Rabbit Carcasses for Use in Feline Diets: Amino Acid Concentrations in Fresh and Frozen Carcasses With and Without Gastrointestinal Tracts.

Whole-prey diets for exotic feline species are common, and this practice has also increased in popularity for domestic cats. However, prior analyses of prey indicate possible essential amino acid inadequacy, and dilated cardiomyopathy from taurine deficiency was reported in cats fed whole ground rabbit. Crude protein, body water, and amino acid concentrations were evaluated in fresh and frozen ground rabbits with (n=10) or without (n = 10) gastrointestinal tracts. Amino acids were greater in fresh samples without gastrointestinal tracts (p < 0.05) except taurine, glycine, and cysteine. When normalized for protein content, only glutamate, alanine, methionine, isoleucine, tyrosine, lysine, histidine, and arginine were greater in fresh rabbits without gastrointestinal tracts (g/16 g N basis; p < 0.05). Freezing at -18°C for 30 days had no effect on crude protein or body water content. After freezing, only methionine was lower and only proline was higher when gastrointestinal tracts were omitted (g/16 g N basis; p < 0.05). Regardless, all essential amino acids except taurine exceeded Association of American Feed Control Officials and National Research Council nutrient recommendations for all feline life stages. In contrast, there was minimal impact of treatment on taurine concentrations. However, although feline taurine requirements for prey and other raw or fresh food diets remain undefined, none of the rabbit samples met any recommendation for taurine concentrations for commercial canned or dry extruded diets, ranging from 20 to 90% of the minimum values. Taurine supplementation is recommended when feeding rabbit to cats. Determination of taurine requirements of cats fed whole-prey diets is warranted.

Successful management and recovery following severe prolonged starvation in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful management of a dog following a period of prolonged food deprivation. CASE SUMMARY: A 7-year-old, intact male Labrador Retriever presented with profound weakness and loss of nearly 50% of his body weight due to severe prolonged starvation after being trapped in a well for 27 days. Electrolyte concentrations were managed with intensive intravenous supplementation during refeeding. The dog's electrolyte abnormalities resolved, wounds healed, and strength returned during the first 3 weeks of treatment. During the next 3 months, body condition score normalized and muscle mass improved. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This report describes the management of a severely malnourished dog during refeeding, and highlights treatment considerations that may be important in the prevention of refeeding syndrome in such cases.

Total laryngectomy for management of chronic aspiration pneumonia in a myopathic dog.

A 5-month-old female pit bull terrier dog evaluated for ataxia, progressive regurgitation, and recurrent aspiration pneumonia had markedly elevated creatine kinase activity, non-inflammatory generalized myopathy, and severe esophageal dysmotility. A narrow-field total laryngectomy was performed. The dog is doing well 30 months after surgery, and no longer has episodes of aspiration pneumonia, despite intermittent regurgitation. This case represents the first application of total laryngectomy for the prevention of chronic recurrent aspiration pneumonia in the dog.

Laryngectomie totale pour la gestion d'une pneumonie par aspiration chronique chez un chien myopathique. Une chienne Pit Bull Terrier âgée de 5 mois évaluée pour de l'ataxie, de la régurgitation progressive et une pneumonie par aspiration récurrente présentait une activité de la créatine kinase particulièrement élevée, une myopathie généralisée non inflammatoire et un trouble de motilité de l'œsophage grave. Une laryngectomie totale à champ étroit a été réalisée. La chienne se porte bien 30 mois après la chirurgie et n'a plus d'épisodes de pneumonie par aspiration, malgré une régurgitation intermittente. Ce cas représente la première application d'une laryngectomie totale pour la prévention d'une pneumonie par aspiration chronique récurrente chez un chien.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Evaluation of total dietary fiber concentration and composition of commercial diets used for management of diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dietary fat-responsive disease in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine total dietary fiber (TDF) concentration and composition of commercial diets used for management of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and dietary fat-responsive disease in dogs. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE: Dry (n = 11) and canned (8) canine therapeutic diets. PROCEDURES: Insoluble and soluble dietary fiber (IDF and SDF), high-molecular-weight SDF (HMWSDF), and low-molecular-weight SDF (LMWSDF) concentrations were determined. Variables were compared among diets categorized by product guide indication, formulation (dry vs canned), and regulatory criteria for light and low-fat diets. RESULTS: SDF (HMWSDF and LMWSDF) comprised a median of 30.4% (range, 9.4% to 53.7%) of TDF; LMWSDF contributed a median of 11.5% (range, 2.7% to 33.8%) of TDF. Diets for diabetes management had higher concentrations of IDF and TDF with lower proportions of SDF and LMWSDF contributing to TDF, compared with diets for treatment of fat-responsive disease. Fiber concentrations varied within diet categories and between canned and dry versions of the same diet (same name and manufacturer) for all pairs evaluated. Diets classified as light contained higher TDF and IDF concentrations than did non-light diets. All canned diets were classified as low fat, despite providing up to 38% of calories as fat. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diets provided a range of TDF concentrations and compositions; veterinarians should request TDF data from manufacturers, if not otherwise available. Consistent responses to dry and canned versions of the same diet cannot necessarily be expected, and diets with the same indications may not perform similarly. Many diets may not provide adequate fat restriction for treatment of dietary fat-responsive disease.

Total dietary fiber composition of diets used for management of obesity and diabetes mellitus in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine total dietary fiber (TDF) composition of feline diets used for management of obesity and diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SAMPLE: Dry veterinary (n = 10), canned veterinary (12), and canned over-the-counter (3) feline diets. PROCEDURES: Percentage of TDF as insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), high-molecular-weight soluble dietary fiber (HMWSDF), and low-molecular-weight soluble dietary fiber (LMWSDF) was determined. RESULTS: Median measured TDF concentration was greater than reported maximum crude fiber content in dry and canned diets. Median TDF (dry-matter) concentration in dry and canned diets was 12.2% (range, 8.11% to 27.16%) and 13.8% (range, 4.7% to 27.9%), respectively. Dry and canned diets, and diets with and without a source of oligosaccharides in the ingredient list, were not different in energy density or concentrations of TDF, IDF, HMWSDF, or LMWSDF. Similarly, loaf-type (n = 11) and gravy-type (4) canned diets differed only in LMWSDF concentration. Disparities in TDF concentrations among products existed despite a lack of differences among groups. Limited differences in TDF concentration and dietary fiber composition were detected when diets were compared on the basis of carbohydrate concentration. Diets labeled for management of obesity were higher in TDF concentration and lower in energy density than diets for management of diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diets provided a range of TDF concentrations with variable concentrations of IDF, HMWSDF, and LMWSDF. Crude fiber concentration was not a reliable indicator of TDF concentration or dietary fiber composition. Because carbohydrate content is calculated as a difference, results suggested that use of crude fiber content would cause overestimation of both carbohydrate and energy content of diets.

A protocol for managing urethral obstruction in male cats without urethral catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine efficacy of a protocol for managing urethral obstruction (UO) in male cats without urethral catheterization. DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 15 male cats with UO in which conventional treatment had been declined. PROCEDURES: Laboratory testing and abdominal radiography were performed, and cats with severe metabolic derangements or urinary calculi were excluded. Treatment included administration of acepromazine (0.25 mg, IM, or 2.5 mg, PO, q 8 h), buprenorphine (0.075 mg, PO, q 8 h), and medetomidine (0.1 mg, IM, q 24 h) and decompressive cystocentesis and SC administration of fluids as needed. Cats were placed in a quiet, dark environment to minimize stress. Treatment success was defined as spontaneous urination within 72 hours and subsequent discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: Treatment was successful in 11 of the 15 cats. In the remaining 4 cats, treatment was considered to have failed because of development of uroabdomen (n=3) or hemoabdomen (1). Cats in which treatment failed had significantly higher serum creatinine concentrations than did cats in which treatment was successful. Necropsy was performed on 3 cats in which treatment had failed. All 3 had severe inflammatory disease of the urinary bladder, but none had evidence of bladder rupture. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that in male cats, a combination of pharmacological treatment, decompressive cystocentesis, and a low-stress environment may allow for resolution of UO without the need for urethral catheterization. This low-cost protocol could serve as an alternative to euthanasia when financial constraints prevent more extensive treatment.