Noninvasive measurements of body composition and body water via quantitative magnetic resonance, deuterium water, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in cats

Brian M. Zanghi Nestlé Purina PetCare Basic Research Group, Nestlé Research Center, 2 Research S, St Louis, MO 63164.

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 PhD
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Carolyn J. Cupp Nestlé Purina PetCare Basic Research Group, Nestlé Research Center, 2 Research S, St Louis, MO 63164.

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 MS, DVM
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Yuanlong Pan Nestlé Purina PetCare Basic Research Group, Nestlé Research Center, 2 Research S, St Louis, MO 63164.

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Delphine G. Tissot-Favre Nestlé Purina PetCare Basic Research Group, Nestlé Research Center, 2 Research S, St Louis, MO 63164.

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Norton W. Milgram CanCog Technologies, 120 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5A 2K1, Canada.

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Tim R. Nagy Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294.

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Howard Dobson CanCog Technologies, 120 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5A 2K1, Canada.
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1H 2W1, Canada.

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Abstract

Objective—To compare quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and deuterium oxide (D2O) dilution methods for measurement of total body water (TBW), lean body mass (LBM), and fat mass (FM) in healthy cats and to assess QMR precision and accuracy.

Animals—Domestic shorthair cats (58 and 32 cats for trials 1 and 2, respectively).

Procedures—QMR scans of awake cats performed with 2 units were followed by administration of D2O tracer (100 mg/kg, PO). Cats then were anesthetized, which was followed by QMR and DXA scans. Jugular blood samples were collected before and 120 minutes after D2O administration.

Results—QMR precision was similar between units (coefficient of variation < 2.9% for all measures). Fat mass, LBM, and TBW were similar for awake or sedated cats and differed by 4.0%, 3.4%, and 3.9%, respectively, depending on the unit. The QMR minimally underestimated TBW (1.4%) and LBM (4.4%) but significantly underestimated FM (29%), whereas DXA significantly underestimated LBM (9.2%) and quantitatively underestimated FM (9.3%). A significant relationship with D2O measurement was detected for all QMR (r2 > 0.84) and DXA (r2 > 0.84) measurements.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—QMR was useful for determining body composition in cats; precision was improved over DXA. Quantitative magnetic resonance can be used to safely and rapidly acquire data without the need for anesthesia, facilitating frequent monitoring of weight changes in geriatric, extremely young, or ill pets. Compared with the D2O dilution method, QMR correction equations provided accurate data over a range of body compositions.

Abstract

Objective—To compare quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and deuterium oxide (D2O) dilution methods for measurement of total body water (TBW), lean body mass (LBM), and fat mass (FM) in healthy cats and to assess QMR precision and accuracy.

Animals—Domestic shorthair cats (58 and 32 cats for trials 1 and 2, respectively).

Procedures—QMR scans of awake cats performed with 2 units were followed by administration of D2O tracer (100 mg/kg, PO). Cats then were anesthetized, which was followed by QMR and DXA scans. Jugular blood samples were collected before and 120 minutes after D2O administration.

Results—QMR precision was similar between units (coefficient of variation < 2.9% for all measures). Fat mass, LBM, and TBW were similar for awake or sedated cats and differed by 4.0%, 3.4%, and 3.9%, respectively, depending on the unit. The QMR minimally underestimated TBW (1.4%) and LBM (4.4%) but significantly underestimated FM (29%), whereas DXA significantly underestimated LBM (9.2%) and quantitatively underestimated FM (9.3%). A significant relationship with D2O measurement was detected for all QMR (r2 > 0.84) and DXA (r2 > 0.84) measurements.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—QMR was useful for determining body composition in cats; precision was improved over DXA. Quantitative magnetic resonance can be used to safely and rapidly acquire data without the need for anesthesia, facilitating frequent monitoring of weight changes in geriatric, extremely young, or ill pets. Compared with the D2O dilution method, QMR correction equations provided accurate data over a range of body compositions.

Contributor Notes

The cats used in trial 1 were housed and evaluated at CanCog Technologies, and the cats used in trial 2 were housed and evaluated at Nestlé Purina PetCare.

Supported by Nestlé Purina and CanCog Technologies. CanCog Technologies provided the use of the quantitative magnetic resonance unit for trial 1, and Nestlé Purina provided the infant quantitative magnetic resonance unit for trial 2.

The authors thank Dr. William W. Wong for assistance with the design of the deuterium oxide dilution protocol and Wendell Kerr for assistance with statistical analyses.

Address correspondence to Dr. Zanghi (brian.zanghi@rd.nestle.com).
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