Evaluation of Serum Homocysteine and High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponins in Cats with Hepatic Lipidosis: An Observational Clinical Study

Feline hepatic lipidosis (FHL) is a life-threatening, common hepatobiliary disease characterized by massive triglyceride accumulation in the liver, often triggered by anorexia and negative energy balance in cats. This condition causes severe metabolic stress that may secondarily impact myocardial integrity. This observational clinical study evaluated serum homocysteine (Hcy) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponins (hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT) to assess secondary myocardial injury and their prognostic value in FHL. Fifty cats, comprising 30 with naturally occurring FHL and 20 healthy controls, were included. Serum Hcy, hs-cTnI, and hs-cTnT concentrations were measured using feline-specific ELISA kits, and routine biochemical parameters, alongside hospitalization times, were recorded. Results indicated that Hcy, total bilirubin, and liver enzymes were significantly elevated in the FHL group compared to controls (p < 0.001). However, hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT levels did not differ significantly between the groups. Notably, Hcy exhibited a strong positive correlation with hospitalization time (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). The absence of significant hs-cTn elevations suggests the feline myocardium remains largely resistant to acute necrosis during FHL. Nevertheless, relative hyperhomocysteinemia is a powerful prognostic biomarker for prolonged hospitalization in affected cats.