What is jaundice in cats?
Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a condition in cats where there is an excessive buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is formed from the breakdown of old red blood cells. Normally, the liver filters out bilirubin and excretes it through bile into the intestines. However, liver disease or certain blood disorders can cause bilirubin levels to become elevated (1).
Some common causes of jaundice in cats include (2):
- Liver disease – Conditions like hepatitis and cirrhosis prevent the liver from properly processing bilirubin.
- Gallbladder disease – Gallstones or inflammation can block the bile ducts.
- Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas nearby the bile ducts.
- Hemolytic anemia – The excessive breakdown of red blood cells releases too much bilirubin into the bloodstream.
The main symptom of jaundice is a yellow discoloration in the cat’s skin, gums, and eyes caused by the accumulation of bilirubin. Other symptoms may include lethargy, appetite loss, vomiting, and weight loss. Diagnosis involves blood tests, imaging, and sometimes biopsy of the liver or bone marrow (1).
While some causes like infections may be treated directly, the main treatment focuses on supporting liver function and resolving the underlying condition. In severe cases, blood transfusions or surgery may be necessary (2). Prognosis varies depending on the root cause and how quickly treatment begins.
Diagnosing jaundice in cats
A veterinarian will start by performing a full physical examination of your cat. They will check for signs of jaundice, including yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The vet will also feel your cat’s abdomen to check for enlarged organs like the liver or spleen which could be causing jaundice.
Your vet will likely recommend running some blood tests on your cat. A complete blood count (CBC) can check for anemia and inflammation. A biochemistry profile helps evaluate liver function and overall health. Specific tests like bilirubin levels can confirm jaundice. These blood tests help pinpoint potential causes of jaundice.
Imaging tests like x-rays or ultrasound allow the vet to visualize the liver, gallbladder, and other abdominal organs. An enlarged liver or gallstones could show up on imaging. These tests help identify underlying problems leading to jaundice.
Citing sources per instructions:
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_jaundice
Treatment for jaundice in cats
Treatment for jaundice in cats depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Hospitalization
Cats with jaundice often require hospitalization for initial diagnostics, supportive care, and monitoring. Vets will administer IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, vitamins, and other treatments as needed (1). Hospitalization allows for regular bloodwork to track bilirubin levels and liver function.
IV fluids
Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy helps flush toxins from the body and provides hydration support for cats too sick to eat and drink (2). Fluids may contain added nutrients or medications as well.
Medications
Medications can treat the underlying condition causing jaundice in cats. Antibiotics treat infections, immunosuppressants control autoimmune disease, and more. Liver and digestive medications may also be prescribed (3).
Dietary changes
Vets often recommend a low-protein, highly digestible diet for cats with liver issues. This reduces strain on the liver and helps damaged liver cells recover (1). Cats may be fed via a feeding tube if too nauseous to eat.
With appropriate treatment guided by a veterinarian, many cats can recover from jaundice. However, the prognosis depends on the underlying cause and how quickly treatment begins.
Sources:
(1) https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/icterus-or-jaundice-in-cats
(2) https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/jaundice
(3) https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_jaundice
Caring for a cat with jaundice at home
If your cat has mild jaundice, your vet may recommend caring for them at home with some dietary changes and monitoring of symptoms. Here are some tips for caring for a jaundiced cat at home:
Dietary changes: Switching to a low-protein, highly digestible diet can help reduce the workload on your cat’s liver. Your vet may recommend a prescription hepatic diet. Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times to stay hydrated.
Monitor symptoms: Keep an eye on symptoms like lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and dark urine. Contact your vet if any symptoms seem to worsen. Weigh your cat daily to check for weight loss.
Prevent worsening: Try to keep your cat calm and comfortable at home. Limit stress and activity to prevent worsening of jaundice symptoms. Discourage jumping and climbing. Gently brush your cat to remove dead hair and prevent hairballs.
Your vet will likely want to see your cat back for follow-up exams and bloodwork to monitor their jaundice. Be sure to follow your vet’s at-home care instructions closely. With supportive care at home, cats with mild jaundice often recover well. But prompt medical attention is needed if symptoms worsen.
Outlook for cats with jaundice:
The prognosis for cats with jaundice depends greatly on the underlying cause. Some diseases causing jaundice can be fatal if left untreated, while others have a good prognosis for full recovery when properly diagnosed and treated.
In general, the earlier jaundice is caught and treated, the better the prognosis. Cats with mild jaundice caused by a treatable condition often recover fully within days to weeks of starting treatment. However, severe or long-standing jaundice can cause permanent liver damage, complicating treatment and recovery.
Some of the most concerning causes of jaundice include:
- Liver cancer – prognosis is poor in most cases
- Severe hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) – can be life-threatening if intensive nutritional therapy is not started quickly
- Cholangitis (bile duct inflammation) – serious complication that requires aggressive treatment
With appropriate veterinary care and follow-up, many cats can live for years after recovering from jaundice. But caretakers should monitor cats closely even after jaundice resolves, as underlying conditions may require lifelong management.
According to PetMD, the prognosis is generally good for cats if the jaundice is caught early and treated promptly. However, jaundice can become life-threatening quickly without veterinary intervention. Overall survival rates depend significantly on the cause and severity of jaundice.
Preventing jaundice in cats
While some causes of jaundice in cats cannot be prevented, there are steps cat owners can take to reduce the risk of their cat developing this condition:
Vaccinations: Keeping your cat up to date on core vaccines like feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies can help prevent infectious diseases that may lead to jaundice[1]. Following your vet’s recommended vaccine schedule is key.
Parasite control: Intestinal parasites like hookworms can migrate to the liver and cause inflammation and jaundice. Using regular heartworm and parasite prevention medication prescribed by your vet can protect against these parasites[2].
Avoid toxins: Keeping your cat away from toxic substances like antifreeze, rodent baits, onions, acetaminophen, and lilies can prevent toxin-induced jaundice[3]. Store household chemicals and medications safely out of your cat’s reach.
When to seek veterinary care
You should seek veterinary care for your cat as soon as possible if you notice any signs of jaundice. The most common symptoms that indicate a need for urgent veterinary attention include:
- Visible yellowing of the skin, gums, or eyes
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
- Lethargy, weakness, or depressed demeanor
Yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums is one of the primary indicators of jaundice in cats. This discoloration occurs due to a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when old red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver filters out bilirubin, but liver disease or bile duct blockages can cause high bilirubin levels.https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/icterus-or-jaundice-in-cats
In addition to yellowing, other concerning signs include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. A sick cat who refuses food or seems weak or depressed needs medical attention right away. Jaundice combined with these symptoms indicates a serious underlying condition.https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/jaundice
Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve on their own. Jaundice is a medical emergency in cats. Take your cat to the vet or an emergency animal hospital as soon as you notice any of the warning signs above.
Jaundice in kittens
The causes of jaundice can differ in kittens compared to adult cats. Some potential causes include:
- Neonatal isoerythrolysis – This occurs when the kitten’s blood type is incompatible with the mother’s antibodies. The mother’s antibodies attack the kitten’s red blood cells causing anemia and jaundice.
- Sepsis – Kittens can develop jaundice from a severe bacterial infection in the bloodstream.
- Congenital portosystemic shunt – This is an abnormal vessel that allows blood to bypass the liver. It can lead to a buildup of toxins and jaundice.
- Hepatitis – Inflammation of the liver, often caused by infections.
Kittens are at higher risk for complications from jaundice than adult cats. Effects of untreated jaundice in kittens can include:
- Brain damage from bilirubin toxicity
- Dehydration
- Metabolic disturbances
- Death
Prompt veterinary care is crucial for kittens exhibiting signs of jaundice. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and may include medications, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, surgery, or dietary changes. The prognosis depends on the cause and how quickly treatment begins.
Preventing jaundice in newborn kittens involves proper prenatal care of the mother cat and minimizing risk factors after birth. Breeders should test for compatible blood types between queens and toms. All kittens should receive colostrum shortly after birth to gain immunity from the mother.https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/icterus-or-jaundice-in-cats
Supportive Care at Home
There are a few things cat owners can do at home to provide supportive care for a cat with jaundice:
Providing extra fluids is important, as jaundice can lead to dehydration. Giving your cat canned food with extra water added, or encouraging them to drink more water, can help. You may need to give subcutaneous fluids prescribed by your vet. Monitor urine output to ensure your cat is staying hydrated.
Appetite stimulants prescribed by your vet can encourage eating. Hand feeding smelly foods like tuna or baby food can also entice an ill cat to eat. Weigh your cat daily and track intake and energy levels. Appetite and energy often decline with jaundice, so monitoring closely allows you to update your vet.
Allow ample time for rest and limit stress. Provide a quiet, comfortable area for your cat. Litterbox issues may occur if your cat feels too ill to make it to the box. You may need to confine your cat to a small room with food, water, litter box and bedding.
While at-home care is important, jaundice requires close veterinary monitoring and treatment. Alert your vet about any changes in condition. With prompt, proper care, many cats can recover fully from jaundice.
Prognosis and long-term outlook
The prognosis for cats with jaundice depends on the underlying cause and how quickly it is diagnosed and treated. Some causes like infections or toxins can be treated and resolved, allowing the cat to return to normal health. Other causes like liver disease or cancer may have a guarded prognosis if the damage is severe or widespread.
With prompt veterinary treatment, many cats can recover fully from jaundice. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition causing it. For example, antibiotics for infections, intravenous fluids and supportive care for poisoning, or medications and diet changes for liver or pancreatic disease. If caught early, the jaundice may be reversible.
For irreversible liver failure, long-term management may be needed, along with a special diet and medications. In these cases, jaundice may come and go. With dedicated care and close monitoring, cats can still live a good quality of life for months to years depending on the cause.[1]
Overall, the earlier jaundice is recognized and treated, the better the prognosis. Work closely with your veterinarian for the best outcome for your cat. Even if the jaundice cannot be cured, supportive care can often prolong and improve quality of life.
[1] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/icterus-or-jaundice-in-cats