EXPRESS: Prevalence and clinical relevance of hypocobalaminaemia and hypercobalaminaemia in cats.

Vitamin B12 abnormalities are common in referred cats, especially older individuals and those weighing under 3.0 kg.

This prospective observational study investigated the prevalence and clinical associations of hypocobalaminaemia and hypercobalaminaemia in 229 cats presented to a large veterinary referral hospital over a 24-month period. Residual serum samples were analysed for vitamin B12 concentration and correlated with signalment, body weight, body condition score, affected body system, and disease pathology type. Results revealed that vitamin B12 aberrations were highly prevalent: 34.9% of cats had hypercobalaminaemia, 19.7% had hypocobalaminaemia, and 7.9% had borderline low concentrations, leaving only 37.6% within the normal range. A statistically significant negative correlation was identified between age and serum B12, with cats aged ≥8.0 years having lower median concentrations than younger cats. Conversely, a positive correlation was found between body weight and serum B12, with cats weighing <3.0 kg demonstrating lower concentrations. No significant associations were identified between serum B12 and sex, breed, body condition score, affected body system, or disease pathology type. The cohort comprised predominantly domestic shorthair/longhair cats (76.9%) with a median age of 9.9 years. Importantly, both hypo- and hypercobalaminaemia occurred across a broad spectrum of clinical presentations, suggesting these abnormalities are not disease-specific. Clinicians should be aware that B12 derangements are common in referred feline patients, particularly in older and low-bodyweight cats, and B12 assessment may warrant broader consideration beyond gastrointestinal disease.

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