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Treatment

If your cat is severely ill, it will need to be hospitalized so that it can be fed and hydrated intravenously, as well as medicated with drugs that will clear the body of the liver fluke parasite. For very ill cats, vitamin D will be administered through the intravenous fluid to promote recovery. Additional medications may also be prescribed. Antibiotics may be required for preventing opportunistic infections, prednisone can be given for lessening the severity of inflammation, and anthelmintic (drugs that kill parasitic worms) substances, such as praziquantel, can be given to kill the trematode spores, either intravenously, or by mouth if your cat is being treated on an outpatient basis.

Living and Management

Your veterinarian will want to examine your cat from time to time to check clinical signs such as liver enzymes and fecal sedimentation. You should also watch for signs such as loss of appetite, body condition and weight. In most patients that have been given appropriate treatment in time, before severe damage may have occurred to the liver or gallbladder, an uncomplicated recovery is expected.

Prevention

•  Restrict outdoor access
• Medication to prevent infestation may be required for outdoor cats every three months in endemic, tropical climates