Intra-abdominal Pressure Screening of Horses With Colic.

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in horses with colic by associating the underlying etiologies with directly acquired IAP values and survival rate. This is a 2-year cohort study (2014-2016). Horses with clinical signs of colic were admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital during the period 2014-2016. Twenty-eight horses, of different breeds, males (stallions and geldings) and females, aged between 2 and 20 years, and weighing from 300 to 450 kg presenting with clinical signs of colic, were included in the study. IAP was directly acquired at the right flank (standing under sedation) and at the linea alba (supine position under general anesthesia). Twenty IAP measurements were recorded at end expiration for each recording site. IAP values >0.0 mmHg, obtained at the upper right flank in the standing position, were associated with surgical treatment (P < .05). In these cases, signs of colic were associated with strangulated obstructions of the large colon, and a greater likelihood of death as a result of colic (P < .001). Intra-abdominal pressure varied considerably in horses with colic, even for the same underlying etiologies. Horses with colic related to strangulating obstructions of the large intestine had IAP >.0 mmHg, at the upper right flank. These horses were also considerably more likely to require surgical intervention (P < .05) and death/euthanasia was more likely in this group of horses (P < .001).

Intrabladder pressure as predictor of intra-abdominal pressure in horses.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate effects of postural changes and bladder distention on intrabladder pressure whilst estimating intra-abdominal pressure in horses. DESIGN: Two-year cohort study. Patients admitted for elective surgical procedures unrelated to gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract. SETTING: School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. ANIMALS: 20 adult horses, 11 males (stallions and geldings) and 9 females; between 3.5 and 12 years, weighing 350 to 500 kg. INTERVENTIONS: Intra-abdominal pressure was directly-recorded through abdominocentesis at the ventral midline with a fluid-filled system. Intrabladder pressure was obtained from a bladder catheter with the fluid-filled system zeroed at the level of the tuber ischia with patients in dorsal recumbency or pubic symphysis if in lateral recumbency. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Body position directly influenced intra-abdominal pressure. In dorsal recumbency, intra-abdominal pressure differed (p < 0.05) from intrabladder pressure at end-inspiration and end-expiration regardless of whether the bladder was empty or distended. There was no correlation nor association between the two pressures in this body position. In lateral recumbency a difference (p <0.05) between intra-abdominal pressure and intrabladder pressure was recorded at end-inspiration with the bladder distended with 25 ml, and at end-expiration for distension volumes of 25 ml and 50 ml. There was a strong correlation between both pressures for left and right lateral recumbency, regardless of the distension volume. Ordinary least product (OLP) regression analysis showed no fixed or proportional bias between both pressures for distension volume of 50 ml, at both end-inspiration and end-expiration. CONCLUSIONS: Indirect assessment of equine intra-abdominal pressure cannot be made in dorsal recumbency. For that purpose, patients should be in left lateral recumbency with the bladder distended with 50 ml. Values can be recorded at end-inspiration or end-expiration. RESTRICTION: Occlusion of the catheter tip by the bladder wall when minimally distended.

Experimentally Induced Open Pneumothorax in Horses.

The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and cardiovascular parameters and pleural and intra-abdominal pressures of horses after experimentally induced unilateral open pneumothorax. Prospective, experimental study-animals: seven healthy adult horses, 4 females and 3 males. Left hemithorax thoracotomy was carried out to create an open pneumothorax for 60 minutes. Pleural pressure (Ppl) was directly obtained at the midpoint of the left eighth intercostal space before thoracotomy. Esophageal pressure (Pes), arterial blood gas analysis, left ventricular function, and ultrasonographic assessment of pneumothorax extent/resolution were performed at the baseline, and 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after thoracotomy, and on the first, second, third, fifth, and seventh days postoperatively. Intra-abdominal pressure was only recorded while the pneumothorax was present. There was moderate correlation (Spearman's rs = 0.404; R2 = 0.8; P < .00001; Bland-Altman bias = -2.59; s.d. = 2.11) between Pes and Ppl. Esophageal pressure increased (P < .05) after open pneumothorax until the fifth day postoperatively. Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood reduced (P < .05) until the third day postoperatively when it returned to the baseline. No significant variations in PaCO2, pH in arterial blood, and in left ventricular function were appreciated. The extent of the pneumothorax was assessed by thoracic ultrasonography. Esophageal pressure, in association with blood gas analysis and thoracic ultrasonography, could be used to aid diagnosis of pneumothorax in horses. Horses tolerate open pneumothorax, with minimum cardiovascular impairment, even without aspiration of free air from within pleural space to restore thoracic wall integrity.

Ultrasonography of the canine pancreas / La ecografía del páncreas canino

ABSTRACT This study describes the ultrasonographic techniques currently used in the evaluation of the canine pancreas. Ultrasonography was the first method to enable direct visualization of the pancreas in humans and it has been subsequently applied to animals. Currently, it is the method of choice for pancreatic evaluation and is essential as a diagnostic tool in the detection of abnormalities, especially tumors. Innovative equipment technology has led to the emergence of techniques complementary to B-mode ultrasound; such as Doppler, elastography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, which have enabled more accurate diagnosis. Doppler provides information on vascular architecture and the hemodynamic aspect of blood vessels in multiple organs. ARFI elastography provides detailed images of the alterations detected by conventional examination (qualitative method) and assists in differentiating between benign and malignant processes (quantitative method). Microbubble contrast agents determine parameters related to homogeneous and heterogeneous filling of organs with microbubbles, mainly nodular areas, thus defining high and low intensity patterns.

RESUMEN Este estudio describe las técnicas ecográficas frecuentemente utilizadas para evaluar el pancreas del perro. La ecografía fue el primer método que permitió la visualización directa del páncreas en seres humanos y que luego se aplicó en animales. Es actualmente el método de elección para la evaluación del páncreas y es esencial como herramienta diagnóstica en la detección de anomalías, especialmente tumores. La tecnología innovadora de los equipos, llevó a la aparición de técnicas complementarias al modo B, tales como Doppler, elastografía, ecografía de contraste, que han permitido realizar diagnósticos más precisos. El Doppler proporciona información sobre la arquitectura vascular y aspectos hemodinámicos de los vasos sanguíneos en múltiples órganos. La elastografía ARFI ofrece imágenes detalladas de las alteraciones detectadas en exámenes convencionales (método cualitativo) y ayuda a diferenciar entre procesos benignos y malignos (método cuantitativo). Los agentes de contraste con microburbujas permiten determinar parámetros relacionados con el llenado homogéneo o heterogéneo de los órganos, principalmente áreas nodulares, definiendo, por tanto, patrones de alta o baja intensidad.

Variação da ecogenicidade difusa em parênquima hepático homogêneo relacionada aos achados bioquímicos e hematológicos em cães / Diffuse echogenicity variation in homogeneous liver parenchyma related to biochemical and hematological findings in dogs

No presente estudo foi analisado o parênquima hepático com características homogêneas e ecogenicidade difusa reduzida (G1), aumentada (G2) e normal (G3), em relação ao perfil dos animais, dimensão do fígado e achado bioquímico e hematológico. Amostras de sangue obtidas por punção venosa da jugular ou da cefálica do antebraço foram encaminhadas para realização de hemograma e dosagem sérica de ALT, FA, proteínas totais, albumina, globulina, uréia e creatinina. Dos 30 cães que compuseram o G1, 30 (100%) apresentaram evidenciação das paredes portais e da parede da vesícula biliar, 23 (76,67%) fígado com dimensão preservada e bordos em ângulos agudos, 15 (50%) faixa etária entre 1 e 6 anos de idade e 8 (26,67%) eram da raça Lhasa apso. Não houve predisposição quanto ao sexo, assim como não foram identificadas alterações significativas nos exames bioquímicos e hematológicos dos cães do G1. Quanto aos diagnósticos clínicos atribuídos para estes cães, houve maior prevalência de gastroenterite (43,33%). Dos 30 cães do G2, 27 animais (90%) apresentaram hepatomegalia e arredondamento dos bordos hepáticos, 18 (60%) tinham idade superior a 9 anos, 16 (53,33%) eram fêmeas e 9 (30%) eram da raça poodle. Houve elevação da atividade sérica de FA e elevação de ALT, redução nos níveis de proteínas séricas totais, albumina, globulinas, eritrócitos e volume globular, além de leucocitose por neutrofilia, com desvio à esquerda, eosinopenia, linfopenia e monocitose nos cães do G2. Neste grupo houve prevalência de doenças metabólicas (54%), como diabetes mellitus e hiperadrenocorticismo, além das hepatopatias crônicas (17%), atribuídas ao uso contínuo e prolongado de corticóide e drogas anticonvulsivantes. Dos 30 cães do grupo controle (G3), 22 (73,33%) apresentaram dimensões hepáticas inalteradas e bordos em ângulos agudos. Neste grupo de animais, não houve alterações significativas nos exames laboratoriais.

The present study evaluated the liver with homogeneous parenchyma in dogs, with diffuse reduced echogenicity (G1), increased echogenicity (G2) and normal echogenicity (G3) by ultrasound examination associating the findings on animal profile, liver size and hematology and biochemistry results. Blood samples obtained by cephalic or jugular venipunture were submitted for hemogram and ALT, ALP, total proteins, albumin, globulin, urea and creatinine analysis. Among the 30 dogs in G1, 30 (100%) presented portal venous and gall bladder wall clarity, 23 (76.67%) presented normal liver size and edges, 15 (50%) were from 1 to 6 years old and 8 (26.67%) belonged to the lhasa apso breed. No predispositions were found according to gender, as well as no significant alterations in biochemical and hematological exams were observed in G1. The most prevalent disease found in this group was gastroenteritis (43.33%). Among the 30 dogs in G2, 27 (90%) presented hepatomegaly and rounded hepatic edges, 18 (60%) were over 9 years old, 16 (53.33%) were female and 9 (30%) belonged to the poodle breed. The laboratorial findings related to this group were increased ALT and ALP serum activity, decreased levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, erythrocytes and hematocrit, as well as leukocytosis with neutrophilia and a left shift, eosinopenia, lymphopenia and monocytosis. The most prevalent diseases found in this group were metabolic disorders (54%), such as diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism, and chronic hepatopathies (17%) due to prolonged and continuous use of corticoid and anticonvulsive drugs. Among the 30 dogs in the control group (G3), normal liver size and edges were presented in 22 (73.33%). In this group, no alterations were seen in laboratorial exams.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of canine supraspinatus calcifying tendinosis.

Supraspinatus calcifying tendinosis is an uncommon finding in dogs. Although its radiographic appearance has been described previously, radiographs alone do not provide detailed information about the tendon parenchyma. Tendon ultrasonography has been widely applied for the diagnosis of human tendinosis, but it remains underused in dogs. This article reviews the ultrasonographic technique and variable appearance of canine supraspinatus calcifying tendinosis observed in 33 tendons. The ultrasonographic findings are described. The most common ultrasonographic finding was a hyperechoic area accompanied by distal acoustic shadowing. No relationship with bicipital tenosynovitis was found. A color Doppler examination was possible in only five of the tendons, revealing no blood flow in those tendons. There was evidence that the presence of a hypoechoic area surrounding the calcification was related to clinical signs of pain, suggesting an active inflammatory process. Ultrasonography was an excellent technique to evaluate lesions of the supraspinatus tendon and it revealed details not apparent on radiographs.

DXA, bioelectrical impedance, ultrasonography and biometry for the estimation of fat and lean mass in cats during weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Few equations have been developed in veterinary medicine compared to human medicine to predict body composition. The present study was done to evaluate the influence of weight loss on biometry (BIO), bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and ultrasonography (US) in cats, proposing equations to estimate fat (FM) and lean (LM) body mass, as compared to dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the referenced method. For this were used 16 gonadectomized obese cats (8 males and 8 females) in a weight loss program. DXA, BIO, BIA and US were performed in the obese state (T0; obese animals), after 10% of weight loss (T1) and after 20% of weight loss (T2). Stepwise regression was used to analyze the relationship between the dependent variables (FM, LM) determined by DXA and the independent variables obtained by BIO, BIA and US. The better models chosen were evaluated by a simple regression analysis and means predicted vs. determined by DXA were compared to verify the accuracy of the equations. RESULTS: The independent variables determined by BIO, BIA and US that best correlated (p < 0.005) with the dependent variables (FM and LM) were BW (body weight), TC (thoracic circumference), PC (pelvic circumference), R (resistance) and SFLT (subcutaneous fat layer thickness). Using Mallows'Cp statistics, p value and r2, 19 equations were selected (12 for FM, 7 for LM); however, only 7 equations accurately predicted FM and one LM of cats. CONCLUSIONS: The equations with two variables are better to use because they are effective and will be an alternative method to estimate body composition in the clinical routine. For estimated lean mass the equations using body weight associated with biometrics measures can be proposed. For estimated fat mass the equations using body weight associated with bioimpedance analysis can be proposed.

Macroscopic description of teeth of Azara's agouti (Dasyprocta azarae) / Caracterização macroscópica dos dentes de cutias (Dasyprocta azarae)

The teeth of Azara's agouti (Dasyprocta azarae) were described macroscopically in order to provide biological data on one of the largest wild rodents of the Americas. Radiography was taken on six heads and the teeth were described. Enamel surrounds the coronal dentin, projects to the roots and is present as parallel inner laminae in buccolingual direction. The dentin is located among the enamel laminae and surrounds the pulp horns. The cementum is located internally to the enamel laminae. On the lingual surface, the cementum and dentin are the outer elements.

Os dentes de cutias (Dasyprocta azarae) foram descritos macroscopicamente para fornecer informações sobre um dos maiores roedores das Américas. Radiografias foram realizadas em seis cabeças, e os dentes foram descritos. O esmalte envolve a dentina coronal e se projeta até a raiz e é presente como lâminas dispostas paralelamente em direção vestíbulolingual. A dentina é localizada entre as lâminas do esmalte e envolve os cornos pulpares. O cemento é localizado internamente às lâminas de esmalte. Na superfície lingual, o cemento e a dentina são os elementos mais externos.

Intoxicação natural por Solanum glaucophyllum (Solanaceae) em búfalos no Pantanal Matogrossense / Natural poisoning by Solanum glaucophyllum(Solanaceae) in buffaloes in the Brazilian Pantanal

Descreve-se a ocorrência de calcinose enzoótica em búfalos no município de Poconé, Mato Grosso, associado ao consumo de Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg) [=Solanum malacoxylon]. Os casos foram observados entre os anos de 2007 e 2009. Em um rebanho de 40 búfalos, cinco apresentaram emagrecimento progressivo, dorso arqueado, marcha rígida, por vezes com dificuldade para se levantar e locomover, permanecendo apoiando sobre os carpos.Três animais recuperaram-se parcialmente e dois foram eutanasiados in extremis. Os principais achados de necropsia foram calcificação de tecidos moles, principalmente em artérias de grande e médio calibres. A presença de S. glaucophyllum nas pastagens, os sinais clínicos, além dos achados ultrassonográficos e patológicos envolvendo múltiplas calcificações de tendões e outros tecidos, são compatíveis com intoxicação por Solanum glaucophyllum.

This report describes the occurrence of enzootic calcinosis in buffaloes in the municipality of Pocone, Mato Grosso, due to the consumption of Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg) [=Solanum malacoxylon]. The cases were observed in the years 2007 and 2009. In a herd of 40 buffaloes, five showed weight loss, arched back, stiff gait, sometimes difficulty to raise and walk, and leaning on the carpus. Three buffaloes recovered partially and two were euthanized in extremis. The main necropsy findings were calcification of soft tissues, especially of large and medium arteries. The presence of S. glaucophyllum in the pasture, clinical signs, in addition to the sonographic and pathologic calcification involving tendons and other tissues, are consistent with Solanum glaucophyllum poisoning.

Computed tomographic-dacryocystography (CT-DCG) of the normal canine nasolacrimal drainage system with three-dimensional reconstruction.

The aims of the study were (1) to quantify the influence of selected imaging parameters on the image quality (slice thickness, mAs, and beam orientation) defining optimal conditions for scan protocols and (2) to evaluate the benefits of the 3D reconstruction techniques for visualization of NDS structures in dogs. CT-DCG was performed bilaterally in 32 heads of dogs. CT transverse images were obtained using a combination of two slice thickness values (0.8 mm and 2 mm) and two mAs values (50 mAs and 300 mAs). Two beam projection orientations were also tested: transverse plane (perpendicular to the hard palate) and oblique to the hard palate. Three-dimensional images were obtained using Volume Rendering (VR). Transverse beam projection proved to be superior for the assessment of the inferior and superior lacrimal canaliculi and lacrimal sac. In this study, there was no statistical difference regarding mAs values (50 mAs and 300 mAs) and slice thickness values (0.8 mm and 2 mm). Three-dimensional images were helpful for the assessment of topographic relationship between nasolacrimal structures and cranial landmarks.

Ultrassonografia em modo A e B na avaliação pré-operatória da lente e do segmento posterior de olhos de cães com catarata / A and B mode ultrasonography in preoperative evaluation of lens and posterior segment of dogs eyes with cataract

Ultrasonography of the lens and posterior segment is an indispensable step in the preoperative evaluation of dogs with cataracts, since ophthalmoscopy is not feasible when there is opacification of the lens. This study evaluated the echographic conditions of cataractous lens and fundus of the eye in dogs affected by cataracts. The study was conducted in 30 dogs (56 eyes), 10 males and 20 females, with different types of cataracts at different stages of development. Echography in A and B modes, simultaneously, was carried out for the examination of the lens and posterior segment. The examinations revealed anterior cortical, posterior cortical and nuclear cataract in 12 eyes (21.4 percent), anterior cortical, posterior cortical, nuclear and posterior capsular in 23 eyes (41 percent), anterior cortical, posterior cortical and posterior capsular cataract in one eye (1.7 percent), anterior cortical and nuclear cataract in one eye (1.7 percent), anterior cortical, nuclear and posterior capsular cataract in five eyes (8.9 percent), and anterior cortical cataract in seven eyes (12.5 percent). Abnormal ultrasonographic alterations were observed in the posterior segment in 26 eyes evaluated (46.4 percent). Vitreal degeneration was detected in 12 eyes (21.4 percent), images of vitreal exudate or hemorrhage in seven eyes (12.5 percent), persistence of hyaloid artery in four eyes (7.1 percent) and lens subluxation in three eyes (5.3 percent). The results obtained reiterate the importance of ultrasonography in canine patients presented for cataract surgery given that alterations of the posterior segment are difficult to identify in a clinical examination when the lens is opacified.

A ultrassonografia do segmento posterior do bulbo do olho é etapa indispensável na avaliação de cães com catarata que serão submetidos à facectomia, uma vez que a oftalmoscopia não é factível quando há opacificação da lente, notadamente nas cataratas maduras. Este estudo avaliou as condições ecográficas da lente cataratogênica e do fundo de olho de cães cursando com catarata. Foram avaliados 30 cães (56 olhos), sendo 10 machos e 20 fêmeas, cursando com catarata em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento. Realizou-se a ecografia em modo A e B simultaneamente. Os exames revelaram catarata cortical anterior, posterior e nuclear em 12 olhos (21,4 por cento), catarata cortical anterior, posterior, nuclear e capsular posterior em 23 olhos (41 por cento), catarata cortical anterior, posterior e capsular posterior em um olho (1,7 por cento), catarata cortical anterior e nuclear em um olho (1,7 por cento), catarata cortical anterior, nuclear e capsular posterior em cinco olhos (8,9 por cento) e catarata cortical anterior em sete olhos (12,5 por cento). Alterações no segmento posterior foram observadas, à ultrassonografia, em 26 olhos avaliados (46,4 por cento). Degeneração vítrea foi detectada em 12 olhos (21,4 por cento), imagens compatíveis com exsudato ou hemorragia em sete olhos (12,5 por cento), persistência da artéria hialóide em quatro olhos (7,1 por cento) e subluxação da lente em três olhos (5,3 por cento). Os resultados obtidos reiteram a importância da ultrassonografia em cães candidatos à cirurgia de catarata, uma vez que o exame do segmento posterior do bulbo do olho é de difícil execução, devido à opacificação da lente.

Avaliação radiográfica da cobertura acetabular à cabeça femoral, após osteotomia tripla e aplicação de cunha sacroilíaca, em pelve de cadáveres de cães / Radiographic evaluation coverage acetabular femoral head after osteotomy triple and applying of sacroiliac wedge, pelvis corpses of dogs

Na tentativa de evitar algumas das dificuldades associadas à osteotomia pélvica tripla (OPT), foi desenvolvido experimentalmente o método de aplicação de cunha na junção sacroilíaca para aumentar a ventroversão acetabular. O objetivo deste estudo foi aplicar as técnicas de cunha sacroilíaca e OPT em cadáveres e avaliar radiograficamente a eficácia da ventroversão acetabular. Para tal, foram utilizados 10 cadáveres de cães, adultos, com 15-25 kg. Em cada hemipelve direita foi realizada OPT com placas de 20º e 40º. Na hemipelve esquerda foram aplicadas cunhas nas articulações sacroilíacas de 20º e 40º. Avaliações radiográficas em projeções ventrodorsais foram realizadas para mensuração da cobertura acetabular à cabeça femoral nas duas técnicas. De acordo com os dados obtidos pode-se observar que não houve diferença entre a técnica de OPT e o uso de cunha sacroilíaca utilizando implantes de 20º e 40º, mas ocorreu diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre os cães antes e após a aplicação dos implantes de 20º e 40º, e também entre os que receberam implantes de 20º e os de 40º. A aplicação de cunha sacroilíaca produziu resultados semelhantes à OPT, e também se mostrou como de mais fácil aplicação.

Attempting to avoid difficulties associated to triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), the sacroiliac wedge method was experimentally developed to increase the acetabular ventroversion. The goal of this study was to apply the techniques of sacroiliac wedge and TPO to canine cadavers and radiographically evaluate the efficacy of acetabular ventroversion. Ten cadavers of adult dogs weighting 15-25 kg were used. To each right hemipelvis the technique of TPO with 20º and 40º plates was applied. In the left hemipelvis, 20º and 40º wedges in the sacroiliac joint were applied. Radiographic evaluations in standard projections were carried out for measurement of the acetabular covering of the head of the femur in the two techniques. There was no significant differences between TPO and the use of sacroiliac wedge using implants of 20º and 40º, however a significant difference (p<0,05) could be observed before and after application of the 20º and 40º implants, as well as between those that received 20º and of 40º implants. The application of sacroiliac wedge produced similar results of those observed in TPO, and it is more feasible.

Protein intake during weight loss influences the energy required for weight loss and maintenance in cats.

The effects of 2 diets with different protein contents on weight loss and subsequent maintenance was assessed in obese cats. The control group [Co; n = 8; body condition score (BCS) = 8.6 +/- 0.2] received a diet containing 21.4 g crude protein (CP)/MJ of metabolizable energy and the high-protein group (HP; n = 7; BCS = 8.6 +/- 0.2) received a diet containing 28.4 g CP/MJ until the cats achieved a 20% controlled weight loss (0.92 +/- 0.2%/wk). After the weight loss, the cats were all fed a diet containing 28.0 g CP/MJ at an amount sufficient to maintain a constant body weight (MAIN) for 120 d. During weight loss, there was a reduction of lean mass in Co (P < 0.01) but not in HP cats and a reduction in leptinemia in both groups (P < 0.01). Energy intake per kilogram of metabolic weight (kg(-0.40)) to maintain the same rate of weight loss was lower (P < 0.04) in the Co (344 +/- 15.9 kJ x kg(-0.40) x d(-1)) than in the HP group (377 +/- 12.4 kJ. x kg(-0.40) x d(-1)). During the first 40 d of MAIN, the energy requirement for weight maintenance was 398.7 +/- 9.7 kJ.kg(-0.40) x d(-1) for both groups, corresponding to 73% of the NRC recommendation. The required energy gradually increased in both groups (P < 0.05) but at a faster rate in HP; therefore, the energy consumption during the last 40 d of the MAIN was higher (P < 0.001) for the HP cats (533.8 +/- 7.4 kJ x kg(-0.40) x d(-1)) than for the control cats (462.3 +/- 9.6 kJ x kg(-0.40) x d(-1)). These findings suggest that HP diets allow a higher energy intake to weight loss in cats, reducing the intensity of energy restriction. Protein intake also seemed to have long-term effects so that weight maintenance required more energy after weight loss.