Feline cholangiohepatitis complex

Abstract

Feline cholangiohepatitis complex causes a diffuse intrahepatic cholestasis of unknown etiology. Recognized histologic forms include acute suppurative cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis, long-term nonsuppurative cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis, and biliary cirrhosis. Treatment of cholangiohepatitis complex varies based on histologic type. Thus a liver biopsy is necessary for definitive diagnosis and treatment. Because cholangiohepatitis complex causes diffuse hepatic change, percutaneous needle biopsies are often sufficient for obtaining a diagnosis. Antibiotics are used to treat all forms of feline cholangiohepatitis complex, but steroids may be of equal or greater importance for use in the treatment of long-term nonsuppurative cholangiohepatitis. Prognosis is guarded for cats with any form of cholangiohepatitis complex due to the variable response to treatment seen in many cats. Spontaneous remission occasionally occurs.