What is hepatic lipidosis?

Hepatic lipidosis occurs when liver cells accumulate excessive fat, most commonly in cats and dogs that have stopped eating or have a metabolic imbalance. Diagnosis requires blood tests and imaging — consult your vet for a full evaluation.

What tests will the vet typically run?

Common workup includes a blood biochemistry panel, urinalysis, and abdominal ultrasound. Further imaging or a liver biopsy may be recommended to clarify the underlying cause — your vet will advise on which tests are appropriate.

What can I observe at home to help with diagnosis?

Record when symptoms started, track appetite and vomiting frequency, and monitor weight changes. Photos or videos of jaundice and activity level changes are especially helpful for your vet to assess the severity.

How long does follow-up take after treatment?

Blood biochemistry is typically used to monitor liver enzyme levels throughout treatment. Early on this may be every one to two weeks, with frequency adjusted based on your pet's progress and your vet's judgement.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Hepatic Lipidosis in Cats & Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment [2025]

Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) most commonly affects obese cats following a period of anorexia, causing fat to accumulate in the liver until it fails. The cornerstone of treatment is early nutritional support via a feeding tube — most patients recover with aggressive care.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap editorial team

Sources: WSAVA, ISFM, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek immediate veterinary care (emergency)

•Marked yellowing of the whites of the eyes or the gums that keeps deepening
•Continuous vomiting with inability to keep eating
•Sudden decline in energy with inability to stand

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Markedly reduced appetite for more than two days
•Persistent diarrhea or repeated vomiting
•Gradual, noticeable loss of body weight or muscle

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Common owner-observable signs of hepatic lipidosis in cats and dogs — recognising them early leads to faster treatment.

Lethargy, noticeably reduced activity, or excessive sleepiness
Reduced appetite or complete refusal to eat for several days
Repeated vomiting or persistent diarrhoea affecting food and fluid intake
Progressive weight loss or visible muscle wasting
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes, gums, or skin (jaundice)

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Pronounced yellowing of the eyes or gums that continues to worsen
⚠️ Persistent vomiting with inability to keep any food down
⚠️ Sudden severe deterioration in alertness or inability to stand

02What should you watch for at home? Home observation guide and emergency criteria

Key things to observe and record at home before your vet visit — this information helps your vet quickly understand how the condition is progressing.

Note the date symptoms first appeared and track how they change over time
Weigh your pet daily and record the results to monitor trends
Log the frequency, timing, and contents of each vomiting episode
Observe and record stool colour and how often diarrhoea occurs
Take photos or videos of appetite level, activity, and any visible jaundice

03How will the vet diagnose this? Common tests and examinations

Common in-clinic tests and imaging used to clarify liver function and structural changes in the liver.

Physical examination

assessment of jaundice, abdominal palpation, and overall condition

Blood biochemistry panel

liver enzyme levels, protein, and electrolyte changes

Urinalysis

assessment of metabolism, dehydration, and kidney function

Abdominal ultrasound

evaluation of liver size, echogenicity, and fat infiltration

CT scan or liver biopsy if needed to obtain definitive pathological information

Cytology or histopathology

to help determine the underlying cause and prognosis

04How is it treated and managed after diagnosis? Medications, diet, and home care

Treatment centres on supportive care and nutritional recovery, with blood tests and imaging used to track progress.

Short-term focus on supportive care and managing any concurrent complications
Dietary modification: easily digestible food or a prescription hepatic diet to stabilise nutrition
Ongoing blood biochemistry monitoring with the treatment plan adjusted based on results
Home care: ensure adequate hydration and keep a symptom log
If there is no clear improvement in the short term, referral or specialist evaluation is recommended

05What should you prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help your vet quickly identify the cause

Compile a written timeline of when symptoms started and how they have changed

Bring videos or photos showing vomiting episodes or changes in activity level

Record recent food types given, how much your pet ate, and when they stopped eating

List all current medications and supplements, including names, doses, and frequency

If possible, find a clinic in advance that can perform bloodwork and imaging on the day

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.