Jaundice in cats: what is it, what are the causes and how to treat?
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The term jaundice in cats may seem complicated in the feline universe, but in practice this condition refers to a change in the coloration of the animal's mucous membranes, which can have various causes. As with humans, cat health is also vulnerable to numerous problems, which is why guardians should always be aware of any anomalies that may appear in the body of their cats.In order to clarify the main doubts about jaundice in cats, the Paws of the House talked to the veterinarian Matheus Moreira. See what he told us!
What is jaundice in cats anyway?
According to the specialist, jaundice is a very common clinical manifestation in cats whose main characteristic is the yellowish coloration of the mucous membranes and skin, due to the accumulation of bile pigments. "It can be of pre-hepatic, hepatic or post-hepatic cause. In pre-hepatic, it is usually caused by hemolysis, which in turn causes an exaggerated production of bilirubin. In the liver, it isThe post-hepatic condition is related to liver failure, which causes the liver to not metabolize bilirubin efficiently. Finally, the post-hepatic condition usually occurs due to an obstruction of the bile duct that generates an accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream," he explains.
See_also: Can you give raw meat to cats?Jaundice: cat develops the problem due to other diseases
First of all, it is important to understand that jaundice in cats is a clinical manifestation caused by other diseases. That is, it is mainly a condition that is associated with an underlying disease. With this in mind, the veterinarian warns: "The main causes of jaundice in cats are diseases such as: hepatic lipidosis, cholangio hepatitis complex, feline triad (liver,pancreas and intestine), feline mycoplasmosis (a disease whose main vector is fleas) and platyinosomosis (when a lizard is ingested)".
Jaundice in cats: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
The main symptoms of jaundice in cats, according to Matheus, are the yellowish coloration of the mucous membranes and / or skin, loss of appetite, vomiting and lethargy. If there is any suspicion of the condition, it is necessary to seek professional guidance for the diagnosis to be made: "The clinical diagnosis is aided by laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasound".
Many owners then begin to wonder how to cure jaundice in cats, but you need to be calm and follow medical recommendations. "This is a reversible clinical sign after treatment of the underlying disease," explains the specialist. In other words, your kitten will be fine, he just needs to treat the main problem to get better from jaundice.
See_also: Cat collar with gps: how does it work?It is also worth mentioning that self-medication should never be an option, because it can end up harming your pet's health. So don't look for a remedy for jaundice in cats on the internet, huh? Always look for a veterinarian!
Is it possible to prevent jaundice in cats?
Although jaundice is mainly associated with other diseases, Matheus reveals that it is possible to adopt some preventive measures that help keep the problem at bay. "The control of ectoparasites and endoparasites is extremely important to avoid the development of some diseases", he highlights. In addition, another warning from the veterinarian is with the animal's diet: "Diets rich inTherefore, investing in quality food and encouraging your pet to exercise regularly is super important, not only for their well-being, but to help prevent some diseases as well.
