Apr 20: Feline Hepatic Lipidosis, Nutritional Management of GI Disease,

What is the cause of feline hepatic lipidosis?

excessive triglyceride accumulation in liver cells

Whats the most affected group of feline hepatic lipidosis?

overweight or obese cats

The onset of feline hepatic lipidosis is almost always preceded by…

a period of anorexia (7 days or longer)

How does arginine deficiency factor into feline hepatic lipidosis development?

arginine deficiency depressed urea cycle activity and causes ammonia accumulation

What is carnitine’s role in the body?

transports long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for oxidation

How is feline hepatic lipidosis diagnosed?

liver biopsy or fine-needle aspirate showing excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes

What are laboratory findings for feline hepatic lipidosis?

increased serum activity of liver enzymes

increased serum bilirubin and bile acid concentrations

What are treatments for feline hepatic lipidosis?

nasogastric or PEG tube

high-protein, high fat veterinary recovery foods

How long will it take a cat to recover from heptic lipidosis?

3-6 weeks

How can you prevent feline hepatic lipidosis long term?

prevent weight regain following recovery

How do GI diseases manifest?

acute or chronic diarrhea, vomiting, or anorexia

What is SIBO(small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)/ARD?

bacterial overgrowth in proximal small intestine