Jan 25, 2024 · A diagnosis of jaundice (icterus) in your cat can be worrying for cat owners. Read on for clear facts about what this means, and about the possible consequences for pet health.

Icterus is also known as jaundice or yellow jaundice. It refers to an excessive accumulation of a yellow pigment called bilirubin in the blood and tissues. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues.

May 1, 2011 · Icterus is a term used to describe the clinical appearance of hyperbilirubinemia. While reference values may vary, in most instances a serum bilrubin > 1 mg/dl is considered abnormal but clinically detectable icterus usually does not occur until the bilirubin is > 3 mg/dl.

In the cat it has 2 main types: 1) suppurative cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis, and 2) nonsuppurative cholangiohepatitis. Advanced inflammatory disease can progress to cirrhosis. These syndromes can be associated with other conditions such as duodenitis, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis.

There is no mystery when it comes to a “yellow” cat. Icterus and jaundice—both of which describe a yellowish pigmentation of the skin—indicate hyperbilirubinemia, a 5- to 10-fold elevation in serum bilirubin concentration. However, this is where the certainty ends and the diagnostic challenge begins.

May 12, 2023 · The focus of this article is to provide an overview of icterus in dogs and cats, including pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, treatment, medical management, and nursing care. Readers will learn about bilirubin metabolism and pathophysiology as well as the value of identifying and recognizing clinical manifestations of hyperbilirubinemia.

Jaundice (icterus) is a moderately common finding on the physical examination of the emergency patient. It results from the accumulation of the pigment bilirubin in the plasma and tissues to the extent that a yellow discolouration becomes visible.

Aug 1, 2011 · Icterus occurs when bilirubin accumulates in the plasma and tissues to the extent that it causes visible yellow discoloration of the sclera, mucous membranes, and skin. This occurs when: bilirubin > 2 mg/dl (Normal 0.0–0.3mg/dl)

Dec 15, 2021 · What is Jaundice in Cats? Jaundice (also called “icterus”) is a yellowing of the skin of cats that can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. The yellowing of the skin seen in jaundice is caused by a build-up of waste products in the bloodstream.

When presented with an icteric cat, the first step is to consider all the possible causes. Let this list guide your workup so you can get on the right path.