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Persistent cobalamin deficiency causing failure to thrive in a juvenile beagle.
H H Fordyce1, M B Callan, U Giger
1Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|October 7, 2000
Summary
A beagle with failure to gain weight and seizures had congenital selective cobalamin (Cbl) malabsorption. Parenteral cyanocobalamin (CN-Cbl) injections successfully treated this rare metabolic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Metabolism
- Hereditary Disorders
Background:
- Congenital selective cobalamin (Cbl) malabsorption is a rare hereditary metabolic disorder.
- This condition affects nutrient absorption, leading to severe health issues in affected animals.
Observation:
- A six-month-old beagle presented with failure to gain weight, lethargy, vomiting, and seizures.
- Diagnostic workup revealed low serum cobalamin, anemia, leucopenia, and methylmalonic aciduria despite a balanced diet.
Findings:
- The clinical signs and laboratory results were consistent with congenital selective cobalamin malabsorption.
- Treatment with parenteral cyanocobalamin (CN-Cbl) injections rapidly corrected the cobalamin deficiency and resolved all clinical abnormalities.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering hereditary metabolic disorders in young dogs with unexplained clinical signs.
- Successful treatment with cyanocobalamin demonstrates a readily treatable option for this condition, improving canine health outcomes.