Veterinary Clinical Nutritionist Royal Canin Canada Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Abstract:
Background: Dietary modification remains the first-line intervention in feline Chronic Enteropathy (CE) management. Reports suggest nearly all cases will have at least a partial response to diet, however multiple trials may be needed to identify an effective diet.
Hypothesis/
Objectives: A gastrointestinal diet with hydrolyzed protein, prebiotics, and a select fiber blend †, will support high CE response rates.
Animals: 14 client-owned cats with recurrent gastroenteropathies.
Methods: Closed-label, uncontrolled clinical trial. Defined an adapted Feline Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index (FCEAI-A) by including stool frequency (0-3), excluding endoscopic lesions. Assessments included: 15-day phone call (D15: Activity, appetite, vomiting, stool consistency and frequency); 30- and 60-day examination (D30/D60: FCEAI-A). Response defined as ≥ 50% reduction of FCEAI-A; remission ≥ 75% reduction.
Results: After 15 days on the multifunction diet, 7 of 14 cats achieved remission (50%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 27%-73%). At 30 days, 12 of 14 cats responded (86%, CI 60%-96%) with 8 in remission (57%, CI 33%-79%); FCEAI scores decreased from median 5.5 [3-11] to 0 [0-7] (p= 0.0015, effect size r=0.88, Bonferroni-corrected WSR). At 60 days, all 14 cats were classified as responders (100%, CI 79%-100%). Eleven achieved remission with a ≥ 75% FCEAI score reduction (79%, CI 52%-92%).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The 100% response rate and 79% remission rate suggest substantial benefit from integrating high digestibility, prebiotics, targeted fiber blends, and hydrolyzed protein. Given these outcomes, this multifunction diet is a robust first-line option for cats with chronic enteropathy.
† marketed as Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Hydrolyzed Protein
