No changes may be seen with short-term (<2 weeks) protein deficiency in dogs. Cats fed protein deficient but adequate arginine containing diets may show no clinical changes over the short-term; longer-term total protein deficiency (5-6 weeks) may result in hyperbilirubimemia and clinical signs of hepatic lipidosis. In both dogs and cats low serum albumin and loss of lean body mass are seen with longer-term protein deficiency.
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No changes may be seen with short-term (<2 weeks) protein deficiency in dogs. Cats fed protein deficient but adequate [[Arginine - Nutrition|arginine]] containing diets may show no clinical changes over the short-term; longer-term total protein deficiency (5-6 weeks) may result in hyperbilirubimemia and clinical signs of hepatic lipidosis. In both dogs and cats low serum albumin and loss of lean body mass are seen with longer-term protein deficiency.