in digestion and filters toxins. Hepatitis can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from appetite loss to more serious conditions like jaundice.

It’s important to know the feline hepatitis causes, symptoms, and available treatments so that you can make sure your cat gets the proper care when it needs it. If discovered early, this illness can be treated, extending the life of your feline companion.

Cats, especially male cats, can contract hepatitis, a dangerous liver disease that can impair their general health and well-being and cause symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and jaundice. Early detection is essential to managing the disease, which can be brought on by toxins, infections, or a bad diet. A customized treatment plan along with appropriate veterinary care can help enhance the cat’s quality of life and avert further issues.

Liver functions

To grasp the scope of the issue, let’s begin with the fundamentals. Let’s investigate the roles that cats’ livers play.

Digestive and regulating metabolism

The liver is the organ that connects the circulatory and digestive systems, though it would be more accurate to state that it plays a role in digestion as well. The liver breaks down fats and proteins, but it also creates new substances that are essential for life in addition to breaking down foreign substances. Remember that glycogen is stored for "rainy days." Furthermore, the liver controls hormone release, specifically norepinephrine and adrenaline.

Formation and secretion of bile

Additionally, it passes through the duodenum. This aids in the breakdown of food, but it also serves a number of other purposes that you will discover from the text that follows. Blood is used by liver cells to form bile. A bile pigment called bilirubin is created when hemoglobin is destroyed. Bile aids in the activation of enzymes that break down food, especially lipase.

Absorption of fats and synthesis of vitamins

Instead, bile can be "assigned" this role since it emulsifies fats, as was previously mentioned. But they need to mix with bile acids in order to be absorbed. The intestines start to contract more effectively (peristalsis increases, promoting the normal passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract) after the gallbladder "gives up" the accumulated secretion.

The liver is also where vitamin K and "nicotine" are "stored" in addition to producing vitamin A.

Regulation of blood glucose levels

The regulation of blood glucose levels is the function of the liver that "follows" from the previous point. The liver starts to create "reserves" by creating and storing glycogen as soon as it rises. These reserves are depleted when there is insufficient glucose, which causes the blood sugar to return to normal. On the other hand, if the pet has issues with blood glucose concentration but the liver appears to be in perfect health, the cat most likely has diabetes.

“Cleansing” and “storage” of blood

Overdosing on drugs, hormones, or vitamins, as well as "waste" from metabolism, all "settle" in the liver. However, if an excessive amount of this "nasty stuff" builds up, the liver starts to fail and the toxins are once more absorbed by the blood and poison the body. There are plenty of blood vessels supplying the liver. Not only does blood flow through this organ like it would through a filter, it is also held in place. Consequently, the liver "gives up" its reserves if significant blood loss is seen as a result of an injury in an effort to somehow increase the volume of blood in circulation.

Protective function

It is not only about cleansing the blood of toxins, but also about disinfecting it from bacteria. The liver, “sacrificing” itself, retains microorganisms to the maximum (cells are capable of phagocytosis). Therefore, even if the pet gets salmonellosis (or another microbe decides to “annoy” the whiskered one), the liver suffers. And the veterinarian, having noticed the symptoms of an infectious disease, as well as signs characteristic of liver inflammation, will probably tell you that the cat has viral hepatitis. And this is not due to the poor qualifications of the specialist or lack of experience, no, this diagnosis is general. Like ARVI in our country. The doctor does not say which pathogen caused the inflammation of the respiratory tract in us, the same can be said about viral hepatitis in cats.

Why does the liver serve us? View this brief and easy-to-understand video:

Is hepatitis transmitted from a cat to a person?

I’m sure a lot of people are curious to know if cats can infect you with hepatitis. Does handling an infected animal pose a risk?

If a pet has been diagnosed with viral hepatitis, humans shouldn’t be concerned about contracting the illness. Hepatitis is not spread, even if the cat has an infection that damages its liver! A sick pet’s greatest risk is that it may "share" the pathogen with others. Compared to a human, there is a far greater chance of infection in another cat.

The subject of hepatitis C cannot be discussed. Hepatitis C in humans and viral hepatitis in cats are entirely distinct illnesses. Their causes are different! As a result, cats cannot transmit the hepatitis C virus!

Types of feline hepatitis

Cats can contract either non-infectious (toxic) or infectious (bacterial, fungal, viral) hepatitis.

Non-infectious (toxic)

Cats can get toxic hepatitis from ingesting poisons as well as medications (particularly if the dosage is exceeded or the medications are mixed incorrectly). Certain medications can build up. For the body’s protection, the liver holds onto them. However, the "dam" will eventually break. And the bloodstream will carry all of the accumulation. An overdose follows as a result. Furthermore, the ability of an irritated, inflamed, and "tired" liver to rapidly and effectively cleanse the blood will be compromised.

Eating the poison is in no way necessary for it to enter the bloodstream. The toxin can enter the body through the skin (the pet ran across beds treated with pesticides, drops can be applied to the withers or cosmetics can be used), the respiratory system (the cat may have inhaled vapors), bites from poisonous snakes or insects, or injections (usually when treating an animal).

Remember to take care of parasites. First of all, throughout their lives, they release toxins. Additionally, a lot of poison is released if the invasion is high degree. Since the immune system is already weak and exhausted from fighting helminths, it "sends" all of its energy to the fight. The liver suffers as a result. Furthermore, parasites that reside in the liver can "clog" the bile ducts, causing severe inflammation.

Infectious (bacterial, fungal, viral hepatitis)

In most cases, the primary illness in cats is infectious hepatitis. The pathogen will enter the liver through the bloodstream even if it does not "targetedly" damage it. Viral hepatitis is the most common diagnosis, despite the vast classification of microorganisms. Why is that the case? because the precise virus that caused the illness cannot be determined. The veterinarian clarifies that the disease is infectious because this diagnosis is fairly general.

Causes of hepatitis

Let’s move on to discussing the causes of hepatitis in cats. Hepatitis in felines.

Non-infectious

As was previously mentioned, a cat may develop non-infectious hepatitis for a number of reasons.

• Toxins enter through the gastrointestinal tract. In first place, perhaps, is the entry of toxins through the digestive tract. For example, the animal"s food is constantly of poor quality (with mold or sour). The cat could have eaten a houseplant (they love to gnaw on leaves and stems), and it is poisonous to it. It could have caught a mouse that was poisoned by someone with rat poison (arsenic or other zoocides). And the role of self-medication should be given a separate topic. What do "caring" owners not stuff their pets with. Either with human drugs, or the dosage is exceeded (someone due to ignorance, someone in the hope that this will speed up recovery), or even drugs that are prohibited for cats are given.
• Toxins enter through the skin, lungs. Less often, toxins that enter through the skin or lungs affect the liver. Only if the animal is constantly exposed to toxic substances. If a cat has inhaled toxic fumes once, this does not mean that it will soon be diagnosed with hepatitis. Timely therapy aimed at detoxification will help the liver to recover quickly. However, if the animal often inhales poisons, or its skin is constantly in contact with dangerous substances, then sooner or later liver problems will make themselves known.
• Parasites. This includes the release of toxins and mechanical damage to the liver itself (if helminths parasitize in it, firmly attaching themselves with hooks, suckers). Liver tissues injured by worms become more susceptible (the gates for infection open).

Viral

Cats that contract viral hepatitis do so because, as soon as they become ill, their liver "takes the hit." If you have studied the liver’s functions closely, you are already aware that it acts as a "filter," a barrier that impedes the growth of harmful microorganisms (via phagocytosis). Yes, this lowers the pathogen’s blood concentration, but the liver suffers greatly as a result. Consequently, a cat can develop viral hepatitis from nearly any infectious disease.

Symptoms

Cat hepatitis symptoms are frequently so noticeable that it is difficult to ignore them.

1. The most noticeable is yellowness. And the mucous membranes (in the mouth, the conjunctiva of the eyes), and the whites of the eye itself. The stronger the liver is affected, the stronger the yellowness.
2. If the cat has infectious hepatitis, then the symptom will increase body temperature. Lighting will necessarily follow lethargy, a decrease in appetite (up to a complete refusal of food).
3. Vomit. Often with bile.
4. Diarrhea (less often constipation). Feces are practically not painted. The color of feces is provided by bilirubin, which is part of the bile. If liver function is impaired (not enough bilirubin is produced), then the cat"s feces are gray or gray-yellow (almost colorless).
5. Due to vomiting and diarrhea, the cat develops dehydration. And in order to replenish fluid reserves, the animal drinks very greedily.
6. Since the liver (a natural filter) does not fully cope with its task, the kidneys have to work almost to exhaustion. Due to the fact that bile pigments enter the blood (and are not excreted with bile into the duodenum), the urine becomes dark. In addition, protein can be detected in the urine during laboratory diagnostics.
7. The liver increases in size (with inflammation, any organ becomes larger than normal). Normally, this organ does not protrude beyond the last rib (on the right side). With hepatitis in a cat, an enlarged liver can be "detected" not only by careful palpation, but also by percussion ("tapping").

Because it will be in pain, the animal will surrender itself. Liver issues can be suspected even in the absence of percussion or palpation. The moment you pick it up, the animal will become anxious. Occasionally, the cat may bite or hiss when you pick it up or press it against you.

Making the right diagnosis will be aided by a biochemical blood test. You can determine whether or not the cat has liver issues based on the level of bilirubin.

Treatment

How is hepatitis in cats treated? Treatment must be administered exclusively under a veterinarian’s supervision and in accordance with the guidelines listed below:

• Without eliminating the cause that led to the disease, treatment of a cat with hepatitis will be ineffective. If intoxication led to inflammation, then it is necessary to prescribe detoxification therapy.
• If necessary, administer antidotes (for example, in case of poisoning with rat poison, give drugs containing vitamin K), reduce the concentration of poison in the blood (intravenous administration of saline solutions).
• The liver must be supported (there are many hepatoprotectors, but the most common is Essentiale). Good results are achieved by using vitamins (in particular, from group B).
• The animal needs help. For this, antispasmodics are prescribed (such as no-shpa, for example), which help relieve pain.
• You need to be careful with antibiotics. You can’t cope without them, but you also need to prescribe them carefully (the liver is already agitated). If the cat is diagnosed with viral hepatitis, you will need to use immunostimulants and antiviral drugs.
• If allergy symptoms appear, then antihistamines must be prescribed.

You will greatly aid in the cat’s hepatitis treatment if you abide by all of these guidelines. Continue reading to learn more about nutrition, though.

Feeding the cat

How should a cat with hepatitis be fed? Dietary guidelines need to be closely followed. Nothing fatty at all! All you need to do is keep the pet submerged in water on the first day after the diagnosis. Next, progressively add porridge (oatmeal is preferred over rice). For a cat with hepatitis, a small amount of lean minced meat can only be added one week after the start of treatment (as long as the animal is improving).

What home cures exist for treating a cat that has hepatitis, wonder some owners? Yes, giving the sick whisker decoctions of rose hips and chamomile produces positive results, but the inflammation cannot be fully managed without addressing the underlying causes and employing medication. Herbal remedies have the potential to mitigate the illness to some extent, but how will they handle the infection if the cat has viral hepatitis?

In cats, especially male cats, hepatitis is a dangerous illness that needs to be treated right away. Early detection of the symptoms can help guarantee your pet receives the care it requires.

The best way to lower the risk of liver disease is through prevention, which includes vaccinations, routine veterinary examinations, and a nutritious diet.

Do not hesitate to seek veterinary advice if your cat exhibits any signs of hepatitis, such as changes in appetite or lethargy. Treatment outcomes can be greatly impacted by early intervention.

Video on the topic

Viral hepatitis of domestic cats. Zaitsev Valery Sergeevich

Hepatitis in cats.

Jaundice in cats. Why did the cat"s ears turn yellow?

Hepatitis in cats: symptoms and treatment, prognosis