Important Facts About Protein Deposits In Cats That You Need To Know

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Protein deposits in cats is actually a feline condition, wherein a waxy translucent material, which consists mainly of protein –the deposits in the tissues and organs of cats. Protracted excess of this particular condition might lead to organ failure. Also, the liver and kidney are the most typically affected. However, amyloid deposition may also occur in some other organs too. There is no genetic involvement that’s been found, yet familial liver amyloidosis is seen in Oriental shorthair and Siamese cat breeds. In this article, we will discuss some more interesting facts about protein deposits in cats including its causes, symptoms, prognosis, and treatments. Read on to learn about these and more!

What are Protein Deposits in Cats?

In the actual fact, there are two major kinds of amyloids. The AA amyloids commonly develop as a response to illness and might be found in the major organs of the body. Most commonly, they affect the kidneys, yet they may also form in the brain, lungs, liver, spleen, and heart. The amyloids that’s in the brain might lead to dementia.

On the other hand, the second type is the AL amyloids. These commonly develop all over the body –specifically in the nerve tissue and joints. Both the AA and AL amyloid development are actually a part of a certain degenerative condition. An early treatment from a vet may greatly help in extending the life of an affected cat.

Moreover, after a cat deals with the defect or disease for a long period, its body might begin to produce protein deposits that are abnormally folded. This particular process is called the amyloidosis –the deposits are what they call the amyloids. The amyloid deposits may occur all over the body or might stay in one location.

Further, the amyloids displace the normal cells. This condition might develop in all the mammals, yet is commonly rare in cats. Actually, it is seen more frequently in the older cats, rather than the younger cats.

Causes

Though protein deposits in cats are frequently seen in coagulation to specific diseases, the precise cause of the formation of this condition is actually not known. Specific breeds of cats are so susceptible to amyloids. Further, the related maladies and risk factors include the following:

  • Cancer
  • Heartworm
  • Immune disorders
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Fungal infection
  • Bacterial infection
  • Hereditary disposition

Symptoms

Since amyloids most frequently form in the kidneys, a lot of its symptoms are in relation to kidney failure. What’s more, if amyloids have already formed in some other organs, the symptoms may relate to the failure of that organ.

  • High blood pressure
  • Breathing problems
  • Jaundice
  • Fluid retention
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Confusion
  • Swollen limbs
  • Lethargy
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Decreased appetite
  • Polydipsia
  • Polyuria

Prognosis

protein deposits in cats

If the protein deposits in cats are assumed, the vet may require the full medical history of the cat. Also, the vet will also conduct a thorough physical examination. A full blood work may be necessary in including a biochemical profile, as well as complete blood count. This might lead to the discovery of the causal cause of the amyloidosis, just like cancer. A urinalysis might also be necessary, more especially in case of kidney failure. The urine might also be collected above 24 hours, in order to measure the amount of protein that’s spilling through it.

Additionally, ultrasounds or x-rays may be essential to evaluate the major organ’s condition. If the signs of kidney failure are existent, yet both of the kidneys are of normal size, amyloidosis might be the causal condition. Moreover, biopsy might also be essential for the complete prognosis. Further, the tissue of the affected organ might be gathered and tested using staining. This will help in showing if there are any amyloids present.

Treatment for Protein Deposits in Cats

Amyloidosis or protein buildup in cats isn’t curable itself. The best possible treatment might be identifying and alleviating the primary cause, which is creating the deposits. Further, the progression of amyloid may decelerate, yet success may depend on how advanced the condition has already become.

  • Underlying Conditions. If the causal condition is infection, antifungal or antibiotics medication may help greatly in the overall health of the cat.
  • Supportive Care. If there’s an organ failure, supportive care might be essential in keeping it comfortable, as well as to give the best recovery. Commonly, this may include the administration of fluid via IV. The cat might also receive an oxygen supplementation.
  • Diet Therapy. The vet might prescribe a precise and deterring diet, in order to reduce the progression of the formation of amyloid. If the kidneys have already been affected, the cat’s diet may be low in protein and phosphorus. In case of hypertension, the diet may have abridged salt.
  • Medication. Particular drugs like thymosin, D-penicillamine, as well as some chemotherapy agents might be recommendable, in order to slow down the degeneration due to amyloidosis. The earlier it is caught, the greater the chance that the medication may help the cat.

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