Hepatic lipidosis
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Hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease, liver steatosis, or hepatic steatosis, is characterized by the excess accumulation of fat in the liver. It is usually the end-point of untreated gastrointestinal stasis.[1]:312 Once hepatic lipidosis is established, fatty infiltration of the kidneys occurs and the rabbit goes into liver and kidney failure.[1]:314
Causes
Hepatic lipidosis occurs most readily in obese rabbits because they have already accumulated triglycerides in the hepatocytes and in rabbits fed a high-fat diet.[1]:313 Any rabbit that causes prolonged anorexia can result in fatty infiltration of the liver.[1]:313 Pregnant and lactating rabbits also have an increased risk of developing hepatic lipidosis.[1]:314
Treatment
Hepatic lipidosis can be prevented in anorexic rabbits by maintaining a positive energy balance with nutritional support and prompt treatment.
Further reading
- House Rabbit Society. (2013). Liver (Hepatic) Disease in Rabbits
- MediRabbit.com. (n.d.). Case report: hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) in a rabbit
- Wildpro. (n.d.). Hepatic Lipidosis in Rabbits