When the liver breaks down old blood cells, it produces bilirubin. The bilirubin normally leaves the body in the feces.
Icterus is when there is an excess of bilirubin in the body. It enters the tissues and causes yellow coloring in the white of the eyes, the gums, and skin.
Jaundice is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of other diseases that cause an excess of bilirubin. Some of these diseases are fatal.
CAUSES:
There are 3 main causes for excess bilirubin in the body:
Too many red blood cells are being broken down
Liver disease: the liver can not process the bilirubin
Blocked bile ducts: the bilirubin cannot be excreted
SIGNS:
The main signs are yellow eyes, gums, and skin.
Other signs you may notice include:
Lethargy
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Increased thirst and urination
Vomiting and diarrhea
Orange urine, black stool
Swollen abdomen
Difficulty breathing
DIAGNOSIS:
Tests done by your veterinarian to find the cause of the jaundice may include:
Blood and urine tests
Chest x-rays
Abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal exploratory surgery
Liver biopsies
TREATMENT:
Most veterinarians agree that treatment of icterus is to treat the underlying disease. The jaundice will resolve when the disease is cured.
Most pets will require:
Hospitalization: IV fluid therapy and nutritional support
Medication: for nausea and vomiting
Blood transfusions
PREVENTION:
Keep your cat away from medications, chemicals, and toxic plants that cause jaundice.
PROGNOSIS:
Prognosis depends on the severity of the underlying cause. Some diseases causing icterus have a great prognosis, while others are fatal.
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