Effect of Energy Restriction on Feline Weight Loss

Villaverde, C., J. J. Ramsey, et al. (2008). "Energy restriction results in a mass-adjusted decrease in energy expenditure in cats that is maintained after weight regain." J Nutr 138(5): 856-60.

Treatment of obesity in cats can be frustrating, even if appropriate energy restriction (ER) is employed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ER causes a long-term decrease in mass-adjusted energy expenditure (EE). Such a decrease in EE would impair weight loss and even promote regaining lost weight. EE and body composition were measured in 10 obese neutered adult cats (average body weight 6.1 kg, body condition score 7.6/9.0, fat mass 38%) at 3 time points: at baseline, during weight loss (40% ER), and after regaining weight. After weight loss, the average body weight was 5.0 kg, body condition score was 5.5/9.0, and fat mass was 31%. After a period of regaining weight, the average body weight was 6.2 kg, body condition score was 7.7/9.0, and fat mass was 42%. The total EE was significantly lower than baseline during weight loss, and remained lower than baseline even after weight regain. The results support the suggestion that ER results in a sustained mass-adjusted decrease in EE in cats.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weinsier, R. L., T. R. Nagy, et al. (2000). "Do adaptive changes in metabolic rate favor weight regain in weight-reduced individuals? An examination of the set-point theory." Am J Clin Nutr 72(5): 1088-94.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Villaverde, C., J. J. Ramsey, et al. (2008). "Energy restriction results in a mass-adjusted decrease in energy expenditure in cats that is maintained after weight regain." J Nutr 138(5): 856-60.

Treatment of obesity in cats can be frustrating, even if appropriate energy restriction (ER) is employed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ER causes a long-term decrease in mass-adjusted energy expenditure (EE). Such a decrease in EE would impair weight loss and even promote regaining lost weight. EE and body composition were measured in 10 obese neutered adult cats (average body weight 6.1 kg, body condition score 7.6/9.0, fat mass 38%) at 3 time points: at baseline, during weight loss (40% ER), and after regaining weight. After weight loss, the average body weight was 5.0 kg, body condition score was 5.5/9.0, and fat mass was 31%. After a period of regaining weight, the average body weight was 6.2 kg, body condition score was 7.7/9.0, and fat mass was 42%. The total EE was significantly lower than baseline during weight loss, and remained lower than baseline even after weight regain. The results support the suggestion that ER results in a sustained mass-adjusted decrease in EE in cats.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weinsier, R. L., T. R. Nagy, et al. (2000). "Do adaptive changes in metabolic rate favor weight regain in weight-reduced individuals? An examination of the set-point theory." Am J Clin Nutr 72(5): 1088-94.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Feline Patellar Luxation

Guillaumot, P., S. Scotti, et al. (2008). "Two cases of surgically treated feline patellar fractures." Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 21(2): 156-8.


Diseases of the patella, such as luxation and fractures, are reported less commonly in the cat than in the dog. This articles details the reports of two cases of patellar fracture: one in a 6-month old cat and one in a 2.5-year old cat. Two different methods of repair are detailed, along with information on etiology and diagnosis.
>> PubMed Abstract


Related articles:
McLaughlin, R. M. (2002). "Surgical diseases of the feline stifle joint." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 32(4): 963-82.
>> PubMed Abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Guillaumot, P., S. Scotti, et al. (2008). "Two cases of surgically treated feline patellar fractures." Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 21(2): 156-8.


Diseases of the patella, such as luxation and fractures, are reported less commonly in the cat than in the dog. This articles details the reports of two cases of patellar fracture: one in a 6-month old cat and one in a 2.5-year old cat. Two different methods of repair are detailed, along with information on etiology and diagnosis.
>> PubMed Abstract


Related articles:
McLaughlin, R. M. (2002). "Surgical diseases of the feline stifle joint." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 32(4): 963-82.
>> PubMed Abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Heartworm in Cats: Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.

While several agents have been available for treatment of heartworm infection in dogs, no safe and effective adulticides exist for treatment of heartworm in the cat. Cats infected with heartworm may benefit from corticosteroid therapy to reduce clinical signs of pulmonary disease. Fortunately, four products are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats (ivermectin, selamectin, moxidectin, milbemycin). Two products are given orally, and two are administered topically. Even cats diagnosed with heartworm infection can safely be given preventive treatment.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Bowman, D. D., C. J. Torre, et al. (2007). "Survey of 11 western states for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection, heartworm diagnostic and prevention protocols, and fecal examination protocols for gastrointestinal parasites." Vet Ther 8(4): 293-304.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.

While several agents have been available for treatment of heartworm infection in dogs, no safe and effective adulticides exist for treatment of heartworm in the cat. Cats infected with heartworm may benefit from corticosteroid therapy to reduce clinical signs of pulmonary disease. Fortunately, four products are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats (ivermectin, selamectin, moxidectin, milbemycin). Two products are given orally, and two are administered topically. Even cats diagnosed with heartworm infection can safely be given preventive treatment.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Bowman, D. D., C. J. Torre, et al. (2007). "Survey of 11 western states for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection, heartworm diagnostic and prevention protocols, and fecal examination protocols for gastrointestinal parasites." Vet Ther 8(4): 293-304.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Feline Heartworm: Life Cycle, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.

The heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, infects many animal species, including dogs and cats. While cats are resistant to heartworm infection, they may suffer infection rates 5-20% of the local canine rate. The American Heartworm Society released new guidelines on feline heartworm in 2007. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of heartworm disease in cats, and to educate pet owners that cats are at risk, even if they live 100% indoors.
>> PubMed Abstract

American Heartworm Society

KNOW Heartworms Campaign

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.

The heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, infects many animal species, including dogs and cats. While cats are resistant to heartworm infection, they may suffer infection rates 5-20% of the local canine rate. The American Heartworm Society released new guidelines on feline heartworm in 2007. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of heartworm disease in cats, and to educate pet owners that cats are at risk, even if they live 100% indoors.
>> PubMed Abstract

American Heartworm Society

KNOW Heartworms Campaign

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More