Showing papers on "CATS published in 1989"

Epidemiologic and clinical aspects of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in cats from the continental United States and Canada and possible mode of transmission.

Abstract: The epidemiologic features of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection were evaluated in 2,765 cats from the United States and Canada. Of these cats, 2,254 were considered by veterinarians to be at high risk for the infection, and 511 were healthy cats considered to be at low or unknown risk. Of the cats in the high-risk group, 318 (14%) were found to be infected with FIV. The infection rate among low- or unknown-risk cats was 6 of 511 (1.2%). Male cats in the high-risk group were 3 times more likely to be infected than were females, similarly as were cats greater than 6 years old, compared with younger cats; domestic cats, compared with purebred cats; and free-roaming cats, compared with confined cats. Feline immunodeficiency virus and FeLV infections did not appear to be linked with each other; 16% of FeLV-infected cats in the high- and low-risk groups were coinfected with FIV. In contrast, there was a pronounced linkage between FIV and feline syncytium-forming virus (FeSFV) infections. Seventy-four percent of FeSFV-infected cats in the high-risk study group were coinfected with FIV, compared with a 38% FIV infection rate among cats that were not infected with FeSFV. The major clinical manifestations associated with FIV infection in cats that were surveyed included chronic oral cavity infections (56%), chronic upper respiratory tract disease (34%), chronic enteritis (19%), and chronic conjunctivitis (11%). Bacterial infections of the urinary tract (cystitis), skin, and ears were seen in a small proportion of cats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Feline immunodeficiency virus infection in cats of Japan.

Abstract: A seroepidemiologic survey for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection was conducted in Japan. Between June and December 1987, individual sera (n = 3,323) were submitted by veterinary practitioners from many parts of the country. Specimens were from 1,739 cats with clinical signs suggestive of FIV infection and from 1,584 healthy-appearing cats seen by the same practitioners. The overall FIV infection rate among cats in Japan was 960/3,323 cats (28.9%). The infection rate was more than 3 times higher in the clinically ill cats, compared with that in the healthy cats of the same cohort (43.9 vs 12.4%). Male cats were 1.5 times as likely to be infected as were females. Almost all FIV-infected cats were domestic cats (as opposed to purebred cats). Complete clinical history was available for 700 of 960 FIV-infected cats. Of these 700 FIV-infected cats, 626 (89.4%) were clinically ill, and the remainder did not have clinical signs of disease. The mean age at the time of FIV diagnosis for the 700 cats was 5.2 years, with younger mean age for males (4.9 years) than for females (5.8 years). Most of the infected cats (94.7%) were either allowed to run outdoors or had lived outdoors before being brought into homes. The mortality for FIV-infected cats during the 6 months after diagnosis was 14.7%, and the mean age at the time of death was 5.7 years. Concurrent FeLV infection was seen in 12.4% of the FIV-infected cats, but this was not much different from the historical incidence of FeLV infection in similar groups of cats not infected with FIV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prevalence of feline leukaemia virus and antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus in cats in the United Kingdom.

Abstract: A representative sample of the pet cat population of the United Kingdom was surveyed. Blood samples from 1204 sick and 1007 healthy cats of known breed, age and sex were tested for antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). The prevalence of FIV was 19 per cent in sick cats and 6 per cent in healthy cats, and the prevalence of FeLV was 18 per cent in sick cats and 5 per cent in healthy cats; both infections were more common in domestic cats than in pedigree cats. Feline immunodeficiency virus was more prevalent in older cats but FeLV was more prevalent in younger cats. There was no difference between the prevalence of FeLV in male and female cats but male cats were more likely to be infected with FIV than female cats. No interaction was demonstrated between FIV and FeLV infections. Of the cats which were in contact with FIV in households with more than one cat, 21 per cent had seroconverted. The prevalence of FeLV viraemia in cats in contact with FeLV was 14 per cent. The clinical signs associated with FIV were pyrexia, gingivitis/stomatitis and respiratory signs, and with FeLV, pyrexia and anaemia. It was concluded that both viruses were significant causes of disease, and that the cats most likely to be infected with FIV were older, free-roaming male cats and for FeLV, younger, free-roaming cats.

Clinical and laboratory findings in cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus

Abstract: Thirty-two cats referred to the Feline Studies Centre between June 1987 and October 1988, and 14 in-contact cats, were found to be infected with feline immunodeficiency virus. Most of the 46 cats were non-pedigree and free ranging; 27 were male (19 neutered) and 19 were female (18 neutered). Their ages ranged from one to 17 years and the average age was 5.8 years. The most common clinical signs were lethargy, inappetence, weight loss, pyrexia and lymphadenopathy; most cases had multiple abnormalities. Other common signs were gingivitis, diarrhoea, rhinitis and ocular discharge. Eight cats had neoplasia. The commonest haematological abnormalities were anaemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia and monocytosis. Eight cats had lymphocytosis; seven of these were in a single house-hold. Several cats had high serum globulin levels and half of those tested had high IgG levels. Seven cats had no detectable antibody to feline immunodeficiency virus even though the virus was cultured from the peripheral blood lymphocytes. During follow-up for up to 60 weeks one cat died and 23 were destroyed on humane grounds.

Impaired glucose tolerance is associated with increased islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) immunoreactivity in pancreatic beta cells.

Abstract: Adult cats determined by clinical laboratory evaluations to be normal, impaired glucose tolerant, or overtly diabetic were used to explore prospectively the relationships among pancreatic beta cell islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) immunoreactivity, islet amyloid (IA) deposition, and diabetogenesis. IAPP-derived IA was found in 11 of 14 (79%) diabetic cats, in four of nine (44%) impaired glucose tolerant cats, and in two of eight (25%) normal adult cats. The presence of IA even in very small amounts, therefore, predicts a very high probability (88%) that an animal has either impaired glucose tolerance or overt DM. Although all overtly diabetic cats had a marked decrease or absence of beta cell IAPP immunoreactivity, six of six cats with impaired glucose tolerance retained IAPP immunoreactivity with 1:15,000 dilutions of antisynthetic IAPP 7-17, whereas only one of seven normal cats had IAPP immunoreactivity beyond 1:10,000 dilutions. These findings suggest that increased IAPP production preceding the development of overt DM is linked to the progressive formation of insoluble IA deposits that are apparent in most overtly diabetic individuals. Of most importance, in that IAPP has been reported to inhibit both basal and insulin-stimulated rates of glycogen synthesis, is the possibility that increased production and release of IAPP by pancreatic beta cells plays a key role in the development of the insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance, both of which occur in Type 2 DM.

The Effect of Chronic Dietary Acidification Using Ammonium Chloride on Acid-Base and Mineral Metabolism in the Adult Cat

Abstract: Adult cats with normal renal function were fed a nutritionally balanced, vitamin A-replete, experimental dry diet with or without ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) for 6 mo to study the effects of chronic dietary acidification on acid-base parameters and the metabolism of selected minerals. Dietary balance studies were performed monthly. Blood and urine samples were collected monthly to evaluate acid-base parameters, plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol levels. Ammonium chloride-treated cats had significantly lower blood and urinary pH, and lower blood bicarbonate concentrations. Treated cats also had higher blood ionized calcium concentrations, hypercalciuria and lower intestinal calcium absorption relative to baseline (prior to feeding the experimental diet) and to control cats. This resulted in the development of lower calcium balance in the first several months. PTH levels were unaffected by dietary acidification; however, 1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol levels were significantly decreased in treated cats. Treated cats had negative potassium balance during 5 mo of dietary acidification. Magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus balances were lower, but positive, in treated cats compared to control cats. Cats consuming the NH4Cl-supplemented diet had increased chloride balance. Thus, chronic dietary acidification with 1.5% NH4Cl produced chronic metabolic acidosis and lower or negative, calcium and potassium balance.

Clinical, radiographic, and bronchial cytologic features of cats with bronchial disease: 65 cases (1980-1986).

Abstract: Medical records, radiographs, and bronchial cytologic abnormalities of 65 cats with bronchial disease were reviewed Bronchial disease was defined as abnormality of the lower airways to the exclusion of disease originating or mainly involving the alveoli, interstitium, vasculature, or pleura Cats with bronchial disease were more likely to be female and older Siamese cats were overrepresented and had more chronic disease In order of frequency, the following clinical signs were reported: coughing, dyspnea, occasional sneezing, wheezing, and vomiting Radiography revealed prominent bronchial markings, with some cats having collapse of the middle lobe of the right lung (n = 7), overinflation of the lungs (n = 9), or aerophagia (n = 13) Of 65 bronchial washes, 58 were considered exudative, with the predominant cell type being eosinophil in 24%, neutrophil in 33%, macrophage in 22%, and mixed population of cells in 21% Cultures for bacteria were considered positive in 24% of the cats Circulating eosinophilia was not helpful in predicting the predominant cell type in bronchial cytologic exudates Hyperproteinemia without dehydration was present in a third of the cats, indicating an immunologic response Half the cats had resolution of clinical signs, whereas half the cats required continuing medication with bronchodilators, antimicrobial agents, or corticosteroids

Treatment and prognostic factors in lymphoma in cats: 103 cases (1977-1981).

Abstract: The records of 103 cats with lymphoma that underwent chemotherapy were reviewed. Diagnosis was confirmed by cytologic or histopathologic examination of appropriate tissue specimens. Sixty-four cats (62%) had a complete response to chemotherapy (median survival time, 7 months); 21 cats (20%) had a partial response (median survival time, 2.5 months); and 18 cats had a minimal response (median survival time, 1.5 months). Seventy-seven cats (75%) died of recurrent or progressive lymphoma, 9 cats died of feline leukemia-related anemia, 13 cats died of unrelated causes, and 4 cats were alive. Stage of disease was significantly (P = 0.009) related to response to treatment, and stage of disease and FeLV status were both significantly (P = 0.002 and P less than 0.001, respectively) related to survival.

Fatal strokes in hyperglycemic cats.

Abstract: Hyperglycemia is associated with three- to fourfold larger infarcts than normoglycemia following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in cats. We investigated the effects of glycemia on brain outcome when middle cerebral artery blood flow was restored (clip release) after 4 hours of occlusion. Seven of 13 hyperglycemic (22 mM) and one of 12 normoglycemic (6 mM) anesthetized cats developed total middle cerebral artery territory infarcts and hemispheric edema and died of brainstem compression. The remaining six and 11 cats recovered fully and later showed no or only small infarcts. Compared with permanent occlusion, restoration of blood flow after 4 hours reduced infarct volume in all normoglycemic and hyperglycemic cats that survived, but caused a much higher proportion (54% vs. 17%) of hyperglycemic and, for the first time, one normoglycemic cat, to die of infarct extension, hemorrhagic infarct conversion, and total territory edema. Thus, clip release after 4 hours caused some cats to show reduced and others to show augmented tissue damage. Rendering cats hyperglycemic substantially worsened their outcome after reperfusion by increasing their death rate from total territory edema sevenfold. Our results demonstrate that risk/benefit analyses for recanalization efforts in humans should take serum glucose concentrations into account.

Morphologic changes in the mammary gland of megestrol acetate-treated and untreated cats: a retrospective study.

Abstract: Abnormal mammary gland growth is a side effect of progestin therapy in some cats. In this retrospective study, the nature and significance of morphologic changes in the mammary gland of 17 megestrol acetate (MA)-treated cats were compared to mammary lesions in 97 untreated cats. Fourteen out of 17 MA-treated cats had non-neoplastic mammary lesions including fibroepithelial hyperplasia (nine cats), lobular hyperplasia (three cats), and duct ectasia (two cats); whereas three MA-treated cats had mammary neoplasms including one adenoma and two carcinomas. Although MA has been causally linked to mammary cancer in cats, only mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia was clearly associated with MA therapy in this study. Fibroepithelial hyperplasia occurred in older (average age 8.1 years) neutered male and female cats in the MA-treated group and in younger (average age 2.1 years) female cats in the untreated group. Morphologically, both intraductal and solid fibroepithelial growth patterns were seen. Intraductal fibroepithelial hyperplasia was further subdivided into papillary and circumferential types. An apparent greater association between MA therapy and the intraductal types of fibroepithelial hyperplasia was noted. Furthermore, it appears likely that mammary lobular hyperplasia also is linked to MA therapy. Possible mammatrophic effects of MA and other growth-promoting agents in the cat are discussed.

Horner's syndrome in dogs and cats: 100 cases (1975-1985).

Abstract: The medical records of 74 dogs and 26 cats with Horner's syndrome (HS) that were admitted to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine between January 1975 and October 1985 were reviewed. In dogs, but not cats, HS was associated significantly (P less than 0.01) with increasing age. Dogs with hypothyroidism (defined liberally but not rigorously), intracranial neoplasia, or thoracic neoplasia, cats with otitis media/interna (defined liberally), and dogs and cats with brachial plexus root avulsion were at greater risk for developing HS than were animals that were hit by a car. Dogs and cats with otitis externa were at less risk of developing HS than were animals that were hit by a car. The cause of HS could not be determined in 50% of dogs and 42.3% of cats. The results of topical adrenergic drug testing in dogs were inconclusive in localizing lesion site. In dogs and cats, HS appeared to be unassociated with gender, breed, or right vs left side. The important causes of HS in dogs and cats were trauma (hit by car), brachial plexus root avulsion, intracranial and thoracic neoplasia, and otitis media/interna.

Epidemiologic observations on feline immunodeficiency virus and Toxoplasma gondii coinfection in cats in Baltimore, Md.

Abstract: Five hundred eighty-five serum samples obtained between 1980 and 1981 from a diverse population of cats were tested by use of an indirect immunoperoxidase assay for antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Results of 14 of the samples were positive (prevalence, 2.4%). The FIV-positive cats were markedly older than the overall population and frequently were coinfected (57%) with Toxoplasma gondii. The Toxoplasma titers of the FIV-positive cats were significantly (P less than 0.03) higher than those of the FIV-negative cats. The FIV-positive cats were not coinfected with FeLV. Our findings suggested that FIV-associated immunosuppression may be a factor in active Toxoplasma infection in adult cats.

Diagnosis of recent Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats by use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for immunoglobulin M.

Abstract: Subclinical Toxoplasma gondii infection was induced in young and adult cats by oral administration of tissue cysts. An antibody-capture ELISA to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgM-class antibodies in the serum of cats was developed. The serologic response to experimental infection was followed in the 2 groups of cats by use of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG detection. This study shows that anti-Toxoplasma IgM-class antibody titers develop early in the course of experimental infection in cats and that the combination of IgM- and IgG-class antibody titer measurement can aid in the detection of recent subclinical toxoplasmosis.

Frequencies of feline blood groups in the United States.

Abstract: A survey of AB blood group frequencies among cats in the United States was undertaken, using feline blood typing reagents from Australia. We typed blood of 280 cats of both genders and various breeds within the Philadelphia area and 205 cats at 27 veterinary medical teaching hospitals (most cats had been used as blood donors in 1987) throughout the United States. All but 2 cats had type-A blood. A Himalayan cat in Philadelphia and a domestic shorthair cat from Florida, neither of which had been used as a blood donor, had type-B blood. Plasma of the 2 blood-group-Bcats contained strong isoagglutinins (greater than 1:8 titer) against type-A cells, thereby allowing their detection in a major cross-match test. Approximately 30% of tested plasma samples from blood-group-A cats had weak isoagglutinins (1:2 titer) against type-B cells. This limited survey suggests that cats in the United States, including blood donors, predominantly have type-A blood, and that blood-group-B cats are rare.

Seroepidemiologic survey of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in cats of Wake County, North Carolina

Abstract: Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies were detected in 9 of 123 (7.3%) cats. More clinically ill cats had titers to FIV than did healthy cats (15% vs 3.6%). Previous or current illnesses in these FIV-positive cats included urinary bladder disease, anemia, cat-bite abscesses, bacterial infections, bleeding disorders, diabetes mellitus, and chronic respiratory tract disease. All FIV-positive cats were males, with mean age of 6.0 years (range, 1 to 11 years). Half (n = 3) of the clinically ill FIV-positive cats were concurrently seropositive for FeLV antigen. Three of the ill cats were euthanatized or died 1 month after initially testing, whereas the remaining 3 ill cats and the 3 healthy FIV-positive cats were healthy 1 year after initial testing. Antibody titer to FIV persisted in 4 of 5 cats, but serotest results were equivocal in 1 cat evaluated 1 year later.

Occurrence of Problems after Three Techniques of Bilateral Thyroidectomy in Cats

Abstract: Bilateral thyroidectomy was performed in 106 cats with hyperthyroidism by one of three techniques: original intracapsular, modified intracapsular, or modified extracapsular. Hypocalcemia was detected in the first 3 days after surgery in 11 (22%) of 50 cats treated by the intracapsular technique, 10 (33%) of 30 cats treated by the modified intracapsular technique, and 6 (23%) of 26 cats treated by the modified extracapsular technique. Hypocalcemia was classified as mild or severe. No signs of hypoparathyroidism developed in any of the 13 cats with mild hypocalcemia. Of the 14 cats with severe hypocalcemia, 8 had clinical signs of hypoparathyroidism before and during treatment with calcium and vitamin D, 3 were treated and no clinical signs developed, 2 were not treated but no clinical signs developed, and 1 was lost to follow-up. No cat required permanent calcium or vitamin D supplementation after surgery. Severe hypocalcemia and clinical signs of hypoparathyroidism occurred in 3 (6%) of the 50 cats treated by the intracapsular technique, 4 (13.3%) of the 30 cats treated by the modified intracapsular technique, and 1 (3.8%) of the 26 cats treated by the modified extracapsular technique. Twelve cats had recurrence of hyperthyroidism at a median time of 23 months. The intracapsular technique was used in 11 of these cats, and the modified extracapsular technique was used in 1. No clinical signs of hypothyroidism were detected in any of the cats. The modified intracapsular and modified extracapsular techniques of bilateral thyroidectomy are effective procedures for the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism.

Studies on poxvirus infection in cats.

Abstract: The development of clinical disease and the pathogenesis of cowpox were studied in domestic cats inoculated by a variety of routes. Intradermal titration in two cats demonstrated that as little as five pfu of cowpox virus caused a primary skin lesion. Intradermal inoculation of ⩾105 pfu cowpox virus resulted in severe systemic disease. Large amounts of virus (⩾103 pfu/g) were isolated from skin lesions and the turbinates of cats killed at eight and 11 days post-inoculation (dpi). Lesser amounts of virus (≃102 pfu/g) were isolated from lymphoid tissues and the lung, and small amounts of virus were isolated from various other tissues. A white cell-associated viraemia was detected from 5 dpi onwards. Skin scarification with 103 or 50 pfu cowpox virus enabled reproduction of the naturally-acquired disease. Cat-to-cat transmission was demonstrated from cats inoculated by skin scarification, but caused only subclinical infection in sentinel cats. Oronasal inoculation resulted in transient coryza and milder generalized disease than skin inoculation, and no transmission to sentinel cats. Preliminary investigations showed vaccinia virus (Lister strain) to be of low infectivity in cats while inoculation of ectromelia virus (Mill Hill strain) did not cause any clinical signs.

Impairment of glucose tolerance in hyperthyroid cats.

Abstract: Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed in eight adult cats before and after a 4-week treatment with thyroxine. The untreated cats had a mean fasting blood glucose concentration of 7.7 +/- 0.3 mmol/l and a mean fasting insulin concentration of 88 +/- 31 pmol/l which were not significantly different from mean fasting glucose and insulin concentrations after 4 weeks of thyroxine administration (6.9 +/- 0.2 mmol/l and 101 +/- 28 pmol/l respectively). At 120 min after glucose injection, the glucose concentration in untreated cats returned to baseline concentrations as did the insulin concentration. However, in the hyperthyroid cats both glucose and insulin concentrations were significantly (P less than 0.001) higher (13.6 +/- 0.8 mmol/l and 245 +/- 17 pmol/l respectively) in comparison with the baseline and untreated cats. The t1/2 for glucose disappearance was significantly higher in the cats rendered hyperthyroid, and the glucose disposal rate constant (K) was significantly lower in this group. It is concluded that hyperthyroidism in cats leads to impairment of glucose tolerance possibly due to peripheral insulin resistance.

Relation of endogenous Heinz bodies to disease and anemia in cats: 120 cases (1978-1987).

Abstract: Disease diagnosis, age, sex, and selected hematologic variables were evaluated retrospectively in a population of feline patients with high number of circulating Heinz bodies. By comparing these cats with a control population and results of additional hematologic investigation on a subsample of the cats, we tested the hypotheses that endogenous Heinz body formation is increased in specific disease states and that endogenous Heinz bodies may contribute to anemia. There was strong correlation between diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, and lymphoma and Heinz body formation. Diabetic cats, in particular, consistently had marked Heinz body formation. These diseases together accounted for nearly 40% of cats with Heinz body formation, but for less than 12% of cats of the control group. The PCV of cats with Heinz bodies (29.77 +/- 9.32%) was significantly (P less than 0.001) lower than that of control cats (35.33 +/- 8.08%). Polychromasia and punctate reticulocyte number were slightly increased in cats with Heinz body formation and correlated significantly (P less than 0.001) with PCV. A subsample of 13 of the cats had significant (P less than 0.006) inverse correlation between Heinz body percentage and erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration. Mean GSH concentration was significantly lower in cats with Heinz bodies, compared with that in a random cat population (5.28 +/- 1.67 mumol/g of hemoglobin vs 7.06 +/- 2.10 mumol/g of hemoglobin), in which GSH values followed normal distribution. Cats with Heinz body formation were older, and were more likely to be spayed.

Cable properties of spinal cord motoneurons in adult and aged cats

Abstract: 1. The electrophysiological properties of spinal cord alpha-motoneurons were investigated in adult cats (1-3 yr old) and old cats (14-15 yr old) using intracellular recording techniques. Voltage tr...

Oocyst-induced Toxoplasma gondii infections in cats.

Abstract: To investigate the oocyst-induced cycle with a 21+ day prepatent period, 32 cats were fed 5 x 10(5) to 2 x 10(7) sporulated oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii and necropsied between 4 hr and 41 days thereafter. The presence of the earliest stages in 7 cats was tested in mice. The tissues of 25 cats were studied histologically; 17 were bioassayed by feeding them to cats to determine, by the length of the prepatent period, whether bradyzoites were present. Based on previous studies, a short (3-10 days) prepatent period indicated that bradyzoites were present in an oral inoculum and a long (greater than 21 days) prepatent period indicated the presence of tachyzoites only. Tissues from 14 cats were also bioassayed in mice for the presence of bradyzoites, using their resistance to pepsin as indicator. Six were studied by both methods. Based on these criteria, tachyzoites predominated in extraintestinal organs during the first 14 days after infection. They were found as early as 4 hr in mesenteric lymph nodes where their number reached 10(4) after 6 and 9 days; they were present after 1 day in all levels of the small intestine and after 6 days in the liver, lung, and blood. Bradyzoites were first detected 10 days after oocyst feeding; they predominated by the third week of infection and were present up to 41 days. Enteroepithelial stages were found histologically only in 2 cats, 24 and 41 days after inoculation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hypokalemia in cats: 186 cases (1984-1987).

Abstract: Retrospective review of serum biochemical data obtained from 501 cats over a 3-year period (1984-1987) indicated that 186 (37%) had hypokalemia (serum potassium concentration less than 4.1 mEq/L). After adjusting for disease diagnosis, cats fed either of 2 commercial diets were 4 times more likely to be hypokalemic than cats fed other diets. Odds ratios (OR; measure of association), adjusted for diet type, were calculated to determine the odds of hypokalemia for a given disease, compared with odds of normokalemia for the same disease. Chronic renal failure (OR = 14.4), hepatic disease (OR = 5.7), systemic infectious diseases (viral or bacterial; OR = 2.7), and neuromuscular or CNS disease (OR = 2.4) were all significantly associated (P less than 0.05) with the occurrence of hypokalemia. Significant differences in age or sex between hypokalemic and normokalemic cats were not found. Within the group of 186 hypokalemic cats, hypercholesterolemia (89 cats; 48%), hyperglycemia (88 cats; 47%), high serum urea nitrogen concentration (86 cats; 46%), hyperchloridemia (80 cats; 43%), and high serum creatinine concentration (73 cats; 39%) were the most common biochemical abnormalities. When disease diagnosis was compared among cats with severe hypokalemia (serum potassium concentration less than 3.0 mEq/L) and those with moderate hypokalemia, cats with severe hypokalemia were 3.5 times more likely to have chronic renal failure than cats with less severe hypokalemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Taurine deficiency syndrome in cats.

Abstract: Taurine deficiency occurs in a large number of cats fed unfortified commercial diets. Deficiency arises because cats are unable to absorb all the taurine in processed diets and/or are unable to synthesize the deficit between absorption and requirement, which makes taurine an essential amino acid for cats. Taurine-depleted cats develop retinal degeneration, cardiomyopathy, altered white-cell function, and abnormal growth and development. Taurine deficiency is best estimated from the plasma-taurine concentration, with values less than 30 mumol/l considered deficient.

Detection of feline calicivirus antigens in the joints of infected cats.

Abstract: Twelve specific pathogen free cats were used to investigate the role of calicivirus in causing lameness. These were divided into two groups each of six cats; one group of cats had previously been vaccinated, the other had not. Three cats in each group were given live vaccine virus (F9 related) by the subcutaneous route and two in each group were challenged intranasally with field virus (A4), either four or seven days before euthanasia. The other two cats were controls. Virus was isolated from the oropharynx of five cats and the conjunctiva of a single cat. Four of these cats had been given the field virus and two the vaccine strain; the latter two cats had been previously immunised and had high circulating neutralising antibodies to calicivirus. No virus was isolated from the joints of any cat but immunofluorescence examination revealed viral antigens within the synovial macrophages of 14 joints from five cats, three having been given the field virus and two the vaccine virus seven days before euthanasia. Immunofluorescence also demonstrated the presence of immunoglobulin and complement within synovial macrophages suggesting that the virus was in the form of an immune complex. No lameness was reported in any cat and the synovial histological changes were minimal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Food hypersensitivity in cats: 14 cases (1982-1987)

Abstract: Food hypersensitivity was diagnosed in 14 cats. Clinical signs varied; pruritus (100%), alopecia (64%), and papules (21%) were the ones most commonly observed. Pruritus was localized principally to the head or to the neck or ear region in 42% of the cats. Diagnosis was made on the basis of resolution of clinical signs when cats were fed a restricted ("hypoallergenic") diet, and recurrence of signs when cats were fed their original diet or other food. The most common allergens (on the basis of dietary challenge exposure) were fish and dairy products. Age or sex predilection was not observed, and 9 (64%) of the cats were domestic shorthairs. Owners could not relate the onset of clinical signs with a recent change in diet. Three cats had concurrent flea bite, inhalant, or flea collar hypersensitivity.

«Recovery» Function of sleep: effects of purified human interleukin-1 on the sleep and febrile response of cats

Abstract: From cats prepared for chronic pollygraphic recording of sleep patterns, records were obtained for 8 hr, after (1) intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), day 1; (2) i.c.v. injection of interleukin-1 (Il-1), day 2; and (3) injection of aCSF, day 3. Three doses of Il-1 were tested. The dose of 40 nmol totally inhibited sleep, whereas the dose of 10 nmol slightly prolonged sleep. The dose of 20 nmol of Il-1 elicited sleep and a body temperature increase. Total sleep (TS) time was significantly increased, due mainly to the significant increase in non-REM (NREM) sleep as compared to control day 1. REM sleep was also increased, but this increase did not reach statistical significance. Wakefulness (W) was significantly reduced. At this time cats were febrile. On day 3, a further significant increase in TS occurred. NREM was significantly increased compared with day 1, whereas the increase in REM sleep was significant compared to both day 1 and day 2. At this time body temperature was normal. The increase in REM sleep on days 2 and 3 resulted entirely from the significant increase in the number of REM periods. The results show that Il-1 at a dose of 20 nmol has sleep-promoting effects on NREM and REM sleep concomitant with pyrogenic effects. These two responses differed in their time courses and were not correlated (correlation coefficients were all nonsignificant).

Contribution of propylene glycol-induced Heinz body formation to anemia in cats.

Abstract: Propylene glycol (PG) is a common preservative and source of synthetic carbohydrates in soft-moist pet foods. Propylene glycol was fed to cats for 5 weeks at concentrations found in commercial diets (1.6 g/kg of body weight; 12% of diet on a dry-weight basis) and for 3 weeks at concentrations exceeding usual intake (8 g/kg; 41% of diet). There was a dose-dependent increase in Heinz body percentage to 28% in cats fed the low dose of PG and to 92% in cats fed the high dose. Erythrocyte half-life, measured using [14C]-cyanate hemoglobin (Hb), decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) by 18.8% and 60% in cats fed the low and high PG doses, respectively. The PCV in cats fed the low dose was unaffected, whereas cats fed the high dose had a mean (+/- SEM) decrease in PCV from 33.5 +/- 1.05% to 26.3 +/- 1.45%, accompanied by punctate reticulocytosis and bone marrow erythroid hyperplasia. A dose-dependent increase in iron pigment was found in the liver and spleen of all cats. In cats fed the low dose of PG, erythrocyte reduced glutathione concentration actually increased from 7.02 +/- 0.56 to 9.74 +/- 0.69 mumol/g of Hb, but decreased to 2.96 +/- 0.27 mumol/g of Hb in cats fed the high dose. There was no significant increase in methemoglobin concentration. These results indicated that PG cannot be considered innocuous even at concentrations consumed by cats eating commercial diets. Heinz body-induced acceleration of RBC destruction develops in a dose-dependent manner, so that cats with greater food intake, ie, lactating queens and nursing kittens, are at greater risk for development of PG-induced Heinz body hemolytic anemia.