
Bile is produced by the liver, stored in the gall bladder, and goes through the bile ducts into the intestines to digest fats.
Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile duct. Cholangiohepatitis is inflammation of the bile ducts, gall bladder and liver. These two conditions usually occur simultaneously and are referred to as CCHS.
When any of these organs become inflamed, bile production decreases and/or the bile cannot go through the ducts.
Left untreated, CCHS will cause liver failure.
CAUSES:
CCHS can be classified as suppurative or nonsuppurative.
Suppurative CCHS is caused by a bacterial infection.
Nonsuppurative CCHS causes:
Immune-mediated disease: the body attacks the gall bladder and bile ducts
Tumors block the bile ducts
SIGNS:
Suppurative signs are sudden and severe:
Painful abdomen
Vomiting
Fever
Jaundice
Lack of appetite
Collapse
Nonsuppurative signs are chronic and general:
Lethargy
Vomiting
Lack of appetite, weight loss
DIAGNOSIS:
Your veterinarian will first test for other diseases that cause similar signs to CCHS. Some tests may include:
Thyroid testing for hyperthyroidism
Pancreatic testing for pancreatitis
If your veterinarian suspects CCHS, some tests may include:
Blood tests
Urine tests
X-rays: to look for tumors
Ultrasound: to look at the gallbladder and liver
Fine needle aspiration (using a think needle to take a cell sample) of the gall bladder
Biopsy to check the bile
Exploratory surgery
TREATMENT:
Most veterinarians will recommend the following treatments for cats with CCHS:
IV fluids: to stabilize the cat
Feeding tube
Antibiotics
Surgery: to remove gallstones or clear the bile duct if it is blocked
The rest of treatment depends on the underlying cause.
PREVENTION:
If the cause is suppurative, then the best preventative is to avoid bacterial infection.
PROGNOSIS:
Suppurative: there is a good prognosis with prompt treatment, usually needed long-term.
Nonsuppurative: the prognosis depends on the severity. If the case is advanced, the prognosis is not so good.
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