Cholangiohepatitis complex in cats involves inflammation of the bile duct and liver and is a significant cause of chronic welfare impairment requiring careful diagnosis and management.
Cholangiohepatitis causes chronic welfare impacts from nausea, reduced appetite and jaundice. Acute bacterial cholangiohepatitis requires urgent antibiotic treatment to prevent life-threatening hepatic failure. Chronic lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis requires long-term immunosuppressive management. Welfare priorities include accurate diagnosis distinguishing neutrophilic from lymphocytic forms, appropriate targeted treatment, and nutritional support with a hepatic diet.