Feline hepatic disease.

Species differences in anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry lead to many dissimilarities between the canine and feline liver. Major differences exist in the interpretation of liver function tests, the significance of biochemical jaundice, the consequences of anorexia, and the efficiency of hepatic metabolic systems. Biochemical alterations in total bilirubin, ALT, and SAP may indicate the presence of disease in the feline liver. It is, however, impossible to make accurate diagnoses without liver biopsy. A liver biopsy can provide a diagnosis and prognosis and can guide the therapeutic plan. The feline hepatic diseases most frequently seen in our hospital are hepatic lipidosis, cholangiohepatitis complex, toxic hepatopathy, and hepatic neoplasia. Less common diseases of the feline liver include extrahepatic biliary obstruction, portacaval vascular anomalies, hepatic parasites, hepatic cysts, and diaphragmatic hernia. Systemic diseases that can effect the liver of cats are feline infectious peritonitis, multicentric lymphosarcoma, myeloproliferative diseases, hemolytic anemia, infectious panleukopenia, and systemic fungal infections.