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PubMedDate not supplied

Molecular evidence supporting Ehrlichia canis-like infection in cats.

Currently, the pathogenic role of Ehrlichia canis in cats has been proposed predominantly on the basis of the serologic evidence of natural infection and the infrequent detection of morulae-like structures within the cytoplasm of leukocytes in cats. The purpose of this report was to provide molecular evidence supporting E. canis-like infection in 3 cats that had clinical manifestations consistent with canine ehrlichiosis but lacked antibodies to E. canis antigens. Serum from all 3 cats contained antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). The predominant disease manifestation was polyarthritis in 1 cat and bone marrow hypoplasia or dysplasia. accompanied by pancytopenia or anemia and thrombocytopenia, in 1 cat each. The alignment of E. canis partial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA: 382 nucleotide positions), amplified from EDTA blood samples from each cat, was identical to each other and was identical to a canine isolate of E. canis (GenBank accession number AF373613). In 1 cat, concurrent treatment with corticosteroids may have interfered with the therapeutic effectiveness of doxycycline for the elimination of E. canis-like infection. To further define the spectrum of ehrlichiosis in cats, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing may be necessary until serologic testing is thoroughly validated in experimentally or naturally infected cats. In addition, until E. canis has been isolated from cats and several tissue culture isolates are available from disparate geographic regions for detailed comparative genetic study, the molecular evidence presented in this study supporting E. canis-like infection in cats must be interpreted with caution.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Arterial thromboembolism in cats: acute crisis in 127 cases (1992-2001) and long-term management with low-dose aspirin in 24 cases.

Records of 127 cats with arterial thromboembolism (ATE) were reviewed. Abyssinian, Birman, Ragdoll, and male cats were overrepresented. Tachypnea (91%), hypothermia (66%), and absent limb motor function (66%) were common. Of 90 cats with diagnostics performed, underlying diseases were hyperthyroidism (12), cardiomyopathy (dilated [8], unclassified [33], hypertrophic obstructive [5], hypertrophic [19]), neoplasia (6), other (4), and none (3). Common abnormalities were left atrial enlargement (93%), congestive heart failure (CHF, 44%), and arrhythmias (44%). Of cats without CHF, 89% were tachypneic. Common biochemical abnormalities were hyperglycemia, azotemia, and abnormally high serum concentrations of muscle enzymes. Of 87 cats treated for acute limb ATE, 39 (45%) survived to be discharged. Significant differences were found between survivors and nonsurvivors for temperature (P < .00001), heart rate (P = .038), serum phosphorus concentration (P = .024), motor function (P = .008), and number of limbs affected (P = .001). No significant difference was found between survivors and nonsurvivors when compared by age, respiratory rate, other biochemical analytes, or concurrent CHE A logistic regression model based on rectal temperature predicted a 50% probability of survival at 98.9 degrees F (37.2 degrees C). Median survival time (MST) for discharged cats was 117 days. Eleven cats had ATE recurrences, and 5 cats developed limb problems. Cats with CHF (MST: 77 days) had significantly shorter survival than cats without CHF (MST: 223 days; P = .016). No significant difference was found in survival or recurrence rate between cats receiving high-dose aspirin (> or = 40 mg/cat q72h) and cats receiving low-dose aspirin (5 mg/cat q72h). Adverse effects were less frequent and milder for the lower dosage.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of the oral antihyperglycemic drug metformin in normal and diabetic cats.

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug that improves control of glycemia primarily by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. This study evaluated the usefulness of metformin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. The study consisted of 3 phases. Phase I was a dose-finding study performed in healthy cats that were randomly administered varying doses of metformin to determine the approximate dose that would yield plasma concentrations known to be effective in humans. Phase 2 was a 3-week safety study performed in healthy cats to determine if cats could tolerate the daily oral dose and administration protocol identified during phase 1. Phase 3 was a clinical trial evaluating the clinical response of diabetic cats to oral metformin treatment. Five cats with newly diagnosed, naturally acquired diabetes mellitus were enrolled in phase 3. Plasma metformin concentrations in the therapeutic range of 0.5-2 microg/mL were achieved with doses of 50 mg/cat PO q12h without dramatic drug accumulation. Intermittent lethargy, inappetence, vomiting, and weight loss were identified, and the results of the CBC, serum biochemical analysis, plasma lactate concentration, and urinalysis remained within the reference range during phase 2 of the study. During phase 3, control of glycemia was achieved in 1 of 5 diabetic cats after 8 weeks of metformin treatment; 3 cats failed to respond to metformin, and treatment with insulin was initiated after 7-8 weeks of metformin treatment; 1 cat died unexpectedly 11 days after starting metformin treatment. The cause of death was not determined. The serum insulin concentration was within or greater than the reference range in the responder diabetic cat and was undetectable or at the low end of the reference range in the nonresponder diabetic cats. The results of this study suggest that metformin is beneficial only in those diabetic cats with detectable concentrations of insulin at the time metformin treatment is initiated.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bronchodilators in bronchoscopy-induced airflow limitation in allergen-sensitized cats.

This study investigated the effect of bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on respiratory function, determined by barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP), of healthy and allergen-sensitized cats. Furthermore, the efficacy of inhaled bronchodilators in preventing changes in respiratory function was determined. For test 1, 18 healthy experimental cats were investigated on day 1 by BWBP. On day 2, the cats underwent BWBP after sedation (medetomidine), after anesthesia induction (propofol), and after bronchoscopy and BAL. Enhanced pause (Penh) was significantly increased after bronchoscopy and BAL (1.64 +/- 0.17 versus 1.23 +/- 0.07, P < .05). For test 2, 6 cats were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA), 6 cats were sensitized to Ascaris suum (AS), and 6 cats served as controls. On day 0, OVA- and AS-sensitized cats underwent an inhaled allergen challenge, whereas controls were exposed to saline. On days 1 and 2, the same protocol as described for test 1 was repeated. Post-BAL Penh of the AS-sensitized cats was significantly higher than at test 1 (2.28 +/- 0.22 versus 1.69 +/- 0.33, P < .05) and was correlated with BAL fluid neutrophil count (r = 0.55, P < .05). During tests 3, 4, and 5, the same protocol as used for test 2 was applied to each cat group, with the animals being randomly treated before sedation with inhaled salbutamol (200 microg), ipratropium bromide (40 microg), or a combination of both (200 + 40 microg). Post-BAL Penh of the AS-sensitized group was significantly decreased after the salbutamol + ipratropium bromide treatment (1.56 +/- 0.18 versus 2.28 +/- 0.22, P < .05). This study suggests that bronchoscopy and BAL induce airflow limitation in cats, which is more severe in the presence of lower airway inflammation. Inhaled salbutamol + ipratropium bromide reduce BAL-induced bronchoconstriction in AS-challenged cats and might be recommended as preventive treatment of asthmatic cats undergoing bronchoscopy.

Albuterol↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A phase I clinical trial evaluating imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) in tumor-bearing cats.

A phase I clinical trial evaluating the toxicity of orally-administered imatinib mesylate was performed in 9 tumor-bearing cats. Imatinib is a small molecule, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which selectively blocks the function of overexpressed proteins associated with various malignancies. Cats included in the study had diagnoses of fibrosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and mast cell tumor, and each cat was staged using CBC and serum biochemistry; urinalysis, thoracic radiographs, and abdominal ultrasonography were performed in some cats. Most cats were treated previously by surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or some combination of these treatments. None of the cats received any concurrent chemotherapy. Six cats were treated with imatinib mesylate at 1-2 mg/kg PO q24h. Dose escalations were made to 2, 4, and 10 mg/kg PO q24h in 5 cats. Two cats started therapy at 10 mg/kg PO q24h, and 1 cat started therapy at 15 mg/kg PO q24h; all 3 cats remained at these dosages. No signs of toxicity, as evaluated by CBC and serum biochemistry, were noted in 8 of the 9 cats, and minimal gastrointestinal toxicity was observed. Due to the low frequency of adverse effects, further evaluation of imatinib is ongoing at a dosage of 10 mg/kg PO q24h.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Association of Helicobacter with cholangiohepatitis in cats.

Infection with Helicobacter spp. is increasingly linked with hepatobiliary inflammation and neoplasia in people and in a variety of animals. We sought to determine if Helicobacter species infection is associated with cholangiohepatitis in cats. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from tissue blocks from cats with cholangiohepatitis (32), noninflammatory liver disease (13), and cats with normal liver histology (4). Deoxyribonucleic acid was polymerase chain reaction-amplified with 2 sets of Helicobacter genus-specific primers, gel purified, and sequenced. Polymerase chain reaction-positive hepatic tissue was further examined with Steiner's stain, immunocytochemistry for Helicobacter species, and eubacterial fluorescent in situ hybridization. Gastric tissues of cats with known Helicobacter infection status served as controls for deoxyribonucleic acid extraction and sequence comparison. Helicobacter species were detected in 2/32 cats with cholangiohepatitis, and 1/17 controls. Sequences had 100% identity with Helicobacter species liver, Helicobacter pylori, and Helicobacter fenelliae/cinaedii in a cat with suppurative cholangitis, Helicobacter species liver, Helicobacter pylori, and Helicobacter nemistrineae in a cat with mild lymphocytic portal hepatitis, and Helicobacter bilis in a cat with portosystemic vascular anomaly. In contrast, sequences from gastric biopsies showed highest homology (99-100%) to "Helicobacter heilmannii," Helicobacter bizzozeronii, Helicobacter felis, and Helicobacter salomonis. Fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed a semicurved bacterium, with Helicobacter-like morphology, in an intrahepatic bile duct of the cat with suppurative cholangitis. This study has identified Helicobacter deoxyribonucleic acid in 2/32 cats with cholangiohepatitis and 1/13 cats with noninflammatory liver disease. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequences of hepatic Helicobacter species were distinct from those found in the stomach and are broadly consistent with those identified in cat intestine and bile, and hepatobiliary disease in people and rodents.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Antioxidant prevention of Heinz body formation and oxidative injury in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of 3 antioxidants in preventing Heinz body anemia in cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 44 specific-pathogen-free healthy cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were housed individually, divided randomly into 4 groups, and given the following orally every 12 hours: empty gelcaps (control cats), N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 100 mg/kg of body weight), vitamin E (d,l-alpha-tocopherol; 400 IU), or ascorbate (250 mg). After 2 weeks, Heinz bodies were induced by dietary onion powder (OP; 1% or 3% of dry matter) or propylene glycol (PG, 8% wt/vol in drinking water) for an additional 3 weeks. Intake of treated water or food was recorded daily. Body weight, PCV, Heinz body and reticulocyte percentages, reduced glutathione concentration, and total antioxidant status were measured twice weekly in all cats. RESULTS: Heinz body percentage and degree of anemia did not differ significantly among cats receiving antioxidants and control cats except in cats that ingested water containing PG, in which antioxidant supplementation was associated with a decrease in water intake. Of cats that were fed a diet that contained OP, cats that received NAC had significantly higher reduced glutathione concentrations, compared with other cats in the experiment. Total antioxidant status did not consistently correlate with antioxidant supplementation or type of oxidant administered (ie, OP or PG). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the effect of antioxidant supplementation on Heinz body anemia in cats was minimal, antioxidants may have subclinical biochemical effects such as GSH sparing that may be important against milder forms of oxidative stress.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed2001

Use of a polymerase chain reaction assay to detect and differentiate two strains of Haemobartonella felis in naturally infected cats.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that detects and differentiates the Ohio strain of Haemobartonella felis (H. felis-OH) and the California strain of H. felis (H. felis-CA) and to apply the assay to blood samples from cats with and without suspected haemobartonellosis (suspect and control cats, respectively). SAMPLE POPULATION: 220 blood samples were examined; 82 were from suspect cats, and 138 were from control cats. PROCEDURE: A PCR assay was designed to detect and differentiate H. felis-OH and H. felis-CA. RESULTS: On the basis of PCR assay results, the overall prevalence of H. felis infection was 19.5% (43/220). Suspect cats (28.0%; 23/82) were significantly more likely than control cats (14.5%; 20/138) to be H. felis infected. Significantly greater numbers of suspect cats were H. felis-OH infected (12.2%, 9/82) or H. felis-OH and H. felis-CA infected (4.9%, 4/82) than control cats (0% [0/138] and 0.7% [1/138], respectively). Significantly more anemic cats were H. felis-OH infected (14.3%; 4/28) or H. felis-OH and H. felis-CA infected (7.1%; 2/28) than nonanemic cats (2.3% [3/128] and 0.8% [1/128], respectively). The PCR assay was more accurate than cytologic examination for detection of H. felis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Haemobartonella felis infections are more common in cats than previously recognized. Haemobartonella felis-OH is apparently more pathogenic than H. felis-CA. The PCR assay is more accurate than cytologic examination for detection of H. felis infection and is an effective clinical tool for the detection and differentiation of both H. felis strains known to infect cats.

Anaplasmataceae↗
PubMed2002

Liver glutathione concentrations in dogs and cats with naturally occurring liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine total glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) concentrations in liver tissues from dogs and cats with spontaneous liver disease. SAMPLE POPULATION: Liver biopsy specimens from 63 dogs and 20 cats with liver disease and 12 healthy dogs and 15 healthy cats. PROCEDURE: GSH was measured by use of an enzymatic method; GSSG was measured after 2-vinylpyridine extraction of reduced GSH. Concentrations were expressed by use of wet liver weight and concentration of tissue protein and DNA. RESULTS: Disorders included necroinflammatory liver diseases (24 dogs, 10 cats), extrahepatic bile duct obstruction (8 dogs, 3 cats), vacuolar hepatopathy (16 dogs), hepatic lipidosis (4 cats), portosystemic vascular anomalies (15 dogs), and hepatic lymphosarcoma (3 cats). Significantly higher liver GSH and protein concentrations and a lower tissue DNA concentration and ratio of reduced GSH-to-GSSG were found in healthy cats, compared with healthy dogs. Of 63 dogs and 20 cats with liver disease, 22 and 14 had low liver concentrations of GSH (micromol) per gram of tissue; 10 and 10 had low liver concentrations of GSH (nmol) per milligram of tissue protein; and 26 and 18 had low liver concentrations of GSH (nmol) per microgram of tissue DNA, respectively. Low liver tissue concentrations of GSH were found in cats with necroinflammatory liver disease and hepatic lipidosis. Low liver concentrations of GSH per microgram of tissue DNA were found in dogs with necroinflammatory liver disease and cats with necroinflammatory liver disease, extrahepatic bile duct occlusion, and hepatic lipidosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Low GSH values are common in necroinflammatory liver disorders, extrahepatic bile duct occlusion, and feline hepatic lipidosis. Cats may have higher risk than dogs for low liver GSH concentrations.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Concentrations of cysteinyl leukotrienes in urine and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of cats with experimentally induced asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in cysteinyl leukotriene (LT) concentrations in urine and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in cats with experimentally induced asthma. ANIMALS: 19 cats with experimentally induced asthma and 5 control cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were sensitized to Bermuda grass or house dust mite allergen, and phenotypic features of asthma were confirmed with intradermal skin testing, evaluation of BALF eosinophil percentages, and pulmonary function testing. A competitive ELISA kit for LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 was used for quantitative analysis of LTs. Urinary creatinine concentrations and BALF total protein (TP) concentrations were measured, and urinary LT-to-creatinine ratios and BALF LT-to-TP ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Mean urinary LT-to-creatinine ratios did not differ significantly between control cats and allergen-sensitized cats before or after sensitization and challenge exposure with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or allergen, respectively. In BALF the mean LT-to-TP ratio of control cats did not differ significantly before or after sensitization and challenge exposure with saline. Asthmatic cats had BALF LT-to-TP ratios that were significantly lower than control cats at all time points, whereas ratios for asthmatic cats did not differ significantly among the various time points. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although LTs were readily detectable in urine, no significant increases in urinary LT concentrations were detected after challenge in allergen-sensitized cats. Spot testing of urinary LT concentrations appears to have no clinical benefit for use in monitoring the inflammatory asthmatic state in cats. The possibility that cysteinyl LTs bind effectively to their target receptors in BALF and, thus, decrease free LT concentrations deserves further study.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Assessment of the neurologic effects of dietary deficiencies of phenylalanine and tyrosine in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the neurologic effects of reduced intake of phenylalanine and tyrosine in black-haired cats. ANIMALS: 53 specific pathogen-free black domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were fed purified diets containing various concentrations of phenylalanine and tyrosine for < or = 9 months. Blood samples were obtained every 2 months for evaluation of serum aromatic amino acid concentrations. Cats were monitored for changes in hair color and neurologic or behavioral abnormalities. Three cats with neurologic deficits underwent clinical and electrophysiologic investigation; muscle and nerve biopsy specimens were also obtained from these cats. RESULTS: After 6 months, neurologic and behavioral abnormalities including vocalization and abnormal posture and gait were observed in cats that had received diets containing < 16 g of total aromatic amino acid/kg of diet. Electrophysiologic data and results of microscopic examination of muscle and nerve biopsy specimens from 3 cats with neurologic signs were consistent with sensory neuropathy with primary axonal degeneration. Changes in hair color were detected in cats from all groups receiving < 16 g of phenylalanine plus tyrosine/kg of diet. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that chronic dietary restriction of phenylalanine and tyrosine in cats may result in a predominantly sensory neuropathy. In cats, the long-term nutritional requirement for phenylalanine and tyrosine appears to be greater for normal neurologic function than that required in short-term growth experiments. Official present-day recommendations for dietary phenylalanine and tyrosine in cats may be insufficient to support normal long-term neurologic function.

Amino Acids, Essential↗
PubMed2005

Electrophysiologic differentiation of homozygous and heterozygous Abyssinian-crossbred cats with late-onset hereditary retinal degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method to electrophysiologically differentiate heterozygous-carrier Abyssinian-crossbred cats from homozygous-affected Abyssinian-crossbred cats before clinical onset of inherited rod-cone retinal degeneration. ANIMALS: 14 back-crossed Abyssinian-crossbred cats of unknown genotype (homozygous or heterozygous) for inherited rod-cone retinal degeneration, 24 age-matched mixed-breed control cats, 6 age-matched heterozygous Abyssinian-crossbred cats, and 6 homozygous Abyssinian cats. PROCEDURE: Electroretinography (ERG) of heterozygous and homozygous cats revealed differences, especially for scotopic recordings. Frequent ophthalmoscopy and ERG (2 to 5 times; at intervals of 3 to 6 months) of back-crossed cats were performed. Amplitudes and implicit times were analyzed by use of a graphic representation of results. Ratios for amplitudes of the b-waves to amplitudes of the a-waves (b-wave:a-wave) were compared. RESULTS: 8 back-crossed cats had decreased a-wave amplitudes, increased b-wave implicit times, and abnormal ERG waveforms. Values for the b-wave:a-wave for the highest scotopic light intensity were significantly higher for those same 8 cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The 8 back-crossed Abyssinian-crossbred cats with abnormal results developed fundus changes over time consistent with disease. A graphic representation of ERG results can be used to differentiate between genotypes prior to funduscopic changes. Values for the b-wave:a-wave ratio provide confirmation. These ERG analyses may be applied clinically in the diagnosis of retinal degenerations in various species. IMPACT FOR HUMAN MEDICINE: Cats with hereditary rod-cone degeneration may be a useful model for comparative studies in relation to retinitis pigmentosa in humans. Similar evaluations of ERG results could possibly be used for humans with suspected generalized retinal degeneration.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Expression of erythropoietin in cats treated with a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the biological effects of IM administration of a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (rAAV2) vector containing feline erythropoietin (fEPO) cDNA and determine whether readministration of the vector or removal of muscle tissue at the injection sites alters those effects. ANIMALS: 10 healthy 7-week-old specific pathogen-free cats. PROCEDURE: Cats received 1 X 10(7) infective units (iU; n = 3), 1 X 10(8) iU (3), or 1 X 10(9) iU (2) of rAAV2-fEPO vector IM (day 0). Two control cats received an rAAV2 vector containing the LacZ gene (1 X 10(9) iU, IM). In all cats, hematologic variables and serum fEPO concentration were measured at intervals; anti-rAAV2 antibody titer was measured on day 227. In cats that did not respond to treatment, the rAAV2-fEPO vector was readministered. Injection sites were subsequently surgically removed. RESULTS: Compared with control cats, cats treated with 1 X 10(9) iU of rAAV2-fEPO vector had increased Hct and serum fEPO concentrations. One of these cats developed pure RBC aplasia; its Hct normalized following injection site excision. Cats receiving lower doses of vector had no response; on retreatment, 1 of those cats developed sustained erythrocytosis that persisted despite injection site removal and the others did not respond or responded transiently. Antibodies against rAAV2 were detected in all vector-treated cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gene therapy may be an effective treatment for cats with hypoproliferative anemia. However, rAAV2-fEPO vector administration may result in pure RBC aplasia or pathologic erythrocytosis, and injection site removal does not consistently abolish the biological response.

Actins↗
PubMed2006

Attempted transmission of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and Mycoplasma haemofelis by feeding cats infected Ctenocephalides felis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (Mhm) can be transmitted by ingestion of Mycoplasma-infected Ctenocephalides felis and by-products (feces, larvae, and eggs). ANIMALS: 10 cats. PROCEDURE: 3 cats were carriers of Mhf, and 1 was a carrier of Mhm. Six cats had negative results of PCR assay for Mhf and Mhm DNA. A chamber containing 100 C felis was bandaged to 2 Mhf carrier cats. Five days later, fleas and by-products were analyzed for Mycoplasma spp DNA. The remaining fleas and a sample of by-products were fed to 2 Mycoplasma-naïve cats. A chamber containing 200 C felis was bandaged to the Mhm carrier cat. Five days later, fleas and by-products were analyzed for Mycoplasma spp DNA. The remaining fleas and a sample of by-products were fed to 2 Mycoplasma-naïve cats. A chamber containing 200 C felis was bandaged to an Mhf carrier cat and Mhm-carrier cat. Three days later, fleas and by-products were analyzed for Mycoplasma spp DNA. The remaining fleas and a random sample of by products were fed to 4 Mycoplasma-naïve cats. All cats were monitored for infection for >or=7 weeks. RESULTS: Uptake of Mhf and Mhm DNA into fleas and by-products was detected. None of the naïve cats became infected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that ingestion of Mycoplasma-infected C felis or by-products is not an important means of transmission for Mhf or Mhm.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Endogenous lipid pneumonia in cats: 24 cases (1985-1998).

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical signs, radiographic and histologic abnormalities, and concurrent diseases in cats with endogenous lipid pneumonia (EnLP) and to determine the pathologic importance of EnLP in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 24 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats in which EnLP was confirmed by histologic examination of necropsy specimens were reviewed. Information collected from the medical records included signalment, body weight, clinical signs, and results of clinicopathologic tests. Thoracic radiographs were reviewed by a radiologist; histologic specimens were reviewed by a pathologist. RESULTS: All cats had nonspecific clinical abnormalities, such as lethargy, anorexia, or weight loss; 16 had signs of respiratory tract disease. All cats had concurrent systemic diseases, and clinicopathologic abnormalities were reflective of these conditions. Nonspecific abnormalities were detected on thoracic radiographs from 9 of 11 cats. Most cats had macroscopic, multifocal, subpleural lesions; inflammatory infiltrates, cholesterol clefts, and multinucleated giant cells were common. Ten cats had an underlying obstructive pulmonary disease that was the likely cause of EnLP. Lesions of EnLP were not considered to be severe enough or extensive enough to be the cause of death in any of these cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: EnLP is an uncommon respiratory tract disorder of cats with no pathognomonic clinical, laboratory, or radiographic findings. Although EnLP was not the cause of death in any of these cats, results of the present study do suggest that EnLP may be a marker for potentially severe underlying obstructive pulmonary disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of bronchiectasis in cats: 12 cases (1987-1999).

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of bronchiectasis in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 12 cats with histologic evidence of bronchiectasis. PROCEDURE: Information on signalment, body weight, clinical signs of respiratory disease, concurrent diseases, method by which lung tissue specimens were obtained (surgical biopsy or necropsy), and histopathologic findings was obtained by reviewing medical records from January 1987 to June 1999 for cats with confirmation of bronchiectasis by histologic examination. Available thoracic radiographs were reviewed by a board-certified radiologist. RESULTS: Bronchiectasis was most commonly identified in older male cats. Clinical signs referable to the lower portion of the respiratory tract were detected in only 5 cats but, when evident, were usually chronic (duration > 1 year). Radiographic pattern of bronchiectasis was cylindrical in 4 cats, and in 1 of these cats, a saccular pattern was also identified. For most cats, bronchiectasis was detected in a single lung lobe. Radiographic evidence of bronchiectasis was not detected in 2 cats. Concurrent respiratory diseases included chronic bronchitis and bronchiolitis, neoplasia, bronchopneumonia, endogenous lipid pneumonia, and emphysema. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bronchiectasis appears to be an uncommon respiratory tract disorder that predominantly affects older male cats. Thoracic radiography may not be sensitive for the diagnosis of bronchiectasis in cats. Bronchiectasis in cats appears to be a sequela of chronic inflammatory bronchopulmonary diseases, especially chronic bronchitis, neoplasia, and bronchopneumonia.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Prevalence of enteric zoonotic organisms in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of enteric zoonotic organisms in cats in north-central Colorado. DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Serum and fecal samples from 87 cats with diarrhea, 106 cats without diarrhea, and 12 cats for which fecal consistency was unknown. PROCEDURES: Samples were obtained from client-owned cats and cats at a humane society shelter. Serum was assayed for feline leukemia virus antigen and antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus, IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, and IgG antibodies against T gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. Microscopic examination of unstained feces was performed after centrifugation in a zinc sulfate solution, thin fecal smears were stained with acid fast stain and examined for C parvum, and bacteriologic culture of feces was used to detect aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. RESULTS: Enteric zoonotic organisms were detected in feces from 27 of 206 (13.1%) cats and included C parvum (5.4%), Giardia spp (2.4%). Toxocara cati (3.9%), Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (1.0%), and Campylobacter jejuni (1.0%); each organism was detected in samples from cats with and without diarrhea. Although differences between groups were not significant, a higher proportion of shelter cats (18.2%) had enteric zoonotic organisms than client-owned cats (10.1%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Enteric zoonotic organisms were detected in feces of 13.1% of cats, suggesting that cats, particularly those in homes of immunocompromised humans, should be evaluated for enteric zoonotic organisms.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Epidemiologic study of risk factors for lower urinary tract diseases in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine proportional morbidity rates (PMR) and risk factors for lower urinary tract diseases (LUTD) in cats. DESIGN: Case-control study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Records of 22,908 cats with LUTD and 263,168 cats without LUTD. PROCEDURE: Data were retrieved from the Purdue Veterinary Medical Data Base. Descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess whether breed, age, sex, and neutering status were associated with different causes of LUTD. RESULTS: Mean PMR for LUTD irrespective of cause was 8/100 cats (range, 2 to 13/100 cats). Increased risk for urocystolithiasis (Russian Blue, Himalayan, and Persian cats), bacterial urinary tract infections (UTI; Abyssinian cats), congenital urinary tract defects (Manx and Persian cats), and urinary incontinence (Manx cats) was detected. Cats between 2 and < 7 years of age had increased risk for urethral plugs, neurogenic disorders, congenital defects, and iatrogenic injuries. Cats between 4 and < 10 years of age had increased risk for urocystolithiasis, urethral obstructions, and idiopathic LUTD. Cats > or = 10 years of age had increased risk for UTI and neoplasia. Castrated males had increased risk for each cause of LUTD except UTI and incontinence. Spayed females had increased risk for urocystolithiasis, UTI, and neoplasia. Sexually intact females had decreased risk for each cause of LUTD except neurogenic disorders and iatrogenic injuries. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Specific breed, age, sex, and neutering status may be associated with specific types of feline LUTD. Knowledge of patient risk factors for LUTD may facilitate development of surveillance strategies that enhance earlier detection.

Age Factors↗