Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with low blood sugar during refeeding after starvation
By DeAvilla, Marisa D & Leech, Elizabeth B·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2016·VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hypoglycemia associated with refeeding syndrome in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was brought to the vet after being missing for 12 weeks and showing signs of severe starvation. During treatment to help him recover, he developed low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which is unusual for cats. The vet managed this condition along with other electrolyte imbalances by providing intravenous supplements. After a week of careful monitoring and treatment, the cat was successfully discharged and is now recovering at home.
People also search for: cat low blood sugar treatment · refeeding syndrome in cats · starving cat recovery · cat electrolyte imbalance symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation and biochemical abnormalities occurring during the successful treatment of refeeding syndrome in a cat. CASE SUMMARY: A 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented after having been missing for 12 weeks. The cat had clinical signs of severe starvation. Common complications developed during refeeding (eg, hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hemolytic anemia). The cat also developed hypoglycemia, a complication common in people but not previously reported in a cat. Hypoglycemia and electrolyte deficiencies were managed with intravenous supplementation. The cat was successfully treated and was discharged alive 7 days after presentation. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Hypoglycemia has not been reported previously as a complication of refeeding in a cat. Frequent monitoring of electrolyte, mineral, and blood glucose concentrations is essential to successful management of refeeding syndrome. The ideal refeeding strategy is unknown at this time. Evidence suggests that a diet low in carbohydrate decreases the likelihood of metabolic derangements commonly associated with refeeding.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26969878/