Our cat has some kind of liver affliction. We are desperate. He is on antibiotics and steroids but is fading a

Question

away. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The steroids and antibiotics are for you, not the cat. Liver failure is horribly painful, think of the cat and put it to sleep.

Answer 2

There are five conditions that affect cat livers which could be called reasonably common. The first is toxic injury -- which may be due a poisonous substance, to injury from bacterial toxins or from lack of blood supply to the the liver. The second is hepatic lipidosis. This is a metabolic condition that occurs when cats do not eat. Cats do not metabolize fats very well and they build up in the liver eventually causing failure. It is common in overweight, geriatric cats. This condition can appear to come on rather suddenly, much like toxic injury. The third condition that affects cat livers is cholangiohepatitis, which can show up in several different variations and is a chronic condition. It may come and go sporadically. It can be treated with antibiotics and supportive therapy such as Decholin RX. Some vets also administer corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications. It is important to do a liver biopsy because corticosteroids can be dangerous if the problem is hepatic lipidosis. The fourth condition is a group of conditions in which the liver circulation is not functioning correctly, known as portosystemic shunts. The last condition is cancer of the liver, rare in cats.

Hepatic lipidosis is the most common and is usually treated through force feeding a special diet. It has a high rate of recovery if caught early, 80%.

Lab tests (ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALKP (ALP, SAP, serum alkaline phosphatase), and or a biopsy will help determine what kind of liver damage the cat has.

Answer 3

Certainly get another opinion about this, I went to 3 separate vets in the states with my sick cat, 2 wanted to put her down and the 3rd saved her life. She had almost 4 more happy and healthy years before she finally succumed to some mystery illness. She stopped responding to her steroids eventually, it may be that your kitty has formed a resistance to the meds and could be ready to try another medicine? Don't let it go until you're sure you've exhausted all the options, I had to have my best girl put down last weekend but only because we'd taken her as far as we were prepared too medically.You must think of your cat too, think about how many tests and meds are too many. I hope he gets better, I know exactly how you're feeling right now. Good luck.

Answer 4

Sorry to hear about You sick precious Cat. Try www.animalhealthchannel.com, also You can go to www.sickcat.com, and set a price and talk to a vet, or vet helper. I just had to put to sleep a beautiful Siamese that had lived in our neighborhood for around eight years. He was a feral cat, and I had always planned on bringing Him in to be part of Our Family, but We are always full to Our limit. I know that Your heart is breaking, mine too. I will say a prayer. There are holistic People that might have alternatives, like herbal treatments. My friend swears by Viva True Silver. Blue the Siamese was in My house for a week, and the virus is airborne, (FIP), now there is a chance My three could get it. It is fatal.
The vet told us that older dogs will eventually be taken down by heart problems, and cats by urinary problems. There is a lady on here that has helped Me, she goes by the name Free Bird. You might try emailing Her. Just put Free Bird in the Search for questions, at the top of the page.

I really hope You can find the help You need. I have already said a prayer for Your Cat.

God Bless

Answer 5

"For any liver condition - hepatitis, fatty liver, chronic liver disease, inflamation of the bile ducts - don't hesitate to use milk thistle. This herb has amazing healing effects and actually regenerates the liver. You can add milk thistle to any treatment program, and it may be the only thing that will help." A. Greg Howie, DVM.

"Milk thistle, in the form of a liquid, glycerin-based product from Gaia Herbs (800-831-7780) available at health food stores. Give 10 drops twice a day" Maria Glinski, DVM

Don't give up!

Answer 6

You didn't say the age of your cat. Sometimes pets only live so long. They weren't meant to live forever. Since the vet apparently has prescribed antbiotics and steroids, that's the best the vet can do. I figure if you were rich maybe they would suggest a transplant from a street cat, but if you don't have pet insurance then you'd owe a mint. If your cat goes, then it was their time to go. If she's suffering then it's time to let her go.

Answer 7

So sorry to hear this! Your vet is probably doing the best s/he can and is the one towards whom you should direct this question.

If this liver disease is caused by a particular agent (for example, antifreeze), you might be able to ge him over the hump. But liver disease will not reverse itself, as some other ailments might.

Give your cat lots of love, cuddle him to make him feel secure and pray.

Please don't let him suffer - talk to your vet, but you are the one that will know if it's time....

Best of luck

Answer 8

Do the humane thing - Take him to the vet and have him put to sleep.

Answer 9

you will have to ask the vet the answer to this because im not sure what exactly is wrong with him...sorry...good luck

Answer 10

If he's not getting better, don't let him die a slow painful death, put him to sleep.