Bile is produced by the liver, stored in the gall bladder, and goes through the bile ducts into the intestines to digest fats.
Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile duct. Cholangiohepatitis is inflammation of the bile ducts, gall bladder and liver. These two conditions usually occur simultaneously and are referred to as CCHS.
When any of these organs become inflamed, bile production decreases and/or the bile cannot go through the ducts.
Left untreated, CCHS will cause liver failure.
CAUSES:
CCHS can be classified as suppurative or nonsuppurative.
Suppurative CCHS is caused by a bacterial infection.
Nonsuppurative CCHS causes:
SIGNS:
Suppurative signs are sudden and severe:
Nonsuppurative signs are chronic and general:
DIAGNOSIS:
Your veterinarian will first test for other diseases that cause similar signs to CCHS. Some tests may include:
If your veterinarian suspects CCHS, some tests may include:
TREATMENT:
Most veterinarians will recommend the following treatments for cats with CCHS:
The rest of treatment depends on the underlying cause.
PREVENTION:
If the cause is suppurative, then the best preventative is to avoid bacterial infection.
PROGNOSIS:
Suppurative: there is a good prognosis with prompt treatment, usually needed long-term.
Nonsuppurative: the prognosis depends on the severity. If the case is advanced, the prognosis is not so good.
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