Hidden liver diseases in cats
Liver diseases in cats are not so easy to recognise. As the liver rejuvenates several times in the course of a cat’s life by replacing old cells with new ones, diseases often remain hidden for a long period of time. Particularly in the early stages, cats like to conceal their discomfort by withdrawing, they hide away, and outdoor cats may not come home. It is not uncommon for mild liver diseases to heal completely unnoticed. And even after serious illnesses, this organ can regenerate completely.
Late symptoms and warning signs
Even with poor liver values, cats often show symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite or excessive drinking at a very late stage. The latter is always a warning sign in cats, as our velvet paws generally consume very little liquid. Fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, changes in the colour of the mucous membranes, increased salivation or a dull coat are also symptoms of liver disease in cats.
The central importance of the liver for metabolism
The liver is and remains the central organ of the entire metabolism. It is closely linked to glucose, fat and protein metabolism. Nutrients that are absorbed into the blood from the intestine reach the liver via the portal vein and are processed there. The ‘good’ substances are released into the blood and the ‘bad’ ones are removed and excreted. The liver needs an abundance of micronutrients to do this work. Cats also have a higher protein requirement. Cats need the particularly important taurine to reduce bile acid, for the function of their central nervous system and for a balanced fluid balance in the cells.
Influence of stress and diet on liver health
Common liver diseases and their consequences
Typical diseases: Common diseases in cats include jaundice with the associated typical yellowing of the eyes and mucous membranes as well as chronic liver inflammation, which is often recognised (too) late and can lead to liver cirrhosis. If a diseased liver can no longer detoxify the harmful substances, this leads to disorders of the nervous system and the brain (hepatoencephalic syndrome). Signs of this include behavioural abnormalities such as aggression, anxiety, disorientation, muscle tremors and cramps.
Pain and regenerative capacity of the liver
The good news is that there are few pain-conducting nerve fibres in the liver tissue and the cat hardly feels any pain, even with advanced disease. The even better news is that with Rascave® hepar from NutriLabs you can support your cat so that there are no deficits in the liver in the first place. Rascave® hepar supports liver metabolism with milk thistle extract, MSM, B vitamins and the all-important taurine. With the use of Rascave® chewable tablets, the need for nutrients that the liver needs for its work is balanced.
The most important tasks of the liver
- Central metabolic organ
- Breakdown of the body's own waste products (ammonia)
- Breakdown of external toxins (medication, preservatives)
- Formation of blood coagulation factors
- Formation of bile acid
- Formation of hormones and messenger substances
- Storage of sugar (glucose)
- Regulation of the blood sugar level
