Retrospective comparison of prednisolone and ursodeoxycholic acid for the treatment of feline lymphocytic cholangitis

Abstract

Abstract A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the effect of treatment with prednisolone or ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on the survival times of 26 cats with lymphocytic cholangitis, and to determine prognostic factors. Most affected cats were males (76.9%, P = 0.006) and a breed predisposition for the Norwegian Forest Cat was demonstrated (P = 0.021). Clinical signs included weight loss, icterus, anorexia, vomiting, and listlessness. Blood analyses revealed elevated hepatic enzymes, bile acids and hypergammaglobulinaemia. Breed, sex, and therapeutic regimen were significantly associated with survival times. Prednisolone treatment resulted in a statistically longer survival time compared to UDCA. Keywords Cat; Hepatobiliary disease; Lymphocytic cholangitis; Prednisolone; Ursodeoxycholic acid