Thiamine deficiency in pets

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a water-soluble vitamin and an essential dietary nutrient in dogs and cats. The brain and other high energy organs require thiamine for proper function because it is used for carbohydrate metabolism. Dogs and cats cannot synthesize thiamine, and therefore require thiamine as part of their diet. Thiamine is an anti-stress vitamin that boosts an animal’s immune system while improving its ability to handle stressful conditions. Dogs with thiamine deficiency are prone to stress. Bacteria, fungi and plants synthesize this vitamin.

Dogs fed raw fish are at risk of thiamine deficiency. Fish contains Thiaminase, an enzyme known to destroy thiamine. Feeding your dog a poor diet or over processed diet for a long-time results in thiamine deficiency. It also causes deficiency of other vitamins and minerals. If you choose to prepare food for your dog at home, make sure it is balanced or add supplements for dogs. Sulfites are used as food preservative or enhancer in dried or canned foods for humans and animals as well. Sulfites interfere with the body’s ability to absorb thiamine. Therefore, it is important to check for dog food brands that do not contain sulfites.  Intestinal disease, some medications (e.g., diuretics) can reduce the ability of the body to absorb thiamine.

Symptoms of thiamine deficiency in pets start with GI disturbances like vomiting , excessive drooling and lack of appetite. If this is left untreated can progress to neurological signs, downward bending of neck, muscle weakness and ultimately death.

For diagnosis of thiamine deficiency, your veterinarian will take into account any present symptoms, a dietary history, results of tests, and a response to treatment. The patient is given injections of thiamine for three to five days followed by oral supplementation for another two to three weeks.