Page 339 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

18 – THE THIN, INAPPETENT CAT 331

● Septic focus/persistent fever ** (p 344)
Anorexia is associated with the pyrexia. Anorexia and a hypermetabolic state lead to weight loss.
Fluctuating pyrexia, poor appetite and weight loss are present, along with other clinical signs
dependent on the etiology of the pyrexia. Common sites of bacterial infection include pyothorax,
upper urinary tract infections and bite wounds, with peritonitis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis
and pneumonia occurring less commonly.
● Apathetic hyperthyroidism* (p 346)
Weight loss, poor appetite, tachycardia and intermittent vomiting and diarrhea are common.
Usually affects cats greater than 6 years of age.
● Cholangiohepatitis complex* (p 348)
Anorexia or poor appetite, weight loss and depression. Icterus and hepatomegaly are common.
Ascites occasionally occurs.
● Cardiac cachexia (p 356)
Clinical signs relating to the cardiac disease including murmurs, gallop rhythm and arrhythmias.
Dyspnea caused by pleural effusion or pulmonary edema may also be present.

● Diabetes mellitus (p 355)
Polyuria and polydypsia. Frequently history of good appetite with weight loss prior to inappetence.
NEOPLASTIC

● Cancer cachexia** (p 342)
Paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by anorexia, wasting and weight loss. Occurs with a variety
of malignancies, and more specific signs will relate to the site of the neoplasm.

INFECTIOUS
● Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)*** (p 339)
Chronic weight loss, stomatitis, lymph node enlargement and neurologic signs. Signs may be
vague and variable. Immunosuppression resulting in secondary, opportunistic infections is com-
mon.
● Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)* (p 350)
A variety of clinical signs depending on the system(s) of the body affected. Neoplasia, particularly
lymphoma, and chronic anemia or pancytopenia occur. Immunosuppression resulting in secondary,
opportunistic infections is common.
● Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)* (p 352)
Chronic, fluctuating pyrexia with anorexia and weight loss. The non-effusive (“dry”) form fre-
quently leads to clinical signs associated with the organs involved (liver, kidney, ocular or central
nervous system). The effusive (“wet”) form of the disease causes ascites, pleural or occasionally
pericardial effusions.

● Chronic bacterial rhinitis and sinusitis (p 356)
Chronic sneezing, and mucopurulent nasal discharge may be associated with a poor appetite and
weight loss.
● Toxoplasmosis (p 359)
Muscle hyperesthesia, respiratory distress, fever, uveitis and neurological signs including seizures
occur variably.

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