Hepatic lipidosis, also known as "feline fatty liver syndrome," is the most common form of liver disease in cats in North America. This syndrome can be very dangerous to your cat and can even be life-threatening.

Cats that get hepatic lipidosis are generally obese. However, not all obese cats have lipidosis and not all cats with lipidosis are obese. While the most common form of this disease is idiopathic (of unknown origin), it can occur with another liver disease.

This syndrome is often brought on by a stressful event, which can include anything from a recent vaccination or boarding, to a change of address. The most common presentation of this disease is an overweight cat that, due to a stressful event, becomes anorexic (stops eating), starts to lose weight, and begins vomiting. Additional symptoms include diarrhea and jaundice. The anorexia usually lasts more than two weeks, but it can cause hepatic lipidosis in as little as one week. There is no age or breed disposition.

Regardless of the cause, the result is an accumulation of fat in the liver eventually (if left untreated) leading to liver failure.

Abdominal ultrasound and a liver biopsy sometimes necessary for the proper diagnosis of this disease. Other laboratory tests and procedures can assist in making this diagnosis. Three common diseases that have similar signs include:

1. Hepatic Lymphosarcoma - This is a form of cancer.
2. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) - It is a viral infection in cats.
3. Cholangitis-colangiohepatitis - It causes inflammation of the liver and surrounding tissues. It is often associated with a low-grade pancreatitis.

The most important treatment for feline hepatic lipidosis is to get the cat to eat. Usually the cat will not eat by herself (himself). Placement of a feeding tube (under strict veterinary supervision) is often required. The feeding tube eliminates the struggle associated with force-feeding and provides a direct access to the stomach. The food is syringed into the tube and it passes into the stomach.

The prognosis for feline hepatic lipidosis is good only if the diagnosis is made early. If your cat appears to be suffering from this condition, immediate veterinary care is required. Pancreatitis is a condition that is often associated with feline hepatic lipidosis. When this occurs, the prognosis is poor.

Hepatic lipidosis is one of the reasons that veterinarians encourage proper weight control for cats. This is a common syndrome seen in overweight cats.