Representative peer-reviewed studies (verbatim abstracts)
The following studies were retrieved from Europe PMC / PubMed and are reproduced verbatim. Interpretive synthesis is left to the API user.
PMID:41017078 — Progression of lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in clinically healthy cats and cats with diet-responsive enteropathy.
- Source: J Feline Med Surg 2025
- J Feline Med Surg. 2025 Sep;27(9):1098612X251367621. doi:
10.1177/1098612X251367621. Epub 2025 Sep 28.
Progression of lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in clinically healthy cats and cats with diet-responsive enteropathy.
Moscoso Uribe F(1), Riond B(2), Del Chicca F(3), Ruetten M(4), Grimm F(5), Liesegang A(1), Kook PH(6).
Author information: (1)Institute of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. (2)Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. (3)Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. (4)Pathovet, Tagelswangen, Switzerland. (5)Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. (6)Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to describe the course of lipase activity, pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) and clinical findings over time in cats.MethodsFour clinically healthy cats and two diarrhoeic cats from a research colony aged 2-8 years with normal haematology and serum biochemistry results were followed up with lipase measurements over a total of 12 months in this descriptive study. Lipase activity (LIPCRoche; reference interval [RI] 8-26 U/l) was determined at day 0, and lipase activity and concurrent PLI (Spec fPL; RI 0-4.4 µg/l) were determined at days 19, 47, 54, 221 and 369. All cats were examined weekly. The pancreas and gastrointestinal tract of all cats were examined via ultrasonography.ResultsLipase activity and PLI in four clinically healthy cats was in the range of 10-283 U/l (median 69) and 1.2-86 µg/l (median 13), respectively. Lipase activity and PLI in two cats with enteropathy was in the range of 16-130 U/l (median 42) and 1.9-36 µg/l (median 8.3). The magnitude and nature of change were always the same for both assays. The correlation between assays was very high (rs 0.984; P <0.0001). The pancreas was normal on ultrasound in both diarrhoeic cats and two healthy cats, whereas a hypoechoic and enlarged pancreas was found in two clinically healthy cats with persistently increased lipase values. All cats had ultrasonographic evidence of enteropathy. No pattern could be recognised in the temporal lipase progression; only one healthy cat with an ultrasonographically abnormal pancreas had continuously increasing values. Both cats with large bowel diarrhoea were diet-responsive.Conclusions and relevanceLipase activity and PLI varied from normal to markedly increased in clinically healthy cats and cats with diet-responsive enteropathy and a normal pancreas on ultrasonography. Both lipase assays yielded virtually identical results. No apparent association between lipase results and clinical or ultrasonographic findings was found. The results illustrate the difficulties clinicians face when trying to assess the significance of lipase levels in cats.
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X251367621 PMCID: PMC12477377 PMID: 41017078 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: Conflict of interestThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:J Feline Med Surg 2025
- J Feline Med Surg. 2025 Sep;27(9):1098612X251367621. doi:
10.1177/1098612X251367621. Epub 2025 Sep 28.
Progression of lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunor
PMID:42256055 — Acute vitamin D toxicosis in an adult cat.
- Source: JFMS Open Rep 2026
- JFMS Open Rep. 2026 Apr 24;12(1):20551169261448248. doi:
10.1177/20551169261448248. eCollection 2026 Jan-Jun.
Acute vitamin D toxicosis in an adult cat.
Chasnick IR(1), Levy NA(1).
Author information: (1)Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA.
CASE SUMMARY: A 4-year-old, female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented to the Michigan State University emergency service for evaluation of vomiting 4 days after exposure to vitamin D supplements. On intake, the patient was found to have ionized hypercalcemia and azotemia. The patient was hospitalized for calciuresis therapy including fluid diuresis, diuretics, steroids, bisphosphonates and a nasogastric feeding tube. She was discharged and presented for a recheck evaluation and was then hospitalized a second time for the same therapy as her first hospitalization. Eventually the patient was discharged for at-home care with subcutaneous fluids and oral medications because of financial constraints. Approximately 52 days after exposure, the cat was noted to have persistently normal ionized calcium and all medications were discontinued. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This case provides a unique example of acute vitamin D toxicosis in a cat and a financially conservative approach in treating a toxicity with a significant half-life.
© The Author(s) 2026.
DOI: 10.1177/20551169261448248 PMCID: PMC13234386 PMID: 42256055
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:JFMS Open Rep 2026
- JFMS Open Rep. 2026 Apr 24;12(1):20551169261448248. doi:
10.1177/20551169261448248. eCollection 2026 Jan-Jun.
Acute vitamin D toxicosis in an adult cat.
Chasnick IR(1
PMID:41369075 — Guidelines for nutritional management of feline diabetes mellitus: a proposed classification system integrating medical considerations.
- Source: J Feline Med Surg 2026
- J Feline Med Surg. 2026 Mar;28(3):1098612X251409019. doi:
10.1177/1098612X251409019. Epub 2025 Dec 10.
Guidelines for nutritional management of feline diabetes mellitus: a proposed classification system integrating medical considerations.
Hookey T(1), Backus RC(2), Bjørnvad CR(3), Davison LJ(4)(5), Fleeman L(6), Fracassi F(7), German AJ(8), Gilor C(9), Gostelow R(4), Schoeman T(1), Flanagan J(1).
Author information: (1)Royal Canin Research Centre, Aimargues, France. (2)Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. (3)Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. (4)Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK. (5)Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, UK. (6)Animal Diabetes Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. (7)Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy. (8)Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK. (9)Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) in cats can benefit from an integration of medical and nutritional strategies, based on an understanding of the dynamic nature of the disease, together with an appreciation of the interrelationships between nutritional status and clinical status. In this context, a new classification system for feline DM is proposed, comprising three clinical status categories: those at risk of developing DM, those with clinical DM and those in diabetic remission. The influence of individual dietary components (carbohydrate, protein, fat and water fractions) on clinical outcomes is discussed, followed by overarching principles for the dietary management of diabetic cats, based on both the limited scientific evidence and the clinical experience of the authors. Key aspects of nutritional assessment, the principles of therapeutic weight reduction and feeding practices are covered. Using the classification framework, recommendations for nutritional management are proposed for cats at risk of development of DM, cats with clinical DM and those in clinical remission. Successful implementation of these recommendations can be achieved by using a relationship-centred approach, where owner concerns are addressed and goals for management are agreed in partnership. It is hoped that these perspectives will help guide veterinary professionals in their clinical management decisions, thereby improving health outcomes in cats in all three categories of DM.
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X251409019 PMCID: PMC13009768 PMID: 41369075 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: Conflict of interestTabitha Hookey, Tanya Schoeman and John Flanagan are employees of Royal Canin SAS. Charlotte R Bjørnvad has research, advisory and speaking contracts with Royal Canin and Boehringer Ingelheim, and speaker contracts with Hills and Vuffeli, but with no conflict of interest associated with the current manuscript. Robert C Backus served as director of the Nestlé Purina Endowed Program in Small Animal Nutrition at the University of Missouri, Columbia, during the period of manuscript preparation. Lucy J Davison is in receipt of research funding from the UK Medical Research Council, PetPlan Charitable Trust, American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Dechra Veterinary Products and Evetts-Luff Charitable Trust, but with no conflict of interest associated with this manuscript. Linda Fleeman has received honoraria for educational seminars and manuscripts for Boehringer-Ingelheim, MSD Animal Health, Zoetis, Royal Canin and Nestle Purina, consulting fees from Dechra Boehringer-Ingelheim and Amacas, and research support from Royal Canin. Federico Fracassi has received honoraria for educational seminars, financial research support or consulting fees from MSD Animal Health, Dechra, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Royal Canin, Nestlé Purina, Hill’s, MyLav and Forza10. Alexander J German is an employee of the University of Liverpool but his position is funded by Royal Canin. He has also received financial remuneration and gifts for providing educational material, speaking at conferences and consultancy work. Chen Gilor had research, advisory and speaking contracts with Dechra, Edge Animal Health, CEVA, Okava, Merck Animal Health, BiomEdit, Boehringer-Ingelheim and Baycom. Ruth Gostelow has research, advisory and speaking contracts with Royal Canin. She is a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim Global Diabetes Advisory Committee.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:J Feline Med Surg 2026
- J Feline Med Surg. 2026 Mar;28(3):1098612X251409019. doi:
10.1177/1098612X251409019. Epub 2025 Dec 10.
Guidelines for nutritional management of feline diabetes mel
PMID:42071970 — Overweight and Obesity in Dogs and Cats: An Exploration of Animal Welfare and Behaviour Impacts, and Recommendations for Management in Veterinary Primary Care.
- Source: Animals (Basel) 2026
- Animals (Basel). 2026 Apr 15;16(8):1204. doi: 10.3390/ani16081204.
Overweight and Obesity in Dogs and Cats: An Exploration of Animal Welfare and Behaviour Impacts, and Recommendations for Management in Veterinary Primary Care.
Quinn R(1), Quain A(1).
Author information: (1)Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia.
Overweight and obesity are prevalent among companion dogs and cats in the Western world. Affected animals are at risk of comorbidities and reduced longevity. This narrative review found that veterinary literature generally characterises overweight and obesity as nutritional disorders that are primarily addressed by reducing caloric intake. However, veterinary management of overweight and obesity has limited success outside research settings. The Five Domains model for animal welfare assessment is applied to explore impacts of overweight and obesity and their management in dogs and cats by focusing on nutrition, health, physical environment, behavioural interactions and mental state. A second focus is on the practical strategies for addressing non-diet-related barriers and client communication through the provision of management recommendations. This novel and integrative approach aims to inform veterinarians and improve the success of weight management protocols.
DOI: 10.3390/ani16081204 PMCID: PMC13113748 PMID: 42071970
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:Animals (Basel) 2026
- Animals (Basel). 2026 Apr 15;16(8):1204. doi: 10.3390/ani16081204.
Overweight and Obesity in Dogs and Cats: An Exploration of Animal Welfare and Behaviour Impacts, a
PMID:41992442 — Gastrointestinal microbiota and fecal fatty acids of cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
- Source: J Feline Med Surg 2026
- J Feline Med Surg. 2026 May;28(5):1098612X261446328. doi:
10.1177/1098612X261446328. Epub 2026 Apr 16.
Gastrointestinal microbiota and fecal fatty acids of cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Huther A(1), Gould EN(2), Chang CH(2), Anderson-Kaapa M(2), Fosgate GT(3)(4), Suchodolski JS(2).
Author information: (1)Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. (2)Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. (3)Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, NY, USA. (4)Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to identify differences in fecal analytes (ie, microbiota, fatty acids [FAs]) in cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) compared with healthy controls, and describe clinical signs at baseline and short-term follow-up.MethodsA cross-sectional, observational study was conducted of 55 client-owned cats with EPI and 37 healthy client-owned blood donor control cats. Eligible cases had a feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) consistent with EPI. Fecal samples were analyzed for fecal microbiota dysbiosis index (DI) and FAs. Serum and fecal analytes from controls were compared with EPI cats using parametric and non-parametric methods including general linear models to adjust for potential confounding by signalment differences. Clinical signs were described for cats with EPI at enrollment and for one short-term follow-up time point.ResultsFecal DI and FAs were abnormal in EPI cases compared with controls. Cats with EPI had a higher median DI (1.5 [range -2.6 to 3.8]), total FAs (74.1 µg/g [range 4.7-162]), arachidonic acid (2.54 µg/g [range 0.03-17.0]) and nervonic acid (0.37 µg/g [range 0.02-1.5]) than controls (-3 [range -4.4 to -0.6], 19.7 µg/g [range 9.4-75.2], 0.57 µg/g [range 0.32-1.51] and 0.17 µg/g [range 0.09-0.54], respectively), and a lower median Peptacetobacter hiranonis (4.8 log DNA [range 0.1-6.1]) compared with controls (5.9 log DNA [range 3.2-6.8]). The most common clinical signs were weight loss and appetite disturbances.Conclusions and relevanceCats with EPI have alterations in fecal microbiota and FA, and clinical signs in this population of cats were similar to those previously reported.
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X261446328 PMCID: PMC13213120 PMID: 41992442 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: Conflict of interestThe authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: three of the authors (EG, CHC, JS) are employed by the Gastrointestinal Laboratory at Texas A&M University, which offered the assays in this article on a fee-for-service basis.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:J Feline Med Surg 2026
- J Feline Med Surg. 2026 May;28(5):1098612X261446328. doi:
10.1177/1098612X261446328. Epub 2026 Apr 16.
Gastrointestinal microbiota and fecal fatty acids of cats wi
PMID:42213695 — Effect of dietary Ca:P ratio on ionized calcium and calcium homeostasis in cats with early-stage chronic kidney disease.
- Source: PLoS One 2026
- PLoS One. 2026 May 29;21(5):e0350414. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0350414.
eCollection 2026.
Effect of dietary Ca:P ratio on ionized calcium and calcium homeostasis in cats with early-stage chronic kidney disease.
Hall JA(1), Hancock LB(2), Morris EM(2).
Author information: (1)Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America. (2)Pet Nutrition Center, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Incorporated, Topeka, Kansas, United States of America.
The aim of the study was to compare two renal foods with different Ca:P ratios on manifestation of hypercalcemia and regulation of calcium homeostasis in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nine cats (11.0 ± 2.0 y) with naturally-occurring IRIS Stage I or II CKD were fed a senior wellness food for 28-days, then randomized into two groups and fed either a food providing 1.8 g/Mcal Ca, 1.3 g/Mcal P, and Ca:P ratio of 1.4:1 (MOD-Ca:P), or a food providing 2.4 g/Mcal Ca, 1.3 g/Mcal P, and Ca:P ratio of 1.8:1 (HIGH-Ca:P) for 56 days. After a 28-day washout period, cats were crossed over to the other test food. Blood and urine samples were collected at the end of the prefeed/washout and on days 28 and 56 of each study period. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model with fixed effects of Diet, Day, Period and associated interactions. At baseline, mean ionized calcium (iCa; 1.26 ± 0.03 mmol/L) was within the normal reference interval (1.10-1.40 mmol/L). Serum total Ca, phosphorus, calcitriol, and fractional excretion of calcium were not affected by diet and diet by day interaction (P > 0.050). There was a trend for increased fibroblast growth factor 23 (P = 0.058) and serum iCa (P = 0.067) in cats fed HIGH-Ca:P compared with MOD-Ca:P food, although iCa remained within the normal reference interval. Parathyroid hormone was reduced when cats were fed HIGH-Ca:P compared with cats fed MOD-Ca:P (P = 0.020), although concentrations were within the normal reference interval throughout the study. Fractional excretion of phosphorus was reduced when cats were fed HIGH-Ca:P compared with MOD-Ca:P (P = 0.050). Serum Cr and SDMA were higher on days 28 and 56 compared with baseline (P < 0.002). Higher dietary Ca and a higher Ca:P ratio may not be the sole drivers of hypercalcemia in cats with progressive CKD. However, the observed alterations in calcium homeostatic mechanisms warrant further research to identify strategies for mitigating hypercalcemia risk.
Copyright: © 2026 Hall et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0350414 PMCID: PMC13221076 PMID: 42213695 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: We have read the journal’s policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: two of the authors have an affiliation (LBH, EMM) to the commercial funders of this research, as employees of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc (http://www.hillspet.com/our-company.html). This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.” (detailed online in our guide for authors http://journals.plos.org/plosone/s/competing-interests). Data is freely available upon request. The funder provided support in the form of salaries for authors, but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section.
- Abstract (verbatim excerpt):
JOURNAL:PLoS One 2026
- PLoS One. 2026 May 29;21(5):e0350414. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0350414.
eCollection 2026.
Effect of dietary Ca:P ratio on ionized calcium and calcium homeostasis in cats