The effect of dietary cadmium on kidney function in cats : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Animal Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2017
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Massey University
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Abstract
Due to the requirement for meat in feline diets, this study aimed to investigate the potential
effects on kidney function in cats of cadmium accumulation in meat products due to pasture
management practices. Cadmium may be a causal factor in feline Chronic Kidney Disease
(CKD). Twenty-seven domestic short hair cats were randomly selected from the colony
population of the Feline Nutrition Unit of Massey University and assigned to three
experimental groups (n=9), which were balanced for age and sex. Each group received one of
the three experimental diets designed to represent the full range of potential cadmium
concentrations that cats may be exposed to on wet diets in New Zealand. Diets were fed ad
libitum for a 6-month period. Kidney function was examined at baseline and after 3 and 6
months by measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using iohexol clearance analysed by high
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Blood and urine analyses were also conducted on
a monthly basis. While GFR fluctuated over the study period no significant differences were
found either between groups at the end, or within each group when compared at the
beginning and end of the study. Although overall no evidence of CKD was observed, an
unexplained trend of weight loss was observed in females receiving the two diets containing
the highest cadmium levels, which may simply have reflected reduced dietary palatability. The
results of the study showed no detectable effects of feeding the three diets for 6 months;
however, an extended trial period may be required to fully investigate the longer term effects
of cadmium levels and other dietary factors on the development of CKD. In particular, more
work is needed to explore the potential for genetic and/or functional differences in
mechanisms which are involved in the transport, and/or deposition of cadmium, or are
protective against cadmium toxicity in cats and to further define normal parameters and
standard approaches in measuring GFR in cats.
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Keywords
Cadmium, Physiological effect, Cats, Diseases, Feeding and feeds, Veterinary nephrology, Research Subject Categories::VETERINARY MEDICINE::Physiology and nutrition