Weight Loss in Cats

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Weight Loss in Cats

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

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Section: Information In-depth

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Weight loss is a physical condition that results from a negative caloric balance, as when metabolic utilization and excretion of essential nutrients exceed the caloric intake. Weight loss is considered clinically important when it exceeds 10 percent of the normal body weight and is not associated with fluid loss.

Weight loss can result from many different mechanisms that share the common feature of insufficient caloric intake or availability to meet metabolic needs. Causes vary markedly from intentional restriction of calories in order to reduce weight in an obese patient, to weight loss associated with life threatening illness.

Historical information is very important, especially regarding type of diet, duration and environment of storage of diet, the patient's daily activity and, environment, the presence of pregnancy, appe

tite, signs of gastrointestinal disease (vomiting, diarrhea, regurgitation), or signs of any specific illness.

There are several disorders or situations that need to be considered when evaluating patients for weight loss. These include:

Dietary Causes

Insufficient quantity of food – not enough calories

Poor or inadequate quality of food

Decreased palatability (taste) of food

Spoiled food

Prolonged storage of food with deterioration of nutrients

Anorexia

This is often seen with many disorders and diseases.

Malabsorptive Disorders (poor intestinal absorption)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a microscopic accumulation of inflammatory cells into the intestinal wall. The cause is unknown, although it is thought to have an immune basis. Diarrhea and weight loss are commonly seen with the disorder.

Lymphangiectasia is a chronic protein-losing intestinal disorder that arises from congestion and dysfunction of lymph carrying structures in the intestines. It is an uncommon disease in the cat.

Intestinal parasitism is most common in younger animals or animals that are housed in crowded and/or unsanitary conditions. It may involve roundworms, hookworms, coccidiosis.

Chronic infections of the bowel may lead to malabsorption. Examples include fungal infections and bacterial overgrowth.

Infiltrative tumors of the intestine may affect the intake of calories.

Gastrointestinal obstructions can prevent adequate absorption of nutrients and result in nutrient loss from vomiting and diarrhea.

Surgical resection of large segments of bowel can greatly decrease the overall absorptive surface of the intestines.

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1 Diabetes in Cats
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1Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Cats (EPI)
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a disorder in which the pancreas does not produce an adequate amount of digestive enzymes. This deficiency results in poor digestion and poor absorption.
Read More
2Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of gastrointestinal disorders that involve infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract by inflammatory cells (white blood cells). IBD can affect both the upper...
Read More
3Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) diseases of cats. It is a chronic condition in which a deficiency of the hormone insulin impairs the body’s ability to metabolize sugar....
Read More
4Hyperthyroidism in Cats
If your adult cat suddenly begins to lose weight despite a voracious appetite, he may have a problem with the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. You should probably get your pet to a veterinarian to...
Read More
5Dietary Related Gastrointestinal Disorder in Cats
Dietary related gastrointestinal disorders are adverse reactions to foods that result in the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms, most notably vomiting and diarrhea, that may be caused by an abnormal immune...
Read More

Weight Loss in Cats

Weight Loss in Cats

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