Showing papers in "Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery in 2012"
TL;DR: Based on the known goitrogens that may be present in the cat’s food, drinking water or environment, this review proposes measures that cat owners can implement that might prevent, or reduce the prevalence of, thyroid tumors and hyperthyroidism in their cats.
Abstract: Practical relevance:Since first being reported in the late 1970s, there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in cats. It is now recognized worldwide as the most common feline endocrine disorder.Patient group:Hyperthyroidism is an important cause of morbidity in cats older than 10 years of age. It is estimated that over 10% of all senior cats will develop the disorder.Clinical challenges:Despite its frequency, the underlying cause(s) of this common disease is/are not known, and no one has suggested a means to prevent the disorder. Because of the multiple risk factors that have been described for feline hyperthyroidism, it is likely that more than one factor is involved in its pathogenesis. Continuous, lifelong exposure to environmental thyroid disruptor chemicals or goitrogens in food or water, acting together in an additive or synergistic manner, may first lead to euthyroid goiter and then to autonomous adenomatous hyperplasia, thyroid adenoma and hyperthyroidism.Evidence base...
100 citations
TL;DR: IT-MSC may be the preferred MSC for clinical applications where rapid and efficient generation of MSC is important and cultures of AT- MSC are easier to generate because of their higher intrinsic proliferative rate.
Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are increasingly being proposed as a therapeutic option for a variety of different diseases in human and veterinary medicine. At present, MSC are most often collected from bone marrow (BM) or adipose tissue (AT) and enriched and expanded in vitro before being transferred into recipients. However, little is known regarding the culture characteristics of feline BM-derived (BM-MSC) versus AT-derived MSC (AT-MSC). We compared BM-MSC and AT-MSC from healthy cats with respect to in vitro growth and cell surface phenotype. Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from AT proliferated significantly faster than BM-MSC. Phenotypic differences between BM-MSC and AT-MSC were not present in the surface markers assessed. We conclude that BM-MSC and AT-MSC are similar phenotypically but that cultures of AT-MSC are easier to generate because of their higher intrinsic proliferative rate. Thus, AT-MSC may be the preferred MSC for clinical applications where rapid and efficient generation of MSC is important.
86 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors defined a form of chronic enteropathy that is immunologically mediated and characterized by persistent or recurrent gastro-intestinal symptoms, i.e., inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Abstract: Practical relevance: Feline idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) denotes one form of chronic enteropathy that is immunologically mediated and characterized by persistent or recurrent gastroi...
80 citations
TL;DR: The primary goal of feline-friendly nursing care is to make the cat feel safe and secure throughout its medical experience, which includes methods for keeping the patient warm, comfortable, well nourished, clean and groomed.
Abstract: NURSING CARE: The term nursing care means different things to different people. The authors of these AAFP and ISFM Feline-Friendly Nursing Care Guidelines define nursing care as any interaction between the cat and the veterinary team (veterinarian, technician or nurse, receptionist or other support staff) in the clinic, or between the cat and its owner at home, that promotes wellness or recovery from illness or injury and addresses the patient's physical and emotional wellbeing. Nursing care also helps the sick or convalescing cat engage in activities that it would be unable to perform without help. GUIDELINES RATIONALE: The purpose of the Guidelines is to help all members of the veterinary team understand the basic concepts of nursing care, both in the clinic and at home. This includes methods for keeping the patient warm, comfortable, well nourished, clean and groomed. The Guidelines provide numerous practical tips gleaned from the authors' many years of clinical experience and encourage veterinary team members to look at feline nursing care in ways they previously may not have considered. OVERARCHING GOAL: The primary goal of feline-friendly nursing care is to make the cat feel safe and secure throughout its medical experience.
67 citations
TL;DR: The prognosis is poor for cats with multiple limbs affected by severe ischaemia, but much better where only one limb is affected or motor function is present, and antithrombotic treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Abstract: Practical relevance: Feline arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is a common but devastating complication of myocardial disease, often necessitating euthanasia. A combination of endothelial dysfunction a...
66 citations
TL;DR: The main features of feline OA are changes in behaviour and lifestyle, which develop gradually and which owners tend to interpret as simply being the effects of old age.
Abstract: Practical relevance Osteoarthritis (OA) is very common, particularly in older cats, but its clinical significance has largely gone unrecognised until recently. As in other species, OA is often pain...
66 citations
TL;DR: Stray cat colonies in urban and rural areas of Lombardy, northern Italy, were surveyed for seroprevalence and found male gender and adult age were risk factors for FIV infection, whereas toxoplasmosis exposure was comparable with the worldwide data.
Abstract: Stray cat colonies in urban and rural areas of Lombardy, northern Italy, were surveyed for seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigen and Toxoplasma gondii IgG. Of 316 cats tested, 6.6% were positive for FIV and 3.8% were positive for FeLV infection; 203 cats were tested for T gondii IgG antibodies and a prevalence of 30.5% was detected. Statistical analysis tested the influence of provenience, age, gender, health status and laboratory results on seroprevalence and found male gender and adult age were risk factors for FIV infection. FIV-infected cats were more likely to have a decreased red blood cell count than FIV seronegative cats. No predictors were significantly associated with FeLV and T gondii seropositivity. Colony cats in this study posed a limited risk for retrovirus infection to pet cats allowed outdoors, whereas toxoplasmosis exposure was comparable with the worldwide data.
60 citations
TL;DR: This study provides further evidence that FIP is a disease primarily of young cats and that significant breed and sex predilections exist in Australia and opens further avenues to investigate the role of genetic factors in FIP.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether patient signalment (age, breed, sex and neuter status) is associated with naturally-occurring feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats in Aus...
55 citations
TL;DR: Preliminary studies suggest that abdominal irradiation may potentially be of benefit in cats with AL and further investigations are warranted, and the diagnosis of LGLL requires an index of suspicion as it may be missed with routine diagnostics.
Abstract: Practical relevance Accurate diagnosis of the distinct subtypes of alimentary lymphoma (AL) that occur in cats is important as there are major differences between them in clinical presentation, tre...
52 citations
TL;DR: Long-term treatment with oral meloxicam did not appear to reduce the lifespan of cats with pre-existent stable CKD, even for cats in IRIS stages II and III, therefore, to address the need for both quality of life and longevity in cats with chronic painful conditions,Meloxicam should be considered as a part of the therapeutic regimen.
Abstract: The study sought to examine the effect of long-term meloxicam treatment on the survival of cats with and without naturally-occurring chronic kidney disease at the initiation of therapy. The databases of two feline-only clinics were searched for cats older than 7 years that had been treated continuously with meloxicam for a period of longer than 6 months. Only cats with complete medical records available for review were recruited into the study.The median longevity in the renal group was 18.6 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 17.5-19.2] and the non-renal group was 22 years [95% CI 18.5-23.8]. The median longevity after diagnosis of CKD was 1608 days [95% confidence interval 1344-1919] which compares favourably to previously published survival times of cats with CKD. In both groups the most common cause of death was neoplasia. Long-term treatment with oral meloxicam did not appear to reduce the lifespan of cats with pre-existent stable CKD, even for cats in IRIS stages II and III. Therefore, to address the need for both quality of life and longevity in cats with chronic painful conditions, meloxicam should be considered as a part of the therapeutic regimen.
50 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded that all protocols provided adequate analgesia and when used with midazolam-medetomidine-ketamine are effective for routine feline ovariohysterectomy.
Abstract: One hundred female cats undergoing routine ovariohysterectomy under midazolam-medetomidine-ketamine anaesthesia were included in a blinded, randomised, prospective clinical study to compare postoperative analgesia produced by four analgesic drug combinations given preoperatively (n = 25 per group). A secondary aim was to assess the effects in kittens and pregnant animals. Buprenorphine 180 µg/m(2) or butorphanol 6 mg/m(2) were given with either carprofen 4 mg/kg (groups BUPC and BUTC, respectively) or meloxicam 0.3 mg/kg (groups BUPM or BUTM, respectively). Medetomidine was not antagonised. A simple, descriptive scale (SDS; 0-4), a dynamic and interactive visual analogue scale (DIVAS; 0-100 mm) and mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MT; 2.5-mm diameter probe) were used to evaluate postoperative pain. All pain scores were low (DIVAS 10 N) and there were no significant differences between the groups. It was concluded that all protocols provided adequate analgesia and when used with midazolam-medetomidine-ketamine are effective for routine feline ovariohysterectomy.
TL;DR: The evidence supporting this review is grade II, III and IV, derived from prospective studies, retrospective case series, reviews, extrapolation from other species, pathophysiological justification and the combined clinical experience of those working in the field.
Abstract: Practical relevance Alimentary lymphoma (AL) occurs commonly in cats and exists as distinct subtypes that differ in their clinical course, response to treatment and prognosis. Accurate diagnosis is important to guide appropriate treatment.Clinical challenges Differentiation of low-grade alimentary lymphoma from lymphoplasmacytic enteritis can be challenging, especially where endoscopic intestinal biopsies, which sample only the mucosa and submucosa, are used. The major differentials for intermediate- and high-grade alimentary lymphoma are other neoplastic and non-neoplastic intestinal mass lesions. The diagnosis of large granular lymphocyte lymphoma requires vigilance as it may be missed with routine diagnostics.Patient group AL affects predominantly middle- to old-aged domestic crossbred cats (median age 10–13 years).Evidence base The evidence supporting this review is grade II, III and IV, derived from prospective studies, retrospective case series, reviews, extrapolation from other species, pathophysio...
TL;DR: The MST of the pimobendan group was four times that of the non-pimobends group and the difference in survival between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.048).
Abstract: This retrospective study was designed to assess the effect of pimobendan on the median survival time (MST) of cats with non-taurine responsive dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Thirty-two client-owned cats with a left ventricular internal dimension at end systole (LVIDs) >14 mm, a fractional shortening (FS) 502 days) was four times that of the non-pimobendan group (12 days; 1 to 244 days). The difference in survival between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.048). Hypothermia and FS <20% were associated with a poor prognosis. No adverse effects to pimobendan were noted.
TL;DR: The aim is to summarise ultrasonographic technique, anatomy and changes associated with renal and perirenal diseases as well as to provide a framework for the Ultrasonographic approach to feline renal andperirenal disorders for the general practitioner.
Abstract: Practical relevance:Ultrasonography is an important tool for the detection of kidney disorders, which are among the most common health problems suffered by cats. It is more accurate than radiography for this purpose and is considered to be the reference modality for imaging the feline kidney, providing excellent visualisation of renal size, shape and internal architecture. Compared with more advanced imaging modalities, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography is more accessible, less expensive, does not require general anaesthesia and allows real-time procedures to be performed.Clinical challenges:On ultrasound examination, focal or multifocal disorders may be readily identified, but diffuse changes are more challenging. B-mode ultrasonography is of limited use for differentiating between benign and malignant focal lesions. However, based on the presence and pattern of vascularity as an indicator of malignancy, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography allows distinction between...
TL;DR: No significant differences were identified between the outcomes for the glargine and detemir studies, with the exception of three possibly interrelated factors: a slightly older median age of thedetemir cohort at diabetes diagnosis, a higher rate of chronic renal disease in the detmir cohort and lower maximal dose for insulin detemIR.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to report outcomes using detemir and a protocol aimed at intensive blood glucose control with home monitoring in diabetic cats, and to compare the results with a previous study using the same protocol with glargine. Eighteen cats diagnosed with diabetes and previously treated with other insulins were included in the study. Data was provided by owners who joined the online German Diabetes-Katzen Forum. The overall remission rate was 67%. For cats that began the protocol before or after 6 months of diagnosis, remission rates were 81% and 42%, respectively (P = 0.14). No significant differences were identified between the outcomes for the glargine and detemir studies, with the exception of three possibly interrelated factors: a slightly older median age of the detemir cohort at diabetes diagnosis, a higher rate of chronic renal disease in the detemir cohort and lower maximal dose for insulin detemir.
TL;DR: There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid-rich diets in managing feline OA and further work is required, while research into environmental enrichment as a way of improving quality of life in cats with painful OA is lacking.
Abstract: Practical relevance Osteoarthritis (OA) is very common in the cat and in many cases is associated with significant long-term pain, which limits mobility and activity, and severely compromises the animal’s quality of life.Clinical challenges The treatment of chronic arthritic pain is a major challenge and many analgesic drugs used in other species are not licensed, not available or not tested for use in the cat. Many older cats with painful OA have some degree of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and many clinicians are reluctant to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in these animals because of the potential for nephrotoxicity.Evidence base There are several publications that show that meloxicam is an effective NSAID for the cat and can be used long-term. It is easy to administer and there is published evidence that meloxicam can actually slow the progression of CKD in this species. Many other drugs are used to treat chronic pain in the cat but there is no documented evidence of their efficacy i...
TL;DR: Although not independently significant, renal disease and lower urinary tract anatomic abnormalities improved statistical model performance and contributed to UTI.
Abstract: The clinical and diagnostic features of 155 cats with urinary tract infection (UTI) and 186 controls with negative urine culture/s were characterized retrospectively (signalment, clinical signs, urinalysis, urine culture, concurrent diseases, lower urinary tract diagnostic/therapeutic procedures). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with UTI. Cats of all ages were affected by UTI with no sex/breed predisposition. Lower urinary tract signs were absent in 35.5% of cats with UTI. Pyuria and bacteriuria had sensitivities of 52.9% and 72.9%, and specificities of 85.5% and 67.7% for detection of UTI, respectively. Risk factors significantly associated with increased odds of UTI were urinary incontinence [odds ratio (OR)=10.78, P=0.0331], transurethral procedures (OR=8.37, P<0.0001), urogenital surgery (OR=6.03, P=0.0385), gastrointestinal disease (OR=2.62, P=0.0331), decreased body weight (OR=0.81, P=0.0259) and decreased urine specific gravity (OR=0.78, P=0.0055). Whilst not independently significant, renal disease and lower urinary tract anatomic abnormalities improved statistical model performance and contributed to UTI.
TL;DR: The previous literature and case reports of feline lung–digit syndrome and feline primary pulmonary neoplasia are reviewed, discussing the course of this disease and the varying clinical presentations associated with different sites of metastasis.
Abstract: Practical relevance Feline ‘lung–digit syndrome’ describes an unusual pattern of metastasis that is seen with various types of primary lung tumours, particularly bronchial and bronchioalveolar aden...
TL;DR: It is failed to demonstrate clinically meaningful effects of these sedation protocols on echocardiographic measurements, suggesting that sedation with acepromazine, butorphanol and/or ketamine can be used to facilitate echOCardiography in healthy cats.
Abstract: Although sedation is frequently used to facilitate patient compliance in feline echocardiography, the effects of sedative drugs on echocardiographic variables have been poorly documented. This study investigated the effects of two sedation protocols on echocardiographic indices in healthy cats, with special emphasis on the assessment of left atrial size and function, as well as left ventricular diastolic performance. Seven cats underwent echocardiography (transthoracic two-dimensional, spectral Doppler, color flow Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging) before and after sedation with both acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg IM) and butorphanol (0.25 mg/kg IM), or acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg IM), butorphanol (0.25 mg/kg IM) and ketamine (1.5 mg/kg IV). Heart rate increased significantly following acepromazine/butorphanol/ketamine (mean±SD of increase, 40±26 beats/min) and non-invasive systolic blood pressure decreased significantly following acepromazine/butorphanol (mean±SD of decrease, 12±19 mmHg). The majority of echocardiographic variables were not significantly different after sedation compared with baseline values. Both sedation protocols resulted in mildly decreased left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and mildly increased left ventricular end-diastolic wall thickness. This study therefore failed to demonstrate clinically meaningful effects of these sedation protocols on echocardiographic measurements, suggesting that sedation with acepromazine, butorphanol and/or ketamine can be used to facilitate echocardiography in healthy cats.
TL;DR: Regardless of DJD status, 40% of items listed by owners involved mobility, while 60% were ‘inactive’ items, rejecting the hypothesis that items contributing to QoL in cats are predominantly items requiring mobility.
Abstract: This study evaluated the types of items owners consider important to their cats’ quality of life (QoL). We hypothesized that items contributing to QoL in cats are predominantly items requiring mobi...
TL;DR: A preliminary evaluation of the Histoplasma urine antigen test suggests it may be a useful aid in diagnosing this disease in cats.
Abstract: Diagnosis of Histoplasma capsulatum infection in cats traditionally relies upon identification of organisms in circulating monocytes or in tissue specimens from affected organs. In this retrospective study, results of a urine antigen assay were compared with standard diagnostic methods in cats with clinical signs suggestive of histoplasmosis. Antigenuria was detected in 17/18 cats with a histopathologic or cytopathologic diagnosis of histoplasmosis. This preliminary evaluation of the Histoplasma urine antigen test suggests it may be a useful aid in diagnosing this disease in cats.
TL;DR: This review is intended as a clinical update for veterinary surgeons in practice who rarely encounter demodicosis, which has been recognized in various countries but does seem to show regional preferences.
Abstract: Practical relevance In cats, three species of demodex mites have been identified as causes of demodicosis, which may manifest as pruritus, miliary dermatitis and/or self-induced alopecia. The condi...
TL;DR: Compared to previous studies with itraconazole and iodide in saturated solution, potassium iodide capsules are an alternative for feline sporotrichosis treatment and clinical adverse effects were observed in 52.1% of the cases.
Abstract: Sporotrichosis is a mycosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii. The most affected animal is the cat; it has played an important role in the zoonotic transmission of this disease, especially in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, since 1998. In order to evaluate the treatment of feline sporotrichosis with potassium iodide, an observational cohort was conducted in 48 cats with sporotrichosis at Instituto de Pesquisa Clinica Evandro Chagas, Fiocruz. All cats received potassium iodide capsules, 2.5 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg q24h. The cure rate was 47.9%, treatment failure was 37.5%, treatment abandonment was 10.4% and death was 4.2%. Clinical adverse effects were observed in 52.1% of the cases. Thirteen cats had a mild increase in hepatic transaminase levels during the treatment, six of them presented clinical signs suggestive of hepatotoxicity. Compared to previous studies with itraconazole and iodide in saturated solution, potassium iodide capsules are an alternative for feline sporotrichosis treatment.
TL;DR: Cats who present with spontaneous pneumothorax may be treated successfully with non-surgical therapies and appear to have a better prognosis than previously extrapolated from canine studies.
Abstract: Thirty-five cases of spontaneous pneumothorax were reviewed. In contrast to dogs, cats with an established etiology all had spontaneous pneumothorax associated with lung disease. Underlying diseases identified in affected cats included inflammatory airway disease, neoplasia, heartworm infection, pulmonary abscess and lungworm infection. Many cats were managed successfully with observation alone or needle thoracocentesis and specific therapy for their primary lung disease. Cats who present with spontaneous pneumothorax may be treated successfully with non-surgical therapies and appear to have a better prognosis than previously extrapolated from canine studies.
TL;DR: Both progressive, as well as regressive infections with feline leukemia virus seem to be rare in Germany today.
Abstract: Most studies that investigate the prevalence of infections with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are based on the detection of p27 antigen in blood, but they do not detect proviral DNA to identify the ...
TL;DR: When the prevalence of FIP is low, the A:G ratio is useful to rule out FIP but is not helpful in making a positive diagnosis of Fip.
Abstract: Low albumin to globulin ratio has been found previously to have a high positive predictive value for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats with clinical signs highly suggestive of the disease. However, FIP can have a more vague clinical presentation. This retrospective study found that the positive predictive value of an albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio of <0.8 and <0.6 was only 12.5% and 25%, respectively, in a group of 100 cats with one or more clinical signs consistent with FIP. The negative predictive value was 100% and 99% for an A:G ratio of <0.8 and A:G<0.6%, respectively. Therefore, when the prevalence of FIP is low, the A:G ratio is useful to rule out FIP but is not helpful in making a positive diagnosis of FIP.
TL;DR: Peripheral blood smears of 1094 domestic cats were collected and tested by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay for p27 antigen in cells to study the prevalence and risk factors for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Peripheral blood smears of 1094 domestic cats were collected and tested by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay for p27 antigen in cells to study the prevalence and risk factors for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Sex, age, breed, outdoor access, neutering status, type of habitation (household, shelter, veterinary clinics and other places), number of household cats and clinical signs were registered on a form. Among the tested samples, 11.52% were positive. Risk factors for FeLV infection included outdoor access, age range between 1 and 5 years old, and cohabitation with numerous cats.
TL;DR: This article reviews the published literature to discuss the complex aetiology of the EGC and presents an overview of the different clinical presentations and diagnosis and some evidence-based recommendations for the management of this unusual group of dermatoses.
Abstract: Practical relevance: The feline eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC) comprises a group of clinically well recognised but poorly understood dermatoses that are common in cats. In many cases, lesions are severe and can be accompanied by varying degrees of (and sometimes considerable) pruritus and/or pain. In addition, lesions can be chronic and recurrent. It is, therefore, important to achieve a prompt and accurate diagnosis in order to provide optimal, often life-long, treatment for affected cats.Patient group: There is no age predisposition or well documented breed predilection for the development of EGC lesions in cats. Some studies have reported a possible female predisposition, but this has not been consistently documented.Clinical challenges: The clinical diagnosis of EGC lesions is usually straightforward, but investigation of the potential underlying aetiology can pose a challenge for the clinician. Information on the indication for various diagnostic tests and their interpretation is lacking, and t...
TL;DR: Cats treated with fluconazole had similar mortality and recrudescence rates when compared with cats treated with itraconazole, and flu Conazole may be a viable alternative therapy for the treatment of feline histoplasmosis.
Abstract: Feline histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal infection often treated with itraconazole, which can be cost-prohibitive for some clients. Additionally, although the clinical disease in cats has been documented, sources of Histoplasma species spore exposure in cats have yet to be thoroughly investigated. The objectives of this study were to compare the outcomes of cats with histoplasmosis treated with fluconazole to those treated with itraconazole, and to evaluate possible sources of exposure for affected cats. Medical records from feline patients with confirmed histoplasmosis (n = 32) at Kansas State University were systematically reviewed and follow-up was performed by owner telephone interview. Cats treated with fluconazole (n = 17) had similar mortality and recrudescence rates when compared with cats treated with itraconazole (n = 13). Thus, fluconazole may be a viable alternative therapy for the treatment of feline histoplasmosis. Eleven cats were housed strictly indoors and possible sources of exposure reported for these cats included potted plants (5/11) and unfinished basements (6/11).
TL;DR: This review of what is currently known about the health risks, predisposing factors and treatment of excessive weight gain in cats is aimed at all veterinary health professionals.
Abstract: Practical relevance: Obesity is the most common unhealthy nutritional condition that is recognized in cats. Documented associated health risks include diabetes mellitus, lameness, non-allergic skin disease, feline lower urinary tract disease and idiopathic hepatic lipidosis.Clinical challenges: Simply recommending a diet designed for weight loss fails, in most cases, to result in successful weight loss in the obese or overweight cat. A more in-depth approach that centers on communication and commitment, alongside a program of feeding a predetermined amount of a specific diet plus exercise and enrichment of the cat’s life, offers a chance for a healthy result.Patient group: It has been reported in some developed countries that as much as 40–50% of the feline population may be overweight or obese, with middle-aged cats, male cats, mixed-breed cats and neutered cats being at greatest risk.Audience: This review of what is currently known about the health risks, predisposing factors and treatment of excessive ...