Page 310 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

302 PART 6 CAT WITH WEIGHT LOSS OR CHRONIC ILLNESS

QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY
Diseases causing weight loss and a good appetite
METABOLIC

● Hyperthyroidism*** (p 304)
Usually seen in cats greater than eight years of age. Weight loss, good appetite, tachycardia, rest-
lessness and/or intermittent vomiting and diarrhea.
● Diabetes mellitus** (p 310)
Usually seen in older cats. Increased risk in fat cats and some Burmese. History of polyuria, poly-
dipsia and polyphagia, plus variable weight changes.
● Acromegaly (p 322)
Rare condition of older, typically males, cats. Slow increase in body size, especially affecting the head
and feet. Usually diabetic; so polyuric, polydipsic and polyphagic.
● Hyperadrenocorticism (p 324)
Rare condition of middle-aged and older cats. Poor coat condition and pot-bellied appearance. Often
diabetic; so polyuric, polydipsic and polyphagic.
● Glomerulonephritis (protein-losing nephropathy) (p 326)
Weight loss with a good appetite may be seen early in disease, accompanied by ascites, subcutaneous
edema, polydipsia and polyuria, ± vomiting and diarrhea.
NEOPLASTIC
● Alimentary lymphosarcoma* (p 317)
Usually older cats. Weight loss with variable appetite. History of acute, or more commonly, chronic
vomiting and/or diarrhea.
NUTRITIONAL

● Inadequate nutrition** (p 316)
Weight loss with a good appetite, few other signs. History of inadequate or inappropriate diet.
Seen in kittens from poor conditions or cats that have recently changed environment.
INFLAMMATORY
● Inflammatory bowel disease*** (p 307)
Can affect any age but most typically seen in middle-aged cats. Any combination of chronic weight loss,
vomiting and/or diarrhea.

● Chronic pancreatitis/exocrine pancreatic insufficiency*(p 318)
Typically seen in middle-aged to older cats with a history of episodic anorexia, lethargy, vomiting
and/or diarrhea. If also diabetic; polyuria and polydipsia.

● Lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis* (p 320)
Typically seen in younger to middle-aged cats. Often polyphagic, may have mild generalized lym-
phadenopathy. May be associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
INFECTIOUS
● Intestinal parasites** (p 314)
Usually seen in young cats from poorly cleaned multi-cat environments. Weight loss or failure to
gain weight, usually with a good appetite, may have diarrhea and/or vomiting.