Analysis of the causes of liver cirrhosis in cats

Cat liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease, mainly caused by diffuse degeneration, necrosis, regeneration and extensive fibrosis of liver cells. Since cat liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease, owners need to pay attention to preventive measures in their daily lives. So, what causes liver cirrhosis in cats?

1. Malnutrition. Long-term feeding of low-protein or choline- and methionine-deficient foods can disrupt fat metabolism in the liver, leading to liver cell degeneration or necrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis.

2. Poisoning. Chronic poisoning by copper, phosphorus, arsenic, mercury, carbon tetrachloride, aflatoxin, etc. can cause liver cell necrosis and then cause cirrhosis.

3. Cholangitis, biliary obstruction, biliary stricture, etc. cause bile to remain in the liver for a long time and lead to cirrhosis.

4. Heart disease. Especially in cases of congestive cardiac insufficiency, intrahepatic congestion can lead to atrophy and fibrosis of liver cell cords, leading to cirrhosis of the liver.

5. Some chronic viral hepatitis can slowly develop into cirrhosis.

Clinical symptoms of liver cirrhosis in cats

Cat liver cirrhosis can be summarized into two types: primary cirrhosis and secondary cirrhosis, and the clinical symptoms will appear differently as the disease progresses. Generally, a liver function test and ultrasound diagnosis can confirm the diagnosis.

1. For active cirrhosis, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stage. In the middle stage, depression, loss of appetite, yellowing of mucous membranes, and weight loss are seen. In the later stages, ascites increases and there is a tendency for bleeding. In severe cases, convulsions, lethargy, and even death may occur.

2. Pain when touching the liver area, and a large amount of clear liquid flows out during abdominal puncture.

3. Inactive cirrhosis, mainly characterized by weight loss, fatigue, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and mild jaundice. ​​​​​​

Methods to prevent and treat liver cirrhosis in cats

Cat liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease, so you should not rush for quick success during treatment. Once your cat is diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, you must communicate with the doctor and follow the doctor's instructions to cooperate with the doctor for treatment. So what are the common methods to treat liver cirrhosis in cats?

1. Food therapy. Feed low-protein, high-carbohydrate foods and avoid fatty foods.

2. Liver-protective therapy. Oral administration of 0.1 to 0.2 grams of Gantelex, 3 times/day; intravenous injection of 150 to 300 ml of 10% to 25% glucose, 0.3 to 0.6 grams of vitamin C, once/day; intravenous injection of 250 to 500 ml of amino acid complex, Inositol 100-200 mg, once/day to promotePromote liver cell regeneration and increase serum protein levels.

3. Symptomatic treatment. For hepatic coma, sodium glutamate, etc. can be used; for ascites, the diuretic spironolactone can be given; for bleeding tendencies, vitamin K can be given; to control ammonia fermentation in the intestine, sulfa drugs can be taken orally.