Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mouldy dry cat food linked to digestive problems in kittens
By Popiel, J et al.·Published in Polish journal of veterinary sciences·2004·Department of Internal and Parasitic Diseases with Clinic for Horses·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Effect of the dry feed contaminated with moulds on the prevalence of alimentary tract disorders in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 8 kittens, aged 7 to 9 weeks, developed digestive problems and poor weight gain after being fed a commercial dry food that was contaminated with moulds. Blood tests showed signs of inflammation and changes in organ function, indicating health issues. The moulds found in the food included Aspergillus flavus and A. fumigatus, which can be harmful to cats. This study suggests that the production methods for dry cat food may not be sufficient to prevent mould contamination, which can lead to serious health problems in kittens.
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Abstract
The experiment was performed on the group of 8 kittens aged from 7 to 9 weeks. The aim of the studies was to establish the reasons for alimentary tract disorders and lower gains of body weight occurring in these animals. The cats were fed with commercial dry diet. Morphological and biochemical blood tests were carried out in the animals at the onset of the experiment. The tests were re-performed at the end of the studies, together with bacteriological and mycological cultures of faeces, hygienic litter and internal organs of dead cats. The feed samples underwent microbiological and toxicological analyses. An increase in leukocyte count was recorded on morphological blood inspection while the biochemical tests revealed the rise of AIAT and amylase activities and urea concentration. The moulds of Aspergillus flavus and A. fumigatus were isolated on quality feed assessment. Toxicological analyses of feed performed by means of thin layer chromatography revealed zearalenone within the samples. Technology of dry diet production may not be efficient enough to protect the feed against contamination and subsequent growth of moulds. Consumption of Aspergillus-contaminated feed may result in growth inhibition and alimentary tract disorders, including the fatal ones.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15230547/