Liver
A cat’s liver rests against the diaphragm, next to the stomach in the abdominal cavity. The liver performs many necessary functions to prevent illness:
- filters and detoxifies blood coming from the intestinal tract and other parts of the body
- aids in fat and sugar metabolism
- production of bile (to be later stored in the gall bladder), proteins, and vitamins
Cats may develop inflammation, infections, and cancer in the liver. Symptoms of liver disease range from lethargy and vomiting to jaundice (yellow tint to the skin). Lab work and abdominal imaging (e.g.: x-rays, ultrasound) are useful diagnostic tools to diagnose liver disease.