FELINE MEDICINE
Article reprinted with the permission of Clinician’s Brief. The article was originally printed in April 2013. CB is published by Brief Media. CB is the official
publication of the NAVC. CB provides relevant diagnostic and treatment information for small animal practitioners. All rights reserved.
Top 5
Liver Conditions in Cats
Craig B. Webb, PhD, DVM, DACVIM (Small Animal)
Colorado State University
The feline liver is distinctly different from the canine liver in dysfunction, diseases, and normal metabolic
function. Feline liver enzymology, while suitable for a carnivorous species, increases susceptibility to insult
from drugs, toxins, metabolites, and oxidative stress. The serum biochemistry profile of a cat’s liver reflects
differences in enzyme sensitivity and half-life, induction or lack thereof, and a seemingly unique response to
anorexia.
1. Acute neutrophilic cholangitis (suppurative
cholangiohepatitis)
The WSAVA Liver Standardization Group recognised
both the acute neutrophilic form (ANF) and chronic
neutrophilic form (CNF) of neutrophilic cholangitis,
although these may be different stages of the same
condition.1 The acute suppurative form may be mediated by enteric bacteria (eg, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp, Bacteroides spp). ANF is found primarily
in young to middle-aged cats presenting with acute
The serum biochemistry profile of a
cat’s liver reflects differences in enzyme sensitivity and half-life, induction or lack thereof, and a seemingly
unique response to anorexia.
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