Idiopathic hepatic lipidosis is a common cause of acute hepatobiliary disease in the cat. The disease is associated with prolonged anorexia and the subsequent accumulation of triglycerides within hepatocytes leading to acute cholestatic hepatic injury.

The underlying abnormalities in hepatic lipid metabolism in these cats have not been fully characterized and, thus, treatment is aimed at underlying conditions, forced alimentation to stop mobilization of fatty acids to the liver, as well as attention to correcting fluid, electrolyte and micronutrient deficiencies. In spite of these efforts the prognosis is not great, as over 20% of cats do not survive. Newer insights into the metabolic aberrations that accompany this potentially fatal disorder have been made over the last few years prompting the development of more targeted therapies.

In this live and interactive webinar we will learn how to compose a diagnostic plan to best manage fluid, electrolyte and micronutrient deficiencies in cats with hepatic lipidosis. Discussion will include the beneficial effects of forced alimentation as well as the emerging information on hepatic lipidosis and how that may impact our approach to managing this disorder in the future.

Pending approval for CE credit by AAVSB RACE and NY State