Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with jaundice and constipation diagnosed with cholangiohepatitis
By Fauziyyah Luxcyanti Regita et al.·Published in BIO Web of Conferences·2026·Clinical Clerkship Student, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, FR·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: A Case Report of Feline Cholangiohepatitis: Clinical Presentation and Diagnostic Work-Up
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old male Maine Coon cat was brought to the vet because he had jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and constipation for over a week, along with being very tired and not eating or drinking much. Despite previous treatments with enemas, he still had trouble with bowel movements. Tests showed liver problems, including high levels of liver enzymes and bile, and an ultrasound revealed an enlarged gallbladder with sludge. The vet diagnosed him with cholangiohepatitis (inflammation of the liver and bile ducts) and started treatment with IV fluids, a special diet for liver support, and medications to protect the liver. The prognosis was uncertain, so careful monitoring was essential.
People also search for: cat jaundice treatment · Maine Coon constipation · cholangiohepatitis in cats · liver support diet for cats
Abstract
An 8-year-old male Maine Coon cat weighing 4.1 kgs presented with jaundice and constipation for over one week. The chief complaint included lethargy, anorexia, and reduced water intake. A veterinarian had previously administered glycerin and bisacodyl enemas, but complete evacuation of the stool was not achieved. Hematological and serum biochemical analyses revealed non-regenerative anemia, lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia, and eosinopenia. Liver function tests showed elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, bile acids, and amylase levels. Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated a markedly enlarged gallbladder with a thickened wall and a slightly hyperechoic intraluminal mass suggestive of sludge. Furthermore, dilatation of the hepatic artery and portal vein was observed, consistent with hepatic inflammation. Based on the clinical presentation, hematological and biochemical profiles, and ultrasonographic findings, cholangiohepatitis was diagnosed with a guarded to poor prognosis (dubia ad infausta). Intravenous fluid therapy, a hepatic-support diet, and hepatoprotective medication were all part of the therapeutic strategy to promote liver function. Close observation of liver enzyme levels and the patient’s reaction to treatment will be crucial in addition to these measures. This case report presents the diagnostic work-up to feline cholangiohepatitis identified through the clinical manifestation of jaundice.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202622901004