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PubMed2001

Intraocular pressure measurements obtained as part of a comprehensive geriatric health examination from cats seven years of age or older.

OBJECTIVE: To determine intraocular pressure (IOP) in cats > or = 7 years of age undergoing a routine comprehensive geriatric health examination. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 538 cats (1,068 eyes). PROCEDURE: IOP was measured by applanation tonometry following instillation of 0.5% proparacaine. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD IOP for all eyes was 12.3 +/- 4.0 mm Hg (range, 4 to 31 mm Hg). Mean age was 12.3 +/- 2.9 years. Intraocular pressure did not vary significantly cross-sectionally with age. However, in 78 cats, IOP was measured more than once, and follow-up measurements were significantly less than initial measurements (mean time between measurements, 9.4 +/- 3.0 months). The most useful tonometric criteria for identifying ocular abnormalities on the basis of IOP was an IOP > or = 25 mm Hg (mean + 3 SD) or a difference in IOP between eyes > or = 12 mm Hg. Eight cats met these criteria, and 5 of these cats had ophthalmic abnormalities. Low IOP was a nonspecific indicator of the presence of ocular abnormalities, as 111 cats had an IOP < or = 8 mm Hg, but only 2 had uveitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that IOP measurements can be a useful addition to a comprehensive geriatric health examination in cats > or = 7 years of age, especially when combined with an ophthalmic examination. Cats without ocular abnormalities that have lOP > or = 25 mm Hg or a > or = 12 mm Hg difference in IOP between eyes should have tonometry repeated or be referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation before beginning antiglaucoma treatment.

Aging↗
PubMed2001

Effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on urine spraying behavior in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a readily available selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine hydrochloride, on reducing problem urine spraying in cats. DESIGN: Randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. ANIMALS: 17 neutered cats > 1 year old with objectionable urine spraying behavior. Procedure-Owners recorded urine-spraying events for 2 weeks (baseline). Cats that vertically marked a mean of > or = 3 times per week were treated for 8 weeks with fluoxetine or fish-flavored liquid placebo. If urine spraying was not reduced by 70% by weeks 4 through 5, the dosage was increased by 50% for weeks 7 and 8. After discontinuation of treatment at the end of 8 weeks, owners recorded daily urine marks for another 4 weeks. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SE) weekly rate of spraying episodes in treated cats was 8.6 (+/- 2.0) at baseline, decreased significantly by week 2 (1.7 +/- 0.6), and continued to decrease by weeks 7 and 8 (0.4 +/- 0.2). The mean weekly spraying rate of cats receiving placebo was 7.8 (+/- 1.5) at baseline, decreased only slightly during week 1 (5.5 +/- 1.8), and did not decline further. When treatment was discontinued after 8 weeks, the spraying rate of cats that had received treatment varied. The main adverse reaction to the drug was a reduction in food intake, which was observed in 4 of 9 treated cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of fluoxetine hydrochloride for treatment of urine spraying in cats can be expected to considerably reduce the rate of urine marking. The frequency of spraying before treatment is predictive of the spraying rate when the drug is discontinued.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Characteristics of free-roaming cats evaluated in a trap-neuter-return program.

OBJECTIVE: To determine characteristics of free-roaming cats evaluated in a trap-neuter-return program. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 5,323 free-roaming cats. PROCEDURE: Data collected included sex, maturity, pregnancy status, number of fetuses per pregnancy, cryptorchidism, and occurrence of complications or euthanasia. RESULTS: Adult cats represented 85% of the population, and 57% were female. Overall, 19% of adult females were pregnant, and mean litter size was 3.6 fetuses. Pregnancy rate peaked at 36 to 47% of all females evaluated in March and April and decreased to < or = 4% from October through January. Cryptorchidism was observed in 1.9% of the males; 0.4% of the adult females had pyometra. Only 1.9% of the cats were already neutered. Euthanasia and unexpected death rates were 0.4 and 0.3%, respectively. The most common severe problems encountered included pyometra, neoplasia, surgical complications, diaphragmatic hernia, debilitation, and chronic inflammatory diseases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Neutering programs for free-roaming cats should include preparations to perform more spays than castrations. Typically, almost half of the female cats trapped during spring will be pregnant. Cryptorchidism is uncommon but is encountered on a consistent basis, so care should be taken to differentiate previous castration from retained testicles. Euthanasia of debilitated cats for humane reasons is rarely necessary, and unexpected deaths occur at a low rate. It is feasible and safe to neuter large numbers of free-roaming cats in large-scale clinics.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2002

Clinical features and outcome in dogs and cats with obsessive-compulsive disorder: 126 cases (1989-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features and outcome in dogs and cats with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 103 dogs and 23 cats. PROCEDURES: Records of patients with OCD were analyzed for clinical features, medication used, extent of behavior modification, and outcome. RESULTS: Most dogs affected with OCD had been obtained from breeders. Male dogs significantly outnumbered females (2:1). Female cats outnumbered male cats by 2:1 in a small sample. Most affected dogs lived in households with 2 or more humans and other dogs or cats, and had some formal training. Client compliance with behavior modification was high. A combination of behavior modification and medication resulted in a large decrease in intensity and frequency of OCD in most animals. Clomipramine was significantly more efficacious for treatment in dogs than was amitriptyline. Only 1 dog and 1 cat were euthanatized because of OCD during the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: OCD in dogs does not appear to be associated with lack of training, lack of household stimulation, or social confinement. In cats, OCD may be associated with environmental and social stress. Obsessive-compulsive disorder appears at the time of social maturity and may have sporadic and heritable forms. With appropriate treatment (consistent behavior modification and treatment with clomipramine), frequency and intensity of clinical signs in most dogs and cats may decrease by > 50%. Success appears to depend on client understanding and compliance and the reasonable expectation that OCD cannot be cured, but can be well controlled.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed2002

Fluoroquinolone-induced retinal degeneration in cats.

Although the exact mechanism of fluoroquinolone-induced retinal degeneration in cats remains to be elucidated, it appears from the literature that a similar retinal degeneration can be reproduced from either direct intravitreal injection of high concentrations of drug or exposure to UVA light and drug in laboratory animals. (19,25) The fluoroquinolone molecular structure is also similar structurally to other drugs that are known to directly induce retinal degeneration, including the cinchona alkaloids and halogenated hydroquinolones. Experimental evidence suggests that both the parent compound and its breakdown products via metabolism and photodegradation are active inducers of retinal degeneration. (18,25) Development of toxicoses also appears to be dependent on the maximum concentration of active drug, metabolite, or both reaching the retina over time. (18) Evaluation of the literature suggests that risk factors predisposing cats to fluoroquinolone-induced retinal degeneration may include the following: 1) large doses or plasma concentrations of drug, 2) rapid IV infusion of the antibiotic, 3) prolonged courses of treatment, and 4) age. Theoretically, other risk factors may also be involved including the following: 1) prolonged exposure to UVA light while the antibiotic is being administered, 2) drug interactions, and 3) drug or metabolite accumulation from altered metabolism or reduced elimination. To date, there are no published reports suggesting that the dose of fluoroquinolones should be reduced in geriatric cats or those with renal or hepatic failure. However, accumulation of fluoroquinolone metabolites in dogs and of the parent compound in humans with decreased renal function has been reported. (8-10) In humans with decreased renal function has been reported. (8-10) humans, fluoroquinolone doses are typically decreased in response to the degree of renal impairment. (28) In general, all fluoroquinolone antibiotics should be reserved for severe or recurrent infections, and whenever possible their use should be based on results whenever possible their use should be based on results of culture and susceptibility tests. When indicated, the fluoroquinolones, including enrofloxacin, can be used with limited risk of developing retinal degeneration in cats, provided the manufacturer's guidelines are adhered to and dose reduction is considered in geriatric cats or those with renal impairment. Dosing on renal impairment. Dosing on exact body weight using split dosing (2.5 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) and avoidance of rapid IV infusions, and drug interactions may help to reduce the risk of retinal degeneration in some cases. Furthermore, monitoring cats for mydriasis and avoidance of UVA light while undergoing treatment may also be of benefit. Further evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and the other fluoroquinolones is required in geriatric cats or those with mild to moderate renal or liver impairment to determine whether drug accumulation, elevated peak concentrations of drug, or both may be occurring in this subset of cats. Therapeutic monitoring of drug concentrations may not always be feasible because of time and cost, but renal panels with dose or frequency reduction in response to the degree of renal impairment and the site and severity of infection may help to reduce retinal toxicosis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2002

Effect of topical application of fipronil in cats with flea allergic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether topical application of a 10% fipronil solution would control signs of flea allergic dermatitis in cats housed under natural conditions. DESIGN: Multicenter open clinical trial. ANIMALS: 42 client-owned cats with flea allergic dermatitis. PROCEDURES: Study cats along with all other cats and dogs living in the same houses were treated with 10% fipronil solution topically on days 0, 30, and 60. Flea counts and clinical assessments were performed on study cats on days 0, 14, 30, 60, and 90. RESULTS: Percentage reductions in geometric mean flea counts on days 14, 30, 60, and 90, compared with day-0 geometric mean count, were 75, 73, 85, and 94%, respectively. Pruritus score was significantly improved at each examination after day 0, and pruritus was reduced or eliminated in 31 of 40 (78%) cats at the final examination. Similarly, scores for severity of miliary dermatitis and alopecia were significantly improved at each examination, except for alopecia score on day 14. Overall treatment efficacy, assessed on day 90, was excellent for 28 (70%) cats, good for 6 (15%), moderate for 3 (7.5%), and poor for 3 (7.5%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that monthly topical application of fipronil is effective for treatment of flea allergic dermatitis in cats housed under natural conditions.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2003

Fungal rhinitis and sinusitis in three cats.

Localized infection of the nasal or paranasal cavities caused by Aspergillus spp or Penicillium spp was diagnosed in 3 cats. Clinical signs included chronic mucopurulent nasal discharge, epistaxis, and mandibular lymphadenopathy. Rhinoscopic and diagnostic imaging findings were compatible with severe inflammation of the nasal mucosa and destruction of the turbinates. Fungal plaques were observed rhinoscopically in 2 cats, and histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed fungal colonies with surrounding inflammatory infiltrates in all 3. Results of fungal culture were negative for all 3 cats. Results of serum immunoelectrophoresis for antibodies against Aspergillus spp were positive in 2 cats. Treatment with itraconazole was effective in controlling clinical signs in 1 cat, but hepatotoxicosis developed. A single intranasal infusion of clotrimazole subsequently led to long-term resolution of clinical signs in this cat. Localized aspergillosis-penicilliosis is clinically indistinguishable from other pathologic conditions of the nasal and paranasal cavities in cats and should be considered when examining cats with chronic nasal discharge.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed2003

Randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of short-term amitriptyline administration for treatment of acute, nonobstructive, idiopathic lower urinary tract disease in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether short-term amitriptyline administration would be efficacious in the treatment of acute, nonobstructive, idiopathic lower urinary tract disease in cats. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. ANIMALS: 31 untreated male and female cats with acute, nonobstructive, idiopathic lower urinary tract disease. PROCEDURES: Cats were treated with amitriptyline (5 mg/d; n = 16) or a placebo (15) for 7 days and monitored for pollakiuria, hematuria, and adverse events. Cats were reexamined 1 month after treatment, and owners were interviewed by telephone 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment. RESULTS: 2 amitriptyline-treated cats were excluded from analyses because of acquired urinary tract infection. Clinical signs resolved by day 8 in 8 amitriptyline-treated and 10 control cats. There were no apparent differences in likelihood or rate of recovery from pollakiuria or hematuria between groups. Overall, clinical signs recurred significantly faster and more frequently in amitriptyline-treated than control cats. However, after excluding recurrences within 21 days of treatment, risk of recurrence was similar in both groups. Increasing age was significantly associated with increased likelihood and rate of recovery from hematuria and with decreased risk of recurrence of signs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that short-term amitriptyline treatment has no benefit in terms of resolution of pollakiuria and hematuria in cats with idiopathic lower urinary tract disease and may be associated with an increased risk of recurrence.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

Clinical differentiation of acute necrotizing from chronic nonsuppurative pancreatitis in cats: 63 cases (1996-2001).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical, clinicopathologic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic findings in cats with histologically confirmed acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) or chronic nonsuppurative pancreatitis (CP) and identify features that may be useful in the antemortem differentiation of these disorders. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 63 cats with histologically confirmed ANP (n = 30) or CP (33). PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, clinical signs, concurrent diseases, clinicopathologic findings, and results of radiography and ultrasonography. RESULTS: Cats in both groups had similar nonspecific clinical signs, physical examination findings, and radiographic and ultrasonographic abnormalities. Abdominal ultrasonographic abnormalities, including hypoechoic pancreas, hyperechoic mesentery, and abdominal effusion, were found in cats in both groups and, therefore, were not specific for ANP. Cats with CP were significantly more likely to have concurrent diseases than were cats with ANP (100 and 83%, respectively). Clinicopathologic abnormalities were similar between groups; however, serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly higher in cats with CP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that ANP and CP in cats cannot be distinguished from each other solely on the basis of history, physical examination findings, results of clinicopathologic testing, radiographic abnormalities, or ultrasonographic abnormalities.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Epidemiologic study of relationships between consumption of commercial canned food and risk of hyperthyroidism in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the increasing prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism is the result of aging of the cat population and whether consumption of canned foods at various times throughout life is associated with increased risk of hyperthyroidism. DESIGN: Retrospective and case-control studies. STUDY POPULATION: Medical records of 169,576 cats, including 3,570 cats with hyperthyroidism, evaluated at 9 veterinary school hospitals during a 20-year period, and 109 cats with hyperthyroidism (cases) and 173 cats without hyperthyroidism (controls). PROCEDURE: Age-adjusted hospital prevalence of hyperthyroidism was calculated by use of Veterinary Medical Database records. On the basis of owners' questionnaire responses, logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between consumption of canned food and development of hyperthyroidism. RESULTS: Age-specific hospital prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism increased significantly from 1978 to 1997. Overall, consumption of pop-top canned (vs dry) food at various times throughout life and each additional year of age were associated with greater risk of developing hyperthyroidism. In female cats, increased risk was associated with consumption of food packaged in pop-top cans or in combinations of pop-top and non-pop-top cans. In male cats, increased risk was associated with consumption of food packaged in pop-top cans and age. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings suggest that the increasing prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism is not solely the result of aging of the cat population and that canned foods may play a role.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Determination of the dosage of clomipramine for the treatment of urine spraying in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal dosage of clomipramine for the treatment of urine spraying in cats. DESIGN: Randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial. ANIMALS: 67 neutered cats. PROCEDURE: Cats with a minimum 1-month history of spraying urine against vertical surfaces at least twice per week were randomly assigned to be treated with a placebo or with clomipramine at a dosage of 0.125 to 0.25 mg/kg (0.057 to 0.11 mg/lb), 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg (0.11 to 0.23 mg/lb), or 0.5 to 1 mg/kg (0.23 to 0.45 mg/lb), p.o., every 24 hours for up to 12 weeks. Owners of all cats were given information on behavioral treatment and environmental modification. RESULTS: Prior to treatment, mean number of urine spraying events ranged from 0.9 to 1.3 urine spraying events/d for the 4 groups, and mean percentage of days with urine spraying events ranged from 62% to 69%. All 3 dosages of clomipramine were associated with significant reductions in frequency of urine spraying. Sedation was the most common adverse effect and was identified in 27 of the 50 cats treated with clomipramine; however, treatment was not discontinued in any cat because of sedation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study suggest that compared with a placebo, clomipramine significantly reduces the frequency of urine spraying in cats in terms of the number of urine spraying events per day and the number of days with urine spraying events. For cats with urine spraying, the recommended initial dosage of clomipramine is 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg, p.o., every 24 hours.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2005

Reliability of using reagent test strips to estimate blood urea nitrogen concentration in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical accuracy of reagent test strips used to estimate BUN concentration in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 116 dogs and 58 cats. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected at the time of admission to the hospital. Estimates of BUN concentration obtained with reagent test strips (category 1 [5 to 15 mg/dL], 2 (15 to 26 mg/dL], 3 [30 to 40 mg/dL], or 4 [50 to 80 mg/dL]) were compared with SUN concentrations measured with an automated analyzer. For dogs, category 1 and 2 test strip results were considered a negative result (nonazotemic) and category 3 and 4 test strip results were considered a positive result (azotemic). For cats, category 1, 2, and 3 test strip results were considered a negative result (nonazotemic) and category 4 test strip results were considered a positive result (azotemic). RESULTS: On the basis of SUN concentration, 40 of the 174 (23%) animals (20 dogs and 20 cats) were classified as azotemic. One dog and 2 cats had false-negative test strip results, and 1 dog had a false-positive result. Sensitivity and specificity were 95% (20/21) and 99% (94/95), respectively, for dogs and 87% (13/15) and 100% (43/43), respectively, for cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that reagent test strips are a reliable method for rapidly estimating BUN concentrations in dogs and cats. Because test strip results are only semiquantitative and there remains a potential for misclassification, especially in cats, urea nitrogen concentration should ultimately be verified by means of standard chemistry techniques.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Outcome following surgical removal of nonvisceral soft tissue sarcomas in cats: 42 cases (1992-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with outcome of cats with nonvisceral soft tissue sarcomas treated with surgery alone. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 42 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for clinically relevant data, and histologic samples were examined. Follow-up information was obtained by means of physical examination or through telephone conversations with referring veterinarians and owners. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to construct survival curves. RESULTS: Median survival time was 608 days (range, 85 to 2,291 days), although 24 cats were still alive at the time of the study. Tumor size (ie, diameter) and histologic type were significantly associated with survival time. Median survival time was significantly longer in cats with tumors that were < 2 cm in diameter, compared with cats in which tumors were > 2 cm. Median survival times for cats with a fibrosarcoma or nerve sheath tumor were significantly longer than median time for cats with a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that tumor size and type are significantly associated with survival time in cats with nonvisceral soft tissue tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of dysmyelopoiesis in cats: 34 cases (1996-2005).

OBJECTIVE: To further classify dysmyelopoiesis as diagnosed by use of a general classification scheme and to determine clinical features and laboratory test results that could be used to differentiate between the various forms of dysmyelopoiesis in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. Sample Population-Bone marrow slides from 34 cats. PROCEDURES: Medical records of cats in which dysmyelopoiesis was diagnosed on the basis of blood and bone marrow analyses from 1996 to 2005 were reviewed. Criteria for inclusion in the study were findings of > 10% dysplastic cells in 1 or more hematologic cell lines in the bone marrow and concurrent cytopenias in the blood. Cats that met these criteria were classified into subcategories of myelodysplastic syndromes or secondary dysmyelopoiesis on the basis of reevaluation of slides. RESULTS: Of 189 bone marrow slides reviewed, 34 (14.9%) had > 10% dysplastic cells in 1 or more cell lines. Cats were subcategorized as having myelodysplastic syndrome with excessive numbers of blast cells (n = 13), myelodysplastic syndrome with refractory cytopenias (8), a variant form of myelodysplastic syndrome (1), and secondary dysmyelopoiesis (12). Findings of dysmyelopoiesis and autoagglutination in cats with myelodysplastic syndrome and in those with immune-mediated anemia complicated differentiating between the 2 conditions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Differentiating cats with myelodysplastic syndromes from cats with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia was difficult because severe anemia and autoagglutination may be concurrent findings in both conditions. Differentiating between myelodysplastic syndrome with excessive numbers of blast cells and myelodysplastic syndrome with refractory cytopenias was useful in predicting clinical outcome.

Anemia, Hemolytic↗
PubMed2006

Clinical signs and results of treatment in cats with patellar luxation: 42 cases (1992-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical signs and results of treatment in cats with patellar luxation. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 42 cats in which patellar luxation had been diagnosed on the basis of results of palpation of the stifle joints. PROCEDURES: Degree of luxation was graded on a scale from 1 to 4, and severity of lameness was graded on a scale from 0 to 5. Radiographs of stifle joints were evaluated for signs of osteoarthritis. Long-term function was classified as poor, fair, good, or excellent. RESULTS: 34 cats had bilateral luxation and 8 had unilateral luxation. Only 7 (17%) cats had a history of trauma. Mean age of the cats was 3.3 years, and mean weight was 4.26 kg (9.4 lb); 26 (62%) were domestic shorthairs. Seventy-three of the 76 (95%) affected joints had medial patellar luxation. Luxation grades could be assigned to 65 joints, with grade 2 (30 joints) and 3 (22 joints) luxation being most common. Lameness grades could be assigned to 73 joints, with grade 1 lameness (27 joints) most common. Outcome was excellent for 8 of 17 joints treated without surgery and for 23 of 35 joints treated surgically. Complications attributable to surgery were reported in 8 cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patellar luxation should be considered as a cause of hind limb lameness in cats. Low-grade luxation can be associated with lameness of the same severity as high-grade luxation. Surgical correction of patellar luxation in cats with grade 2 or 3 lameness can result in a favorable outcome.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Clinical evaluation of dietary modification for treatment of spontaneous chronic kidney disease in cats.

Objective-To determine whether a renal diet modified in protein, phosphorus, sodium, and lipid content was superior to an adult maintenance diet in minimizing uremic episodes and mortality rate in cats with stage 2 or 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Design-Double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Animals-45 client-owned cats with spontaneous stage 2 or 3 CKD. Procedures-Cats were randomly assigned to an adult maintenance diet (n = 23 cats) or a renal diet (22) and evaluated trimonthly for up to 24 months. Efficacy of the renal diet, compared with the maintenance diet, in minimizing uremia, renal-related deaths, and all causes of death was evaluated. Results-Serum urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly lower and blood bicarbonate concentrations were significantly higher in the renal diet group at baseline and during the 12- and 24-month intervals. Significant differences were not detected in body weight; Hct; urine protein-to-creatinine ratio; and serum creatinine, potassium, calcium, and parathyroid hormone concentrations. A significantly greater percentage of cats fed the maintenance diet had uremic episodes (26%), compared with cats fed the renal diet (0%). A significant reduction in renal-related deaths but not all causes of death was detected in cats fed the renal diet. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The renal diet evaluated in this study was superior to an adult maintenance diet in minimizing uremic episodes and renalrelated deaths in cats with spontaneous stage 2 or 3 CKD.

Animal Feed↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence and risk factors for heartworm infection in cats from northern Florida.

Necropsies were performed on 630 adult cats in northern Florida to determine the prevalence and risk factors for heartworm infection in cats of this region. Heartworms were identified in 4.9% of cats, and serological evidence of heartworm exposure was present in 17% of cats. Not all cats from which heartworms were recovered were seropositive for heartworm antigen or antibody. There was no association between heartworm infection and co-infection with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Male cats were at higher risk of infection with heartworm, FeLV, or FIV than were females. Because even a single heartworm can cause clinical disease or death in cats, the authors conclude that cats in this region should receive heartworm prophylaxis to prevent heartworm infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Dose titration of an injectable formulation of lufenuron in cats experimentally infested with fleas.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the lowest single dose of lufenuron injected s.c. that results in a 90% disruption of the flea (Ctenocephalides felis) life cycle for 6 months in cats. ANIMALS: 40 domestic shorthair cats (20 males, 20 females) between 5 and 7 months old. PROCEDURE: Cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 eight-cat groups and experimentally infested with C. felis on days -8, -7, -6, and -4. On day 0, cats in the 4 treatment groups were treated with an injectable formulation of lufenuron at doses of 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. Control cats received the injectable formulation without lufenuron. Experimental infestations were repeated and flea eggs collected at various intervals for 196 days after treatment. Eggs were placed in media and incubated in an insectary for 28 days to determine effects of injectable lufenuron on egg and larval development. Number of adults that emerged from eggs were compared among groups. RESULTS: Lufenuron injected once at a dose of 10 or 20 mg/kg, but not at 2.5 or 5 mg/kg, resulted in a 90% decrease in number of adult fleas emerging from eggs for 196 days after treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that control of flea egg and larval development for at least 6 months can be achieved in cats with a single s.c. injection of lufenuron (10 mg/kg). The injectable formulation may provide veterinarians and cat owners an alternative to the tablet formulation of lufenuron.

Animals↗