What is jaundice in cats?
Jaundice, also known as icterus, refers to the yellow discoloration of a cat’s skin, mucous membranes, and eyes due to abnormally high levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when old red blood cells are broken down. Normally, the liver metabolizes and excretes bilirubin, but liver disease or dysfunction can cause bilirubin to accumulate, resulting in jaundice (Icterus (Jaundice) in Cats – VCA Animal Hospitals).
Some common causes of jaundice in cats include (5 Important Causes Of A Jaundiced Cat):
- Liver disease such as hepatitis or cholangiohepatitis
- Pancreatitis
- Hemolytic anemia
- Bile duct obstruction
- Hepatic lipidosis
Symptoms of jaundice in cats may include yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and dark urine. Severe jaundice can cause neurological symptoms like head pressing, circling, seizures and coma. Prompt veterinary care is essential for jaundiced cats, as many underlying causes can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Diagnosing jaundice
Veterinarians use several methods to diagnose jaundice in cats:
Physical exam – The vet will check for signs of jaundice during a physical exam, looking for yellowing of the gums, skin, and whites of the eyes. They will also feel the abdomen to check for an enlarged liver or spleen.
Bloodwork – Blood tests like a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, and bilirubin level check for signs of liver disease, infection, and increased bilirubin. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, bilirubin levels over 0.9 mg/dL indicate jaundice in cats.
Imaging tests – X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans of the abdomen can find blockages in bile ducts, gallstones, tumors, and other issues causing jaundice.
Treatment options
Treatment for jaundice in cats focuses on addressing the underlying cause and providing supportive care. This often involves a combination of medications, surgery, and at-home care.
Supportive care is aimed at managing symptoms and stabilizing the cat while treating the root cause. This may include intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and malnutrition, antibiotics for infection, and liver protectants like SAMe or milk thistle. Rest and stress reduction are also important.
Medications can treat specific issues leading to jaundice. For example, steroids help with autoimmune diseases and ursodeoxycholic acid improves bile flow. Anti-nausea drugs provide symptom relief. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections of the liver or gallbladder.
Surgery may be necessary to remove obstructions like gallstones or masses blocking bile ducts. Surgery can also drain accumulations of infected bile. In some cases, a biopsy is taken during surgery to confirm the diagnosis.
Consult your veterinarian on the ideal course of treatment for your cat based on the underlying cause of jaundice. With proper medical care and monitoring, many cats can recover well.
Prognosis
The prognosis for a cat with jaundice depends on the underlying cause of the condition[1]. Some diseases that lead to jaundice can be fatal if left untreated. However, if the cause is identified early and treated promptly, many cats can recover fully.
Cats with jaundice resulting from infections, toxins, or pancreatitis often respond well to treatment. With appropriate care, the jaundice and its underlying cause can be resolved. These cats typically return to normal health.
Jaundice caused by cancer, liver failure, or destruction of red blood cells tends to have a poorer prognosis. While treatment can alleviate symptoms and extend life expectancy, these conditions are harder to cure completely. Cats with severe liver dysfunction or late-stage cancers may only live weeks or months after diagnosis.
In many cases, identifying the cause quickly and starting treatment early are key to saving a cat’s life. Jaundice on its own is not fatal, but the underlying disease can be. With prompt veterinary care, tests to determine the cause, and targeted treatment, the outlook for jaundice cats can be positive.
[1] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/icterus-or-jaundice-in-cats
Prevention
There are several ways to help prevent jaundice in cats:
Preventing infections: Jaundice can be caused by infections like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), so vaccinating against these diseases can help prevent jaundice. Keeping cats indoors and away from other cats can reduce exposure to infections. Proper sanitation and flea/tick control are also important.
Avoiding toxins: Toxins like acetaminophen, antifreeze, and plants like lilies can cause liver damage and jaundice in cats. Keep medications, chemicals, and toxic plants out of reach of cats.
Maintaining healthy diet: Obesity and rapid weight loss can lead to hepatic lipidosis which causes jaundice. Feed cats a nutritious diet appropriate for their life stage and activity level. Monitor their weight and body condition score.
Home care
There are a few things you can do at home to help care for a cat with jaundice:
Monitoring symptoms – Keep an eye on your cat’s symptoms and alert your vet if they seem to be getting worse. Look for changes in energy level, appetite, vomiting, or the color of skin/eyes. Weigh your cat daily to track weight changes.
Encouraging food/water intake – Make sure fresh water is always available. Try warming food slightly to increase palatability. Hand feed appetizing wet foods high in calories and nutrition. Avoid fatty foods that are difficult to digest.
Administering medications – Give all medications as directed by your veterinarian. Pills can often be hidden in tasty treats. Set reminders to give medications on time.
In addition to the above, keep your cat comfortable, provide affection, and limit stress. Monitor litter box use as well. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about home care.
When to seek veterinary care
You should seek veterinary care immediately if you notice any signs of jaundice in your cat. The most obvious signs are yellowing of the skin and eyes (source). This yellow discoloration is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. While some minor yellowing may be normal in cats, significant jaundice indicates an underlying issue with the liver, gallbladder, blood cells, or bile ducts.
In addition to yellowing, watch for other concerning signs that warrant an urgent vet visit. Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea can accompany jaundice (source). Your cat may become increasingly inactive and reject food due to nausea. Jaundice prevents proper digestion and causes toxins to accumulate in the body.
Do not attempt home treatments if your cat is jaundiced. Only a veterinarian can determine the cause through diagnostic tests and provide appropriate medical care. Early treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery. Left untreated, jaundice can lead to liver failure, brain swelling, coma, and even death.
Cost of treatment
Treating a cat with jaundice can be quite expensive. Diagnostic testing is needed to determine the underlying cause, which may include bloodwork, x-rays, ultrasound, biopsy, and other procedures. According to sources, diagnostic testing alone can cost $500-1000.
If the cat needs to be hospitalized for supportive care like IV fluids, the costs add up quickly. Hospitalization usually ranges from $100-150 per night. In severe cases, hospitalization for 1-2 weeks is common, amounting to $1000-3000 or more just for hospital fees.
If surgery is required, like to remove an obstructed bile duct or diseased liver, expenses are even higher. Surgical procedures typically cost $1000-5000 depending on the complexity. So treating a cat with jaundice has the potential to cost thousands of dollars between diagnostics, hospitalization, surgery, medications and aftercare.
Pet insurance can help offset some of these steep medical bills. But owners should be prepared for potentially high out-of-pocket costs if their cat develops jaundice. Financial assistance programs through veterinary clinics or nonprofits may be an option for owners under financial strain.
Coping with a diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of jaundice in your cat can be scary and stressful. However, with proper care and treatment, many cats can live a good quality of life despite jaundice. Here are some tips for coping with a jaundice diagnosis in your cat:
Understanding the prognosis is an important first step. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and how quickly treatment is started. For example, jaundice caused by an infection often has a good prognosis if treated promptly. However, jaundice caused by liver cancer may have a more guarded prognosis. Discuss the specifics of your cat’s case with your veterinarian.
Making adjustments at home can help your cat stay comfortable. Feed small, frequent meals of high-calorie food to maintain your cat’s nutrition. Soft, bland foods may be easier to digest. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available to prevent dehydration. Clean the litter box frequently since jaundice cats often produce foul-smelling urine. Allow soft bedding and keep your home calm and quiet to reduce stress.
If the jaundice is irreversible, providing palliative care focuses on comfort. Your vet can prescribe medications to reduce nausea and pain. Keep up with regular grooming and bathing to prevent skin irritations. Spend quality time together cherishing each moment.
Takeaways
Jaundice can often be successfully treated if caught early. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, the earlier jaundice is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis for recovery. Work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your cat’s condition and determine the best course of treatment. Provide supportive care at home like encouraging eating and drinking, keeping your cat comfortable, and giving prescribed medications.
While jaundice can be serious if left untreated, many cats fully recover with proper veterinary care and home support. Focus on watching for signs of improvement and follow your vet’s recommendations. With early intervention, jaundice does not have to dramatically shorten a cat’s life.