Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat liver damage from too much vitamin A in diet
By Guerra, Juliana M et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2014·School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hypervitaminosis A-induced hepatic fibrosis in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A domestic cat developed liver disease and bone deformities after being fed a diet high in raw beef liver, which is rich in vitamin A. The cat showed signs of chronic liver problems, and tests revealed severe liver damage and changes in liver cells. The findings indicated that the cat suffered from hypervitaminosis A, a condition caused by too much vitamin A. Adjusting the cat's diet and avoiding high vitamin A foods could help prevent similar issues in the future.
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Abstract
RATIONALE: The excessive intake of vitamin A in the form of vitamin concentrate, supplement or vitamin-rich liver can result in hypervitaminosis A in man and animals. Although osteopathologies resulting from chronic vitamin A intoxication in cats are well characterized, no information is available concerning feline hypervitaminosis A-induced liver disease. CLINICAL SUMMARY: We report the first case of hepatic stellate cell lipidosis and hepatic fibrosis in a domestic cat that had been fed a diet based on raw beef liver. Radiographic examination revealed exostoses and ankylosis between vertebrae C1 and T7, compatible with deforming cervical spondylosis. Necropsy showed a slightly enlarged and light yellow to bronze liver. Microscopic and ultrastructural analyses of liver tissues revealed diffuse and severe liver fibrosis associated with hepatic stellate cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy. These cells showed immunopositive staining for α-smooth muscle actin and desmin markers. The necropsy findings of chronic liver disease coupled with osteopathology supported the diagnosis of hypervitaminosis A. PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: As in human hepatology, if there is dietary evidence to support increased intake of vitamin A, then hypervitaminosis A should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic liver disease in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24563496/