Septicemic salmonellosis in two cats fed a raw-meat diet

Salmonella gastroenteritis and septicemia were diagnosed in two cats presented for necropsy. Both cats resided in the same household and were fed a home-prepared, raw meat-based diet. Salmonella was isolated from multiple organs in both cats and from samples of raw beef incorporated into the diet fed to one of the cats. Subtyping of the bacterial isolates yielded Salmonella newport from one cat and from the diet it had been fed. This report provides evidence that the practice of feeding raw meat-based diets to domestic cats may result in clinical salmonellosis.     

Evaluation of cats fed vegetarian diets and attitudes of their caregivers

OBJECTIVE: To determine motivation and feeding practices of people who feed their cats vegetarian diets as well as taurine and cobalamin status of cats consuming vegetarian diets. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 34 cats that had been exclusively fed a commercial or homemade vegetarian diet and 52 cats that had been fed a conventional diet for > or = 1 year. PROCEDURES: Participants were recruited through a Web site and from attendees of a national animal welfare conference. Caregivers of cats in both groups answered a telephone questionnaire regarding feeding practices for their cats. Blood was obtained from a subset of cats that had been fed vegetarian diets. Blood and plasma taurine and serum cobalamin concentrations were measured. RESULTS: People who fed vegetarian diets to their cats did so largely for ethical considerations and were more likely than people who fed conventional diets to believe that there are health benefits associated with a vegetarian diet and that conventional commercial cat foods are unwholesome. Both groups were aware of the potential health problems that could arise from improperly formulated vegetarian diets. All cats evaluated had serum cobalamin concentrations within reference range, and 14 of 17 had blood taurine concentrations within reference range. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vegetarian diets are fed to cats primarily for ethical considerations. Results of this study should aid practitioners in communicating with and providing advice to such clients.     

Potassium depletion in cats: hypokalemic polymyopathy

Generalized weakness of acute onset, apparent muscular pain, and persistent ventroflexion of the neck were observed in 6 cats. These clinical signs were associated with a low serum potassium concentration and high serum creatine kinase activity. Generalized electromyographic abnormalities, together with normal motor nerve conduction velocity determinations, were detected in all cats. Muscle biopsy specimens from 4 of 5 cats were not abnormal on light microscopic examination. Mild necrosis and infrequent macrophages were evident in a muscle biopsy specimen from one cat. Signs of polymyopathy resolved in all cats, and creatine kinase activities returned to the normal range after parenteral and oral administration of potassium. Polymyopathy and hypokalemia recurred in 3 cats in which dietary potassium supplementation was not maintained after initial recovery from hypokalemic polymyopathy.     

Increase in plasma lipid peroxide in cats fed a fish diet.

Plasma lipid peroxide levels were examined in cats. Plasma lipid peroxide levels in 3 of 4 clinical cases which had been fed raw fish were higher than those in normal cats. When healthy cats were put on a raw fish diet in controlled conditions, a remarkable increase in plasma lipid peroxide was observed. This increase occurred within 1 to 3 weeks in cats without obvious clinical disorders. We also showed that a continuous raw fish diet is necessary to cause the increase, but the increase was transient and restored in spite of a continuous raw fish diet, indicating the development of an unidentified antioxidant process. Our results clearly indicate that intake of foods high in polyunsaturated fatty acid can induce oxidative stress in cats.     

Taurine depletion and cardiovascular disease in adult cats fed a potassium-depleted acidified diet.

Although low plasma taurine concentrations have been associated with congestive cardiomyopathy in cats, the cause of taurine depletion in cats consuming adequate quantities of taurine is unknown. Taurine depletion and cardiovascular disease (cardiomyopathy and thromboembolism) developed unexpectedly in 3 of 6 healthy adult cats during a potassium-depletion study. Plasma taurine concentration decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) and rapidly over an 8-week period (from 98 to 36 nmol/ml) in 6 cats that consumed a potassium-deficient diet (0.20% potassium, dry matter basis) that was acidified with 0.8% ammonium chloride, despite containing dietary taurine concentrations (0.12% dry matter basis) in excess of amounts currently recommended. Taurine concentrations were significantly lower in cats fed the acidified diet than in 6 cats fed a potassium-deficient diet that was not acidified (36 nmol/ml vs 75 nmol/ml) after 8 weeks. In addition, plasma taurine concentrations did not decrease over a 6-month period in 8 cats that were fed a potassium-replete diet with acidifier. Plasma taurine concentrations were lowest in 3 cats that died of cardiovascular disease in the group receiving potassium-deficient, acidified diets. These data indicated an association between taurine and potassium balance in cats and suggested that development of taurine depletion and cardiovascular disease may be linked to concurrent potassium depletion.     

Influence of a vegetarian diet versus a diet with fishmeal on bone in growing pigs

This study was conducted to examine if substantial bone loss occurs in growing pigs fed a vegetarian diet in comparison with a diet containing fishmeal. Twelve 6-week-old weaned pigs were assigned to two groups: group V [vegetarian diet; 0.61% phosphorus (P) in dry matter until 25 kg and 0.46% P until the end of the experiment] and group F (fishmeal diet; 0.61% P in dry matter until 25 kg and 0.46% P until the end of the experiment). Phytase was added to both diets. These two diets were fed to the two groups for a period of 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected weekly, faeces were collected three times a week. Concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) and carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were measured in serum, using a radioimmunoassay, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bAP) was measured using an enzyme immunoassay. Bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) were determined by peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT) in the tibia and phalanx. In addition, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (VitD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured in serum. The digestibility of P was significantly decreased in group V. Significant changes in bAP activities and OC concentrations occurred with time during the 6 weeks. ICTP concentrations were significantly higher in group V. Total BMC and BMD in the tibia and BMD in the phalanx significantly decreased in group V. The results show that a vegetarian diet induces a significant loss of bone and a higher bone formation in group V compared with group F, although phytase was added to both diets. The dietary requirements for P in pigs, especially in the context of feeding vegetarian diets and adding an appropriate amount of phytase, should be investigated further.     

Efficacy and acceptability of the new oral phosphate binder Lenziaren® in healthy cats fed a renal diet

The efficacy and acceptability of the new oral phosphate binder Lenziaren^® (SBR759) were evaluated in healthy cats fed with a commercial diet containing low amounts of phosphate (‘renal diet’). Lenziaren^® at 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/day was compared to a reference product Lantharenol^® (3.0 g/day) and a placebo in a masked, randomized, parallel‐group design study in 36 cats (n = 6 per group). All products were mixed with the ration which was fed once daily for 28 days. Lenziaren^® produced significant dose‐related reductions in serum and urine phosphate concentrations, faecal apparent phosphorus digestibility and fractional urinary phosphate excretion. Cats administered Lenziaren^® consumed significantly less food than the placebo group, but this had no negative impact on body weight or acceptability assessments. When compared to the positive control, Lantharenol^®, Lenziaren^® was significantly more acceptable (0.125, 0.5 and 1.0 g/day doses), was associated with higher food consumption (0.125, 0.5 and 1.0 g/day doses) and had greater efficacy in reducing serum phosphate (0.5 and 1.0 g/day) and urine phosphate concentrations (1.0 g/day). In conclusion, Lenziaren^® was an effective oral phosphate binder in healthy cats fed with a renal diet. Lenziaren^® was well accepted and tolerated. Dosages of 0.25–1.0 g/cat per day are recommended for clinical testing.     

Comparative evaluation of net digestive and absorptive efficiency in dogs and cats fed a variety of contrasting diet types

Comparative net digestive and absorptive efficiency was assessed with adult Beagles and domestic cats by apparent digestibility assays. Eight foods were used comprising two canned dog foods; canned cat foods; two samples of semipurified diet; and single samples of experimental dry cat food and fresh mince. Apparent digestibility percentages of crude protein, fat, nitrogen-free extract (NFE) and gross energy were all significantly higher in dogs than cats. Mean values obtained for dogs were (per cent): crude protein 87; fat 92; NFE 70 and energy 89. Respective values for cats were 82, 76, 67 and 79. On average, dogs obtained 11 and 9 per cent more digestible energy and protein per unit food eaten than cats. Most digestibility characteristics of foods measured in cats were significantly correlated with those for dogs and regression equations are presented predicting digestibility in cats from dog data.     

Changes in lipoprotein composition in horses fed a fat-supplemented diet

This study was designed to compare the effects of a fat-supplemented diet versus a traditional diet on the lipoprotein (LP) content in horses. In the first of two trials, eight two-year old horses were fed a basal diet, in which 80% of the digestible energy was supplied as chopped alfalfa hay. One group of four horses (fat-supplemented group, FS) was fed the remaining 20% of the digestible energy as corn oil, while the other group of four horses (control) was fed rolled corn to complete their diet. Blood samples were collected at the start of the experiment and every 2.5 weeks thereafter for 10 weeks. Total serum lipids were measured in both groups of horses and the lipoproteins were fractionated into very low density LP (VLDL), low density LP (LDL), and high density LP (HDL) using ultracentrifugation and agarose-column chromatography. Each LP fraction was measured for protein, cholesterol (CH) and triglyceride TG) content. Total serum lipids were increased in the FS group above the control (9.16 vs. 4.65 mg/ml, week 5). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were elevated in the FS group, but were highly variable. Variations in lipid concentrations may have been due to variation in time of sampling during the day. In the second trial, four of the eight horses were used and divided into the same two groups; FS vs. control. After an initial sample, postprandial serial blood samples (1 hour intervals for 8 hours) were drawn at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Upon examination of the data, Hour 3 post-feeding was chosen to represent postprandial LP values. In both trials, the horses were able to adapt to the added dietary fat. Maintenance of body weight and increased speed of lipid clearance from the blood by the end of each trial in the FS group support this statement. In the FS group, there was an increase in VLDL TG concentration, but not in LDL. This indicates an increase in VLDL TG clearance from the circulation, presumably by increased lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity. Cholesterol concentrations were also increased in the FS horses in the LDL and HDL. The rise in cholesterol may be attributed to endogenous recycling of liver products such as bile salts, which aid in digestion and absorption and are cholesterol based. In addition, there were greater quantities of LDL and HOL produced in the FS horses as supported by the increased protein concentrations as well as larger peaks for the eluate from the gel filtration column.     

Nitrite poisoning in cats and dogs fed a commercial pet food

The death of three cats, from two separate households, was linked to toxic concentrations of sodium nitrite used as a preservative in a commercial pet food. Post-mortem examination of the three cats revealed a brownish discoloration of the blood suggestive of methaemoglobinaemia. Analysis of two samples of the pet food fed to the cats revealed a mean concentration of 2850 mg of total nitrite per kg of food (as fed). In a further incident, ataxia and weakness was noticed in two of four dogs after they were fed the same brand of pet food. One dog was successfully treated for methaemoglobinaemia with intravenous methylene blue.     

Nitrite poisoning in cats and dogs fed a commercial pet food

The death of three cats, from two separate households, was linked to toxic concentrations of sodium nitriterused as a preservative, in a commercial pet food. Post-mortem examination of the three cats revealed a brownish discoloration of the blood suggestive of methaemoglobinaemia. Analysis of two samples of the pet food fed to the cats revealed a mean concentration of 2850 mg of total nitrite per kg of food (as fed). In a further incident, ataxia and weakness was noticed in two of four dogs after they were fed the same brand of pet food. One dog was successfully treated for methaemoglobinaemia with intravenous methylene blue.     

Magnesium balance in adult cats fed a dry food rich in lactose

The question addressed was whether lactose consumption would stimulate apparent magnesium absorption in adult cats. In a cross-over study, eight cats were fed dry diets without or with 10% lactose, which was added at the expense of the glucose component. Urine and faeces were quantitatively collected and the balance of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus was determined. Lactose feeding did not affect mineral absorption. The dry matter content of faeces was unchanged after lactose consumption. Urinary excretion of galactose represented 0.2% of the intake. It is concluded that lactose ingestion at a level of 1.2 g/kg body weight has no effect on mineral absorption and on the consistency of faeces in adult cats.     

Influence of phytase added to a vegetarian diet on bone metabolism in pregnant and lactating sows

The purpose of the study was to find out if the supplementation of phytase to a diet of gestating and lactating sows has any effects on performance and bone parameters of the animals. Forty primiparous gilts were assigned into four groups: group A with phytase [4.2 g total phosphorus (P)/kg (gestation) and 4.5 g total P/kg (lactation)], group B without phytase (with phytase supplementation in diet for rearing) and same P content as group A, group C without phytase and higher P contents [5.0 g total P/kg (gestation) and 5.5 g total P/kg (lactation)] and group D with the same diet as group B (no phytase during the rearing). A 6-phytase was used in this trial (750 FTU/kg diet). The four diets were fed during gestation and lactation. Faeces were collected to determine apparent digestibility of minerals. Blood samples were taken to analyse minerals and bone markers. After weaning the sows were slaughtered and the bones of one hind leg were prepared to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the tibia. Bone ash and mineral content of the phalanx III were determined. Mean P concentrations in serum decreased during gestation and lactation. But there were no significant differences between the groups. Bone formation marker bone-specific alkaline phosphatase decreased at the beginning of lactation whereas bone resorption marker serum crosslaps increased. The BMD and BMC of the tibia were slightly higher in the groups fed higher concentrations of P and phytase. The ash and mineral contents of the phalanx were the highest for the group fed the highest concentration of P. The apparent digestibility of P increased during gestation mostly in group A (57%--> 69%). In conclusion, high P content and addition of phytase to the diet induced a slightly higher ash content of the bones. It is of high importance, that sows during gestation absorb enough P, to avoid lamenesses and sudden fractures. As not many studies with phytase have been performed during gestation and lactation in sows yet, we can recommend, that phytase as supplement can be used to keep P in the diet at a lower level without negative consequences for bone health.     

Thiamine status of feedlot cattle fed a high-concentrate diet

As thiamine status of ruminants is adversely affected by rumen acidity, this study investigated whether or not thiamine deficiency occurs in feedlot cattle fed a high concentrate diet. Fifty 1- to 2-year-old feedlot cattle fed a high concentrate diet (75% barley) for at least 3 mo (high concentrate diet group) and 15 healthy feedlot cattle of similar ages (control group) that were fed a low concentrate diet (30% barley) were used. Rumen fluid samples were obtained by rumenocentesis and their pH was determined with a portable pH meter. Blood samples taken from all animals from a jugular vein were used to determine erythrocyte transketolase enzyme activity, and hence thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) effect. Odor and mean pH values of ruminal fluid samples from the high concentrate diet and control group were acidic (pH 5.3) and aromatic (pH 6.1), respectively. The mean TPP effect % in the high concentrate diet group (47.2 ± 3.2) was significantly higher than in the control group (19.53 ± 2.5) (P < 0.001). The study provides evidence of a TPP effect in feedlot cattle fed a high concentrate diet.     

Doxycycline plasma concentrations in macaws fed a medicate corn diet.

A trial was conducted to determine the doxycycline plasma concentrations attained by feeding a medicated corn diet to large psittacine birds. Doxycycline is the preferred drug for the treatment of chlamydiosis in psittacine birds. Healthy macaws were fed a 0.1% doxycycline-medicated corn diet for 45 days, and plasma doxycycline concentrations were determined by microbiological assay on treatment days 3, 15, 30, and 45. Plasma doxycycline concentrations exceeded 1 microgram/ml in 87% of the samples assayed. As blood concentrations of 1 microgram/ml are considered therapeutic, a doxycycline-medicated corn diet may be efficacious in the treatment of chlamydiosis in large psittacine birds.