Also known as: 脂肪肝
肝リピドーシスは、肝細胞内に脂肪が過剰に蓄積し、肝機能を障害する状態です。摂食量低下の期間が体脂肪の動員を引き起こし、それが肝臓の処理能力を超えることで発症します。猫で最も多く重症化しやすいですが、犬でも他の疾患に伴って発生することがあります。早期かつ積極的な栄養サポートにより良好な予後が期待できます。
Hepatic lipidosis is the build-up of fat inside liver cells to the point that the liver cannot work properly. It classically follows a period of anorexia, when the body mobilizes fat faster than the liver can process it. It is far more common in cats but is occasionally seen in dogs.
Any cause of decreased food intake can trigger it, often a concurrent illness such as pancreatitis, infection, or another organ disease. Obesity increases the available fat and the risk.
Signs include marked appetite loss, weight loss, jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, weakness, and sometimes drooling or neurologic signs in severe cases.
Elevated liver values and jaundice with a history of not eating prompt ultrasound and often a liver aspirate or biopsy showing fat-laden cells, while searching for the underlying trigger.
The cornerstone is early, adequate nutritional support, frequently via a feeding tube, plus fluids, anti-nausea drugs, and treatment of the underlying disease.
Preventing obesity and ensuring any sick or stressed animal continues to eat, with prompt intervention for anorexia, are the best preventives.
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.
