Thiamine Deficiency
Clinical signs include ataxia, generalized weakness, marked hypermetria and seizure-like episodes (AZA, 2012). Can be corrected by supplementation and dietary modifications (AZA, 2012).
Hypovitaminosis A
Vitamin A deficiency has been reported in young lions who presented with neurological signs, including ataxia, tetraparaesis, seizures, head tilt and opisthotonus and can be fatal (AZA, 2012). Mild clinical cases may respond to vitamin A supplementation (AZA, 2012).
Obesity
Obesity is purported to be he most common nutritional disorder in domestic felines (AZA, 2012). The most practical method for evaluating the degree of fatness for animals which cannot be easily palpated is visual body condition scoring (AZA, 2012). Body condition scoring (BCS) systems provide a spectrum of fatness usually within 1-5 or 1-9 levels (BCS points) (AZA, 2012). Nine point BCS systems are more specific and preferred as they provide warning zones (BCS4 moderate low and BCS6 moderate high) which allow diet or management changes to be made (AZA, 2012). Its is generally recommended that animals in zoos be maintained within the range of moderate body condition scores (4-6 on a 9 point scale) (AZA, 2012). More extreme body conditions are associated with increased health risks, poor reproductive performance and reduced longevity in domestic cats (AZA, 2012).
Clinical signs include ataxia, generalized weakness, marked hypermetria and seizure-like episodes (AZA, 2012). Can be corrected by supplementation and dietary modifications (AZA, 2012).
Hypovitaminosis A
Vitamin A deficiency has been reported in young lions who presented with neurological signs, including ataxia, tetraparaesis, seizures, head tilt and opisthotonus and can be fatal (AZA, 2012). Mild clinical cases may respond to vitamin A supplementation (AZA, 2012).
Obesity
Obesity is purported to be he most common nutritional disorder in domestic felines (AZA, 2012). The most practical method for evaluating the degree of fatness for animals which cannot be easily palpated is visual body condition scoring (AZA, 2012). Body condition scoring (BCS) systems provide a spectrum of fatness usually within 1-5 or 1-9 levels (BCS points) (AZA, 2012). Nine point BCS systems are more specific and preferred as they provide warning zones (BCS4 moderate low and BCS6 moderate high) which allow diet or management changes to be made (AZA, 2012). Its is generally recommended that animals in zoos be maintained within the range of moderate body condition scores (4-6 on a 9 point scale) (AZA, 2012). More extreme body conditions are associated with increased health risks, poor reproductive performance and reduced longevity in domestic cats (AZA, 2012).