OpenLB
Open Library of Bioscience

BACKGROUND: Serum cobalamin concentrations below reference range are a common consequence of gastrointestinal disease in cats. Serum cobalamin OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of cobalamin deficiency, defined by elevated serum methylmalonic acid (MMA), in cats with serum cobalamin METHODS: Retrospective, observational study. Serum cobalamin and folate were measured with automated assays. Serum MMA was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cobalamin deficiency was defined as serum MMA > 867 nmol/L. Sensitivity and specificity of serum cobalamin concentrations 867 nmol/L were analyzed using a receiver-operator characteristic curve.
RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations (Spearman's r=-0.74, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of MMA >or= 867 nmol/L in cats with serum cobalamin 867 nmol/L. No significant difference in serum folate concentrations was detected between affected and unaffected cats.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Elevated MMA concentrations, suggesting cobalamin deficiency, are common in cats with serum cobalamin