Page 324 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

316 PART 6 CAT WITH WEIGHT LOSS OR CHRONIC ILLNESS

C. parvum can be difficult to treat, but tylosin (10–15 Clinical signs
mg/kg q 12 hours PO for 28 days, but may need higher
Disease can be seen in any age, sex or breed of cat, but
doses), paromycin (125–165 mg/kg q 12 hours PO for
is seen most commonly in kittens from poor envi-
5 days), or azithromycin (7–15 mg/kg q 12 hours PO
ronments.
for 5–7 days) may be effective.
It may also be seen in pregnant or lactating queens,
Giardia spp. may be treated with fenbendazole (10–30
or in cats that have recently changed environments:
mg/kg/day PO for 5 days) or metronidazole (10–25
e.g. changed from having a sedentary life in a warm
mg/kg q 12–24 hours PO for 5–7 days). Repeated treat-
environment, to having an active life in adverse weather
ment may be needed. The possibility of vaccination is
conditions.
currently being studied.
Affected cats show a generalized loss of body condi-
T. foetus may be treated with ronidazole (10–30 mg/kg
tion despite a good appetite.
q 12 hours PO for 14 days).
They are usually bright and active until terminal stages
Prognosis of malnutrition.
There are few specific findings, but severe cases may
If given the correct treatment, the prognosis for full
show lethargy, muscle weakness, depression, diarrhea,
recovery is usually very good.
neurological signs, blindness and/or ascites.
Severe infections can occasionally result in permanent
intestinal damage and chronic clinical signs. Diagnosis
Resistant C. parvum, Giardia spp. and/or T. foetus Diagnosis is based on resolution of clinical signs fol-
infections can occasionally result in chronic disease. lowing correction of diet. If necessary, rule out other
likely differentials.
Prevention
Differential diagnosis
Severe infections can usually be prevented by having a
These include most other causes of weight loss with a
good preventative worming policy, giving prompt and
good appetite. However, given the lack of other clinical
effective treatment to any animals found to be infected
signs, the most likely differentials include intestinal
or carrying these organisms, improving sanitation, and
parasites and some of the malassimilation syn-
reducing stocking densities.
dromes including IBD, exocrine pancreatic insuffi-
ciency, early alimentary lymphosarcoma.
INADEQUATE NUTRITION**
Treatment
Classical signs
Changing the diet to a suitable well-balanced diet is
● Seen in any age, sex or breed of cat, but usually all the treatment that is necessary. Very severe
mostly typically in kittens from poor cases may need supportive care and nursing.
environments.
● Weight loss, often in association with a Prognosis
voracious appetite.
Provided that the malnutrition was not too severe or
● Few other signs until terminal stages of
prolonged, the prognosis for recovery is very good.
malnutrition.
Prevention
Pathogenesis Cats should always be fed appropriate amounts of a
suitable well-balanced diet that has been designed to be
Disease due to inadequate nutrition is caused by feed-
fed to cats.
ing an inadequate or inappropriate diet.