Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Low vitamin B12 linked to methylmalonic acidemia in cats
By Ruaux, C G et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2009·College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Relationships between low serum cobalamin concentrations and methlymalonic acidemia in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with low vitamin B12 (cobalamin) levels were found to have high levels of methylmalonic acid, which indicates a deficiency. This deficiency is often linked to gastrointestinal issues in cats. The study showed that about 68% of cats with low cobalamin levels also had elevated methylmalonic acid levels. For cats with cobalamin levels below 160 ng/L, there was a good chance (74% sensitivity) that they would have this deficiency. The recommended treatment for these cats is vitamin B12 injections to help improve their health.
People also search for: cat low vitamin B12 symptoms · cat gastrointestinal disease treatment · cobalamin deficiency in cats
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Serum cobalamin concentrations below reference range are a common consequence of gastrointestinal disease in cats. Serum cobalamin <or= 100 ng/L is associated with methylmalonic acidemia. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of cobalamin deficiency, defined by elevated serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), in cats with serum cobalamin <or= 290 ng/L, and the optimum serum cobalamin concentration to predict cobalamin deficiency in cats. SAMPLE SET: Residual serum samples (n = 206) from cats with serum cobalamin <or= 290 ng/L. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study. Serum cobalamin and folate were measured with automated assays. Serum MMA was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cobalamin deficiency was defined as serum MMA > 867 nmol/L. Sensitivity and specificity of serum cobalamin concentrations <or=290 ng/L for detecting MMA > 867 nmol/L were analyzed using a receiver-operator characteristic curve. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations (Spearman's r=-0.74, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of MMA >or= 867 nmol/L in cats with serum cobalamin <or= 290 ng/L was 68.4%. Serum cobalamin <or= 160 ng/L had a 74% sensitivity and 80% specificity for detecting MMA > 867 nmol/L. No significant difference in serum folate concentrations was detected between affected and unaffected cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Elevated MMA concentrations, suggesting cobalamin deficiency, are common in cats with serum cobalamin <or= 290 ng/L. Cobalamin deficiency is clinically significant, and supplementation with parenteral cobalamin is recommended for cats with gastrointestinal disease and low serum cobalamin concentrations.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19422473/