|
Overview:
Thiamine (also known as Vitamin
B1) is a water soluble vitamin. Thiamine plays an important role in numerous
body functions including helping the body metabolise carbohydrates into energy &
maintaining a healthy heart & nervous system. Thiamine is found in whole-grains,
some fruits & vegetables, meat, liver, bread, brewers yeast, legumes & milk.
Thiamine deficiency is quite
rare in cats, and is most typically seen when a cat has been fed a diet
containing large amounts of raw fish.
Causes of thiamine deficiency
include;
-
When a cat is fed a
diet containing large amounts of raw fish. Raw fish contains the enzyme
thiaminase which destroys thiamine. Cooking destroys thiaminase,
thus protecting thiamine.
-
Sulphur Dioxide (220) is a
preservative found in some brands of 'pet mince'. Sulphur dioxide inactivates
thiamine. [1] Pet food manufacturers therefore must carefully monitor their
products to ensure they contain adequate levels of thiamine for cats.
-
Thiamine is soluble in water
& therefore can be lost if cooked in water. If you are to cook your cat's food
in water, then use as little as possible.
-
High heats can also destroy
thiamine. Once again, pet food manufacturers must carefully monitor their
products to ensure they contain adequate levels of thiamine to compensate for
the loss during the cooking process.
-
Cheap/generic brands of cat
food may not monitor these levels as carefully as they should, therefore it is
always wise to choose your pet foods carefully & feed a varied diet.
Thiamine is not stored in
the body, and therefore is quickly depleted if the cat is fed an inadequate diet
or goes without food for any period of time. It is therefore important to ensure
the diet contains adequate amounts of this vitamin.
What are the
symptoms of thiamine deficiency in cats?
-
Anorexia
-
Salivation
-
Dilated pupils
-
Ataxia (loss of coordination)
-
Cervical ventroflexion (necks
flexed/rigid, which causes an inability to raise the head, the chin rests near
the chest)
-
Seizures
-
Loss of righting reflexes
-
Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
-
Aggression
How is thiamine
deficiency in cats diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will perform a
complete physical examination & obtain a history from you, including
information on your cat's diet. The most common sign
of thiamine deficiency is cervical ventroflexion.
How is thiamine
deficiency treated?
-
Putting the cat on a
nutritionally balanced diet.
-
Cutting down or eliminating raw
fish from the cat's diet.
-
Administering thiamine
injections.
References:
[1]
Australian Veterinary Association warning over preservatives in pet food.
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian &
should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit.
The articles are provided for informative purposes only & should
not be used for
the diagnosis or treatment of any
medical condition.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great care
has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot
guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any
doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.
|
