Cholangiohepatitis

Overview:

The definition of cholangiohepatitis is inflammation of the bile structures and the surrounding liver. This condition is very common in cats and quite rare in dogs.

Causes:

The causes of cholangiohepatits can be classified as bacterial infection or immune-mediated disease. With immune-mediated disorders, any structure around the liver can be inflamed and will predispose the liver to become diseased. For example, cats with pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or bile stasis are at risk for developing this disorder.

Symptoms:

In cases where the liver is actually infected with bacteria, cats are very ill, very quickly. They run a fever, have a painful abdomen, are dehydrated, and sometimes jaundiced. With immune-mediated cholangiohepatitis, cats are sometimes sick for weeks to years and show non-specific signs: vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss.

Treatment:

Determining which type of disease is present is imperative. A liver biopsy is usually indicated. In cases where it is suspected that there is blockage of the bile duct, exploratory surgery is recommended. As noted before, there are usually other factors or diseases that are causing the liver to become inflamed/infected, so multiple biopsies of multiple organs (pancreas, liver, intestines) may be indicated.All patients will benefit from IV fluids and antibiotics. Steroids are used in some cases, along with Vitamin E and liver protectants such as Denosyl and ursodeoxycholic acid.