Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I brought my 13 yr old cat into the vet for a dental exam. They did some bloodwork to determine if he is OK for the anesthetic they will give during the teeth cleaning.

The called to tell me that his liver counts were a bit high. I cannot remember which thing specifically they were looking at, but I do know that the upper limit is 100 and Wolfgang's is 105 (not sure if that helps at all!!).

I am wondering what could possibly cause this. As I said, he is 13 yrs old. He is also pretty big (17lbs). The vet did not seem concerned about his weight. He is a very "solid" cat, not flabby.

Within the past year, I did switch over to higher quality pet foods (no by-products). I feed some dry and some canned. I did the switch very gradually. I always use the same brand (Nutro) and combine the indoor formula with the senior formula.

I asked the vet to call me back so I can ask these questions to her directly, but as of yet she hasn't called back. I am a little concerned and am wondering if there is anything I can do at home (dietary changes, supplements, etc) to help.

Thanks.

If only one of the liver values is slightly high, this is not a serious problem. To be on the safe side, try to do whatever you reasonably can to aid your cat's liver. First, stop all dry food, which should help her lose some weight. Next, add some raw chicken or beef liver to the diet each day. You might also add some chicken, including the smaller bones, to her diet so that she doesn't need the vet to cleanher teeth but does it herself. And add some milk thistle seed, ground, or milk thistle extract or combination to her food each day.

Thanks for the answer. I actually have some milk thistle at home (I was taking it for myself). How much should I give?

I know that the vet has a homeopathic that she wants me to give. I'll have to ask her if the milk thistle will be OK to give as well (for all I know, it's in the medicine).

Also, regarding the chicken w/ bones. What part of the chicken is good? Wing, leg, breast...or any of the above?!

I have not fed my cats a raw diet before. Is there any chance that adding it will cause them intestinal isses (since they are not used to it???). Or is it OK as long as I add it in small doses to their current diet?

Your cat will likely not be interrested in the larger bones, and will have an easier time with the smaller or flatter bones, but let the cat choose for itself.