Causes of Jaundice in Cats: An In - Depth Look

Jaundice in cats is a condition that can indicate a serious underlying issue, often involving the liver, red blood cells, or bile ducts. It is characterized by a yellowish tint to the cat’s skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, which is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. While jaundice itself is not a disease, it is a sign of a medical problem that requires attention.

In this article, we will explore the causes of jaundice in cats, its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. Understanding the underlying conditions that lead to jaundice can help you take the necessary steps to get your cat the care it needs.

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice, also known as icterus, occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow compound produced when red blood cells break down. The liver usually processes bilirubin and excretes it through bile. However, when something disrupts this process, bilirubin builds up in the body, causing the characteristic yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

While jaundice itself is not a disease, it is an indication that something is wrong with your cat’s liver, red blood cells, or bile ducts. It is often a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

What Causes Jaundice in Cats?

There are three main categories of causes for jaundice in cats, each of which can lead to the buildup of bilirubin. These categories are pre-hepatic, hepatic, and post-hepatic causes.

1. Pre-hepatic jaundice

• Immune-mediated hemolysis

The cat's immune system attacks its own red blood cells, causing them to rupture and release bilirubin, which raises blood bilirubin levels.

• Heinz Microcytic Hemolysis

Certain drugs, toxins, or diseases cause Heinz bodies to appear in the red blood cells, making the red blood cells fragile and prone to rupture and hemolysis.

• Hereditary Diseases

Hereditary diseases such as pyruvate kinase deficiency can affect the normal metabolism of red blood cells and lead to hemolysis.

• Infectious diseases

Infections such as feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus can lead to increased red blood cell destruction.

• Others

Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus may affect the life span and function of red blood cells, leading to hemolysis.

Related: Signs of Diabetes in Cats: Causes, Treatment, Prevention, and Daily Care

2. Hepatic jaundice

• Feline infectious peritonitis

Caused by a mutation of feline coronavirus, which can lead to liver inflammation and damage, affecting the uptake, binding and secretion of bilirubin.

• Liver parasite infection

Parasitic infections such as liver fluke and toxoplasmosis can lead to liver damage and inflammation.

• Poisoning

Such as drug poisoning, food poisoning, chemical poisoning, etc., can damage liver cells and affect bilirubin metabolism.

• Liver tumor

Such as liver cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, etc., which can compress or destroy the bile ducts, leading to obstruction of bile excretion.

• Liver fat deposition or liver inflammatory disease

Such as cholangitis, biliary hepatitis, lymphocytic hepatitis, etc., which can lead to decreased function of liver cells or blockage of intrahepatic bile.

3. Posthepatic jaundice

• Gallstones

Precipitation of cholesterol, bile pigment and other components of bile to form stones and block the bile ducts.

• Cholangitis or bile duct obstruction

Inflammation, tumors, foreign bodies, etc. can lead to narrowing or obstruction of the bile ducts so that bile cannot be excreted normally.

• Pancreatic diseases

Such as pancreatitis, pancreatic tumors, etc., can compress the bile ducts, leading to poor bile excretion.

Also Read: Pancreatitis in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

• Intestinal diseases

Such as intestinal obstruction, intussusception, etc., can affect the excretion and reabsorption of bile.

Symptoms of Jaundice in Cats

Jaundice may not always be immediately obvious to a pet owner, but the most common sign is a noticeable yellowing of the cat’s skin, eyes, and gums. Other symptoms that may accompany jaundice include:

• Yellowing of the eyes (sclera) or skin
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Fever (in cases of infection)
• Dehydration
• Abdominal swelling (in severe cases)

It’s important to note that jaundice can sometimes appear suddenly or progress gradually. If you notice any signs of jaundice in your cat, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

How is Jaundice Diagnosed in Cats?

To diagnose jaundice, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination and may perform the following tests:

1. Blood Tests

Blood tests are typically the first step in diagnosing jaundice. They can help assess liver function, detect anemia, and check for any underlying infections or diseases that could be causing the jaundice. A bilirubin blood test will reveal whether there is an excess of bilirubin in the blood.

2. Ultrasound or X-rays

Imaging tests like ultrasounds or X-rays may be used to visualize the liver, bile ducts, and surrounding organs. These tests can help detect abnormalities such as liver tumors, bile duct obstructions, or pancreatitis.

3. Liver Biopsy

In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to obtain a sample of liver tissue for examination. This can help identify liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or hepatic lipidosis.

4. Urine Tests

Urine tests can help assess kidney function and check for signs of infection or dehydration, which may accompany jaundice.

How to Treat Jaundice in Cats ?

1.Medication

• Hepatoprotective drugs

Reduce the burden of liver metabolism and protect liver cells.

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• Choleretic drugs

Promote bile excretion and improve cholestasis.

• Vitamins and nutritional supplements

Supplementation of vitamin K, vitamin B, etc., as well as nutritional supplements such as taurine and fish oil can help improve liver function.

• Antibiotics

If jaundice is caused by infection, anti-infection treatment with antibiotics is required, but choose types that have little effect on the liver.

2. Dietary management

• Adjust the dietary structure

Give low-fat, high-fiber food, such as rice, oats, etc. Avoid high-fat, high-protein food.

• Ensure nutritional intake

For cats with poor appetite, ensure adequate calorie and nutrient intake through nasal feeding tube or feeding nutritional paste.

3. Surgical treatment

• Stone removal

If jaundice is caused by bile duct stones, etc., the stones can be surgically removed if the cat's physical condition permits.

• Liver transplantation

In rare cases, such as jaundice caused by severe liver disease, liver transplantation may need to be considered.

4. Other Treatments

• Infusion therapy

Replenish water, electrolytes and nutrients through infusion to maintain the cat's water-salt balance and nutritional status.

• Light therapy

In some cases, such as neonatal jaundice, light therapy can be used, but it is less commonly used in cats.

It should be noted that the treatment of jaundice in cats needs to be individualized according to the specific cause and condition, and it is recommended to bring the cat to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment in time.

FAQs

Is jaundice in cats contagious to humans?

Jaundice in cats is usually not contagious to humans. Jaundice in cats is caused by a disorder of bilirubin metabolism resulting in an elevated concentration of bilirubin in the serum, causing yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes and other symptoms, and is mainly associated with the cat's own liver disease, bile duct problems, poisoning, parasitic infections, and other factors, which are generally not contagious. However, in the case of jaundiced hepatitis caused by certain viral, bacterial or parasitic infections, it may be transmitted between cats, but it is not contagious to humans either.

Is jaundice in cats always serious?

Conclusion

Jaundice in cats is a serious condition that often signals an underlying problem with the liver, red blood cells, or bile ducts. The causes of jaundice in cats can be varied, from hemolytic anemia and liver disease to bile duct obstructions and infections. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing the condition and preventing complications.

If you notice any signs of jaundice in your cat, such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, loss of appetite, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can help your cat recover and prevent long-term health issues.