Thiamine deficiency encephalopathy in a specific-pathogen-free cat colony.

Thiamine deficiency encephalopathy occurred in a specific-pathogen-free cat colony where the diet consisted exclusively of commercially canned diet. This product was described by the manufacturer as a complete diet for cats. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by the demonstration of bilaterally symmetrical hemorrhage and microvascular fibrinoid necrosis in the brain and low erythrocyte transketolase levels. Treatment of clinically ill cats with vitamin B complex was followed by recovery within 24 hours.