scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers in "Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery in 2010"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline an evidence-based life stage wellness program to aid the veterinary medical team in delivering the best comprehensive care for cats, and provide: Life stage classification Distinct life stages (age groups) in cats are not well defined, in part because individual animals and body systems age at different rates, a process that is influenced by many factors.
Abstract: Background and goals Cats have become the most popular pet in the United States, yet statistics about veterinary care for cats remain troubling. 1 Although most owners consider their cats to be family members, cats are substantially underserved, compared with dogs. In 2006, owners took their dogs to veterinarians more than twice as often as cats, averaging 2.3 times/year, compared with 1.1 times/year for cats, and significantly more dogs (58%) than cats (28%) were seen by a veterinarian one or more times/year. 2 Cat owners often express a belief that cats ‘do not need medical care’. Two reasons for this misconception are that signs of illness are often difficult to detect, and cats are perceived to be self-sufficient. 2 One role of the veterinarian is to develop a partnership with cat owners that will pave the way for a lifelong health care plan. These guidelines aim to outline an evidence-based life stage wellness program to aid the veterinary medical team in delivering the best comprehensive care for cats. Specific goals are to provide: Life stage classification Distinct life stages (age groups) in cats are not well defined, in part because individual animals and body systems age at different rates, a process that is influenced by many factors. These guidelines follow one convenient classification (see box below). These age designations help to focus attention on the physical and behavioral changes that occur at different stages (eg, congenital defects in kittens, obesity prevention in the junior cat). It must be recognized, however, that any age groupings are inevitably arbitrary demarcations along a spectrum, and not absolutes. Evidence-based health care Supporting references for specific recommendations are supplied where possible, and any previously published guidelines on particular topics are referred to where relevant. Readers should note, however, that the guidelines panel was hampered in its efforts by the relative paucity of disease incidence data by age group that is available, and there is an urgent need for research to guide the future of evidence-based feline health care. 3

123 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The study highlights the continuing need for owner education in feline nutrition and specifically the requirement for veterinarians to develop strategies to help owners correct their assessment of their cat's BCS.
Abstract: A cross-sectional questionnaire study of cat owners registered with a first opinion veterinary practice was undertaken in July 2008. The body condition score (BCS) of the cats was assessed by the interviewer using a validated five point scale. Owners also rated their cat's BCS using five word descriptions. In total, 118 questionnaires were collected. The prevalence of overweight or obese cats (BCS 4 or 5) was 39% (30.2-47.8%, n=61). Risk factors associated with overweight or obesity were frequency of feeding and neutered status. There was moderate agreement between owner and interviewer rating of BCS. Owner misperception was more likely when owners rated cats with BCS 1 (very thin) and 4 (overweight) and in longhaired cats. The study highlights the continuing need for owner education in feline nutrition and specifically the requirement for veterinarians to develop strategies to help owners correct their assessment of their cat's BCS.

117 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results revealed that zoonotic agents, namely dermatophyte fungi and Toxocara cati were present in stray cat colonies in the investigated counties, which suggests a balanced relationship between host and agents.
Abstract: A survey of infectious and parasitic diseases of stray cats was carried out using biological samples collected from animals captured during a catch-neuter-release programme in four counties of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The main objective was to investigate the potential threat of stray cats for animal and public health. Samples of blood, stool, hair and auricular swabs were collected from 231 cats in 27 colonies. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were detected in 47/194 samples (24.2%); anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in 1/180 cats (0.6%); intestinal parasites in 23/74 samples (Toxocara cati, Isospora felis, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Dipylidium caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxascaris leonina) and Otodectes cynotis in 4/182 cats (2.2%); dermatophyte fungi were isolated in 40/136 samples (29.4%); feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies were detected in 23/226 samples (10.2%); feline leukaemia virus antigen in 14/198 samples (7.1%); and feline coronavirus RNA in 9/127 samples (7.1%). Our results revealed that zoonotic agents, namely dermatophyte fungi and Toxocara cati were present in stray cat colonies in the investigated counties. Overall the low frequency of major pathogens suggests a balanced relationship between host and agents.

107 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Aspects of feline haemoplasmosis, particularly risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnostic methods and treatment, have been the focus of much recent research and this article draws on the current evidence base with a view to helping clinicians diagnose and manage cases more effectively.
Abstract: Practical relevance The feline haemotropic mycoplasmas (‘haemoplasmas’) are a group of bacteria that can induce haemolytic anaemia in cats. Mycoplasma haemofelis is the most pathogenic of the speci...

90 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: These guidelines have been drawn together by an expert panel, which have reviewed the current literature on long-term NSAID use in cats and other species, and developed guidance on their use based on this information.
Abstract: NSAIDs and cats Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an important class of drug in feline medicine, having analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity. While most published data on their use in this species relate to short-term (often perioperative) therapy, there is increasing evidence of the value of these drugs in treating chronic pain in cats (for example, that associated with degenerative joint disease), and some NSAIDs have now become licensed for long-term use in cats in some geographies. Most of our knowledge of therapeutic mechanisms or adverse drug reactions associated with NSAIDs is extrapolated from work in other species, and there is a paucity of published data relating to cats. Guidelines These guidelines have been drawn together by an expert panel, which have reviewed the current literature on long-term NSAID use in cats and other species, and developed guidance on their use based on this information. The aim is to provide practical information for veterinarians to e...

85 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results suggest that FCV was associated with FGS in some of the cats, and Bartonella species antibodies and DNA in the blood and the tissues did not differ between the two groups.
Abstract: Feline gingivostomatitis (FGS) is a common syndrome in cats; feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), and Bartonella species are common differential diagnoses. In this study, blood from 70 cats with FGS and 61 healthy control cats was tested for Bartonella species antibodies in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot immunoassay and DNA in blood using a conventional polymerase chain reaction assay. Additionally, fresh oral biopsies from cats with FGS (n=42) and 19 healthy controls were tested for FCV RNA, FHV-1 DNA and Bartonella species DNA. The prevalence rates for Bartonella species antibodies and DNA in the blood and the tissues did not differ between the two groups. FHV-1 DNA was also not significantly different between groups. Only FCV RNA was present in significantly more cats with FGS (40.5%) than control cats (0%). The results suggest that FCV was associated with FGS in some of the cats.

76 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A behavioural checklist that might aid in the clinical diagnosis of feline CDS is proposed and treatment options that have proven successful in the canine counterpart of this disease are discussed.
Abstract: Practical relevance Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a widely accepted diagnosis in dogs, with established treatment options. In cats, however, our understanding of cognitive dysfunction is still being shaped by ongoing research in the field, and limited treatment options are available. Recent clinical studies indicate that old age in the cat is accompanied by increased behavioural signs such as wandering, vocalization and night-time activity that are not attributable to identifiable medical problems. It is essential, therefore, that veterinarians include behavioural well-being in the routine care of senior cats. Patient group While the exact age of onset is not established, studies suggest that age-related behavioural changes consistent with cognitive dysfunction are prevalent in cats as early as 10 years of age and that prevalence increases significantly in older cats.Clinical challenges The diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction requires the identification of geriatric behavioural changes that are n...

65 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A significant difference between PE and SE was found in: age, body weight, duration of seizure, occurrence of status epilepticus, altered interictal neurological status and seizure onset over the age of 7 years.
Abstract: In the present study 125 cats with recurrent seizures were analysed. The main goal was to investigate the aetiology and compare primary epilepsy (PE) with secondary epilepsy (SE) regarding signalment, history, ictal pattern, clinical and neurological findings. Seizure aetiology was classified as PE in 47 (38%) and SE in 78 (62%) cats. SE was caused mainly by intracranial neoplasia (16), hippocampal necrosis (14), toxicosis (eight), and encephalitis (seven). A significant difference between PE and SE was found in: age, body weight, duration of seizure, occurrence of status epilepticus and neurological deficits. Status epilepticus, altered interictal neurological status and seizure onset over the age of 7 years indicated SE more frequently than PE. If the seizures occurred during resting conditions and rapid running occurred the aetiology was more likely to be PE than SE.

62 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The incidence, etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of mammary tumors in cats are reviewed, with adenocarcinoma being the most common tumor type.
Abstract: Aims This article reviews the incidence, etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of mammary tumors in cats. Practical relevance Approximately 80% of feline mammary masses are malignant, with adenocarcinoma being the most common tumor type. Early diagnosis is, therefore, essential to improve the prognosis and quality of life of affected cats. Treatment approaches Surgery is the most widely used treatment for malignant tumors. However, as mammary tumors are often advanced and metastasis has already occurred by the time of diagnosis, surgery routinely does not provide a cure. Ovariohysterectomy or hormonal therapy are the treatments of choice for fibroadenomatous hyperplasia (the most common benign mass) and usually lead to a successful outcome.

59 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Degenerative joint disease (DJD) has a high prevalence in domestic cats and can be associated with pain, and there is a lack of information on the etiology of feline DJD and a relative lack of data on the efficacy of putative treatments.
Abstract: Practical relevance Degenerative joint disease (DJD) has a high prevalence in domestic cats and can be associated with pain This pain should be addressed wherever possible Audience All practitioners are faced with cats that are mobility impaired due to DJD-associated pain Patient group Cats of all ages and breeds, and either sex, can experience DJD-associated discomfort Clinical challenges Recognizing DJD and assessing DJD-associated pain in cats is a challenge Owner observations of activity and behavior, careful observation and a logical and thorough orthopedic evaluation are key Current understanding of the etiology of feline DJD and the mechanisms of DJD-associated pain is incomplete, making the rational choice of treatments a further challenge Evidence base Evidence is emerging on the prevalence of feline DJD, and on how to assess the associated pain and mobility impairment There is a lack of information on the etiology of feline DJD and a relative lack of data on the efficacy of putative treatments

57 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The prevalence of mycoplasmas in cats with conjunctivitis was higher than previously reported, and four of the Mycoplasma species have not been described in cats so far.
Abstract: A variety of pathogens are involved in conjunctivitis in cats. In this study, the prevalence of feline herpesvirus (FHV), Chlamydophila felis, mycoplasmas, and aerobic bacteria on the conjunctival surface of cats with conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract disease was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescent assay (IFA), and aerobic bacterial culture of ocular swabs. Forty-one cats were included of which 37 were found to be infected with an ocular organism. Single and multiple infections were present in 15 and 22 cats, respectively. FHV, mycoplasmas, and C felis were detected by PCR in 11 (27%), 20 (49%), and 23 (56%) cats, respectively. IFA detected 10 cats as positive for C felis. Mycoplasma felis, Mycoplasma canadense, Mycoplasma cynos, Mycoplasma gateae, Mycoplasma lipophilum, and Mycoplasma hyopharyngis were identified by genetic sequencing. The most common aerobic bacteria cultured included Staphylococcus species, Streptococcus species and Micrococcus species. The prevalence of mycoplasmas in cats with conjunctivitis was higher than previously reported, and four of the Mycoplasma species have not been described in cats so far.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: All serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) results obtained between 2002 and 2009 from clinical cases presented to the University of Bristol Feline Centre were examined retrospectively and cases were categorised according to the final diagnosis using the DAMNITV classification system.
Abstract: All serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) results obtained between 2002 and 2009 from clinical cases presented to the University of Bristol Feline Centre were examined retrospectively. One hundred and fifty-five results met the inclusion criteria. Signalment and final diagnoses were obtained from the case records. Clinical cases were classified as having normal or abnormal SPE results by comparison to reference intervals for SPE created using 77 clinically normal cats. Abnormal results were then further divided according to the specific SPE abnormality. Cases were also categorised, according to the final diagnosis, using the DAMNITV classification system. Of the 155 cases, 136 (87.7%) had abnormal SPE results, most commonly due to a polyclonal increase in gamma globulins. A monoclonal gammopathy occurred in four cats; one with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), one with lymphoma and two cases of splenic plasmacytoma (one suspected, one confirmed). The most common DAMNITV classification associated with SPE abnormalities was infectious/inflammatory disease (80/136; 58.8%), including 39 cats diagnosed with FIP.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Forty-two cases of feline permethrin toxicity treated at a referral hospital in Sydney, Australia were retrospectively reviewed and one cat was euthanased.
Abstract: Forty-two cases of feline permethrin toxicity treated at a referral hospital in Sydney, Australia were retrospectively reviewed. In most cases canine permethrin spot-on (PSO) flea products had been directly applied to affected cats. Most presented during summer and there was an increase in cases during the 2007/2008 period. Clinical signs included; tremors/muscle fasciculations (86%), twitches (41%), hyperaesthesia (41%), seizures (33%), pyrexia (29%), ptyalism (24%), ataxia (24%), mydriasis (19%) and temporary blindness (12%). Treatment involved decontamination, anticonvulsants and supportive care. Methocarbamol was not used. Complications occurred in 33% of cats and included: hypothermia (29%), electrolyte abnormalities (26%), aspiration pneumonia (12%), hypoproteinaemia (12%), anaemia (5%), apnoea (7%), respiratory arrest (5%), cardiorespiratory arrest (2%), pleural effusion (2%), urinary tract infection (2%) and corneal ulceration (2%). One cat was euthanased. Feline permethrin toxicity may result in severe clinical signs requiring intensive treatment. Despite prominent label warnings, cases of feline permethrin toxicity continue to occur in Australia and may be fatal.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The availability of transmural biopsies from all segments of the intestine and the collection of extraintestinal samples, especially mesenteric lymph nodes, is especially helpful for diagnosing intestinal tumours such as lymphomas and tumours of mast cell origin.
Abstract: An evaluation of histological findings in full-thickness biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and extraintestinal samples of 43 cats with chronic GIT disease signs was performed. In the majority of cases (46.5%) inflammatory bowel disease, ie, lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis/colitis (32.6%), eosinophilic gastroenterocolitis (11.6%) and mixed inflammatory infiltration (2.3%), was diagnosed. Furthermore, in four animals non-inflammatory mucosal band-shaped fibrosis (9.3%), and in 10 cats (23.3%) a diffuse lymphoma, was found. Six cats displayed only a gastritis (7.0%) or lymphangiectasia (7.0%), respectively. In two cats a mast cell tumour (4.7%) was diagnosed. In one cat no histopathological lesions were found. The availability of transmural biopsies from all segments of the intestine and the collection of extraintestinal samples, especially mesenteric lymph nodes, is especially helpful for diagnosing intestinal tumours such as lymphomas and tumours of mast cell origin.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: While signs compatible with thrombolysis were noting in many cats following tPA administration, a high rate of side effects and low rate of hospital discharge were noted in this study.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical response and side effects of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for the treatment of feline arterial thromboembolism (ATE). Previous reports of conservative and thrombolytic therapy were used to provide a historical control group of cats with ATE. The study was terminated due to a high frequency of adverse outcomes. tPA was administered to 11 cats with clinical signs of ATE for a median duration of 4.0 h (range 2-12h) prior to treatment. Pulses were restored in 40% of limbs within 4h and 53% within 24h. Motor function was restored to 33% of limbs within 24h. Adverse effects were seen in 11/11 cats following administration of tPA including azotemia (n=5), neurological signs (n=5), cardiac arrhythmias (n=5), hyperkalemia (n=4), acidosis (n=2) and sudden death in one cat. Ultimately, three cats (27%) were discharged alive from the hospital. While signs compatible with thrombolysis were noted in many cats following tPA administration, a high rate of side effects and low rate of hospital discharge were noted in this study.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Novel diets and feeding strategies may improve outcome in feline weight loss programmes, and owners' subjective hunger score was significantly (P<0.001) higher with strategy C than with strategies A and B.
Abstract: A randomised, single-blinded, positively controlled, field trial for weight loss in obese client-owned cats was undertaken to look at novel diets and dietary strategies that could improve owner compliance and, therefore, success of feline weight loss programmes. Three dietary strategies were evaluated: strategy A used a novel dry high fibre ration; strategy B used ready-prepared portions of dry and moist food; strategy C used an existing commercial dry high fibre ration fed with a measuring cup. Cats were assessed at weeks 4, 12 and 20, and adjustments to the energy allocation made if required. Mean weight loss at 20 weeks (A: 11.0+/-1.3%, B: 10.9+/-1.2%, C: 11.9+/-1.7%) and mean energy allocation (A: 31.0, B: 28.5 and C: 32.2 kcal/kg of target body weight/day) were similar amongst strategies. However, owners' subjective hunger score was significantly (P<0.001) higher with strategy C than with strategies A and B. Further, owner satisfaction was lowest with strategy C, and more owners also regarded food allowance as insufficient with this strategy. Novel diets and feeding strategies may improve outcome in feline weight loss programmes.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The most common causes for insurance claims were trauma, gastrointestinal and lower urinary tract problems and there was substantial breed, age, breed, diagnosis and urban/other location variation for certain problems.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to describe patterns of morbidity, as reflected by reimbursed claims for veterinary care among cats covered by a Swedish insurance company during 1999–2006. The annual incidence rates of having at least one veterinary care event were calculated overall and stratified by sex, age, breed, diagnosis and urban/other location. The total rate was 875 (95% CI 858–892) cats with claims per 10,000 cat-years at risk. The Siamese, Burmese, and the Abyssinians had high rates of claims, compared to the Norwegian Forest cat, the Maine Coon, the European Shorthair and domestic cats. The most common causes for insurance claims were trauma, gastrointestinal and lower urinary tract problems and there was substantial breed, sex and age variation for certain problems. For example, among cats under 9 years of age, the rate for lower urinary tract problems was 2–3 times higher in males than females.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The aim of this review is to summarise the current state of knowledge on long-term pain issues in cats, highlighting the obvious, and some not so obvious, causes; some aspects that warrant closer attention; the authors' ability to recognize pain and monitor how this impacts on quality of life; and today's treatment options.
Abstract: Practical relevance Long-term pain in cats is an important welfare issue but is often overlooked and undertreated. Audience All practitioners are faced with cats that require analgesic intervention to improve their quality of life. Patient group Any cat may potentially experience long-term pain and discomfort. Degenerative joint disease and diabetic-related pain is more common in middle-aged or older individuals, whereas persistent postsurgical pain can occur at any age and is seen in young cats following onychectomy. Evidence base Robust evidence on long-term pain issues in cats – specifically, relating to prevalence, etiology, and treatment protocols and outcomes – is missing from the veterinary literature. The aim of this review is to summarise the current state of knowledge. In doing so, it takes a practical approach, highlighting the obvious, and some not so obvious, causes of long-term pain in cats; some aspects that warrant closer attention; our ability to recognize pain and monitor how this impacts on quality of life; and today's treatment options.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a questionnaire was sent to veterinarians in Australia to determine the approximate number of cats presenting for permethrin spot-on (PSO) intoxication over a 2-year period.
Abstract: Survey aims A questionnaire was sent to veterinarians in Australia to determine the approximate number of cats presenting for permethrin spot-on (PSO) intoxication over a 2-year period. Findings Of the 269 questionnaires returned, 255 were eligible for analysis. A total of 207 respondents (81%) reported cases of PSO intoxication in cats over the previous 2 years. In total, 750 individual cases were reported, with 166 deaths. While all deaths were generally attributable to intoxication, 39 cats were euthanased because owners were unable to pay the anticipated treatment costs. Brands of PSO implicated included Exelpet Flea (and Tick) Liquidator (Mars Australia) (146 respondents), Bayer Advantix (48), Purina Totalcare Flea Eliminator Line-On (19), Troy Ease-On (six) and Duogard Line-On (Virbac) (four); 67 respondents were not able to identify a specific product. Permethrin spot-on formulations were most commonly obtained from supermarkets (146 respondents), followed by pet stores (43), veterinary practices (16), and a range of other sources including produce stores and friends. The majority of intoxication cases reported involved PSOs labelled for use in dogs with specific label instructions such as ‘toxic to cats’. Owners applied these PSO products to their cats accidentally or intentionally. In some cases, exposure was through secondary contact, such as when a PSO product was applied to a dog with which a cat had direct or indirect contact. Recommendations In the authors' view, because of the likelihood of inappropriate use and toxicity in the non-labelled species, over-the-counter products intended for use in either dogs or cats must have a high margin of safety in all species. Furthermore, PSOs should only be available at points of sale where veterinary advice can be provided and appropriate warnings given. As an interim measure, modified labelling with more explicit warnings may reduce morbidity and mortality.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is concluded that a twice daily dosage of 44 μg fluticasone should be evaluated for the management of cats with naturally occurring inflammatory bronchial disease.
Abstract: Cats with inflammatory bronchial disease are usually treated with glucocorticoid (GC) drugs to reduce airway inflammation. Inhalant GC delivery can preserve airway effects while systemic effects are minimized. An appropriate dosage regimen for inhaled GC in cats has not been investigated. A blinded, randomized, cross-over study design was used to investigate the ability of three different dosages of the inhalant GC fluticasone propionate delivered by metered dose inhaler to ameliorate eosinophilic airway inflammation in cats with experimentally induced allergic airway inflammation. Further, suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) at each dose was assessed. Fluticasone administered at dosages of 44, 110, or 220 microg q 12h reduced airway eosinophilia by 74%, 82%, or 81%, respectively (no difference). None of the dose regimens tested caused HPAA suppression. We conclude that a twice daily dosage of 44 microg fluticasone should be evaluated for the management of cats with naturally occurring inflammatory bronchial disease.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Buprenorphine provided better and longer lasting postoperative analgesia than butorphanol and sedation data were within normal limits.
Abstract: One hundred and fifty-three cats undergoing surgery in seven veterinary practices in Great Britain were studied. They were randomly allocated to receive either 10-20 microg/kg buprenorphine or 0.4 mg/kg butorphanol with acepromazine before anaesthesia with propofol, Saffan or thiopentone and isoflurane or halothane. Routine monitoring was undertaken. Pain and sedation were assessed blind using a four point (0-3) simple descriptive scale (SDS) at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24h. Pain and sedation data were compared using non-parametric statistical tests and continuous data using t tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA). Anaesthesia and surgery were uneventful, and cardiorespiratory data were within normal limits. After surgery, overall, more cats had pain score 0 after buprenorphine and more had pain score 3 after butorphanol (P=0.0465). At individual time points, more cats had lower pain scores after buprenorphine at 2 (P=0.040) and 24 (P=0.036)h. At 24h 83% after buprenorphine and 63% after butorphanol had pain score 0 (P<0.04). Buprenorphine provided better and longer lasting postoperative analgesia than butorphanol.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The impression is that intestinal tritrichomoniasis is an emerging infectious disease of Australian cats and tests to detect T foetus should be a routine component of the work-up of chronic diarrhoea in cats, especially young purebred cats.
Abstract: A total of 38 cases of naturally occurring intestinal tritrichomoniasis in Australian cats are described. Detailed information was available for 13 cases diagnosed in two veterinary hospitals, one in Victoria and one in New South Wales (NSW). In all instances, presumptive microscopic diagnoses were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Affected cats were generally young (median age 8 months) and of a pedigree breed (12/13 cats; 92%). Diarrhoea was observed in 10 cats (77%); the remaining three cats were asymptomatic and detected by screening undertaken because these cats cohabited with symptomatic cases. Concurrent infections with Giardia species (7/13 cats; 54%), and Toxocara species and Eucoleus species (2/13 cats; 15%) were identified. Treatment of tritrichomoniasis with ronidazole at a dose of 30mg/kg once or twice a day, in concert with appropriate therapy of concurrent gastrointestinal infections, resolved diarrhoea in all cats treated. Limited case details of a further 25 infected cats were obtained from a commercial laboratory offering a real-time PCR assay for Tritrichomonas foetus, and compared with findings from the 13 cats presenting to the contributing veterinary hospitals. All samples submitted to this laboratory returning a positive PCR result were from pedigree cats maintained in multi-cat facilities. Most of the samples were derived from Victoria (4/8 catteries tested; 50%), although positive samples were also identified from cats in NSW (1/4 catteries tested; 25%), Queensland (1/4 catteries; 25%), Tasmania (1/4 catteries; 25%) and South Australia (1/4 catteries; 25%). Our impression is that intestinal tritrichomoniasis is an emerging infectious disease of Australian cats. Tests to detect T foetus should be a routine component of the work-up of chronic diarrhoea in cats, especially young purebred cats.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Recognising this syndrome in a significant proportion of problem diabetic cats to have underlying acromegaly (hypersomatotropism) will be key to successfully managing the concurrent diabetes.
Abstract: Practical relevance Clinicians who deal with diabetic cats can have mixed experiences. Some patients are ‘textbook cases’, responding very well to insulin administration; others prove to be more challenging. Recent studies have shown a significant proportion of problem diabetic cats to have underlying acromegaly (hypersomatotropism). Recognising this syndrome in these cats will be key to successfully managing the concurrent diabetes. Patient group Just like the ‘normal’ (non-acromegalic) diabetic cat, the acromegalic diabetic cat tends to be a middle-aged to older male neutered domestic short hair. However, with increasing case experience, this signalment may change. Most patients are insulin resistant, although this may not be the initial presenting sign. No breed predispositions have been recognised to date. Clinical challenges There is no single diagnostic test for feline acromegaly – a confident diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical signs, feline growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels, and intracranial imaging. Additionally, the ideal treatment protocol has yet to be established. Currently, radiotherapy is considered by many to be the best treatment; however, costs, the need for multiple anaesthetics, and the often delayed and unpredictable treatment response represent serious limitations of this modality. Previously, medical treatment has proven unsuccessful. Recent studies provide some evidence in favour of, and some against, the use of newer long-acting somatostatin analogue preparations in a proportion of acromegalic cats. Evidence base Two recent studies have revealed a relatively high prevalence of acromegaly among diabetic cats. One also specifically assessed the value of hormonal tests, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging during the diagnostic process.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Feline orofacial pain syndrome (FOPS) is a pain disorder of cats with behavioural signs of oral discomfort and tongue mutilation and the predominance within the Burmese cat breed suggests an inherited disorder, possibly involving central and/or ganglion processing of sensory trigeminal information.
Abstract: Feline orofacial pain syndrome (FOPS) is a pain disorder of cats with behavioural signs of oral discomfort and tongue mutilation. This report describes the findings from a case series of 113 cats including 100 Burmese. FOPS is suspected to be a neuropathic pain disorder and the predominance within the Burmese cat breed suggests an inherited disorder, possibly involving central and/or ganglion processing of sensory trigeminal information. The disease is characterised by an episodic, typically unilateral, discomfort with pain-free intervals. The discomfort is triggered, in many cases, by mouth movements. The disease is often recurrent and with time may become unremitting - 12% of cases in this series were euthanased as a consequence of the condition. Sensitisation of trigeminal nerve endings as a consequence of oral disease or tooth eruption appears to be an important factor in the aetiology - 63% of cases had a history of oral lesions and at least 16% experienced their first sign of discomfort during eruption of permanent teeth. External factors can also influence the disease as FOPS events could be directly linked to a situation causing anxiety in 20% of cats. FOPS can be resistant to traditional analgesics and in some cases successful management required anti-convulsants with an analgesic effect.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results support previous hypotheses that vaccination and removal of persistently antigenaemic cats have led to a drop in FeLV antigen-expressing lymphomas and that FeLV provirus DNA is still present in a high percentage of feline lymphomas.
Abstract: A significant drop in the prevalence of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigenaemic cats and antigen-associated lymphomas has been observed after the introduction of FeLV vaccination and antigen-testing with removal of persistently antigenaemic cats. However, recent reports have indicated that regressively infected cats may contain FeLV provirus DNA and that lymphoma development may be associated with the presence of provirus alone. In the present study, we investigated the presence of FeLV antigen and provirus DNA in 50 lymphomas by immunohistochemistry and semi-nested polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Interestingly, almost 80% of T-cell lymphomas and 60% of B-cell lymphomas contained provirus DNA while only 21% of T-cell lymphomas and 11% of B-cell lymphomas expressed FeLV antigen. In conclusion, our results support previous hypotheses that vaccination and removal of persistently antigenaemic cats have led to a drop in FeLV antigen-expressing lymphomas. However, FeLV provirus DNA is still present in a high percentage of feline lymphomas.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The potential for iodine concentrations in the diet to contribute to the etiology of feline hyperthyroidism is identified, possibly contributing to the development of FH.
Abstract: Article rationale Since the late 1970s, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism (FH). It is now recognized worldwide as the most common endocrinopathy of older cats, resembling toxic nodular goiter of older humans in iodine-deficient areas. The purpose of this article is to identify the potential for iodine concentrations in the diet to contribute to the etiology of FH. Historical context Iodine concentrations of commercial cat foods vary widely. A review of historical iodine recommendations revealed that the units of iodine supplementation changed in the 1970s. Given this change, foods minimally supplemented since the late 1970s would have been iodine deficient for most cats.Practical relevance Iodine supplementation of commercial cat foods should be evaluated in the light of the iodine recommendations revised in 2006. Foods may remain deficient in iodine if supplemented at the minimum recommended concentration, possibly contributing to the development of FH.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The current literature is reviewed in order to raise awareness of how advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of feline asthma may be determining the future direction of clinical practice.
Abstract: Practical relevance Feline bronchial asthma is one of the most commonly diagnosed respiratory conditions of cats. Clinical signs range from intermittent wheezing and coughing, which can compromise quality of life, to episodes of severe dyspnea that can be life-threatening. Clinical challenges Feline asthma can be easily disregarded as a simplistic condition. However, much about its pathophysiology remains obscure. There is no gold standard method of diagnosis, and current approaches are associated with various limitations. Also, feline asthma is typically treated with long-term glucocorticoid therapy, which can have significant consequences. Audience Because of its prevalence, general practitioners encounter asthma regularly. Refractory cases are often managed by veterinary internists and pulmonologists. Patient group Asthma can be diagnosed in cats of any age but is usually seen in young to middle-aged adults (mean 4 years, range 1–15 years). There is no sex predilection, but the Siamese breed appears to be overrepresented. Evidence base While the standard clinical approach to feline asthma has changed little in recent years, new research has provided greater insight into many aspects of this complex disease and new strategies are being studied. This article reviews the current literature in order to raise awareness of how advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of feline asthma may be determining the future direction of clinical practice.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results highlight the need for validated assessment methods to facilitate judicious holding and disposition decisions for unowned cats at time of intake.
Abstract: Despite the lack of validated methods for differentiating feral from frightened socialized cats upon intake to animal welfare agencies, these organizations must make handling and disposition decisions for millions of cats each year based on their presumed socialization status. We conducted a nationwide survey of feline welfare stakeholders to learn about methods used to evaluate and categorize incoming cats, amount of time cats are held before assessment, disposition options available, and the level of cooperation among welfare agencies to minimize euthanasia of ferals. A wide variety of assessment methods were described and only 15% of 555 respondents had written guidelines. Holding periods of 1-3 days were common, and cats deemed feral were often euthanased. About half the shelters transferred ferals to trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs at least occasionally. Results highlight the need for validated assessment methods to facilitate judicious holding and disposition decisions for unowned cats at time of intake.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Statistically significant predictors of survival included neurolocalisation (central or peripheral vestibular system), age and gender, and no difference in survival was observed between cats with presumed idiopathic peripheral syndrome and cats with otitis media/interna.
Abstract: Medical records of 77 cats that had clinical signs of vestibular disease and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head were reviewed retrospectively. The aetiological, clinical and MRI characteristics were described and evaluated for a relationship with patient outcome. Forty cats (52%) had signs of central vestibular dysfunction (CVD), which was part of a multifocal disease in 17 cats (43%). The most frequent causes of CVD were inflammatory conditions (18 cats; 45%), including bacterial inflammation as an intracranial extension of otitis interna (five cats; 13%), feline infectious peritonitis (three cats; 8%) and toxoplasmosis (two cats; 5%). Neoplasia (12 cats; 30%) and vascular disease (four cats; 10%) were respectively the second and the third most frequent causes of CVD. Thiamine deficiency was diagnosed in one cat based on MRI findings and improvement following vitamin B1 supplementation. Of 37 cats (48%) with peripheral vestibular dysfunction (PVD), idiopathic vestibular syndrome (IVS) was suspected in 16 (43%) and otitis media/interna was suspected in 16 (43%). Within the group of cats with evident MRI lesions, the location of the imaged lesions agreed with the clinical classification of vestibular dysfunction in 52/55 (95%) cats. Most of the cats (nine cases; 56%) with presumed IVS had rapid and complete recovery of their clinical signs. As most of these cats presented with progressive clinical signs over 3 weeks they were classified as having ‘atypical’ IVS to differentiate them from cats with the typical non-progressive IVS. No underlying systemic diseases were documented in any of these cases. Statistically significant predictors of survival included neurolocalisation (central or peripheral vestibular system), age and gender. No difference in survival was observed between cats with presumed idiopathic peripheral syndrome and cats with otitis media/interna.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This is the first report detailing transsphenoidal hypophysectomy as a feasible and effective treatment for feline acromegaly due to a pituitary somatotroph adenoma and, in this patient, concurrent insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus resolved completely.
Abstract: Patient and surgical treatment An 11-year-old, castrated male cat was referred for insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus. It had a ravenous appetite, increased body weight, polyuria/polydipsia and a dull hair coat. The cat was receiving 25 IU insulin four times daily but blood glucose concentrations remained elevated. Plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH) (51 μug/l, reference range 0.8–7.2 μg/l) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (3871 μg/l, reference range 39–590 μg/l) were highly elevated, whereas those of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone and Cortisol were normal. Computed tomography revealed a thick palatum molle and an enlarged pituitary gland, indicating a pituitary neoplasm. Microsurgical transsphenoidal hypophysectomy was performed and microscopic examination of the surgical specimen revealed an acidophilic, infiltrative pituitary adenoma that showed positive immunostaining for GH.Outcome The clinical signs resolved and 3 weeks after surgery the cat no lo...