Caracterização epidemiológica, clínica e patológica de Lipidose hepática felina no Laboratório de Patologia Animal da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of hepatic lipidosis cases in felines diagnosed at the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the Prof. Ivon Macêdo Tabosa Veterinary Hospital at the Federal University of Campina Grande (LPA/HVU/UFCG), Patos Campus, Paraíba, through a retrospective study during the period from January 2003 to December 2022. During this period, 24 cases of hepatic lipidosis were diagnosed in cats, representing 1.47% of the animals subjected to necropsy. Epidemiological findings revealed a sex predisposition, with females being more affected (17/24 [70.83%]). All animals were mixed-breed (SRD). The age of the animals ranged from 2 months to 16 years. The clinical signs described included anorexia, jaundice, apathy, vomiting, hyporexia, constipation, diarrhea, pale mucous membranes, weight loss, dehydration, and excessive salivation. Macroscopically, jaundice and a liver with diffuse yellowing, areas of pallor and/or redness, increased volume, rounded edges, evidence of lobular pattern, oily texture, and a consistency that ranged from soft to friable were observed. Microscopically, vacuolization in the hepatocyte cytoplasm was observed, which sometimes displaced the nucleus to the periphery. Hepatic lipidosis has a low prevalence in felines at LPA/HVU/UFCG; however, it is a severe disease that can significantly compromise the animal's health. It mainly affected females and mixed-breed (SRD) animals. The macroscopic appearance of the liver was indicative for the diagnosis. The microscopic characteristics of the lesions were crucial for confirming the disease, highlighting the crucial importance of accurate histopathological examination in the diagnostic process.