Cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile duct.It happens at the same time as cholangiohepatitis, which is inflammation of the gall bladder and surrounding liver tissue.If you know the symptoms of cholangitis, you can take your cat to the vet for a formal diagnosis to keep her healthy.Your vet can tell you what is best for your cat.
Step 1: If your cat is eating food, watch it.
Some cats might stop eating if they develop cholangitis.If your cat leaves more in its bowl than it usually does, pay attention to how much food it is eating.
Step 2: It's a good idea to look for vomiting.
Cats with cholangitis might vomit if they try to eat even with inflammation.Your cat might have cholangitis if you notice it vomiting on a regular basis or every time it eats.
Step 3: Pay close attention to the cat's weight.
If your cat has cholangitis, it might lose weight.Weight loss in your cat can be a sign of the disease, even if you don't notice it.
Step 4: It's a good idea to look for a symptom of jaundice.
If you notice that your cat has yellow skin on its paws, ears, or eyes, it may have jaundice.Jaundice is a symptom of cholangitis.If you notice a change in your cat's color, you should take it to the vet.
Step 5: Put your cat's temperature in a container.
Cats with cholangitis can have high temperatures.rectally is the most accurate way to take your cat's temperature.Put some lubricant on the tip of the thermometer.Lift your cat's tail and gently insert the tip of the thermometer into his anus.Use gentle pressure to twist it from side to side.The silver end of the thermometer needs to be covered if you want to insert it far enough.The normal temperature range for cats is 100.4 to 102.5 degrees.Digital thermometers beep when the reading is ready, and come in quick-read models that allow you to take your cat's temperature faster than a typical thermometer.
Step 6: The energy levels of your cat should be noted.
It is possible that your cat has cholangitis.Lethargy is indicated by a decrease in energy levels.If your cat seems to be less energetic than usual, especially if they are showing other symptoms, you should take notice.
Step 7: Your cat needs a full physical.
The only way to diagnose Cholangitis is to take it to the vet.A full physical is what your vet will give your cat.Your vet should rule out any other issues if you share your cat's full medical history.
Step 8: Get blood and urine tests.
Your vet will try to diagnose cholangitis with blood and urine tests.A complete blood count and chemistry panel can be used to rule out other causes of your cat's symptoms.
Step 9: You should order an exam.
If your vet thinks you have cholangitis, they may order an exam.They will look for changes in the appearance of the cat's bladder and liver.They may aspirate the bladder to check for infections.
Step 10: There is a order for a liver biopsy.
If you have cholangitis, your vet might order a liver biopsy.This can happen if your cat has been sick for a long time.
Step 11: Administer antibiotics
Antibiotics are the most common treatment for cholangitis.The type of cholangitis your cat has will be prescribed by your vet.The antibiotic pill can be hid in a treat or in your cat's food.Follow the directions your vet gives you.
Step 12: Administer the drug.
If your vet feels confident that the disease isn't caused by an infectious disease, they might prescribe corticosteroids instead of antibiotics.A signature sign of cholangitis is inflammation.If you want to hide the pill, your vet might recommend mashing it up and putting it in your cat's food.
Step 13: In-patient care is available.
In-patient care may be required for your cat's illness to progress.The vet could give your cat fluids or feed it through a tube.If your cat hasn't been eating, this is likely.
Step 14: Schedule surgery when you can.
Your vet might schedule surgery for your cat if it turns out that the bile duct is completely blocked.In the most advanced and serious cases, this is often a last resort.The risks and success rate of this type of surgery varies greatly depending on your cat's age, overall health, and how far the cholangitis has progressed.Talking with your vet can give you a better idea of the risks and success rate, as well as how long it might take your cat to recover.