Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid test for diagnosing cat liver lipidosis
By K. Asha Saigal et al.·Published in Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences·2023·MVSc Scholar, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics and Jurisprudence, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Lakkidi, Wayanad- 673576, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India, IN·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Role of blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid estimation as a diagnostic marker of feline hepatic lipidosis
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver condition, often shows symptoms like not eating, losing weight, being lethargic, vomiting, dehydration, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). In this study, researchers found that measuring blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (βHBA) can help diagnose this condition early. Other tests showed that affected cats had elevated liver enzymes and an enlarged liver on ultrasound. The good news is that early diagnosis can lead to better treatment options, so if your cat shows these symptoms, it's important to see a vet right away.
People also search for: cat vomiting and weight loss · feline hepatic lipidosis symptoms · how to treat cat liver disease · jaundice in cats causes
Abstract
Feline hepatic lipidosis (FHL), characterised by an accumulation of triglycerides in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, is a common and potentially fatal liver disorder in cats. Hepatic lipidosis in cats can develop due to any condition that will impair nutrient uptake and is often presented with non-specific clinical signs. The present study describes the diagnosis of FHL based on clinicobiochemical, ultrasonographic, and cytological changes and evaluates the diagnostic utility of blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid (βHBA) estimation in FHL. Anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, and jaundice were the common clinical findings in cats with hepatic lipidosis. Serum biochemical evaluation revealed elevations in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglycerides, glucose, and total bilirubin. Ultrasonography revealed an enlarged hyperechoic liver. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the liver revealed mild to severe vacuolation in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid levels were found higher in cats with hepatic lipidosis than in healthy cats and cats with other hepatic disorders. Therefore, βHBA estimation, being a quick and non-invasive method, could be considered as a diagnostic marker in the early diagnosis of FHL.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2023.54.4.973-979