Your 10-year-old obese DSH, Buttercup, stopped eating 5 days ago after a move. She's lost weight and now her ears, gums, and skin are yellow. She's lethargic and dehydrated. What's happening?
Warning: Hepatic lipidosis is life-threatening. Obese cats who stop eating mobilize fat to the liver, causing liver failure. Jaundice indicates severe disease. Aggressive nutritional support is essential—without it, mortality is high.
When cats stop eating, fat is mobilized from adipose tissue. The feline liver cannot process large fat loads—fat accumulates in hepatocytes, causing cholestasis and liver failure. The Bloodwork OCR helps interpret elevated ALT, ALP, bilirubin. The Internal Medicine Specialist explains: Obese cat + anorexia + jaundice = hepatic lipidosis. Feeding tube and supportive care.
Nutritional support is the cornerstone—often via feeding tube (esophagostomy or nasogastric). Appetite stimulants alone are insufficient. The Feline Medicine Specialist outlines protocols. Recovery takes 4–8 weeks. Identify and address the inciting cause (stress, illness). With aggressive support, survival is 80–90%.
Use Bloodwork OCR, Internal Medicine Specialist, and Feline Medicine Specialist for hepatic lipidosis workup.
- Obese cat + anorexia + jaundice = hepatic lipidosis.
- Nutritional support is essential—feeding tube often required.
- Recovery takes weeks—patience and commitment.
- Find the inciting cause—stress, illness, diet change.
- Never let an obese cat go 24–48 hours without eating—intervene early.