Page 431 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

21 – THE YELLOW CAT OR CAT WITH ELEVATED LIVER ENZYMES 423

INFECTIOUS
Mycotic:
● Histoplasmosis (p 438)
Of regional significance in the central US. Seen primarily in young cats with depression, weight
loss, fever and anorexia. Dyspnea, tachypnea and abnormal lung sounds seen in 50% of cats.
Viral:
● Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)* (p 430)
Progressive anorexia, weight loss, jaundice, fever and/or ascites with effusive forms of disease.
● Feline leukemia virus* (p 437)
May cause pre-hepatic jaundice, immunosuppression and/or lymphosarcoma. Salient signs include
mucus membrane pallor, anorexia, weight loss, lymphadenopathy and/or jaundice.
Protozoan:
● Toxoplasmosis* (p 432)
Jaundice, cyclical fever, and anterior uveitis are commonly observed. Dyspnea and central nervous
system signs may or may not occur concurrently.
Toxic:

● Acetaminophen (paracetamol) toxicity (p 433)
Acetaminophen toxicity causes cyanosis, dyspnea and facial edema.
● Diazepam toxicity (p 434)
Diazepam toxicity causes anorexia, depression and jaundice.
POST-HEPATIC
Jaundice caused by decreased or impaired biliary excretion.

Mechanical:
● Extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO)** (p 439)
May be caused by pancreatic diseases, neoplasia or extrinsic compression. Jaundice, anorexia,
weight loss, vomiting and abdominal pain seen with pancreatitis.
Inflammation:
● Pancreatitis** (p 439)
Anorexia, lethargy and abdominal pain predominate. Jaundice may occur several days after mild signs.
● Cholecystitis (p 440)
Uncommonly recognized, but may cause abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and jaundice.
Trauma:
● Ruptured bile duct (p 441)
Low-grade abdominal pain, malaise, weight loss and/or effusion.