Dilated cardiomyopathy in cats: survey of veterinary cardiologists and retrospective evaluation of a possible association with diet

Introduction/objectivesThe objectives were to conduct a survey of cardiologists on their recent experiences with cats that have dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and to retrospectively review individual cases of feline DCM.Animals, materials and methodsPart one: A survey was distributed to cardiologists with questions regarding caseload and clinical management of cats with DCM diagnosed over the past two years. Part two: Cardiologists completing the survey were invited to submit data from cats recently diagnosed with DCM. Data on signalment, clinical signs, diet, echocardiographic measurements and outcome were recorded.ResultsPart one: From 52 completed surveys, many cardiologists responded that measuring and supplementing taurine and recommending a diet change in cats with DCM are common practices. Few (15%) cardiologists reported an increase in the number of feline DCM cases over the past two years, although some had cases that improved even if taurine deficiency was not present. Part two: Twenty of 37 (54%) cats ate low pea/lentil (low PL) diets, and 14/37 (38%) ate high PL diets at the time of diagnosis; three had incomplete diet information. Two of 13 cats (15%) in which taurine was measured had levels below the reference range. After adjusting for other variables, cats eating high PL diets that changed diets after diagnosis had a significantly longer survival time than that of cats eating high PL diets that did not change diets after diagnosis (P = 0.025).ConclusionsAdditional research is warranted to determine whether there could be a possible association between diet and DCM in cats.     

不同营养添加剂对热应激异育银鲫血液生化指标的影响

为探讨VC、VE和小肽对鱼类抗热应激能力的影响及营养调控作用。本研究选择体重(100±3)g的异育银鲫150尾,随机分成5组,即Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组。Ⅰ为对照组,饲喂基础日粮,Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ和Ⅴ组为试验组,分别饲喂在基础日粮中添加VC制剂100mg/kg、VE制剂100mg/kg、VC制剂100mg/kg VE制剂100mg/kg和1%小肽(替代基础日粮中等量鱼粉)的日粮。常温(25℃)下饲养42d后,将鱼在31℃水中应激24h,随机抽取应激前后3尾鱼血样,测定应激前后血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、乙酰胆碱脂酶(TchE)、谷草转氨酶(GOT)活性。结果表明:在常温养殖条件下,VE组血清TchE活性显著降低(P<0.05),GOT活性显著升高(P<0.05),其他各组鱼血清3种酶活性与对照组相比差异不显著(P>0.05);热应激后,与常温状态相比,添加VC、VE使得SOD活性降低,GOT、TchE活性升高;VC与VE协同作用引起TchE、GOT活性显著上升(P<0.05),SOD活性没有变化;添加小肽能使TchE活性显著升高(P<0.05),SOD、GOT活性不变。与高温对照组相比,VC与VE协同作用组显著提高了SOD、TchE活性(P<0.05);添加小肽可提高SOD活性,降低TchE和GOT活性。由此表明,通过在日粮中补充抗热应激营养添加剂,有助于增强鱼类机体的抗热应激能力;添加小肽以及VC与VE协同作用对缓解异育银鲫热应激损伤具有良好的调控作用。     

Prognostic Value of Clinical Nutritional Assessment in Canine Patients.

This makes it difficult to identify the patient population most likely to benefit from nutritional support. Five clinically used indicators of nutritional status (serum albumin, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total peripheral lymphocyte count, and a "body condition" score) were evaluated on admission for 105 dogs that wer hospitalized at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for serious illness or major surgery. The prognostic relationship between these admission measurements and clinical outcome (discharged vs. died in hospital) was examined. Abnormally low serum albumin, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were associated with poor ultimate clinical outcome (p< 0.01). Hypoalbuminemia has a strong association with protein-calorie malnutrition although serum levels of albumin can be affected by many non-nutritional processes. Admission serum albumin level can predict clinical outcome and may identify a population of critically ill canine patients that could benefit from nutritional support.     

The Relationship Between Body Weight,Body Condition,and Survival in Cats with Heart Failure

Background: Obese people with heart failure have improved survival compared with their normal or underweight counterparts. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between body weight or body condition and survival in cats with heart failure. Hypothesis: Body weight and body condition score (BCS) are predictors of survival in cats with heart failure. Animals: One‐hundred and one cats with heart failure (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council Classes II, IIIa, or IIIb) evaluated between March 2007 and June 2009. Methods: Data regarding initial body weight and BCS, subsequent changes in body weight, and treatment were collected from records and compared with survival times. Results: Median initial body weight was 5.1 kg (range, 2.2–9.5 kg). Median BCS was 5 (range, 3–9). Of the 68 cats that were discharged from the hospital, median body weight change was 0.0 kg (range, ?2.6 to +2.3 kg). Survival time for all 101 cats was 93 days (0–811 days). Survival could be predicted using a model combining initial body weight (P= .02), body weight squared (P= .02), and survival to discharge (P < .001) with a resulting global P value for this model of P < .0001. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Cats with the lowest and highest body weights had reduced survival times compared with those with body weights in the intermediate ranges, suggesting a U‐shaped relationship between body weight and survival. Additional research into the effects of body composition could help to determine optimal management of cats with heart failure.     

Symposium on Canine and Feline Nutritional Requirements

This report on the successful meeting held in May of this year has been provided by Mrs. Joyce G. Wright, M.R.C.V.S., organizing Secretary of the Symposium.