The Domestic Cat as a Laboratory Animal for Experimental Nutrition Studies IV Folic Acid Deficiency

Abstract

Folic acid deficiency was obtained in the domestic cat by feeding a purified ration containing 0.6 to 2.0% of sulfaguanidine or sulfathalidine. The results were more uniform in animals subjected to a preliminary period during which both folic acid and sulfa drugs were not supplied. No fundamental difference was observed when the animals were subjected to niacin deficiencies during this preliminary period. The deficiency signs were weight loss, anemia and leucopenia. The anemia had a tendency to macrocytosis. The leucopenia was characterized by a reduction in all types of leucocytes, but the response to folic acid, at least during the first two days, was predominantly granulopoietic. Blood clotting time was lengthened and plasma iron values were raised. Weight responses were obtained with single doses of 1 mg of folic acid or two doses of 0.8 mg of folinic acid. For hematologic recovery, single doses of 2 mg of folic acid were sufficient but if these were given together with vitamin B₁₂ or liver extract, better results were obtained than with folic acid alone.