Jaundice (icterus) is a metabolic disease that can also affect cats. Various causes are possible for the onset of the disease. Because jaundice can be fatal for your cat, it’s important to get it treated by a veterinarian in good time. Below we explain the causes of jaundice in cats and the symptoms you need to be aware of.
Key facts at a glance
- Jaundice can be recognized by the yellow coloring of the dermis and the palate.
- Jaundice must always be treated by the vet, otherwise it is fatal.
- Diet needs to be adjusted if you have jaundice.
- The earlier jaundice is detected, the better the prognosis for recovery.
Possible causes of jaundice in cats
Jaundice in your cat is caused by a metabolic disorder. Actually, it is not a real disease, but merely a symptom that can be triggered by various underlying diseases. These causes can lead to jaundice in cats:
- Liver diseases (e.g. fatty liver or inflammation such as hepatitis)
- Problems with the bile (e.g. inflammation of the bile ducts or a problem with the flow of bile)
- Diseases that cause red blood cells to break down
Recognizing jaundice in cats
If the affected cat only suffers from slight jaundice, the sclera (corium) and palate will turn yellow. In the case of more severe jaundice, the yellow discoloration also spreads to the iris (iris) of the eyes, the mucous membranes and the normal skin of the cat.
Depending on which disease is responsible for your cat’s jaundice, there may be other symptoms. In the case of inflammation of the liver, these can be, for example, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting.
A visit to the vet is mandatory
If you notice symptoms in your cat that indicate jaundice, you should make an appointment with the vet immediately. Because the causes of yellowing of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes are often serious and can even be life-threatening.
Only a veterinarian can carry out the necessary examinations and make a reliable diagnosis. In the interests of your cat’s health, you should therefore under no circumstances try to determine the cause yourself.
Diagnosis of jaundice in cats
Diagnosing jaundice in cats is not particularly challenging because of the easily visible symptoms. However, various tests are required to determine the cause of the jaundice and to be able to carry out the necessary treatment measures.
The vet will first use a blood sample to check how many red blood cells are present. A low level may indicate that your cat’s jaundice is caused by a blood disorder.
In addition, a check of the liver values in the blood provides information about the extent to which the animal’s liver is impaired in its ability to function. An ultrasound examination of the liver and the removal of a tissue sample can provide additional certainty.
Treat jaundice in cats
In general, it is quite possible to treat jaundice in cats. Which measures are necessary for this depends on the underlying disease that triggered the jaundice. If the cause of jaundice in your cat is liver inflammation, for example, the veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics and, depending on the type of inflammation, glucocorticoids such as cortisone.
In the case of fatty liver, on the other hand, treating your cat’s jaundice requires a change in diet, while inflammation of the bile ducts is treated with the help of glucocorticoids, antibiotics and ursodeoxycholic acid.
Prognosis for cats suffering from jaundice
How good the chances of recovery are essentially depends on what caused your cat’s jaundice and the course of the underlying disease. For example, mild liver inflammation can be treated well and there is usually no permanent impairment of liver function.
However, severe inflammation can definitely lead to permanent liver damage, which has an effect not least with regard to jaundice in affected cats. However, if you see a veterinarian in time and begin treatment, your cat’s jaundice generally has a good chance of being cured.
Prevent jaundice in cats
There are basically no effective ways to prevent jaundice in cats. In any case, it is advisable to pay attention to the weight of your cat. Because by avoiding obesity, you can at least avoid fatty liver as a possible cause of jaundice in cats.
covers the cost of the treatment
The treatment of jaundice in cats or the underlying diseases responsible for them can result in high veterinary costs. Blood tests, ultrasound scans and taking tissue samples can cost around 100 euros each. In addition, you have to reckon with the costs for the advice from the veterinarian and the medication.