Heavy metal and mineral content in the coat of cats in relationship with renal failure

The investigations aimed to determine the level of heavy metals and minerals in the coat of cats and assessing their role in the occurrence of renal failure. Analyses were performed on hair samples from 15 cats. Six cats were clinically healthy, and formed the control group, and nine were suffering from renal failure, and formed the study group. Heavy metal and mineral content was determined using the ICP-OES method. Overall, the control group registered higher mineral levels. Males of the control group had the highest levels of all analyzed toxic metals (aluminum, cadmium, nickel, and lead). In the study group, individuals above five years of age registered greater values for aluminum, nickel, and lead, than cats below five years of age; cadmium content was the same, regardless of age. Female cats suffering from renal failure registered greater values for nickel and lead than clinically healthy females. Mean heavy metal and mineral levels in correlation with renal failure degree are generally in accordance with other references from scientific literature.

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