Maine Coon Cat Health Report

Some highlights from the AAFP Fall meeting in Chicago November 2005. The conference covered primary and secondary causes of gastrointestinal disease.

Dr. David C. Twedt, Dilpl. ACVIM
Hepatic Lipidosis - Cats may be slow to show evidence of hepatocellular damage in elevated ALT and AST levels so pay attention to other hepatic values like bilirubin, bile acid tests, ALP and GGT values. Ultrasound and biopsy (not fine needle aspirates) will help confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment - Feeding is imperative. Via a nasogastric tube, esophagostomy tube or peg tube. Do not hesistate to get nutrition into these cats. IV fluid therapy - Normosol or NaCl with 2.5% Dextrose. These cats often have increased lactic acid levels and are glucose intolerant so avoid lactated ringers solution and high dextrose containing fluids. Other supplements may include Vit B12, potassium, phosphorus, Vit E, SAM-e (Denosyl brand) and Silibin (Marin). Other supplements have been recommended but there is no literature to support their use.

Dr. Keith Richter, Dipl ACVIM
GI Lymphoma - Great caution must be used in interpreting biopsy samples. Be sure to choose a pathologist that has experience in grading lymphoma and send numerous biosy samples for comparison. Lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease can look very similar.

Gastric Ulceration - Cats have poor esophageal clearance of tablets with a dry swollow so give meds with water or in a liquid. Neoplasia is a common cause of GI ulceration in cats.

Abdominal pain - Can have a devastating affect on patient's recovery and cats give subtle signs of pain so pay attention and treat their pain.

Dr. Jorg M. Steiner, phD, Dipl ACVIM, Dipl ECVIM-CA
Chronic Diarrhea - A thorough work-up including chemistry, CBC, urinalysis, Felv/FIV testing, T4(esp in middle aged to older cats) and fecal flotation with zinc sulfate and a direct smear.
- A broad spectrum anthelmintic is recommended no matter what the results.
- More advanced work-up - Function Tests - TLI for exocrive function and PLI for pancreatitis
- Tritrichomonas foetus culture pouch - common cause of diarrhea in cattery cats
- Fecal culture especially if there is blood in the stool
- Serum Cobalamin and folate levels
- Deteriorating patients may need endoscopy and/or ultrasound
- Dietary Trails with a hypoallergenic diet are another tool to ruleout dietary intolerance and hypersensitivity.

I would also like to make sure everyone is aware that the SMA testing is now available at MSU through Dr. Fyfe's lab. You can contact them by one of the following routes to get testing supplies and instructions.
fyfe@cvm.msu.edu
Phone (517) 355-6463
Fax (517) 353-8957
Laboratory of Comparative Medical Genetics
2209 Biomedical Physical Sciences
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-4320

Thank you,
Nan