It has been this author's observation that lipidotic cats that die do so within the first 1-4 days of hospitalization. Therefore, the author categorizes the treatment of hepatic lipidosis into 2 distinct phases. Phase I is the stabilization phase. The activities of the stabilization phase are designed to be minimally invasive and provide maximal supportive and nursing care. These cats are not sent to surgery for a liver biopsy and placement of a gastrostomy tube. Instead, diagnosis is based on clinical findings, lab tests, and fine needle aspiration. Supportive care includes IV or SQ fluids, orogastric tube feeding several times per day, famotidine (0.2 mg/kg) if vomiting is present, injectable B-complex vitamins including thiamine, injectable vitamin K1, and antibiotics, i.e., amoxicillin, metronidazole, etc. This approach is taken for 3-7 days. During this time the cat should get stronger, feel better, and stay hydrated. However, it is not reasonable to expect the appetite to return. Phase II is the long-term phase. It begins with esophagostomy tube placement and hospital discharge. Antibiotics are continued for a total of 2 weeks, and famotidine is used on a PRN basis. Other medications are discontinued. The owner is equipped to feed the cat at home.

Gary D. Norsworthy, DVM, Dip ABVP - TX Veterinary Medical Association Seminar 1999

To Photo Gallery      Home

This site Sponsored by
Professional Herbalife Distributor
Kathy Fatheree

Click here to visit Kathy's Herbalife site
www.NewDietDirect.com
1-877-416-0869 toll free

Typos? Please email me at Kathy@AssistFeed.com

Copyright © 2003 by Kathy Fatheree. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: Kathy Fatheree is not at all a medical expert. Contents of this web site are a collection of Kathy's assist feeding experiences as well as the experiences of other cat owners who have assist fed their cats. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Kathy Fatheree or anyone associated with this web site cannot be held responsible for anything that may happen as a result of using the information on this site.