By: Dr. Bari Spielman Read By: Pet Lovers Cholangiohepatitis is
an inflammation of the biliary structures (the system that
carries bile) and the surrounding liver tissue. In the cat it
occurs in several forms, including suppurative
cholangiohepatitis, nonsuppurative cholangiohepatitis, and
biliary cirrhosis. In the suppurative form of the disease, white
blood cells called neutrophils are commonly seen in biopsies. In
the nonsuppurative form of the disease, white blood cells called
lymphocytes and plasma cells are most commonly seen on biopsy.
With cirrhosis, extensive scarring is found in both the biliary
system and the liver. Ascending bacterial infection from the
intestinal tract, which may be associated with other diseases
such as bacterial and parasite infections and pancreatitis. This
is a syndrome seen primarily in cats and infrequently in dogs.
All breeds of cats can be affected, although the incidence is
greater in the Himalayan, Persian, and Siamese cat.
Cholangiohepatitis usually occurs in middle-ag