Page 270 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

262 PART 5 CAT WITH ACUTE ILLNESS

QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY
Diseases causing acute depression, anorexia or dehydration
METABOLIC

● Acute anemia** (p 270)
Acute anemia of any cause will result in depression, anorexia and dehydration. Pale mucous mem-
branes are typical, with or without splenomegaly or icterus. Polypnea may be evident, and fever
may be present if due to Mycoplasma haemofelis (Haemobartonella felis).

● Acute renal failure* (p 278)
This is usually due to renal ischemia or nephrotoxins, and results in progressive depression and
anorexia, vomiting, and polyuria, oliguria or anuria. Acute exacerbation of chronic renal failure
may also occur.
● Urethral obstruction*** (p 267)
Progressive depression and anorexia occur. Dysuria may not be witnessed and non-specific signs
predominate due to acute uremia. A turgid bladder is evident on palpation.

● Hepatic encephalopathy (p 297)
In young cats this is usually due to a porto-systemic shunt. In mature cats this is usually due to
hepatic lipidosis. Intermittent disorientation and ptyalism are the most common signs.

● Diabetic ketoacidosis* (p 292)
Insulin deficiency and dehydration lead to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. This may occur
acutely without a history of weight loss and polyuria/polydipsia. Depression and anorexia are the
main signs and a history of infrequent vomiting may be present.

● Acute hypoglycemia (p 296)
This is usually due to insulin overdose. Lethargy, disorientation, trembling, ataxia and dilated
pupils are often present. Signs may progress to coma or seizures if not treated.

● Acute hypokalemia** (p 271)
Hypokalemia has numerous causes including chronic renal failure, post-obstructive diuresis, intra-
venous fluid therapy with potassium-poor fluids, furosemide therapy, vomiting, hyperaldostero-
nism (rare) and the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Anorexia may contribute to hypokalemia,
which in turn may exacerbate anorexia and depression.
● Hypophosphatemia* (p 295)
Severe hypophosphatemia may complicate the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis and enteral ali-
mentation of an anorexic cat, causing increased depression and anorexia and hemolysis.
● Hypoparathyroidism* (p 295)
Hypoparathyroidism is usually caused by parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy. Idiopathic
hypoparathyroidism is uncommon. Hypocalcemia results in anorexia and depression that may
progress to muscle fasciculations and seizures.
● Hypernatremia (p 298)
Hypernatremia should be considered in a critically ill cat with progressive depression not attributa-
ble to other causes.