Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Weight loss and body condition predict survival in cats with cancer
By Baez, Jennifer L et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2007·Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A prospective investigation of the prevalence and prognostic significance of weight loss and changes in body condition in feline cancer patients.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 57 cats with cancer were examined for weight loss and changes in body condition. Most of these cats showed reduced muscle and fat mass, with an average body condition score indicating they were below optimal weight. Cats with a body condition score of less than 5 had a much shorter survival time of about 3.3 months, compared to those with a score of 5 or higher, who lived an average of 16.7 months. This suggests that maintaining a healthy weight and body condition is important for cats with cancer.
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Abstract
The objectives of this study were to prospectively identify and characterize weight loss and changes in body condition in feline cancer patients and to investigate the prognostic significance of these findings. Fifty-seven cats with neoplasia were evaluated. Body condition was assessed with a nine-point scoring system (BCS) and multiple sites were assessed for muscle and fat mass using four-point scoring systems. Feline cancer patients had a mean BCS of 4.4+/-2.1 kg (1=cachectic, 5=optimal, 9=obese). Fat mass was reduced in both sites assessed in 60% of the patients. Muscle mass was reduced at all three sites assessed in 91% of the patients. Feline cancer patients having a BCS <5 had a median survival time (MST) of 3.3 months compared to that of 16.7 months for cats with a BCS of > or = 5 (P=0.008).
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17451991/