This case study was published in the November 2004 issue.

“Kitty’s” owner was not aware that feeding commercial canned Tuna
as a sole diet can lead to serious neurological disease due to vitamin deficiency.

Fortunately with LOVE & CARE we were able nurse Kitty back to good health and called the owner with the good news.

2004 Article

Earlier this year, “Kitty”, a 10-year-old spayed female cat was brought to Dr. R. Kraemer at Grand pet Care Center Animal Hospital for sudden lethargy.  Kitty was an indoor cat with no history of medical problems.  The owner was not aware of any vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, excessive drinking, or urination.  When asked about Kitty's diet, she informed me that Kitty received canned tuna primarily, and a commercial diet occasionally.  Upon physical examination, I noticed obvious neurological abnormalities in varying degrees: ataxia and falling, ventroflexion of the head, opisthotonos, persistent rigid extensor tonus of the hind legs, and dilated pupils.  Radiographs revealed fecal material in the colon and radiopaque material in the stomach.  A serum chemistry profile revealed elevated alanine transaminase activity (465 IU/L), an elevated total bilirubin concentration (1.6 mg/dl; direct=0.6 mg/dl, indirect =1 mg/dl), and a decreased blood urea nitrogen concentration (13 mg/dl).  We started treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.  I had never seen vitamin B deficiency, but the tuna fish diet confession triggered some memories from veterinary school. For confirmation, I called the local neurologist who recommended giving 100 mg thiamine intramuscularly twice a day, place a nasogastric feeding tube, and provided nutritional support.  The owner, a senior on a limited income but genuinely committed and loving, agreed to extend Kitty's hospitalization based on the estimated three days of vitamin B injections.  I noted no improvement. The owner could not afford further treatment and opted to euthanize Kitty, but when I offered to assume additional costs, she consented to continue the treatment.  On Day 8, Kitty was eating on her own and showed moderate neurological improvement.  By Day 11, Kitty had fully recovered, and we released her to her owner. The appreciative owner promised to keep Kitty on a proper premium feline diet. Occasionally, the seemingly uncommon conditions we memorized for veterinary school exams do materialize.

This case also illustrates why basic dietary client education is vital and it's a classic example of why case history is one of those truly rewarding cases in which allowing the good Samaritan exception pays off.