A 10yearold cat that was kept on a diet consisting largely o

A 10-year-old cat that was kept on a diet consisting largely of raw liver was evaluated because of lethargy, partial anorexia, and weight loss of several months\' duration. The cat\'s head and neck were rigidly extended, and a hard mass was palpable in the ventral cervical region. Cervical and thoracic radiography revealed proliferative bony lesions of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae as well as of the sternum and costal cartilages. Scrum vitamin A concentration was 4 times normal. For reasons unrelated to hypervitaminosis A, euthanasia and necropsy were performed 6 months after evaluation. The skull and the cervical and first few thoracic vertebrae were rigidly fused, and the vertebral architecture was altered by deposition of new bone. The sternum and costal cartilages were similarly affected. The historical, physical, radiographic, laboratory, and postmortem findings were consistent with the diagnosis of hypervitaminosis A. On the basis of findings in this cat, hypervitaminosis A should be suspected in any sick cat fed a diet consisting partly or completely of raw liver. Imagine, you are a Veterinary Doctor Assistant. A lady brings her cat in your Office with these symptoms. The doctor examined the cat and did the diagnosis - Hypervitaminosis A. While the doctor is busy with other \"patients\", can you explain to your client, why rich with vitamin A diet cause abnormal bone growth and what she has to do to lessen her cat symptoms? Write what you will say to your client about the disease, its cause, and its treatment.

Solution

Vitamin A is an essential component in the diet for the cats but an excessive amount can lead to the condition called hypervitaminosis A. When level of Vitamin A in the blood exceeds the normal amount, it alters the metabolism of bone, resulting in more deposition of extra bone. If this continues for long, the bones fuse together and joints becomes stiff resulting in painful and restricted movement in cat.

The cause of hypervitaminosis A is the excessive intake of Vitamin A in diet through organ meat like liver or through supplements rich in cod liver oil.

The treatment : some cats may improve if the intake of Vitamin A is reduced and given a more balanced diet. For the damage to the bones and joints, it could get better with pain killers or in some cases it could require surgery.