Bile Duct Obstruction in Your Cat

PET CARE

Bile Duct Obstruction in Your Cat

Two Minutes
Apr 16, 2023

What is a Bile Duct Obstruction in Cats?

Bile is a yellow-green fluid which is created and released by the cat’s liver and stored in the gallbladder. The bile stays in the gallbladder until food has been ingested. Once food is ingested, the bile is released into the small intestine to aid in digestion. If a cat has an obstruction of the bile duct, the duct is blocked and does not allow bile into the intestine.

Symptoms of a Bile Duct Obstruction

Symptoms include:

  • Jaundice
  • Weight loss
  • Dark urine
  • Discolored skin
  • Pale stoolLethargic behavior
  • Lack of appetite
  • Excessive hunger

Causes of Bile Duct Obstruction

Bile Duct Obstruction is generally associated with an underlying medical condition including a parasitic infestation, inflammation of the liver, pancreatitis and/or gallstones.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The veterinarian will analyze the history of the cat to determine if a bile duct obstruction is probable. The veterinarian will also analyze the cat’s symptoms and inquire about recent injuries or prior surgeries.

A blood test and urinalysis are likely to be performed. An abdominal x-ray and ultrasound may also be necessary. If these tests are not effective, the veterinarian will recommend exploratory surgery to have the ability to look inside to see if there is an obstruction.

The treatment of the obstruction heavily depends upon the underlying medical condition associated with the obstruction. The treatment also varies based upon severity. If the cat is dehydrated, IV fluids will be administered.
 

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.

2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.