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Total parenteral nutrition in clinically normal cats.
A C Lippert1, J E Faulkner, A T Evans
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1314.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in cats can cause adverse effects like anemia and oral ulcers, especially with overfeeding. However, these negative impacts of TPN are reversible upon returning to enteral nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
- Understanding the effects of TPN in feline patients is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical, biochemical, and histopathologic effects of TPN in clinically normal cats.
- To determine the reversibility of TPN-induced changes in cats.
Main Methods:
- Seven clinically normal cats were administered TPN for two weeks.
- Cats received a TPN solution containing dextrose, amino acids, soybean oil, electrolytes, and vitamins.
- Body weight, clinical signs, and biochemical variables were monitored. Histopathology was performed post-TPN.
Main Results:
- Overfed cats showed weight gain, vomiting, oral ulcerations, and depression.
- All cats developed anemia and thrombocytopenia; polyuria and elevated triglycerides were observed.
- Hepatocellular swelling, vacuolation, and intestinal villous atrophy were common histopathologic findings.
Conclusions:
- TPN can induce significant clinical and histopathologic changes in healthy cats, particularly with excessive caloric intake.
- Anemia, thrombocytopenia, and gastrointestinal changes are key adverse effects.
- These TPN-induced alterations were reversible upon cessation of TPN and reintroduction of enteral nutrition.