yellow fat disease

yellow fat disease

a disease of many species, but particularly cats and mink, characterized by inflammation of adipose tissue and deposition of lipofuscin pigment in the adipose cells. Caused by a diet high in unsaturated fatty acids and low in vitamin E. In cats, it has been associated with feeding canned red tuna. Affected animals usually show anorexia, fever and a generalized hypersensitivity that is due to painful fat depots. Especially in cats, subcutaneous fat may be palpably hard, lumpy and painful. Called also pansteatitis and steatitis.