Weight loss in cats which eat well

Four cats were investigated because they lost weight while eating well. One cat was found to have hypoinsulinaemic diabetes mellitus, and another had maldigestion caused by exocrine pancreatic atrophy. An enteropathy with presumed intestinal malabsorption was diagnosed in the third case. The fourth cat had hyperthyroidism and disseminated amyloidosis. The diabetic animal has been maintained satisfactorily on daily insulin injections for 2 ½ years, but treatment in the other three cases was either unsuccessful or not attempted. Weight loss is uncommon in cats which are eating well. In investigating this syndrome, it is suggested that initially urine should be tested for glucose and faeces examined for maldigestion or malabsorption. More specific tests for diabetes mellitus, pancreatic maldigestion, intestinal malabsorption or hyperthyroidism might then be indicated.