obsolete steatitis

Obsolete Steatitis: A Rare Condition

Obsolete steatitis, also known as steatitis, is a rare condition characterized by inflammation of the fatty tissue in animals and humans. The term "obsolete" refers to its rarity and limited documentation in modern medical literature.

Definition and Causes

Steatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the adipose tissue, leading to pain and discomfort. The exact causes of steatitis are not well understood, but it is believed to be related to nutritional deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies, or other metabolic disorders [1][3].

Species Affected

Steatitis can affect various species, including cats, mink, horses, pigs, sheep, and rats [2][4]. In birds, such as those in the Ciconiiformes family, steatitis is a common problem in captivity or during rehabilitation [6].

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of steatitis can vary depending on the species affected. In cats and mink, it is characterized by marked inflammation of adipose tissue and deposition of ceroid pigment [4]. In horses, steatitis and fat necrosis occur together as two extremes of an inflammatory condition, but are extremely rare in adult horses [12].

Diagnosis of steatitis can be challenging due to nonspecific clinical signs. Ultrasonography may be a useful aid for making a diagnosis [13].

References

[1] Context 3: Steatitis usually means inflammation of fat tissue, usually painful. [2] Context 4: A disease of cats and mink characterized by a marked inflammation of adipose tissue... [3] Context 5: Nutritional steatitis (disorder), 7521001, Yes. Vitamin disease (disorder)... [4] Context 4: A disease of cats and mink characterized by a marked inflammation of adipose tissue... [6] Context 6: Steatitis is a common problem in Ciconiiformes species maintained in captivity or undergoing rehabilitation... [12] Context 12: Steatitis and fat necrosis occur together as two extremes of an inflammatory condition but are extremely rare in the adult horse. [13] Context 13: Diagnosis of steatitis can be challenging due to nonspecific clinical signs...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Steatitis

Steatitis, also known as yellow fat disease or pansteatitis, is a nutritional disorder characterized by inflammation of adipose tissue and deposition of ceroid pigment in fat cells. The most common presenting signs of steatitis include:

• Lethargy [1]
• Anorexia or hyporexia (loss of appetite) [1]
• Vomiting [9]
• Polyuria/polydipsia (excessive thirst and urination) [1]

Other clinical signs may include:

• Weight loss despite a normal to slightly reduced appetite [5]
• Reluctance to climb stairs or exhibit lethargy [5]
• Systemic signs such as pyrexia (fever), hyporexia, and lethargy, especially in dogs with multiple lesions [7]

In mink, kits may refuse feed and show a peculiar, unsteady hop, followed by complete impairment of locomotion and coma [10]

It's worth noting that the severity and presentation of steatitis can vary depending on the species affected.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several diagnostic tests that were used in the past to diagnose steatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the fat tissue.

Historical Diagnostic Methods

• Biopsy: In the past, diagnosis was easily achieved by biopsy of a solid subcutaneous swelling (Search Result 3). A small wedge removed from beneath a skin incision revealed foci of fat necrosis and other abnormalities.
• Fine-needle aspiration: If nodules were found on the skin, a biopsy would be done using fine-needle aspiration to take samples of the underlying tissue (Search Result 4).
• Blood tests: Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry, and viral studies, may have been used to diagnose steatitis (Search Results 7 and 8).

Note on Obsolescence

It's worth noting that these diagnostic methods may be considered obsolete or less commonly used today. Modern diagnostic techniques, such as ultrasonography and MRI-PDFF, are likely preferred for their non-invasive nature and higher accuracy.

References:

• [3] - A small wedge removed from beneath a skin incision reveals foci of fat necrosis and ...
• [4] - If nodules were found on the skin, a biopsy would be done using fine-needle aspiration to take samples of the underlying tissue
• [7] - A complete physical exam will be completed and the vet will likely order a series of standard lab tests including a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry ...
• [8] - Blood tests · Fasting lipids (usually raised). · Fasting glucose. · FBC. · Viral studies (hepatitis). · Iron studies. · Caeruloplasmin. · Autoimmune ...

Based on the available information, it appears that there are some treatment options for steatitis, also known as panniculitis.

• Corticosteroids: These medications are typically prescribed to manage pain, inflammation, and fever associated with steatitis. They are usually administered for a period of up to three weeks [7].
• Vitamin E supplementation: Some studies suggest that Vitamin E may be beneficial in treating steatitis. A daily dose of 90 IU total has been recommended [9].

It's worth noting that the treatment options for steatitis may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

Additionally, there are some medications that can potentially exacerbate or contribute to the development of steatitis, such as those listed in [13]. However, these are not typically used as a treatment for the condition itself.

It's also important to note that the FDA has approved a drug called resmetirom (mentioned in [2]) which is used to treat a related condition, but its effectiveness and safety in treating steatitis specifically are unclear.