The Carnivore Connection to Nutrition in Cats

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Carnivore Connection to Nutrition in Cats 1202ttn.qxd 11/6/2002 11:13 AM Page 1559 Timely Topics in Nutrition The carnivore connection to nutrition in cats Debra L. Zoran, DVM, PhD, DACVIM The JAVMA welcomes contributions to this feature. nutritional biochemistry of cats. In addition, informa- Articles submitted for publication will be fully reviewed tion is included on possible roles of nutrition in the with the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) development of obesity, idiopathic hepatic lipidosis acting in an advisory capacity to the editors. Inquiries (IHL), inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes melli- should be sent to Dr. John E. Bauer, Department of Small tus in cats. Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX Protein 77843-4474. The natural diet of cats in the wild is a meat-based regimen (eg, rodents, birds) that contains little CHO; n another time long ago, Leonardo da Vinci said, thus, cats are metabolically adapted to preferentially I“The smallest feline is a masterpiece.”1 And for those use protein and fat as energy sources (Appendix 1). of us who marvel at the wonder that is a cat, there is no This evolutionary difference in energy metabolism doubt that his statement was remarkable for its sim- mandates cats to use protein for maintenance of blood glucose concentrations even when sources of protein plicity as well as its truth. Cats are amazing creatures, 2 unique and interesting in almost every way imaginable. in the diet are limiting. The substantial difference in Despite this, it has been common for veterinarians to protein requirements between cats and omnivores, consider cats and dogs as similar beings for anesthesia such as dogs, serves to illustrate this important meta- protocols, clinical diseases, and treatments. However, it bolic distinction. For example, whereas the protein is quite clear that cats are unique in all conceivable requirement of kittens is 1.5 times that of the young of other species, adult cats require 2 to 3 times more pro- ways, particularly in their nutritional biochemistry. 2,4 Cats are strict carnivores that rely on nutrients in ani- tein in their diet than adults of omnivorous species. mal tissues to meet their specific and unique nutrition- The fact that cats have such a greater dietary protein al requirements. This statement is news to few, yet the requirement, compared to dogs, necessitates that cats importance of these nutritional differences is often must have a higher basal requirement for nitrogen underestimated, especially during periods when cats (protein) or an increased requirement for essential are ill or have prolonged anorexia. In their natural amino acids. In the case of adult cats, the increased habitat, cats consume prey high in protein with mod- protein requirement is attributable to both; however, the requirement for essential amino acids in kittens is erate amounts of fat and minimal amounts of carbohy- 5 drate (CHO); thus, they are metabolically adapted for similar to that of the young of other species, so a high- higher metabolism of proteins and lower utilization of er basal requirement for nitrogen is suggested to play CHOs (starch, not soluble or insoluble fiber) than dogs the largest role in kittens. or other omnivores. Although cats can use CHOs as a Several possible reasons exist for the increased source of metabolic energy, they have limited ability to need for protein, but the fact that cats depend on pro- spare protein utilization by using CHOs instead. tein for energy as well as structural and synthetic pur- Nevertheless, commercial diets are formulated with a poses is a major component. When fed a low-protein mixture of animal- and plant-derived nutrients, most diet, most omnivores conserve amino acids by reduc- commonly in dry kibble form that requires CHOs for ing the activities of aminotransferases and other enzymes involved in protein catabolism.6,7 However, in the expansion and cooking process, to provide easy-to- 8 use food for domestic cats. And although cats have a classic study, cats were fed diets low (170 g/kg [77 adjusted to most manufactured diets, the limitations of g/lb] of body weight) and high (700 g/kg [318 g/lb] of substituting animal-origin nutrients with plant-origin body weight) in protein to determine whether they nutrients in foods formulated for cats are being responded to low-protein conditions in a manner sim- increasingly realized. ilar to that of omnivorous species. Regardless of The information reported here is an attempt to whether cats were fed low or high amounts of dietary protein, there was little adaptation in the activities of describe what it means metabolically and nutritionally 8 to be a strict carnivore, with a focus on differences in the aminotransferases or urea cycle enzymes. In another study,9 it was suggested that cats have a limit- From the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, ed ability to adjust protein utilization to the amount of College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College protein in their diets; however, the primary finding in Station, TX 77843-4474. that study was that protein oxidation increased in cats JAVMA, Vol 221, No. 11, December 1, 2002 Vet Med Today: Timely Topics in Nutrition 1559 1202ttn.qxd 11/6/2002 11:13 AM Page 1560 fed high-protein diets. Protein oxidation did not taurine in healthy cats is > 300 nmol/mL, with con- decrease in cats fed diets with moderate amounts of centrations < 160 nmol/mL consistent with deficiency.2 protein (low-protein diets were not evaluated).9 Arginine is an essential amino acid in dogs and Nevertheless, those studies document that cats contin- cats; however, in contrast to dogs, cats are unable to ue to use protein (eg, dispensable nitrogen in the form synthesize sufficient amounts of ornithine or citrulline of gluconeogenic amino acids) for production of ener- for conversion to arginine. Thus, it must be available in gy and in other metabolic pathways (eg, urea cycle), their diet.13,14 In addition, cats continually use large even in the face of low availability of proteins. These amounts of arginine in the urea cycle, because this increased protein requirements are an important rea- cycle is not down-regulated in cats during periods son why protein malnutrition can occur more quickly when food is withheld or in cats consuming low-pro- in sick, injured, or anorectic cats. tein diets.4,7 Cats and kittens fed a diet devoid of argi- In addition to their increased need for dispensable nine have clinical signs of hyperammonemia (eg, sali- protein, cats also have need for increased amounts of vation, neurologic abnormalities, hyperesthesia, eme- specific amino acids in their diet: taurine, arginine, sis, tetany, and coma) within hours, and the condition methionine, and cysteine.2 These specific amino acid may progress to death.13,14 Fortunately, arginine and cit- requirements of cats have likely been determined on rulline are abundant in animal tissues; thus, arginine the basis that their natural diet contains an abundance deficiency is rare in cats consuming appropriate foods. of each of these specific amino acids (in addition to 11 However, arginine supplementation must be used to essential amino acids; Appendix 2). The likely reason avoid a deficiency in cats fed diets with plant-origin that synthetic pathways for these amino acids, which protein sources. Arginine supplements should also be are found in omnivorous species, are not found in cats considered in anorectic cats with IHL, because a defi- is that they are redundant and, thus, energy inefficient. ciency of arginine may be responsible for some of the Furthermore, even though cats do not have the ability clinical signs observed in cats with this disease. The to synthesize these amino acids, the amino acids are dose of arginine that will benefit cats with IHL is not conserved. In fact, utilization of these amino acids unknown, but 250 mg of arginine/d is recommended. (taurine, arginine, methionine, and cysteine) is higher Cats also have a higher requirement for methio- in cats than in dogs or other animals. nine and cysteine in their diet than dogs or other omni- Taurine is a sulfur-containing β amino acid that is vores.2,15 Although there are numerous explanations for not incorporated into proteins or degraded by mam- this increased requirement, 1 major reason is that malian tissues; however, it is essential for vision, car- methionine and cysteine are gluconeogenic amino diac muscle function, and proper function of the ner- acids in cats that are catabolized to pyruvate and then vous, reproductive, and immune systems.2 Taurine is subsequently oxidized to provide energy (Appendix 2). essential in cats because they cannot synthesize ade- In dogs and other animals, methionine and cysteine quate quantities from the typical precursors (ie, have many uses but are primarily converted to taurine, methionine or cysteine). Enzymes required for synthe- homocysteine, and S-adenosyl-methionine and its sis of taurine (eg, cysteine dioxygenase and cysteine metabolites (eg, glutathione), which are important sulfinic acid decarboxylase) are only minimally active antioxidants and scavengers of free radicals in cats.10 Furthermore, cats have a constant and obli- (Fig 1).2,4,16,17 In addition to the aforementioned path- gate loss of taurine into bile, because they conjugate ways, the requirement for cysteine is high in cats for bile acids only with taurine.10 Complicating matters, production of hair and felinine, a sulfur-containing the requirement
Recommended publications
  • The Yellow Cat: Diagnostic & Therapeutic Strategies
    Peer Reviewed THE YELLOW CAT: DIAGNOSTIC & THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES The Yellow Cat: Diagnostic & Therapeutic Strategies Craig B. Webb, PhD, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine) Colorado State University There is no mystery when it comes to a “yellow” cat. Icterus and jaundice—both of which describe a yellowish pigmentation of the skin—indicate hyperbilirubinemia, a 5- to 10-fold elevation in serum bilirubin concentration. However, this is where the certainty ends and the diagnostic challenge begins. The icteric cat presentation is not a sensitive or specific marker of disease, despite the visually obvious and impressive clinical sign (Figure 1).1 The objective of this article is to briefly review differentials for hyperbilirubinemia in the cat, and present a diagnostic and therapeutic strategy that will help practitioners approach this problem in an efficient and effective manner. FIGURE 1. Icteric pinna of a cat in the critical HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA: ORGANIZATION care isolation unit; prehepatic hemolysis BY LOCATION and anemia are a result of Cytauxzoon felis infection. Hyperbilirubinemia The differentials for hyperbilirubinemia should be results when organized by location: prehepatic, hepatic, and serum bilirubin posthepatic. While, in cats, it is common to find Hepatic Disease concentrations concurrent disease processes, starting from this A significant decrease, or loss, of hepatocellular reach 2 to 3 mg/dL foundation is the first step toward an effective and function effects bilirubin metabolism, and (35–50 mcmol/L). efficient diagnostic workup of icteric cats. frequently results in intrahepatic cholestasis (Table 1, page 40). Unconjugated bilirubin from damaged Prehepatic Disease hepatocytes is present, although the majority of Hemolysis releases hemoglobin, which is then bilirubin that appears in the cat’s circulation is metabolized through biliverdin to bilirubin in the conjugated, having completed the metabolic step liver.
    [Show full text]
  • Feline Obesity: Food Toys and Owner-Perceived Quality of Life During a Prescribed Weight Loss Plan
    Feline Obesity: Food Toys and Owner-Perceived Quality of Life During a Prescribed Weight Loss Plan Lauren Elizabeth Dodd Thesis submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science In Biomedical Veterinary Sciences Megan Shepherd, Chair Sherrie Clark Nick Dervisis Kathy Hosig May 16, 2019 Blacksburg, VA Keywords: Feline, Obesity, Weight loss Copyright © Lauren Dodd Use or inclusion of any portion of this document in another work intended for commercial use will require permission from the copyright owner. ACADEMIC ABSTRACT The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the feline population is estimated to be 25.7% and 33.8%, respectively. Feline obesity is associated with comorbidities such as insulin resistance and hepatic lipidosis. Several risk factors are associated with obesity including middle age, neuter status, decreased activity, and diet. Obesity management is multifaceted and includes client education, diet modification, and consistent monitoring. Successful obesity management may be dependent on owner perception of their cat’s quality of life during a prescribed weight loss plan. Low perceived quality of life may result in failure to complete the weight loss process. Food toys may be used to enhance environmental enrichment, allow cats to express their natural predatory behavior and overall improve owner-perceived quality of life. Therefore, we set out to investigate the role of food toys in owner-perceived quality of life of obese cats during a prescribed weight loss plan. Fifty-five cats with a BCS > 7 were enrolled in a double-blinded weight loss study and randomized into one of two groups: food toy (n=26) or food bowl (n=29).
    [Show full text]
  • Anzcvs Science Week 2018
    ANZCVS SCIENCE WEEK 2018 Small Animal Medicine proceedings in collaboration with Feline Medicine, Radiology and Pharmacology Chapters With thanks to Hills Pet Nutrition for their ongoing support of the Small Animal Medicine Chapter Science Week Program 2018 ANZCVS Science Week Contents Stem cell therapy in cats: what’s the evidence? Keshuan Chow ………………………..…...4 Treatment guidelines for respiratory tract infections in the cat. Jane Sykes……………….....7 Diagnostic approach to fever in cats. Jane Sykes………………………………………….....9 Funny feline syndromes: the oddities of the cat. Katherine Briscoe………………………...11 Feline nutrition: a clinician’s perspective. Sue Foster………………………………………16 Hepatic CT including portosystemic shunt assessment. Chris Ober………………………..25 Thoracic CT imaging. Chris Ober………………………………………………………….28 Imaging in Oncology. Chris Ober…………………………………………………………...31 Personal infection control practices. Angela Willemsen…………………………………….35 Brucella Suis seroprevalence. Cathy Kneipp………………………………………………..35 Feline listeriosis. .Tommy Fluen……………………………………………………………..36 2 2018 ANZCVS Science Week Macronutrient intake and behaviour in cats. Sophia Little………………………………………36 Body condition and morbidity, survival and lifespan in cats. Kendy Teng………………….37 DGGR lipase concentrations and hyperadrenocorticsm. Amy Collings……………………..37 Canine mast cell tumours. Benjamin Reynolds ……………………………………………..38 Effect of melatonin on cyclicity and lactation in queens. Mark Vardanega………………...38 Lower motor neuron paresis in dogs. Melissa Robinson…………………………………….39 Management
    [Show full text]
  • Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
    Log in / create account article discussion edit this page history Feline lower urinary tract disease From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term that is used to cover many problems of the feline urinary tract, including stones and cystitis. The term feline urologic syndrome (FUS) is an older term which is still sometimes used for this condition. The condition can lead to plugged­ navigation penis syndrome also known as blocked cat syndrome. It is a common disease in adult cats, though it can strike in young cats too. It may Main page present as any of a variety of urinary tract problems, and can lead to a complete blockage of the urinary system, which if left untreated is fatal. Contents FLUTD is not a specific diagnosis in and of itself, rather, it represents an array of problems within one body system. Featured content Current events FLUTD affects cats of both sexes, but tends to be more dangerous in males because they are more susceptible to blockages due to their longer, Random article narrower urethrae. Urinary tract disorders have a high rate of recurrence, and some cats seem to be more susceptible to urinary problems than others. search Contents 1 Symptoms Go Search 2 Causes interaction 3 Treatment About Wikipedia 4 Further reading Community portal 5 External links Recent changes Contact Wikipedia Symptoms [edit] Donate to Wikipedia Help Symptoms of the disease include prolonged squatting and straining during attempts to urinate, frequent trips to the litterbox or a reluctance to leave toolbox the area, small amounts of urine voided in each attempt, blood in the urine, howling, crying, or other vocalizations.
    [Show full text]
  • Cat Flea from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
    Log in / create account article discussion edit this page history Cat flea From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is one of the most abundant and widespread fleas in the world. Cat flea Contents navigation Main page 1 Overview Contents 2 Life cycle Featured content 3 Effects on the hosts Current events 4 Disease transmission Random article 5 References search 6 External links 6.1 Flea Treatment Scientific classification Go Search Overview [edit] Domain: Eukaryota interaction The cat flea's primary host is the domestic cat, but this is also the primary flea infesting dogs in most of the Kingdom: Animalia About Wikipedia world. The cat flea can also maintain its life cycle on other carnivores and on the Virginia opossum. Rabbits, Phylum: Arthropoda Community portal rodents, ruminants and humans can be infested or bitten, but a population of cat fleas cannot be sustained by Recent changes Class: Insecta [citation needed] Contact Wikipedia these aberrant hosts. Order: Siphonaptera Donate to Wikipedia Help Life cycle [edit] Family: Pulicidae Genus: Ctenocephalides toolbox The female cat flea lays her eggs on the host, but the eggs, once dry, What links here have evolved to filter out of the haircoat of the host into the resting and Species: C. felis Related changes sheltering area of the host. Upload file Binomial name Special pages Ctenocephalides felis Printable version (Bouché, 1835) Permanent link Cite this page The eggs hatch into larvae, which are negatively phototaxic, meaning that languages Photo showing some they hide from light in the substrate. Flea larvae feed on a variety of organic characteristics used to identify from Deutsch substances, but most importantly subsist on dried blood that is filtered out other fleas, including genal comb Français of the haircoat of the host after it is deposited there as adult flea fecal Nederlands material.
    [Show full text]
  • 2010 CVMA Convention: Scientific Presentations
    nd 62conventionCVMA CLINICTitle T ofrac SectionK TEAM Best Medicine Practices – Timely Topics A Successful Career, A Balanced Life L A M PANION ANI PANION Lessons from the Recession M Karen E. Felsted, CPA, MS, DVM, CVPM CO The recession has made it clear to owners and managers of In May, 2009 the QuickPoll focused on veterinary practices in the US that an increased focus on good clients. The NCVEI asked: Has your business practices is critical for increased financial success. Data practice seen a change in the payment INE from the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues options used by clients in the last six indicated total revenue growth of about 4% in US companion animal EQU practices from 2007 to 2008 and flat growth from 2008 to 2009. months? Users responded as follows: (These are average figures—about 1/3 of the practices did not • No 26% do as well as this and another 1/3 did better—there was a wide range of performance.) To put this in perspective, the average • Yes, more pet insurance used 1% growth rate had ranged from 11-13% for several years prior to • Yes, more medical payment plans used 12% 2007. Transactions were down, on average, by 1% from 2007 to 2008 but an increase in the average transaction charge of about • Yes, more A/R or held checks 27% 5% bolstered revenue growth. A similar pattern was seen in 2009. It is clear that practices are going to have to work much harder • One or more of the above 34% ovine B than before to maintain revenue growth and improve profitability.
    [Show full text]
  • Feline Health Topics for Veterinarians
    Feline Health Topics for veterinarians Winter 1990 Volume 5, Number 1 Feline Bronchial Diseases Bronchial diseases are characterized by airway more completely. Diagnosis is complicated further obstruction and increased airway restriction. The because more than one disease can be present in a basic anatomy of the cat’s respiratory system may patient (i.e. bronchitis and asthma). actually make it more susceptible to bronchial diseases than other animal species. Those anatomical Coughing and dyspnea are typical hallmarks of differences include an increased number of bronchial diseases, however these signs can indicate seromucous bronchial glands (especially in older other conditions (see Table 2). When cats with all cats) and a thick bronchial wall which is capable of forms of bronchial disease are grouped together and increasing the constriction of the bronchial lumen. compared to a control group, cats most predisposed to bronchial diseases are middle-aged cats (2 to 8 Feline bronchial diseases have previously been years old), female cats and Siamese. In the 65 cases grouped together and frequently called felin e studied at Cornell, the signs noted by owners were: bronchial asthma or chronic bronchitis. Based on a coughing (88%), dyspnea (39%), wheezing (20%), Cornell study, feline bronchial diseases are not all the sneezing (23%), and vomiting (15%). Duration of same and should be subclassified. A proposed the disease is variable. A seasonal incidence was not classification is presented in Table 1. However, more substantiated statistically. clinical and diagnostic studies are required to develop specific criteria to describe feline bronchial diseases Diagnosis Patient History: Inside this issue.. Complete and accurate patient history is a useful aid in diagnosis.
    [Show full text]
  • Feline Medicine
    FELINE MEDICINE REVIEW & TEST Content Strategist: Robert Edwards Content Development Specialists: Clive Hewat, Veronika Watkins Project Manager: Sukanthi Sukumar Designer: Miles Hitchen Illustration Manager: Amy Naylor FELINE MEDICINE REVIEW & TEST Edited by Samantha Taylor BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS European Veterinary Specialist in Internal Medicine RCVS Recognized Specialist in Feline Medicine Distance Education Coordinator International Cat Care Tisbury UK Andrea Harvey BVSc DSAM(Feline) DipECVIM-CA MRCVS MANZCVS(Associate) Registered Feline Specialist (NSW) RCVS Recognized Specialist in Feline Medicine Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) Sydney, NSW Australia Edinburgh London New York Oxford Philadelphia St Louis Sydney Toronto 2015 © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Details on how to seek permission, further infor- mation about the Publisher’s permissions policies and our arrangements with organizations such as the Copyright Clearance Center and the Copyright Licensing Agency, can be found at our website: www.elsevier.com/permissions. This book and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the Pub- lisher (other than as may be noted herein). ISBN: 978-0-7020-4587-5 British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress Notices Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing.
    [Show full text]
  • Information Resources on the Care and Welfare of Cats
    NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY ARCHIVED FILE Archived files are provided for reference purposes only. This file was current when produced, but is no longer maintained and may now be outdated. Content may not appear in full or in its original format. All links external to the document have been deactivated. For additional information, see http://pubs.nal.usda.gov. United States Department of Agriculture Information Resources on the Agricultural Research Service National Agricultural Care and Library Animal Welfare Information Center Welfare of Cats April 2007 AWIC Resource Series No. 39 ANIMAL WELFARE INFORMATION CENTER Information Resources on the Care and Welfare of Cats Compiled by Daniel Scholfield, B.S. Kristina M. Adams, M.S. Produced by Animal Welfare Information Center US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service National Agricultural Library 10301 Baltimore Avenue • Room 410 Beltsville, Maryland 20705 Phone 301.504.6212 • Fax 301.504.7125 E-mail [email protected] Table of Contents Introduction................................................................................ 1 Alternatives................................................................................ 2 Anesthesia & Analgesia .......................................................... 58 Behavior & Welfare ............................................................... 100 Diabetes ................................................................................ 110 Housing ................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Hepatic Diseases in Canine and Feline: a Review Kassahun A
    ISSN 2475-1286 VETERINARY MEDICINE Open Journal PUBLISHERS Review Hepatic Diseases in Canine and Feline: A Review Kassahun A. Negasee, DVM, MSc* Department of Animal Health, Awi Zone Livestock Office, Amhara Region, Ethiopia *Corresponding author Kassahun A. Negasee, DVM, MSc Specialist in Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Health, Awi Zone Livestock Office, Amhara Region, Ethiopia; E-mail: [email protected] Article information Received: January 28th, 2021; Revised: March 3rd, 2021; Accepted: March 18th, 2021; Published: March 31st, 2021 Cite this article Negasee KA. Hepatic diseases in canine and feline: A review. Vet Med Open J. 2021; 6(1): 22-31. doi: 10.17140/VMOJ-6-155 ABSTRACT Dogs and cats are belonging to canine and feline family respectively. The liver is the largest gland in the body and is located in the cranial abdomen between 3rd and 4th ribs in dogs and cats. This review is mainly focused on: to understand the anatomy and physiology of liver, the liver diseases pathophysiology, to diagnose the liver diseases, managemental and ameliorative methods of liver diseases. The dual blood supply to the liver is hepatic artery and portal vein. The function of liver includes the regula- tion of digestion and metabolism, the synthesis of hormones and proteins, immune response and filtering of toxins from the blood stream. Any problem that affects the liver is liver disease. Inflammation of liver is hepatitis. Hepatitis caused by infectious, non-infectious, auto-immune and reactive. It can be acute and chronic. The most encountered liver diseases in dogs and cats are hepticlipidosis, cholangiohepatitis, portosystemicshunt, cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis, cholecystitis, pneumobilia and hepatic neoplsia.
    [Show full text]
  • Feline Health Topics for Veterinarians
    Feline Health Topics for veterinarians Winter 1991 Volume 6, Number 1 Anemia in Cats (Part II) Julia T. Blue, D.V.M., Ph.D. Editor’s Note: This segment of the two-part series rare complication in hyperthyroid cats treated with discusses hemolytic and complex anemias in the cat. propylthiouracil (PTU). Severe anemia and thrombocytopenia have been seen in less than 10% of Hemolytic Anemias cats treated with PTU. Most affected cats recover if Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Spontaneously the drug is stopped and they are treated with supportive occurring autoimmune hemolytic anemia is much and immunosuppressive therapy. more rare in cats than in dogs. Some cases thought to Neonatal Isoerythrolysis. Blood type A kittens be autoimmune hemolytic anemia are probably bom to type B queens can die of acute intravascular hemobartonellosis. Moderate to severe anemia with hemolytic anemia caused by anti-A alloantibodies reticulocytosis and a positive Coombs’ test are ingested in colostrum. Sensitization of the queen by indicative of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The previous pregnancy or transfusion is not necessary mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is high in many for the disease to occur. cases. Because autoimmune hemolytic anemia can be secondary to other infectious or neoplastic diseases, Heinz Body Hemolytic Anemia. Oxidant agents and can be a component of systemic immune mediated affect erythrocytes in several ways. The clinical disease (i.e. systemic lupus erythrematosis), thorough manifestation of oxidant injury depends on the degree examination of the cat is recommended. and nature of the changes. Oxidation of the iron of hemoglobin— normally in the ferrous state— to ferric Drug-induced Immune Mediated Hemolytic iron produces methemoglobin, which is not capable Anemia.
    [Show full text]
  • Hepatic Lipidosis (Accumulation of Fats and Lipids in the Liver)
    HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS (ACCUMULATION OF FATS AND LIPIDS IN THE LIVER) BASICS OVERVIEW Disease in which fats and lipids (compounds that contain fats or oils) accumulate in the liver (condition known as “hepatic lipidosis”) Possible complication of lack of appetite (known as “anorexia”) in obese cats Feline hepatic lipidosis—more than 50% of liver cells (known as “hepatocytes”) accumulate triglycerides, results in severe decrease or stoppage of the flow of bile (known as “cholestasis”) and liver dysfunction in the cat Usually secondary to another underlying disease process or simply lack of food intake (such as a cat accidentally being locked in basement) The liver is the largest gland in the body; it has many functions, including production of bile (a fluid substance involved in digestion of fats); production of albumin (a protein in the plasma of the blood); and detoxification of drugs and other chemicals (such as ammonia) in the body Bile ducts begin within the liver itself as tiny channels to transport bile—the ducts join together to form larger bile ducts and finally enter the extrahepatic or common bile duct, which empties into the upper small intestine; the system of bile ducts is known as the “biliary tree” SIGNALMENT/DESCRIPTION of ANIMAL Species Cats primarily affected Dogs rarely affected (puppies, especially with storage disease as in the Maltese; “storage disease” is an inherited metabolic disease in which harmful levels of materials accumulate in the body’s cells and tissues) Breed Predilection None Mean Age and Range
    [Show full text]