Cat Health News from the Winn Feline Foundation

Environmental enrichment for shelter cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Dantas-Divers LMS, Crowell-Davis SL, Alford K, Genaro G, D'Almeida JM and Paixao RL. Agonistic behavior and environmental enrichment of cats communally housed in a shelter. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011; 239: 796-802.

For cats in shelters or other types of confinement, improvement of welfare involves addressing social and cognitive needs, as well as the essentials of food, water, and protection from the elements. To this end, the provision of environmental enrichment offers an inexpensive and effective way to enhance the quality of life for confined cats. Puzzle feeders have been recommended because they can provide stimulation and increase positive social contact. However it is important to avoid frustration and disputes that can lead to aggressive behavior. These researchers observed a group of cats in a communal setting for dominance or aggression issues when a puzzle feeder was provided for enrichment. Twenty seven neutered cats (6 male, 21 female) housed in a single enclosure had been living together for 3 years. The colony was video recorded and baseline behavior information was determined. Then, a puzzle feeder was added for one hour a day every other day.

Photo from original article

The cat food is below the plastic pipes, requiring exploratory behavior to access it.

The investigation showed that addition of the enrichment device did not enhance aggression in this stable group of cats. The authors concluded that a stimulating item that can be shared by all individuals in a stable group, such as a puzzle feeder of appropriate size, can play an important role in promoting positive social interactions among cats and improving their welfare. [MK]

Related articles: Ellis SLH. Environmental enrichment: Practical strategies for improving feline welfare. J Feline Med Surg. 2009; 11: 901-12.

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Azodyl in cats with chronic kidney disease

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Rishniw M and Wynn SG. Azodyl, a synbiotic, fails to alter azotemia in cats with chronic kidney disease when sprinkled onto food. Journal of feline medicine and surgery. 2011; 13: 405-9.

A probiotic-prebiotic combination therapy (known as a “synbiotic”) was investigated for its ability to aid in reducing azotemia in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Specific bacteria are used in the product that are capable of metabolizing urea and creatinine into non-toxic metabolites. One synbiotic, Azodyl, contains strains of three naturally occurring bacteria (Streptococcus (enterococcus) thermophiles, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifodobacterium longum) combined with a prebiotic (psyllium husk) in an enteric-coated capsule that releases the contents within the contents within the ileo-colic region. Studies in humans have suggested that synbiotic therapy can alter azotemia in patients with CKD. The manufacturer of Azodyl recommends administering the synbiotic product capsules intact where many cat owners prefer to administer such products by mixing the contents with food. This study was a double-blinded, controlled evaluation of 10 cats with naturally occurring CKD that were randomized to receive either Azodyl or psyllium husk (prebiotic only) for 2 months. The medications were sprinkled into food or given as a slurry. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured twice prior to administration of the medication, and then monthly for 2 months during the study. The study found that Azodyl when applied to food or administered as a slurry failed to reduce azotemia in cats with CKD. The moral of this story is that it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when administering medications. [VT]

Related articles: King JN, Tasker S, Gunn-Moore DA and Strehlau G. Prognostic factors in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2007; 21: 906-16.

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Newly discovered feline muscle disease

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Kiesewetter IS, Tipold A, Baumgartner W and Schenk HC. Potassium-aggravated muscle stiffness in 12 cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011; 238: 1026-31.

Twelve shorthair cats in Europe (6 males and 6 females; age range, 2 months to 3 years) from one household were assessed for clinical signs of episodic muscle spasticity. The signs were characterized by a hypermetric, ataxic gait that appeared to be induced by exercise. Familial relationships among the cats were suspected but not known. The physical examination of all the cats demonstrated a thin to mildly emaciated body condition and signs of suppurative rhinitis. The results of hematologic and CSF analysis, diagnostic imaging, electromyography, motor nerve conduction tests, screening for metabolic storage diseases, provocation tests via exercise in a cold environment, and gross pathological and histologic examination revealed no abnormalities that could explain the clinical signs. Offering consumption of a potassium-enriched diet resulted in severe aggravation of clinical signs in 7 of 7 tested cats. These developments lead to a diagnosis of potassium-aggravated muscle stiffness. A functional channel disease, especially a sodium channelopathy similar to potassium-aggravated myotonia, was considered likely. [VT]

Related articles: Gaschen F, Jaggy A and Jones B. Congenital diseases of feline muscle and neuromuscular junction. J Feline Med Surg. 2004; 6: 355-66.

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Treatment for feline leukemia virus

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Cattori V, Weibel B and Lutz H. Inhibition of feline leukemia virus replication by the integrase inhibitor raltegravir. Vet Microbiol. 2011; 152: 165-8.

Feline leukemia virus is a retrovirus of cats that can cause cancer, anemia and immunosuppression. Currently, no effective treatment for FeLV infection exists. These researchers investigated the usefulness of an anti-retroviral drug called raltegrevir that was developed for treatment of HIV in humans. The researchers tested the drug in a laboratory setting for potential toxicity to feline cells, as well as the ability to inhibit the replication of FeLV in these cells. It was found that, at least in cell culture, this drug inhibited virus replication and did not cause toxic changes to the feline cells. The researchers speculate that this drug could be used to reduce virus replication in FeLV-infected cats to the point that their own immune system could eliminate the virus, effectively curing the infection. Many more studies are needed, but this research offers a promising first step. [MK]

Related articles:
Hartmann K. Clinical aspects of feline immunodeficiency and feline leukemia virus infection. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2011; 143: 190-201.

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Methicillin-resistant infections in pets

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Heller, J. (2011). "Meticillin-resistant staphylococci in companion animals." Veterinary Record 169(3): 68-69.

The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in companion animals is a concern for human health. One organism of concern in human medicine is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This bacteria is commonly found in people, but only rarely in dogs and cats. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, are infected most commonly with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). Investigation of dogs and cats in Portugal, where MRSA is a problem, discovered that pets were found to harbor MSRP relatively commonly. These bacteria had significant antibiotic resistance, and when wounds or other internal tissues are infected opportunistically, treatment can be difficult. There is potential for MRSP in pets to be passed to humans, though the extent of this occurrence remains unknown. Further research is needed to define the role, if any, of MRSP in human infections. [MK]

Related articles:
Ferreira, J. P., K. L. Anderson, et al. (2011). "Transmission of MRSA between Companion Animals and Infected Human Patients Presenting to Outpatient Medical Care Facilities." PLoS ONE 6(11): e26978.

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Airway inflammation in feline asthma

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Cocayne, C. G., C. R. Reinero, et al. (2011). "Subclinical airway inflammation despite high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy in cats with lower airway disease." Journal of feline medicine & surgery 13(8): 558-563.

It is estimated that 1% of the pet cat population is affected by feline asthma and chronic bronchitis. Both conditions are chronic, diffuse inflammatory diseases of the lower airway that can lead to irreversible damage called airway remodeling. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis is the only diagnostic test readily available in a clinical setting to determine the type of inflammatory cell present in the lower airways. There are no studies in cats that have determined if absence of clinical signs correlates with absence of airway inflammation. This study is a retrospective evaluation of 10 cats meeting criteria for inclusion in the study. The goal was to determine the correlation between the resolution of clinical signs in cats receiving oral glucocorticoids with the resolution of inflammation based on BALF cytology. The findings showed that 70% of the cats diagnosed with asthma or chronic bronchitis that had resolution of clinical signs (cough, wheeze, or episodic respiratory distress) with concurrent high-dose glucocorticoid therapy still had evidence of persistent airway inflammation based on BALF cytology. The results support the statement that caution should be used when equating absence of clinical signs with the absence of airway inflammation. Premature tapering of glucocorticoids based on absence of clinical signs in cats with subclinical inflammation could be detrimental in the long run. [VT]

Related articles:
Leemans, J., N. Kirschvink, et al. (2011). "Effect of short-term oral and inhaled corticosteroids on airway inflammation and responsiveness in a feline acute asthma model." Veterinary journal, in press.

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Maropitant for treatment of pain in cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Final report, Winn grant 10-009
Treatment for visceral pain with the new NNK-1 receptor antagonist "maropitant" in cats
Investigators: Pedro Boscan, Eric Monnet, David Twedt, Sirirat Nyiom
Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University

Maropitant (Cerenia, Pfizer Animal Health) is a new drug approved for the treatment of nausea in cats and dogs that also has the potential for analgesia. The investigators examined effects of two parameters on the amount of inhalant anesthetic drug required to maintain the anesthetic state during surgery. During surgical procedures like ovariohysterectomy (spay), the abdominal organs are manipulated. Notably, the ovaries and uterus are touched and moved, which can cause pain. This pain can affect the amount of anesthesia needed in order to prevent the pain sensation for the cat. However, extraneous factors may affect the levels of anesthesia needed as well. Some can actually decrease the amount of anesthetic drug needed to maintain the pain-free state. Since the goal of any anesthetic is to use the minimal amount needed to maintain the state, it is important to know how certain factors affect the drug level required.
The parameters they evaluated were pregnancy (as many cats presented for spaying are pregnant) and the use of an antiemetic drug, maropitant (many anesthetics can cause nausea and vomiting, thus it is important to know if these medications affect the amount of anesthetic drug needed). The investigators found that both parameters, pregnancy and the use of the anti-emetic drug decreased the amount of anesthetic required. This finding indicates that levels of anesthesia needed during spaying can be decreased in cats that are pregnant, as well as in cats receiving this anti-emetic drug. Additionally, in terms of the antiemetic drug, these findings may indicate that this drug is also useful in awake cats as an analgesic. Its apparent ability to minimize the pain of surgical manipulation could indicate that it will be useful as a pain medication for cats. This drug has very few side effects, and is approved for use in cats; thus, this study has added a safe drug to the choices available for treating pain in cats. As an aside, this study allowed the spaying of cats that likely would not have been possible otherwise, including feral and homeless cats. [MK]

Related articles:
Hickman, M. A., S. R. Cox, et al. (2008). "Safety, pharmacokinetics and use of the novel NK-1 receptor antagonist maropitant (CereniaTM) for the prevention of emesis and motion sickness in cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 220-229.

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A new feline medicine textbook

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

“The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management” is a new, comprehensive feline medicine textbook just published by Elsevier Saunders. Edited and co-authored by Winn board member Dr. Susan Little and containing a chapter by Winn board member Steve Dale, “The Cat” is an essential resource for anyone who provides complete, state-of-the-art care to cats.

In one convenient volume, you'll find authoritative, clinically-focused information enhanced by full-color illustrations, tables, boxes, algorithms, key points, and much more - all in a format designed for quick access. Dr. Little and more than 60 expert contributors address the unique concerns and challenges facing the feline practitioner, including the latest advances in feline medical diagnosis and management and their clinical applications to everyday practice.

User-friendly and complete, “The Cat” is also available as an e-book, giving you easy access to the complete, fully-searchable contents online. “The Cat” is endorsed by the Winn Feline Foundation and contains a foreword written by Past President and current board member, Betty White.
The cover cat is Muffi, a beautiful orange tabby and white male belonging to Mats Hamnas in Sweden. You can see more pictures of Muffi and his feline friends on Flickr.

Available from: Elsevier Health and Amazon.

Esophageal disease in cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Frowde, P.E., et al., Oesophageal disease in 33 cats. Journal of feline medicine & surgery, 2011. 13(8): p. 564-569.

Esophageal disease is reported as uncommon in cats, though there have been few studies to document its frequency. The goal of this retrospective study was to characterize the frequency, presentation, diagnostic means, treatment and outcome of the disorder in cats. Thirty-three of 2,894 cases (approximately 1 %) met the inclusion criteria for the study. Regurgitation and/or vomiting were the most common presenting clinical signs, reported in 27 of 33 cats. Anorexia and weight loss were non-specific signs also noted. Some of the cats referred for perceived vomiting were subsequently discovered to have regurgitation. This finding highlights the importance and difficulty of trying to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation to aid localization of the problem. Plain radiography is relatively insensitive for esophageal disease and a number of additional diagnostics may be required. A definitive diagnosis was made in 32 of 33 cases, making idiopathic esophageal dysfunction very rare. Recent oral medication (e.g., doxycycline, clindamycin) was the most common cause of esophageal strictures. Therefore, the careful administration of certain oral antibiotics is important. Treatment and outcome of esophageal disease is highly variable. [VT]

Related articles:
Beatty, J.A., et al., Suspected clindamycin-associated oesophageal injury in cats: five cases. J Feline Med Surg, 2006. 8(6): p. 412-9.

German, A.J., et al., Oesophageal strictures in cats associated with doxycycline therapy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2005. 7(1): p. 33-41.

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Adoption of Shelter Kittens

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Litster A, Allen J, Mohamed A et al: Risk factors for delays between intake and veterinary approval for adoption on medical grounds in shelter puppies and kittens, Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:107, 2011.

In shelter and rescue situations, it is very important to identify highly adoptable animals whose adoptions are unlikely to be delayed for medical reasons. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for delays on medical grounds from intake to approval for adoption in shelter puppies and kittens. Records from over 300 puppies and 300 kittens in a large metropolitan shelter were examined. Not surprisingly, kittens exhibiting respiratory or gastrointestinal problems upon intake were more likely to have delayed adoption. Older kittens were less likely than young kittens to experience this delay. Stray kittens, as opposed to owner-relinquished kittens, or kittens transferred from another shelter, were more likely to experience delays for adoption. Prompt antimicrobial therapy for infectious diseases was associated with a significant decrease in the delay for adoption. Additional studies at other shelters will be useful, but this study indicates that rapid treatment of kittens and puppies with mild infections is very important to decrease their time in a shelter. [MK]

Related articles: Bannasch M, Foley J: Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple respiratory pathogens in cats in animal shelters, J Feline Med Surg 7:109, 2005.

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Cats and Viruses

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Hellard E, Fouchet D, Santin-Janin H et al: When cats' ways of life interact with their viruses: a study in 15 natural populations of owned and unowned cats (Felis silvestris catus), Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:250, 2011.

Cats are susceptible to a number of important viruses that can cause significant disease. The living conditions and behavior of various cat populations will affect their susceptibility and risk of exposure to these viruses. The investigators examined 15 populations of non-sterilized unvaccinated cats living in the same area of France. These populations had one of two different lifestyles – owned (sheltered and fed, socialized) and unowned (no shelter or food provided, unsocialized). Blood samples were tested for exposure of the cats to feline herpesvirus (FHV), calicivirus (FCV), parvovirus (FPV), immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and leukemia virus (FeLV). Not surprisingly, the unowned cats were more likely to have been infected with FHV, FCV, and FIV – these viruses largely require direct contact between cats, including fighting. The owned cats were more likely to have been infected with FPV. For each virus, the likelihood of having been infected varied with the population. For example, FIV infection was more likely in older, male, unowned cats; FHV was more likely to infect kittens at an earlier age in unowned versus owned populations; FPV infection was more likely in owned populations perhaps because of shared environments in human settlements. The main crux of this paper was that the epidemiology of a particular virus within cat populations can be affected by their behavior and lifestyle. Failure to consider these aspects can skew results of epidemiologic analyses. For example, when the status of the owned and unowned cats were combined, a different epidemiologic picture was seen for the various viruses examined – the risk factors were different, and included such factors as body mass. Pooling different types of cats in a single sample without taking behavior and lifestyle into account could give a misleading picture of the epidemiology of their viruses. [MK]

Related articles: Pontier D, Fouchet D, Bahi-Jaber N et al: When domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) population structures interact with their viruses, C R Biol 332:321, 2009.

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Feline Injection-Site Sarcomas

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Phelps HA, Kuntz CA, Milner RJ et al: Radical excision with five-centimeter margins for treatment of feline injection-site sarcomas: 91 cases (1998–2002), J Am Vet Med Assoc 239:97, 2011.

This study is a retrospective case series of 91 cats with injection-site sarcomas (ISS). The authors evaluated the outcomes of radical excision of the ISS by local recurrence and metastasis rates, survival times, and complications associated with surgery. Rates reported in the literature for local recurrence of feline ISS after treatment range from 26% to 59%. There are no current studies evaluating the outcome of consistently performed radical excision without adjuvant treatment for feline ISS. For this study, radical excision was defined as tumor resection including 5-cm margins surrounding the palpable tumor edge and two fascial planes or bone deep to the tumor. The overall median survival time was 901 days. Fourteen percent of the cats had local tumor recurrence; 18% had evidence of metastasis after surgery. Metastasis significantly affected overall survival with pulmonary metastasis as the most common form. The study reported a major complication rate of 11%, with wound dehiscence being the most commonly encountered problem; none of the complications were fatal. The recurrence rate for this study appeared to be substantially less than rates reported with less aggressive surgeries, suggesting that radical excision may be valuable as a means to achieving an improved outcome in the treatment of ISS in cats. [VT]

Related articles:
Shaw SC, Kent MS, Gordon IK et al: Temporal changes in characteristics of injection-site sarcomas in cats: 392 cases (1990-2006), J Am Vet Med Assoc 234:376, 2009.

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Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome in Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Declue AE, Delgado C, Chang C et al: Clinical and immunologic assessment of sepsis and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome in cats, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:890, 2011.

Sepsis was previously defined as a blood-borne bacterial infection. It has recently been redefined as the systemic inflammatory response to any type of infectious organism, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and protozoa. Sepsis is a very serious condition in cats that has a mortality rate ranging from 29% to 79%. The objective of this study was to compare clinical findings and inflammatory mediator production among cats with sepsis, cats with non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and healthy cats. The findings determined that the mortality rate was higher in cats with sepsis than for cats with noninfectious SIRS, but not significantly so. Cats with sepsis were more likely to have band cells and hypoalbuminemia than were cats with noninfectious SIRS. In addition, cats with sepsis had significantly greater plasma tumor necrosis factor activity and more likely to have detectible levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) than were cats with noninfectious SIRS or healthy cats. The number of SIRS criteria fulfilled did not predict outcome. Plasma interleukin-1β activity and IL-6 as well as decreased chloride concentrations may be useful prognostic biomarkers for sepsis in cats. [VT]

Related articles:
Brady CA, Otto CM, Van Winkle TJ et al: Severe sepsis in cats: 29 cases (1986-1998), J Am Vet Med Assoc 217:531, 2000.

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PCR Testing for Feline Respiratory Viruses

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Ruch-Gallie RA, Veir JK, Hawley JR et al: Results of molecular diagnostic assays targeting feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus in adult cats administered modified live vaccines, J Feline Med Surg 13:541, 2011.

Diagnostic testing to identify the cause of a respiratory infection in a cat today often involves molecular testing of swabs collected from the nasal and pharyngeal areas. These assays detect the genetic material of the virus of interest. These molecular assays, known as real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), are very sensitive, able to detect very small amounts virus. Vaccines given to cats, including cats entering shelters, are usually live virus vaccines. When respiratory disease occurs in these cats soon after vaccination, the concern is that the molecular assays may detect the vaccine virus, confusing the diagnosis. These researchers investigated the likelihood of detecting virus in the days immediately following vaccination. They tested multiple samples collected from six cats given an intranasal vaccine and six given a subcutaneous vaccine. Overall, the detection of virus within days after vaccination was uncommon. The risk was slightly higher with intranasal vaccines versus the subcutaneous vaccines. But the percentage of samples collected that gave positive results was quite small. Thus, the risk of false positive results from vaccination appears to be low. [MK]

Related articles:
Maggs D, Clarke H: Relative sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction assays used for detection of feline herpesvirus type 1 DNA in clinical samples and commercial vaccines, Am J Vet Res 66:1550, 2005.

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Treatment of Feline Stomatitis

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Hennet PR, Camy GAL, McGahie DM et al: Comparative efficacy of a recombinant feline interferon omega in refractory cases of calicivirus-positive cats with caudal stomatitis: a randomised, multi-centre, controlled, double-blind study in 39 cats, J Feline Med Surg 13:577, 2011.

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a significant disease of cats causing ulcerative, painful lesions in the mouth. The cause of this condition is not always clear, but feline calicivirus has been speculated to play a part in some cases. Medical treatment of this condition has been, for the most part, unrewarding. Interferon is a protein produced by animals to fight virus infections. These investigators examined the potential of this substance, which can be produced artificially and given orally, to treat FCGS. Only cats with known active FCV were included in the study. Comparison to cats treated with anti-inflammatory drugs was done. Clinical signs, including pain, were assessed for 90 days. The investigators found that treatment with topically applied (oral) interferon daily led to improvement in both the clinical appearance of the lesions as well as pain scores, comparable to anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs. Interferon may be an appropriate treatment for FCGS related to feline calicivirus infection. While virus replication/levels were not evaluated, interferon may have therapeutic value in FCV infections. [MK]

Related articles:
Lewis JR, Tsugawa AJ, Reiter AM: Use of CO2 laser as an adjunctive treatment for caudal stomatitis in a cat, J Vet Dent 24:240, 2007.

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Body Condition Scoring for Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Bjornvad CR, Nielsen DH, Armstrong PJ et al: Evaluation of a nine-point body condition scoring system in physically inactive pet cats, Am J Vet Res 72:433, 2011.

About 35% to 40% of the adult pet cat population is overweight or obese. Obesity in cats predisposes them to diseases such as lower urinary tract disease, lameness, hepatic lipidosis, non-allergic skin disease, and diabetes mellitus. Body weight (BW) is an objective measurement and is useful for follow-up in weight loss programs, but it does not provide any indication of body composition or lean-to-fat body mass. The most widely used system for body composition is the 9-point semi-quantitative system for body condition score (BCS) that is based on visual and palpatory findings (BCS: 1 = emaciated, 5 = ideal, and 9 = grossly obese). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a 9-point BCS system and the % body fat (BF) assigned to each BCS based on data from colony cats is valid for privately owned, indoor-confined, adult neutered DSH cats. The study determined that the 9-point BCS system reflected actual body composition well in pet DSH cats. Nevertheless, the percentage of BF associated with each BCS was higher in this study than was reported for colony cats. This was particularly noted for male cats. For relevancy to veterinary practice, it was recommended that to detect subtle weight change in individual cats, the BCS system should be combined with regular BW measurements at all veterinary visits. Study findings could indicate a need for redefining the ideal BCS for inactive neutered cats to include a BCS of 4. [VT]

Related articles:
Baez JL, Michel KE, Sorenmo K et al: A prospective investigation of the prevalence and prognostic significance of weight loss and changes in body condition in feline cancer patients, J Feline Med Surg 9:411, 2007.

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Feline Parvovirus

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:46:00 +0000

Battilani M, Balboni A, Ustulin M et al: Genetic complexity and multiple infections with more Parvovirus species in naturally infected cats, Veterinary research 42:43, 2011.

The parvoviruses affecting dogs and cats are very closely related and cause similar disease. Several strains of canine parvovirus (CPV) can infect and cause disease in cats, including CPV-2a, -2b, and -2c. This opens up the possibility that a cat could be infected with feline parvovirus (FPV) as well as CPV. These researchers in Italy analyzed the parvoviruses infecting 24 cats. While 22 of the cats had FPV, there was evidence of CPV infection in two of the cats. One cat had CPV-2c, while the other had both FPV and CPV-2a – coinfection with two different viruses. In addition, it was noted that the CPV strains infecting both cats were relatively genetically diverse; that is, these viruses appeared to be re-adapting to the feline host. The researchers speculate that infected cats could potentially be a source of new parvovirus variants. [MK]

Related articles:

Kruse BD, Unterer S, Horlacher K et al: Prognostic factors in cats with feline panleukopenia, J Vet Intern Med 24:1271, 2010.

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Treatment for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Fogle JE, Tompkins WA, Campbell B et al: Fozivudine tidoxil as single-agent therapy decreases plasma and cell-associated viremia during acute feline immunodeficiency virus infection, J Vet Intern Med 25:413, 2011.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a natural lentivirus infection of domestic and wild cats. The course of the disease is similar to that of human immunodeficiency virus. One of two drugs, zidovudine (ZDV, also known as AZT), has demonstrated some benefit in controlled trials in naturally infected cats. ZDV has been shown to lower viral burden in both acute and chronic infection, to transiently improve CD4:CD8 ratios, and to improve clinical signs in chronically infected cats. Anemia is the most common and significant adverse side effect associated with ZDV that resolves on lowering the dosage or cessation of administration. Because there is a need for more effective drugs with fewer side effects for FIV treatment, the authors evaluated a compound related to ZDV, fozivudine (FZD), in a controlled experimental trial. Data from the study showed that FZD is effective at lowering viral load the first 2 weeks of FIV infection and may decrease early FIV- associated lympholysis. The adverse effects associated with ZDV administration, including anemia, were not evident in any of the cats treated with FZD at the dosage used during the study. Further investigation is needed to assess pharmacokinetics and optimal dosages for antiviral activity of the drug. [VT]

Related articles:
Hartmann K: Clinical aspects of feline immunodeficiency and feline leukemia virus infection, Vet Immunol Immunopathol 143:190, 2011.

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New Feline Virus Identified

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Zhu CX, Shan TL, Cui L et al: Molecular detection and sequence analysis of feline Torque teno virus (TTV) in China, Virus research 156:13, 2011.

You just never know what’s out there until you look. An unusually small virus was found over a decade ago in a person in Japan suffering from hepatitis after a blood transfusion. It was named Torque Teno Virus (TTV), meaning “thin necklace”, reflecting the genetic structure. In addition to humans, it has been found in birds, cattle, swine, and sheep, as well as various wildlife species. Its importance and disease-causing ability remain unknown. These researchers in China identified a new TTV in Chinese cats. While it is still not clear whether or not this virus causes any problems in infected animals, it does show that one doesn’t know what exists until one looks for it! [MK]

Related articles:
Okamoto H, Takahashi M, Nishizawa T et al: Genomic characterization of TT viruses (TTVs) in pigs, cats and dogs and their relatedness with species-specific TTVs in primates and tupaias, The Journal of general virology 83:1291, 2002.

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Feline Urethral Obstruction

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Segev G, Livne H, Ranen E et al: Urethral obstruction in cats: predisposing factors, clinical, clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis, J Feline Med Surg 13, 2011.

Feline lower urinary tract diseases (FLUTDs) are common. Urethral obstruction (UO) is believed to occur more commonly in young cats and almost exclusively in male cats. Veterinary literature has limited information regarding the risk factors for UO. The most common etiology of UO in cats is urethral plugs. The most common signs of UO include stranguria, dysuria, and pain, and varying degrees of systemic signs. The objectives of this study were to identify risk factors for UO, to illustrate clinical and clinicopathological signs, outcome, and recurrence, as well as risk factors for mortality and recurrence. The study compared 82 cats with UO to 82 sex and time matched control cats. Indoor-outdoor cats were found to have a decreased risk for UO, while increased body weight was found to be a risk factor for UO over the control group. Cats with UO were younger than the control cats and the proportion of cats with UO consuming dry food was higher than the control cases. Even though UO is a life-threatening condition, in this study, the survival rate was high. Ionized calcium was found to be significantly higher in survivors compared to non-survivors. The recurrence rate in this study was relatively low. Urine pH was overall significantly lower at presentation in those reoccurring cases. Presence of ionized hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia should alert practitioners to the need for aggressive management and stabilization prior to de-obstructing patients under general anesthesia. [VT]

Related articles:
Cooper ES, Owens TJ, Chew DJ et al: A protocol for managing urethral obstruction in male cats without urethral catheterization, J Am Vet Med Assoc 237:1261, 2010.

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Feline Lymphoma Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Parshley DL, Larue SM, Kitchell B et al: Abdominal irradiation as a rescue therapy for feline gastrointestinal lymphoma: a retrospective study of 11 cats (2001-2008), J Feline Medicine Surg 13:63, 2011.

The first line of therapy for feline lymphoma has been primarily chemotherapy. Cats will respond well to chemotherapy protocols, with response rates ranging between 50 and 75% depending on protocol, tumor grade, and location of the lymphoma. Radiation therapy in feline lymphoma is mostly used in nasal, extranodal, or single node lymphoma. The authors conducted a retrospective study of the medical records of 11 cats with gastrointestinal lymphoma. All the cats had relapsed or resistant lymphoma. These patients were evaluated to determine the efficacy of radiation therapy when used in a rescue therapy setting. The population distribution between males and females was a ratio of 2.3:1. The most common clinical sign noted prior to diagnosis was weight loss. The cats received two fractions of radiation delivered over 2 days for a total of 800cGy. There was a response in 10 of 11 cats. The overall median survival duration was 355 days while the median survival duration after radiation therapy was 214 days. Cats that were anemic tended to have lower overall survival rates, even with radiation therapy. Acute effects of radiation were not noted, except one cat that had a limited duration of loss of appetite. The results indicated that at this dose of radiation, abdominal radiation therapy in the rescue setting for feline gastrointestinal lymphoma appears well tolerated. [VT]

Related articles:
Gieger T: Alimentary lymphoma in cats and dogs, Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 41:419, 2011.

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Influenza A in Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000

McCullers JA, Van De Velde LA, Schultz RD et al: Seroprevalence of seasonal and pandemic influenza A viruses in domestic cats, Archives of virology 156:117, 2011.

In 2009, a new seasonal influenza appeared in humans that may have originated in Mexico. Referred to as pandemic H1N1, this virus was also found to infect other species, including ferrets, dogs, and cats. The researchers measured antibody levels to this virus in opportunistically collected serum samples from 78 cats in 2009-2010. These cats were at several locales throughout the US, including Nashville, Memphis, St. Paul, Madison, New Orleans, Cleveland, and Toledo. Over 20% of the cats tested had significant antibody levels to the pandemic H1N1 influenza. Interestingly, a similar number of cats also had titers to the seasonal viruses that have been circulating for years, the seasonal H1N1 and H3N2. It seems that influenza infection of domestic cats is quite common, so no snuggling if you’ve got the flu! [MK]

Related articles:

Seiler BM, Yoon KJ, Andreasen CB et al: Antibodies to influenza A virus (H1 and H3) in companion animals in Iowa, USA, Vet Rec 167:705, 2010.

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More Trap-Neuter-Return

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Finkler H, Gunther I, Terkel J: Behavioral differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1141, 2011.

This study examined the behavioral differences between 184 free-roaming cats living in 4 feeding groups in urban Israel during a 1-year observational period. Trap-neuter-return (TNR) procedures were applied to 2 feeding groups. Subsequently, their social and feeding behaviors and frequency of appearance at feeding time were compared to the 2 unneutered cat groups. It has been suggested that these groups are not merely casual aggregations but constitute defined social groups. There was a lower rate of agonistic (aggressive) interactions in the neutered groups than in the unneutered groups. It was also noted that sexually intact male cats participated in more agonistic male-male encounters than did neutered male cats. One group of neutered cats appeared earlier and at a higher frequency of feeding and appearance at the feeding site, compared to unneutered cats. The decreased aggressive behavior observed in neutered males resulted in reduced fighting and vocalization, potentially leading to fewer injuries and reduced transmission of fight-related infectious diseases. When situations for competition for food occurred, the neutered cats in this study were better adapted to the feeding times and thus gained better access to the food than did the unneutered cats. There were almost no agonistic encounters between neutered-neutered male cats noted which may have enhanced the ability of visiting cats to integrate into the feeding groups. [VT]

Related articles:

Gunther I, Finkler H, Terkel J: Demographic differences between urban feeding groups of neutered and sexually intact free-roaming cats following a trap-neuter-return procedure, J Am Vet Med Assoc 238:1134, 2011.

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Trap-Neuter-Return

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000

There have been few studies conducted to investigate the effects of neutering on free-roaming cat populations. This study observed over a one year period 184 free-roaming adult cats and 76 kittens living in 4 feeding groups in an urban area of Israel. Cats in two groups were subjected to the trap-neuter-return procedure (TNR) and the other two groups were left untreated. It was noted that the two neutered groups increased in size significantly because of higher immigration (cats moving into the groups) and lower emigration (cats moving away) rates than in the unneutered groups, in which the number decreased. It appears the neutered cats formed a stable feeding core, resulting from the decreased roaming and increased survival rates of cats after neutering. Sexually intact cats also immigrate into the neutered groups more readily. Kitten survival rates were significantly higher in the neutered groups. The study concluded in part that to maintain a high proportion of neutered cats in such cat groups, persistent TNR campaigns are considered necessary. [VT]

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MRSA in Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Loeffler A, Pfeiffer DU, Lindsay JA et al: Prevalence of and risk factors for MRSA carriage in companion animals: a survey of dogs, cats and horses, Epidemiology and infection 139:1019, 2011.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant health concern in people. Little is known about carriage of these bacteria in companion animals. The investigators tested healthy as well as ill animals at various animal facilities in the greater London area for MRSA. Out of nearly 1700 animals tested, including 540 cats, only 26 animals were found to be colonized with MRSA; of these, 8 were cats. In evaluating risk factors among animals for carriage of MRSA, the investigators found that it is rare among companion animals. They also concluded that animals from which MRSA can be cultured are likely contaminated from their human companions, and do not serve as reservoirs for the bacteria. [MK]

Related articles:

Weese JS: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in animals, ILAR journal / National Research Council, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources 51:233, 2010.

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