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Hypoglycemia associated with refeeding syndrome in a cat
Author(s) -
DeAvilla Marisa D.,
Leech Elizabeth B.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of veterinary emergency and critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.886
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1476-4431
pISSN - 1479-3261
DOI - 10.1111/vec.12456
Subject(s) - refeeding syndrome , medicine , hypophosphatemia , hypokalemia , hypoglycemia , complication , presentation (obstetrics) , anemia , blood sugar , endocrinology , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , surgery , insulin , malnutrition , diabetes mellitus
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.