Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
A Case Report of Feline Cholangiohepatitis: Clinical Presentation and Diagnostic Work-Up
- Journal:
- BIO Web of Conferences
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Fauziyyah Luxcyanti, Regita et al.
- Affiliation:
- Clinical Clerkship Student, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old male Maine Coon cat weighing 4.1 kilograms was brought to the vet because he had yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and was constipated for over a week. He was very tired, not eating at all, and drinking less water than usual. Previous treatments to relieve his constipation didn't work, and tests showed he had low red blood cell counts and signs of liver problems. An ultrasound of his abdomen revealed a swollen gallbladder and signs of liver inflammation. The vet diagnosed him with cholangiohepatitis (inflammation of the liver and bile ducts) and started treatment with fluids, a special diet, and medications to support his liver function, but the prognosis was uncertain.
Abstract
An 8-year-old male Maine Coon cat weighing 4.1 kgs presented with jaundice and constipation for over one week. The chief complaint included lethargy, anorexia, and reduced water intake. A veterinarian had previously administered glycerin and bisacodyl enemas, but complete evacuation of the stool was not achieved. Hematological and serum biochemical analyses revealed non-regenerative anemia, lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia, and eosinopenia. Liver function tests showed elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, bile acids, and amylase levels. Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated a markedly enlarged gallbladder with a thickened wall and a slightly hyperechoic intraluminal mass suggestive of sludge. Furthermore, dilatation of the hepatic artery and portal vein was observed, consistent with hepatic inflammation. Based on the clinical presentation, hematological and biochemical profiles, and ultrasonographic findings, cholangiohepatitis was diagnosed with a guarded to poor prognosis ( dubia ad infausta ). Intravenous fluid therapy, a hepatic-support diet, and hepatoprotective medication were all part of the therapeutic strategy to promote liver function. Close observation of liver enzyme levels and the patient’s reaction to treatment will be crucial in addition to these measures. This case report presents the diagnostic work-up to feline cholangiohepatitis identified through the clinical manifestation of jaundice.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202622901004