Transient hyperlipidemia in a litter of kittens

Objective To describe an entire litter of kittens with severe hyperlipidemia and subsequent successful, low‐cost treatment that included high protein enteral support and parasite control. Previous case studies of similarly affected kittens have focused on a genetic etiology and on advanced intervent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2000) Tex. : 2000), 2012-12, Vol.22 (6), p.703-709
Main Authors: Blackstock, Kelly J., Schoeffler, Gretchen, Wakshlag, Joseph J., Diep, Anh N., Bauer, John E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal Feed - analysis
Animals
Cat Diseases - genetics
Cat Diseases - pathology
catabolic state
Cats
Diet - veterinary
Dietary Supplements
Ectoparasitic Infestations - drug therapy
Ectoparasitic Infestations - veterinary
Enteral Nutrition
Fatal Outcome
feline
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Hyperlipidemias - etiology
Hyperlipidemias - genetics
Hyperlipidemias - mortality
Hyperlipidemias - prevention & control
Hyperlipidemias - veterinary
hypertriglyceridemia
Insecticides - therapeutic use
lipid disorders
malnutrition
Neonicotinoids
Pyridines - therapeutic use
Siphonaptera
Weaning
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Summary:Objective To describe an entire litter of kittens with severe hyperlipidemia and subsequent successful, low‐cost treatment that included high protein enteral support and parasite control. Previous case studies of similarly affected kittens have focused on a genetic etiology and on advanced interventions. The role of negative energy balance and additional factors influencing hyperlipidemia, as well as treatment and prognosis are discussed. Case Summary Three of 6 kittens died or were euthanized due to severe clinical signs attributable to multiorgan failure associated with subacute hyperlipidemia. The remaining 3 kittens, although subclinical, were found to have similar biochemical abnormalities, including severe anemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Flea treatment and weaning with assisted enteral support prevented the worsening of clinical signs and returned biochemical parameters to within reference intervals. Unique Information Provided Transient hyperlipidemia in kittens has been previously reported and successfully treated with administration of oxygen, blood transfusion, and diet change; these treatment recommendations may not always be financially feasible, resulting in euthanasia of affected kittens. In contrast, this report describes a successful, low‐cost, outpatient approach of flea control, weaning, and introduction of a high protein enteral diet. It also highlights the importance of screening and treating seemingly unaffected littermates, provides new, previously unreported biochemical and histopathology findings, and proposes that negative energy balance is a significant factor in the development of transient hyperlipidemia in kittens.
ISSN:1479-3261
1476-4431
DOI:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00797.x