Bile Duct Obstruction and Related Diseases (Cholestasis) in Cats - Causes, Treatment and Associated Conditions

Key takeaways

Cholestasis is a reduction in bile flow or production from the liver.

Bile functions to neutralize stomach acid as it enters the intestines, assists in digestion of fats, and excretion of other metabolites
Cholestasis can be caused by a variety of conditions including inflammatory disease, gallstones, bile duct obstructions, cancer, infections, and bile system malformations
Primary symptoms include; vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, dark urine, decreased appetite, fatigue, and weight loss
Blood/urine/stool analysis and diagnostic imaging are used to diagnose the underlying cause
Cholestasis is treated using surgery, diet management, and medications
If treatment is prompt and the cause is not related to cancer, prognosis is good
Cases related to cancer have a poor prognosis

Are you concerned?

Connect with a vet to get more information about your pet’s health.

Book an online vet

A closer look: Bile Duct Obstruction and Related Diseases (Cholestasis) in Cats

Cholestasis is one of many liver diseases which often overlap with other similar conditions and are common in cats. Interrupted production and/or secretion of bile into the GI tract is likely to become life threatening if left untreated.

Connect with a vet to get more information

With DVM, ICH certifications and great reviews by pet parents like you for this symptom

Risk factors

Prognosis for cases of cholestasis vary based on individual causes, but if treatment is sought promptly and cancer is not present, outcomes are usually favorable. If cancer is present, prognosis is poor.

Possible causes

Cholestasis is a general term referring to interruption to the production and/or secretion of bile into the GI tract which can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including:

Main symptoms

Testing and diagnosis

If cholestasis is suspected, diagnosis starts with medical history and physical examination. Additional diagnostic tests include:

Urinalysis
Stool analysis
Blood tests
Imaging (x ray, MRI, ultrasound)
Tissue biopsy

Steps to Recovery

Treatment varies depending on the diagnosis. Options may include:

Antibiotics
Anti-inflammatories/steroids
Bile thinners
Liver support supplements
Surgery
Nutritional therapy
IV fluids
Supplemental feeding
Blood transfusions
Anti-emetics

The prognosis for cholestasis varies depending on the underlying condition. For the majority of conditions, if treatment is sought quickly and the treatment protocol is followed, the prognosis is very good. If the underlying cause is related to the presence of cancer, prognosis is very poor.

Prevention

Most cholestatic conditions can not specifically be prevented. The risks for some conditions associated with cholestasis can be reduced through diet management and monitoring of liver health. As with many conditions, prognosis is improved when symptoms are detected early. Routine wellness exams and screening blood tests can facilitate early detection. Most cases of cholestasis are not caused by contagious conditions.