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Objective To describe the outcome of 20 cats treated with intravenous lipid emulsion (IVLE) after an accidental parenteral ivermectin overdose. Case Series Summary Twenty adult cats presented after receiving a 4 mg/kg accidental subcutaneous overdose of ivermectin. After admission, two IVLE treatments were initiated in asymptomatic cats: a single bolus (1.5 mL/kg; n = 16) versus a bolus followed by a 30-minute constant rate infusion (0.25 mL/kg/min; n = 4). Six out of the 16 cats that received only the single bolus developed clinical signs of ivermectin intoxication. Based on the severity of the clinical signs and their duration (approximately 48 hours), these 6 cats were retrospectively considered either moderately ( n = 3) or severely ( n = 3) intoxicated by ivermectin. Cats with a low body condition score (BCS) had more severe signs of ivermectin toxicity. Additional IVLE was administered until clinical resolution was complete. Median (min to max) cumulative dose of IVLE per cat was 4.5 (3.0-4.5) mL/kg for 36 (12-36) hours and 19.5 (7.5-37.5) mL/kg for 96 (72-168) hours for moderately and severely intoxicated cats, respectively. New or Unique Information Provided Our series describes the treatment of accidental ivermectin parenteral overdose in 20 cats with early initiation of IVLE therapy. An early bolus followed by a 30-minute constant rate infusion of IVLE appeared to mitigate the signs of ivermectin toxicosis in cats compared to a single treatment bolus. Our observations also suggest that cats with a low BCS given only a bolus of IVLE treatment were more likely to develop signs of ivermectin intoxication and require a greater amount of IVLE for the resolution of clinical signs. Based on our observations, BCS appears to influence the severity of ivermectin toxicity with a low BCS being associated with more severe signs of ivermectin toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Advanced carcinoma of the head represents a substantial health problem in cats for local control and overall survival. Objectives Evaluate the capability of electrochemotherapy ( ECT) to improve bleomycin efficacy in cats with periocular carcinoma and advanced carcinoma of the head. Animals Twenty-one cats with periocular carcinoma (17 squamous cell carcinoma [ SCC] and 4 anaplastic carcinoma) and 26 cats with advanced SCC of the head. Methods Nonrandomized prospective controlled study. Periocular carcinoma cohorts: 12 cats were treated with bleomycin (15 mg/m2 IV) coupled with ECT under anesthesia; 9 cats were treated with bleomycin alone. Advanced head SCC cohorts: 14 cats were treated with bleomycin (15 mg/m2 IV) coupled with ECT administered under sedation; 12 control cats were treated with bleomycin alone. ECT treatments (2-8) were performed every other week until complete remission ( CR) or tumor progression occurred. Results Toxicities were minimal and mostly treated symptomatically. Overall response rate in the ECT treated animals was 89% (21 Complete Response [ CR] and 2 Partial Response [ PR]) whereas controls had response rate of 33% (4 CR and 3 PR). Median time to progression in ECT group was 30.5 months, whereas in controls it was 3.9 months ( P < .0001). Median time to progression for ECT cohorts was 24.2 months for periocular cohort and 20.6 in advanced head SCC cohort, respectively. Conclusions Electrochemotherapy is well tolerated for advanced SCC of the head in cats; its use may be considered among loco-regional strategies for cancer therapy in sensitive body regions such as periocular region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To evaluate the effect of nutrition on recurrent clinical signs of lower urinary tract (LUT) disease in cats with idiopathic cystitis. Design: Randomized, controlled, masked clinical trial. Animals: 31 cats with acute nonobstructive idiopathic cystitis. Procedures: Cats were assigned to receive 1 of 2 foods (a cystitis prevention or control food) that differed in mineral (calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium), antioxidant, and fatty acid profiles. Owners documented LUT signs daily for up to 1 year. The primary endpoint was the number of recurrent episodes in which a cat had multiple (> 2 concurrent) LUT signs within a day (defined as multiple-sign day). Consecutive days in which a cat had multiple LUT signs were considered as a single episode. Results: 4 cats fed prevention food and 2 cats fed control food were excluded from analysis because of noncompliance, gastrointestinal signs, food refusal, or owner voluntary withdrawal. The proportion of cats fed prevention food that had > 1 recurrent episode of multiple-sign days (4/11) was not significantly lower than that of cats fed control food (9/14). However, cats fed prevention food had significantly lower mean incidence rates for recurrent episodes of multiple-sign days (0.7 episodes/1,000 cat-days) and episodes of hematuria (0.3 episodes/1,000 cat-days), dysuria (0.2 episodes/1,000 cat-days), and stranguria (0.2 episodes/1,000 cat-days) as single LUT signs, compared with cats fed control food (5.4, 3.4, 3.1, and 3.8 episodes/1,000 cat-days, respectively). Significantly fewer cats fed prevention food required analgesics (4/11), compared with cats fed control food (12/14). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Foods with differing nutritional profiles appeared to impact mean incidence rates of recurrent feline idiopathic cystitis-associated signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Assess effects of benzodiazepine administration on the propofol dose required to induce anaesthesia in healthy cats, investigate differences between midazolam and diazepam, and determine an optimal benzodiazepine dose for co-induction. Study design Prospective, randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Animals Ninety client-owned cats ( ASA I and II) with a median (interquartile range) body mass of 4.0 (3.4-4.9) kg. Methods All cats received 0.01 mg kg−1 acepromazine and 0.2 mg kg−1 methadone intravenously (IV). Fifteen minutes later, sedation was scored on a scale of 1-5, with 5 indicating greatest sedation. Propofol, 2 mg kg−1, administered IV, was followed by either midazolam or diazepam at 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5 mg kg−1 or saline 0.1 mL kg−1. Further propofol was administered until endotracheal intubation was possible. Patient signalment, sedation score, propofol dosage and adverse reactions were recorded. Results Midazolam and diazepam (all doses) significantly reduced the propofol dose required compared with saline ( p < 0.001). There was no difference between midazolam and diazepam in propofol dose reduction ( p = 0.488). All individual doses of midazolam reduced propofol requirement compared with saline (0.2 mg kg−1, p = 0.028; 0.3 mg kg−1, p = 0.006; 0.4 mg kg−1, p < 0.001; 0.5 mg kg−1, p = 0.009). Diazepam 0.2 mg kg−1 did not reduce the propofol dose compared with saline ( p = 0.087), but the remaining doses did (0.3 mg kg−1, p = 0.001; 0.4 mg kg−1, p = 0.032; 0.5 mg kg−1, p = 0.041). Cats with sedation scores of 3 required less propofol than cats with scores of 2 ( p = 0.008). There was no difference between groups in adverse events. Conclusions and clinical relevance Midazolam (0.2-0.5 mg kg−1) and diazepam (0.3-0.5 mg kg−1) administered IV after 2 mg kg−1 propofol significantly reduced the propofol dose required for tracheal intubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol with or without 2% benzyl alcohol administered intravenously ( IV) as a single induction dose in cats. Study design Prospective experimental study. Animals Six healthy adult cats, three female intact, three male castrated, weighing 4.8 ± 1.8 kg. Methods Cats received 8 mg kg−1 IV of propofol (P) or propofol with 2% benzyl alcohol (P28) using a randomized crossover design. Venous blood samples were collected at predetermined time points to 24 hours after drug administration to determine drug plasma concentrations. Physiologic and behavioral variables were also recorded. Propofol and benzyl alcohol concentrations were determined using high pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were described using a 2-compartment model. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were analyzed using repeated measures anova ( p < 0.05). Results Plasma concentrations of benzyl alcohol were below the lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) at all time points for two of the six cats (33%), and by 30 minutes for the remaining four cats. Propofol pharmacokinetics, with or without 2% benzyl alcohol, were characterized by rapid distribution, a long elimination phase, and a large volume of distribution. No differences were noted between treatments with the exception of clearance from the second compartment (CLD2), which was 23.6 and 38.8 mL kg−1 minute−1 in the P and P28 treatments, respectively. Physiologic and behavioral variables were not different between treatments with the exception of heart rate at 4 hours post administration. Conclusions and clinical relevance The addition of 2% benzyl alcohol as a preservative minimally altered the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol 1% emulsion when administered as a single IV bolus in this group of cats. These data support the cautious use of propofol with 2% benzyl alcohol for induction of anesthesia in healthy cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To determine the effect of feeding a food with coconut oil and supplemental L-carnitine, lysine, leucine, and fiber on weight loss and maintenance in cats. Design--Prospective clinical study. Animals--50 overweight cats. Procedures--The study consisted of 2 trials. During trial 1, 30 cats were allocated to 3 groups (10 cats/group) to be fed a dry maintenance cat food to maintain body weight (group 1) or a dry test food at the same amount on a mass (group 2) or energy (group 3) basis as group 1. During trial 2, each of 20 cats was fed the test food and caloric intake was adjusted to maintain a weight loss rate of 1%/wk (weight loss phase). Next, each cat was fed the test food in an amount calculated to maintain the body weight achieved at the end of the weight loss phase (weight maintenance phase). Cats were weighed and underwent dualenergy x-ray absorptiometry monthly. Metabolomic data were determined before (baseline) and after each phase. Results-- During trial 1, cats in groups 2 and 3 lost significantly more weight than did those in group 1. During trial 2, cats lost a significant amount of body weight and fat mass but retained lean body mass during the weight loss phase and continued to lose body weight and fat mass but gained lean body mass during the weight maintenance phase. Evaluation of metabolomic data suggested that fat metabolism was improved from baseline for cats fed the test food. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Results suggested that feeding overweight cats the test food caused weight loss and improvements in body condition during the weight maintenance phase, possibly because the food composition improved energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adulticidal efficacy of a topical combination of emodepside 2.1 % (w/v) plus praziquantel 8.6 % (w/v) (Profender® spot-on for cats, Bayer) against adult Aelurostrongylus abstrusus nematodes was evaluated in two randomised, placebo-controlled laboratory efficacy studies. Each study involved 16 cats experimentally inoculated with L3 (800 and 600 each in studies no. 1 and 2, respectively) and randomised into two study groups of 8 cats each after onset of patency. While cats in the treatment group in study no. 1 received a single spot-on application at the minimum therapeutic dose (3 mg/kg emodepside and 12 mg/kg praziquantel), cats in study no. 2 were treated twice with an interval of 14 days. The faecal output of first stage larvae was monitored throughout the study. Necropsy was conducted 4 or 5 weeks after the (first) treatment and the worm counts were used for efficacy calculations. The control groups showed a geometric mean of the total worm count (live and dead worms) of 28.8 (study no. 1) and 17.6 (study no. 2), respectively. All control animals were infected. While the single treatment in study no. 1 resulted in a reduction of the total worm burden by 73.0 % (p = 0.0070), the treatment protocol in study no. 2 was 99.2 % effective (p = 0.0035). Based on live worm counts, the efficacy in study no. 2 was 100 % (p = 0.0030). It is concluded that two applications of Profender® spot-on given two weeks apart represent a safe and highly efficacious treatment regime against feline aelurostrongylosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To determine pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the novel factor Xa inhibitor apixaban in clinically normal cats. ANIMALS 5 purpose-bred domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURES A single dose of apixaban (0.2 mg/kg, PO) was administered to each cat (time 0), and blood samples were obtained at 0, 15,30,45,60, 120,240,360,480, and 1,440 minutes.After a I -week washout period, another dose of apixaban (0.2 mg/kg, IV) was administered to each cat, and blood samples were obtained at 0,5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, and 1,440 minutes. Apixaban concentrations in plasma were measured via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacodynamic effects of apixaban were determined with a commercial assay for factor X activity, which measures endogenous factor Xa activity chromogenically. RESULTS Factor Xa was inhibited as a function of time after a single dose of apixaban administered orally or IV, and a direct inverse correlation with the plasma apixaban concentration was detected. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed moderate clearance, short half-life, and high bioavailability for apixaban. A 2-compartment model was fit to the IV pharmacokinetic data;compartmental modeling could not be used to adequately describe the oral data because of substantial interindividual variability. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results inticated that apixaban was an effective inhibitor of factor Xa in cats. Further studies will be needed to determine pharmacokinetics and pharma-codynamics after multidose administration, effects of cardiac disease on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, dosing recommendations, and efficacy of apixaban for use in the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic disease in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eight-month-old, not vaccinated, intact male domestic shorthair cat from a multi-cat household was presented at the clinic because of fever, inappetence and listlessness. Although leucopenic, it was first treated with antibiotics and subcutaneous fluid administration. After several days of hospitalisation with only symptomatic treatment, it developed a vast area of skin necrosis and was consequently euthanised. Necropsy was performed revealing morphological lesions consistent with necrotising fasciitis (NF). Three multidrug resistant bacteria were isolated from the tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often leads to renal anaemia, due to gradual reduction of erythropoietin-producing renal cells. About 15-30% of geriatric cats develop CKD, with renal disease being the primary cause of death of older cats. Of those cats with CKD, up to 65% in later-stage CKD will develop renal anaemia. Recognising and treating anaemia of renal disease is an important part of CKD therapy in both dogs and cats. The use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is standard-of-care in humans and becoming more used in veterinary medicine. Darbepoetin alfa (DA) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of renal anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To characterize the clinical features and outcome of cats treated for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with attenuation (extravascular or intravascular) versus medical treatment only. Design: Retrospective case series. Animals: 28 client-owned cats with congenital PDA. Procedures: Medical records for cats with PDA diagnosed by means of echocardiography were reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment; history; clinical signs; results of physical examination, ECG, echocardiography, and thoracic radiography; response to medical management if attempted; type of attenuation procedure if attempted (surgical or intravascular); procedural details; intraoperative and postoperative (< 2 weeks) complications; and long-term (> 2 weeks) complications. Follow-up was obtained from medical records and via telephone interviews. Results: All 28 cats were referred for evaluation of a cardiac murmur, but 17 of 26 (65%) for which initial clinical signs were available did not have overt signs at initial evaluation. Multiple congenital cardiac defects were identified in 6 of 23 (26%) cats. Seventeen of 26 (65%) cats were documented as treated with 1 or more vascular attenuation procedures; vascular attenuation was not attempted in 11 cats receiving an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or loop diuretic (n = 2) or no medical treatment (9). Surgical ligation was successful in 11 of 15 cats, and coil embolization was successful in 2 cats. Procedural or postoperative complications included death (n = 2), left-sided laryngeal paralysis (2), voice change (1), fever (1), hemorrhage (4), and chylothorax (1). Long-term follow-up was available for 16 of 28 (57%) cats. Three of 4 cats that did not undergo surgical attenuation died of cardiac-related disease. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results suggested that PDA occurs rarely in cats, and clinical signs and diagnostic findings were consistent with those previously reported for dogs. Surgical versus nonsurgical treatment did not result in a significant difference in life expectancy in this small cohort. Evaluation of laryngeal function after surgical ligation is recommended. Further study of the outcome associated with various treatment options in a larger population of patients is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To identify factors associated with short-term (30-day) and overall survival rates in cats that underwent renal transplantation surgery (RTS). Design: Retrospective cohort study. Animals: 94 cats that underwent RTS from 1998 through 2010. Procedures: Data obtained from the medical records pertinent to RTS included cat signalment; anesthetic agents, techniques, and timings; supportive treatment; perioperative physiologic findings; and surgery and warm ischemia times. Associations with short-term and overall survival rates were investigated. Results: Median survival time was 653 days (range, 2 to 4,580 days). Prolonged anesthesia (median, 300 minutes; range, 225 to 445 minutes) reduced overall survival rate but did not influence short-term survival rate. No associations were identified between survival rates and anesthetic agent used, amount and type of fluid administered IV, physiologic abnormalities, and blood product administration. All cats that received p-opioid receptor antagonists at anesthetic recovery to reverse the effects of p-opioid receptor agonists survived for at least 30 days. High Hct at the end of anesthesia was also associated with an increase in short-term survival rate. Two cats had an intraoperative hemoglobin oxygen saturation < 90%, and both died within 7 days after surgery. Cats > 12 years old had a lower overall survival rate than did younger cats. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:Minimization of total anesthesia time, reversal of μ-opioid receptor agonists at the end of anesthesia, and prevention of intraoperative decreases in blood oxygen saturation and postoperative decreases in Hct appeared to help maximize postsurgical survival time in cats undergoing RTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endometrial adenocarcinomas are a rare type of tumour in cats. Though different morphologies have been reported, the most frequent histological type of feline endometrial adenocarcinoma (FEA) is the papillary serous. Characterization of molecular markers expression in FEA may contribute to clarify the pathogenesis of these tumours and to assess the differences between normal endometrium and FEA regarding the expression pattern of several proteins. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical profile of a wide panel of antibodies (specific for ER-a, PR, Ki-67, CK7 and CK20) in twenty-four cases of FEA. Comparisons were made between FEA and feline normal cyclic endometrium in follicular (n = 13) and luteal (n = 10) stages. Except for Ki-67, all other molecular markers were assessed independently for the intensity of immunolabeling and for the percentage of cells expressing the protein. Results: This study showed that in FEA a loss of expression occurs for ER-a (P = 0.0001) and less markedly also for PR. The lost in sex steroid receptors concerns a decrease in both the proportion of labelled cells and the intensity of immunolabelling (P = 0.002 and P = 0.024, respectively). Proliferative activity, estimated via Ki-67 immunoreaction, significantly increased in FEA as compared to normal endometrium (P = 0.0001). Feline endometrial adenocarcinomas maintained the CK7+/CK20+ status of normal endometrium. However, FEA showed decreased CK7 intensity of labelling compared to normal endometria (P = 0.0001) and loss of CK20 expression, both in intensity (P = 0.0001) and in percentage of positive cells (P = 0.01), compared to normal tissues. Conclusions: Data gathered in this study suggest that proliferation in FEA accompanies ER-a down-regulation, possibly following activation of pathways mediated by local growth factors. Moreover, FEA retains combined expression of CK7 and CK20, as evidenced in normal endometrial epithelia, although a decrease in CK7 expression was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the clinical progress and the treatment results of cases Istanbul University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery with a complaint of stilted gait, pain, lameness, reluctance to move, kyphosis and miniature appearance have been evaluated. The study materials included eleven Scottish Fold cats. The cases underwent conservative and surgical treatment due to severity of osteochondrodysplasic lesions. The aim of this study is to draw attention to this illness of homozigot and heterozigot Scottish Fold cats whose population is increasing dramatically in our country, to stop the uncontrolled mating of this breed and also to share our foundings and results with our colleauges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To define acute liver failure (ALF), review the human and veterinary literature, and discuss the etiologies and current concepts in diagnostic and treatment options for ALF in veterinary and human medicine. Etiology In veterinary medicine ALF is most commonly caused by hepatotoxin exposure, infectious agents, inflammatory diseases, trauma, and hypoxic injury. Diagnosis A patient may be deemed to be in ALF when there is a progression of acute liver injury with no known previous hepatic disease, the development of hepatic encephalopathy of any grade that occurs within 8 weeks after the onset of hyperbilirubinemia (defined as plasma bilirubin >50 μM/L [>2.9 mg/dL]), and the presence of a coagulopathy. Diagnostic testing to more specifically characterize liver dysfunction or pathology is usually required. Therapy Supportive care to aid the failing liver and compensate for the lost functions of the liver remains the cornerstone of care of patients with ALF. Advanced therapeutic options such as extracorporeal liver assist devices and transplantation are currently available in human medicine. Prognosis The prognosis for ALF depends upon the etiology, the degree of liver damage, and the response to therapy. In veterinary medicine, the prognosis is generally poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second-opinion histopathology is a common practice in human medicine to avoid unnecessary procedures, costs and to optimize therapy. Histopathology review has been recommended in veterinary oncology as well. In this prospective evaluation of 52 tumours over a 1-year period, there was diagnostic agreement between first and second opinions in 52% of cases. Twenty-nine percent of cases had partial diagnostic disagreement, most often a change in grade, tumour subtype or margin status. Nineteen percent had complete diagnostic disagreement, including a change in cell of origin or a change from benign to malignant. Minor disagreements, which would not affect treatment or prognosis, were present in 21% of cases. Major disagreements, which would affect either treatment or prognosis, were present in 37% of cases. Costs of ideal staging and treatment recommendations were considerably different between first and second opinions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is a common, multi-factorial infectious disease syndrome endemic to many animal shelters. Although a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in shelter cats, URI is seldom formally monitored in shelter cat populations. Without monitoring, effective control and prevention of this often endemic disease is difficult. We looked at an integrated case management software system a for animal care organizations, widely used in shelters across the United States. Shelter staff routinely enter information regarding individual animals and disease status, but do not commonly use the software system to track frequency of disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if the software system a can be used to track URI frequency and selected risk factors in a population, and to evaluate the quality and completeness of the data as currently collected in a shelter. Design (type of study)--Descriptive Survey. Animals (or Sample)--317 cats in an animal shelter. Procedures--Reports from the software system a containing data regarding daily inventory, daily intake, animal identification, location, age, vaccination status, URI diagnosis and URI duration were evaluated. The reports were compared to data collected manually by an observer (Ann Therese Kommedal) to assess discrepancies, completeness, timeliness, availability and accuracy. Data were collected 6 days a week over a 4 week period. Results--Comparisons between the software system a reports and manually collected reports showed that 93% of inventory reports were complete and of these 99% were accurate. Fifty-two percent of the vaccination reports were complete, of which 97% were accurate. The accuracy of the software system's age reports was 76%. Two-hundred and twenty-three cats were assigned a positive or negative URI diagnosis by the observer. The predictive value of the URI status in the software system a was below 60% both for positive and negative URI diagnosis. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--data currently collected and entered into the software systems in the study shelter, was not useful for tracking URI frequency and risk factors, due to issues with both data quality and capture. However, the potential exists to increase the practicality and usefulness of this shelter software system to monitor URI and other diseases. Relevant data points, i.e., health status at intake and outcome, vaccination date and status, as well as age, should be made mandatory to facilitate more useful data collection and reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common infection of domestic cats. Most infections are mild and self-limiting; however more severe disease manifestations, such as FCV-associated virulent systemic disease, may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is currently a lack of effective antiviral treatments for these disease manifestations. In this study, a panel of eight siRNAs were designed to target four conserved regions of the FCV genome. siRNAs were screened for in vitro antiviral efficacy against the reference strain FCV F9 by determination of extracellular virus titres and morphological assessment of protection from cytopathic effect. Three of the siRNA (FCV3.7, FCV4.1, and FCV4.2) demonstrated a marked antiviral effect with a greater than 99% reduction in extracellular viral titre. Titration of these effective siRNAs demonstrated a clear concentration–response relationship, with IC50 values of approximately 1 nM, and combination treatment with multiple siRNAs demonstrated additive or synergistic effects. To assess the potential usefulness of the compounds in a clinical setting, siRNAs were screened against a panel of six recent Australian FCV isolates from cats with FCV-related disease. The siRNAs shown to be effective against the reference strain FCV F9 were active against the majority of the isolates tested, although some variability was noted. Taken together these data suggest potential therapeutic application of antiviral RNAi for treating FCV-associated disease in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic fractures constitute 25% of fractures seen in cats and are usually the result of major trauma. Concomitant injuries are frequently present, which may involve multiple body systems, and management of these generally takes precedence as cats rarely die as a direct result of the pelvic fracture. Several criteria are used to establish whether an individual cat is a candidate for surgical or conservative management, but if surgery is to be performed this is best carried out within five days of the trauma where possible. When appropriate case selection is employed, the prognosis following either conservative or surgical management of pelvic fractures in cats is generally favourable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising therapeutic option for various immune-mediated and inflammatory disorders due to their potent immunomodulatory and trophic properties. Naturally occurring diseases in large animal species may serve as surrogate animal models of human disease, as they may better reflect the complex genetic, environmental, and physiologic variation present in outbred populations. We work with naturally occurring diseases in large animal species to better understand how MSCs work and to facilitate optimal translation of MSC-based therapies. We are investigating the use of MSC therapy for a chronic oral inflammatory disease in cats. During our efforts to expand fat-derived feline MSCs (fMSCs), we observed that∼50% of the cell lines developed giant foamy multinucleated cells in later passages. These morphologic alterations were associated with proliferation arrest. We hypothesized that the cytopathic effects were caused by infection with a retrovirus, feline foamy virus (FFV). Using transmission electron microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, and in vitro assays, we determined that syncytial cell formation and proliferation arrest in fMSCs were caused by FFV strains that were highly homologous to previously reported FFV strains. We determined that the antiretroviral drug, tenofovir, may be used to support ex vivo expansion and salvage of FFV-infected fMSC lines. MSC lines derived from specific pathogen-free cats do not appear to be infected with FFV and may be a source of allogeneic fMSCs for clinical application. FFV infection of fMSC lines may hinder large-scale expansion of autologous MSC for therapeutic use in feline patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether anti-inflammatory doses of cyclosporine activate Toxoplasma gondii in chronically infected cats or potentiate infection in cats exposed for the first time. ANIMALS 30 T gondii-negative cats. PROCEDURES Cats were assigned to I of 3 groups (10 cats/group). Group I (control) cats were administered a placebo for 126 days; group 2 cats were administered a placebo for 84 days, followed by cyclosporine at 7.5 mg/kg/d, PO, for 42 days; and group 3 cats were administered cyclosporine at 7.5 mg/kg/d, PO, for 126 days. Cats were orally inoculated with T gondii on day 42. Results for fecal flotations, PCR assays, and histologic examinations and IgM and IgG titers were analyzed. Cyclosporine concentrations were measured on selected days. RESULTS All cats were infected by T gondii and developed signs of self-limiting gastrointestinal tract infection. Group 3 had the highest incidence and severity of CNS and pulmonary histopathologic findings typical of toxoplasmosis. One cat in group 3 died of systemic toxoplasmosis; that cat had a cyclosporine concentration of 1,690 ng/mL. Group 2 cats infected with T gondii before cyclosporine administration did not have repeated oocyst shedding. Group 3 cats shed fewer oocysts for a shorter time than did control cats of group I. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Oral administration of cyclosporine in accordance with the protocol for this study did not potentiate the enteroepithelial phase of T gondii infection. Cats with high cyclosporine blood concentrations at the time of primary T gondii infection may be at risk of developing systemic toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum that infects humans and a wide variety of mammalian species, including cats. In Brazil only four cases of this disease were reported in domestic cats. The present study reports a case of an indoor cat, rescued from street three years ago, that developed histoplasmosis with supraorbital involvement. The cat presented sneezing, dyspnea and increased respiratory sounds and the diagnosis suspected was allergic rhinitis. Prednisolone and amoxicillin were prescribed. The patient returned to clinic after clinical signs worsened with a swelling of the right supraorbital region, unilateral left side conjunctivitis and enlarged submandibular lymph nodes. Cytology and culture revealed Histoplasma capsulatum. Initially, itraconazole (10 mg/Kg SID orally) was prescribed and due to the worsening of clinical signs, was combined amphotericin B (0.5 mg/kg SC) for two weeks. The therapy with amphotericin was discontinued and itraconazole continued to be administered for six months. The clinical signs were resolved and no recrudescence was reported. It is important that veterinary practitioners to be aware of the clinical features of feline histoplasmosis and consider the possibility of a subclinical infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a four-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat, who received successfully treatment against the cranial vena cava syndrome with suspected secondary chylothorax infection due to mediastinal cryptococcal granuloma. It informs that the treatment therapy included antifungal medication alongwith the dosage of corticosteroids, rutin, and enalapril.

Objective--To evaluate long-term response of cats with stomatitis to tooth extraction. Design--Retrospective case series. Animals--95 cats with stomatitis. Procedures--Medical records of cats with stomatitis that was treated with tooth extraction during a 14-year period were reviewed. Demographic information and diagnostic results were recorded as well as surgical procedure, including full-mouth extraction (FME) versus partial-mouth extraction (PME), and specifics of medical management. Patients were categorized according to response to treatment. Results--Median postoperative follow-up time was 231 days (range, 33 to 2,655 days). Of 95 cats, 6 (6.3%) had no improvement and 25 (26.3%) had little improvement in stomatitis following tooth extraction and extended medical management (EMM). Following tooth extraction, 37 (39.0%) cats had substantial clinical Improvement and 27 (28.4%) cats had complete resolution of stomatitis; of these 64 cats, 44 (68.8%) required EMM for a finite period to achieve positive outcomes. Extent of tooth extraction (PME vs FME) was not associated with overall response to treatment. At Initial recheck examination, a better longterm response to tooth extraction was observed in patients with resolution of abnormal behavior (OR, 7.2), decrease in oral inflammation (OR, 3.5), and lack of need for follow-up medical management with antimicrobials (OR, 3.7). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Extraction of teeth in areas of oral inflammation provided substantial Improvement or complete resolution of stomatitis In more than twothirds of affected cats. Full-mouth extraction did not appear to provide additional benefit over PME. Most cats with stomatitis may require EMM to achieve substantial clinical Improvement or complete resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the constipation in cats. It is mentioned that constipation in cats is curable if the cause is determined. The traditional methods to solve the feline constipation includes administering enemas, laxatives to soften the stool or increase contractions, dietary fiber, and promotility agents. The article informs that constipation is a result and sign of dehydration and discusses the physical examination, diagnostic testing, steps to treat a constipated cat.

Inflammatory arthritis occurs much less frequently than degenerative joint disease in cats. Synoviocentesis is essential in confirming a diagnosis but extensive testing may be required in order to determine the underlying cause. Inflammatory arthritis is classified into infectious and non-infectious and erosive or non-erosive forms, and differentiating between these is important when deciding on appropriate therapeutics and in giving owners an accurate prognosis. Idiopathic immune-mediated polyarthritis is relatively rare in cats in comparison to dogs, with infectious causes of inflammatory arthritis being far more common. It is critical therefore that both infectious and neoplastic causes of polyarthritis are definitively ruled out before considering treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a frequent disease seen in older cats and while it is a progressive condition, the veterinary practice team can play a key role in delaying the inevitable. Dietary modifications are key to slowing the progression of renal disease and alleviating its metabolic consequences. There are four main objectives of nutritional management. These are: a) provide sufficient energy to maintain a good body condition; b) alleviate the clinical manifestations of uraemia; c) minimise fluid, electrolyte and acid-base disturbances; and d) slow disease progression. This article reviews the nutritional concepts employed in the management of CKD, and demonstrates why a renal diet should be implemented early in the disease to maximise both its benefits and acceptance by the feline patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of the present study was to compare intranasal ( INS) and intramuscular ( IM) routes of administration of a ketamine-midazolam combination in cats. Study design Randomized block design. Animals Twelve healthy mixed breed cats (six males and six females). Methods The drug combination was ketamine (14 mg kg−1) and midazolam (0.5 mg kg−1). In the IM group, drugs were injected into quadratus femoris muscle; in the INS. group, the combination dropped equally into the two nostrils. Pulse and respiratory rates, peripheral haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) and rectal temperature were monitored before and at intervals after drug administration. Time to onset and duration of sedation and, during recovery to head up, sternal recumbency and recovery were recorded. Results There were no significant differences between the groups in any time measured except for recovery to sternal recumbency, where time was lower in the INS than in the IM ( p = 0.034). Respiratory rate was greater in the INS than in the IM group ( p = 0.029), but there was no difference between groups in other physiological parameters. In both groups SpO2 was low before and fell further during sedation. Conclusions The results substantiated that INS ketamine-midazolam can produce effective sedation in cats. Clinical relevance Intranasal ( INS) administration of ketamine-midazolam is atraumatic, and its use may avoid the pain of injection of ketamine combinations when this drug is used to induce sedation in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The robust advances in pain management for companion animals underlie the decision of AAHA and AAFP to expand on the information provided in the 2007 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. The 2015 guidelines summarize and offer a discriminating review of much of this new knowledge. Pain management is central to veterinary practice, alleviating pain, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing both quality of life and the veterinarian-client- patient relationship. The management of pain requires a continuum of care that includes anticipation, early intervention, and evaluation of response on an individual-patient basis. The guidelines include both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities to manage pain; they are evidence-based insofar as possible and otherwise represent a consensus of expert opinion. Behavioral changes are currently the principal indicator of pain and its course of improvement or progression, and the basis for recently validated pain scores. A team-oriented approach, including the owner, is essential for maximizing the recognition, prevention, and treatment of pain in animals. Postsurgical pain is eminently predictable but a strong body of evidence exists supporting strategies to mitigate adaptive as well as maladaptive forms. Degenerative joint disease is one of the most significant and under-diagnosed diseases of cats and dogs. Degenerative joint disease is ubiquitous, found in pets of all ages, and inevitably progresses over time; evidence- based strategies for management are established in dogs, and emerging in cats. These guidelines support veterinarians in incorporating pain management into practice, improving patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal phosphate binders, uremic toxin binders and some other types of supplements are an integral part of the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in various species, including cats. This pathology in domestic carnivores requires life-long nutritional and medical management. In this context, the compliance of owners and patients cannot be achieved without an adequate level of palatability for oral medication or supplementation. Knowing that hyporexia and anorexia are among the most commonly seen clinical signs in cats suffering from CKD this is already, in itself, a serious obstacle to acceptable compliance in sick animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the palatability of four commercially available products designed for cats suffering from CKD: Ipakitine® (Vetoquinol, France), Azodyl® (Vetoquinol, USA), Renalzin® (Bayer, France), Rubenal® (Vetoquinol, France) and an additional recently developed product: Pronefra® (Virbac, France). The study was performed with a group of previously-characterised cats, all living in an enriched and well-being securing environment of an independent centre housing panels of pets expert in palatability measurement. In total 172 monadic testings were performed. The palatability of each product was assessed by measuring their rates of prehension and consumption, and the consumption proportions were also analysed. Results: The most palatable presentation (based on useful consumption) was Pronefra®, which was significantly higher than Azodyl® (p = 0.046), Ipakitine® (p < 0.0001), Renalzin® (p < 0.0001) and Rubenal® (p < 0.0001). The product with the highest rate of prehension was also Pronefra®, which was significantly higher than Azodyl® (p = 0.0019), Ipakitine® (p = 0.0023), Renalzin® (p = 0.0008) and Rubenal® (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Pronefra® was the most palatable presentation tested, meaning it may be useful for improving ease of supplementation in CKD cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although famciclovir is efficacious in feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1)-infected cats, effects of a single dose early in disease course have not been reported. In this two part, randomized, masked, placebo controlled study, cats received a single dose of 125 mg famciclovir (n = 43) or placebo (n = 43; pilot study), or 500 mg famciclovir (n = 41) or placebo (n = 40; clinical trial) on entering a shelter. FHV-1 PCR testing was performed, bodyweight and food intake were recorded, and signs of respiratory disease were scored prior to and 7 days following treatment. FHV-1 DNA was detected in 40% of cats in both parts at study entry. In the pilot study, ocular and nasal discharge scores increased from days 1 to 7 in famciclovir and placebo treated cats. Sneezing scores increased and bodyweight decreased in famciclovir-treated cats. The proportion of cats in which FHV-1 DNA was detected increased over time in all cats in the pilot study. In the clinical trial, food intake and median clinical disease scores for nasal discharge and sneezing increased from days 1 to 7 in both groups and demeanor scores worsened in famciclovir-treated cats. The proportion of cats shedding FHV-1 DNA was greater on day 7 than on day 1 in cats receiving 500 mg famciclovir. A single dose of famciclovir (125 or 500 mg) administered at shelter intake was not efficacious in a feline population in which 40% were already shedding FHV-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Long-term treatment of cats with ionized hypercalcemia using alendronate has not been evaluated. Hypothesis/Objectives Alendronate is well tolerated in treatment of ionized hypercalcemia in cats. Animals A total of 12 cats with ionized hypercalcemia. Methods Prospective study of 12 cats with ionized hypercalcemia of idiopathic origin was identified by telephone and email communication with a convenience sample of consulting veterinarians. Cats were treated with alendronate at a dose of 5-20 mg per feline PO q7d. Serum ionized calcium concentration ( iCa) was measured before beginning treatment with alendronate, and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. Alendronate dosage was adjusted according to iCa. Evaluation included physical examination, CBC, biochemistry profile, and diagnostic imaging. The owners and referring veterinarians were questioned about any observed adverse effects. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test was used to compare baseline iCa to iCa at different time periods. Results Alendronate treatment resulted in a decrease in iCa in all 12 cats. The median percentage change in iCa was −13.2%, −15.9%, and −18.1% (range, −29.6 to +7.6; −30.5 to −1.9; −45.8 to +1.5%) at the 1, 3, and 6 month time points, respectively. Baseline iCa was significantly different from 1 month ( P = .0042), 3 months ( P = .0005), and 6 months ( P = .0015). No adverse effects were reported for any of the cats. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Alendronate was well tolerated and decreased iCa in most cats for the 6-month period of observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common non-traumatic conditions that have been described affecting the feline stifle joint are cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture and patellar luxation. In many cases, physical examination findings alone can be strongly suggestive of these diagnoses but some cases may present a diagnostic challenge, such as partial tears of the CrCL. Radiography is supportive rather than definitive for CrCL rupture and low-grade patellar luxation. Both conservative and surgical treatment options are available for both conditions, although the prognosis for improved limb function following conservative treatment of patellar luxation is guarded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on surgical variables and postoperative pain in cats undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy (LOVE), laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy (LAOVH), and ovariohysterectomy via celiotomy (COVH). Topics include the correlation of pain severity and soft-tissue trauma, standard anesthetic monitoring, and the use of a visual analogue scale. It also discusses the use of the simple descriptive Scale (SDS) and variably sized von Frey filaments (vFF).

Chlamydophila felis is the primary bacterial agent of conjunctivitis and upper respiratory disease in cats. Transmission of the disease requires close contact between cats. Polymerase chain reaction is a useful tool for detection of this organism. The aim of this study was to develop a polymerase chain reaction assay with an internal amplification control for the detection of C. felis. Primer pairs were designed specifically for polymorphic membrane protein gene of C. felis and cytochrome b gene of cat, and their specificity and sensitivity were examined. Primers specific for both genes were then multiplexed. In the simplex polymerase chain reaction analyses with 10-fold dilutions, C. felis DNA was detected with designed primers for polymorphic membrane protein genes up to 1.6 pg/μl and cat DNA was demonstrated in all samples in the polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, in the multiplex polymerase chain reaction, C. felis DNA and cat DNA were detected together. These designed primers specific for C. felis might have potential for research on infections and shedding of this organism in cats as the internal control host specific primers might have potential for using internal control for detection of different microorganisms in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To describe the operative technique for single-port laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy (SPLC) in dogs and cats and evaluate clinical outcome for patients that underwent the procedure. Design--Retrospective case series Animals--25 client-owned dogs (n = 22) and cats (3). Procedures--Dogs and cats that underwent SPLC with 3 commercially available singleport devices between 2009 and 2014 were retrospectively identified through a multiinstitutional medical records review. Surgery was performed via a single-port device placed through a 1.5- to 3.0-cm abdominal incision either at the region of the umbilicus or caudal to the right 13th rib. The cryptorchidectomy was performed with graspers, a bipolar vessel sealing device, and a 30° telescope. Results--SPLC was performed with a single-incision laparoscopic surgery port (n = 15), a multitrocar wound-retractor access system (8), or a metal resterilizable single-port access device (2). Median age was 365 days (range, 166 to 3,285 days). Median body weight was 18.9 kg (41.6 lb; range, 1.3 to 70 kg [2.9 to 154 lb]). Median surgical time was 38 minutes (range, 15 to 70 minutes). Thirty-two testes were removed (12 left, 6 right, and 7 bilateral). Four patients had 1 additional abdominal surgical procedure performed concurrently during SPLC. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Results suggested that SPLC can be performed in a wide range of dogs and cats with cryptorchidism and can be combined with other elective laparoscopic surgical procedures. The SPLC technique was associated with a low morbidity rate and provided a potentially less invasive alternative to traditional open and multiport laparoscopic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline nasal tumours (NTs) are locally invasive and occasionally metastasise to distant sites. Although palliative hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) is used, its efficacy and long-term complications have not been adequately evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HRT in treating feline malignant NTs, including monitoring improvement in clinical signs, acute and late complications, and prognosis. The medical records of 65 cats with malignant NTs treated with HRT were included. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model were used to evaluate factors th at influenced OS and PFS. Clinical signs improved in 86.2% of cats following radiotherapy. Acute complications were observed in 58.5% of cats but were manageable and acceptable. Among late complications, cataract was most frequently observed (20.5%), and atrophy of the entire eyeball and osteochondroma at the irradiation site were each observed in two cats. The median OS and PFS in 65 cats were 432 days and 229 days, respectively. No significant difference between OS of cats with nasal lymphoma and that of cats with other tumours was observed. Despite some limitations due to the retrospective nature of the study, palliative HRT for feline NTs can be considered a useful treatment option because of the high incidence of improvement and more favourable prognosis, although it may be preferable not to use the hypofractionated regimen in young cats with lymphoma that are expected to survive for a long period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 13-year-old Octicat with pleural effusion who was taken to the cardiology service because of lethargy and anorexia. She had undergone thoraric radiography, thoraric CT examination and thoractomy. The article discusses pleural effusion, the interpretation of the ECG examination and atrial standstill.

The article presents a case study of a two-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat with acute dyspnea. Topics discussed include an overview of the cat's diagnosis, the findings and interpretation of the disease's diagnostic imaging, its treatment and outcome, and the treatment options of the disease.

Objective--To evaluate the exposure obtained for minimally invasive abdominal organ biopsy (MIOB) from 3 access incisions in cats. Objective--To evaluate the exposure obtained for minimally invasive abdominal organ biopsy (MIOB) from 3 access incisions in cats. Animals--6 purpose-bred research cats and 6 feline clinical patients with indications for abdominal organ biopsy. Procedures--Three 3-cm incisions into the peritoneal cavity were created at different locations along the linea alba in research cats in randomized order. A wound retraction device was inserted in each incision. Ability to exteriorize various abdominal organs to the extent required to reasonably perform a surgical biopsy was recorded, and results were compared among incision sites. On the basis of results obtained, the access incision that provided exposure of the most frequently biopsied abdominal organs was used to perform MIOB in 6 feline clinical patients with various underlying pathological conditions. Results--On the basis of experiments with research cats, a 3-cm access incision centered midway between the caudal margin of the xiphoid cartilage and the umbilicus was found to provide access for MIOB for most organs. In 5 of 6 clinical patients, all of the organs of interest were biopsied successfully via this incision location, although access to all hepatic lobes and all parts of the pancreas was inconsistent. In 1 cat, conversion to an open approach was performed because a palpable mass was detected in the area of the duodenocolic ligament. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Optimization of access incision location for MIOB allowed biopsy specimen collection from organs of interest to be performed in a minimally invasive manner in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of a novel topical combination of fipronil 8.3 % w/ v, ( S)-methoprene 10 % w/ v, eprinomectin 0.4 % w/ v, and praziquantel 8.3 % w/ v (Broadline®, Merial) was evaluated in 18 cats naturally infested by Notoedres cati in a controlled, blinded clinical efficacy study. Cats were blocked on pretreatment bodyweight and randomly allocated to two groups of nine cats each. One group served as control (untreated) and one group was treated once topically with Broadline® according to the label instructions. Skin scrapings (three scrapings per animal per occasion) were collected prior to treatment and every other week for 8 weeks thereafter and examined for live N. cati mites. In addition, lesions were evaluated at each sampling to monitor the clinical recovery. Based on live mite counts, efficacy against N. cati of a single topical administration with Broadline® was >99 %, and all treated cats recovered from clinical signs of notoedric mange. No treatment-related adverse events were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flupirtine (FLU) is a non-opioid analgesic drug with no antipyretic or antiphlogistic effects, used in the treatment of a wide range of pain states in human beings. There is a substantial body of evidence on the efficacy of FLU in humans but this is inadequate to recommend its off-label use in veterinary clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profiles of FLU after IV and PO administration in healthy cats. Six mixed breed adult cats were randomly assigned to two treatment groups using an open, single-dose, two-treatment, two-phase, paired, cross-over design (2x2 Latin-square). Group 1 (n = 3) received a single dose of 5 mg/kg of FLU injected IV into the jugular vein. Group 2 (n = 3) received the same dose via PO route. The wash out period was 1 week. Blood samples (1 mL) were collected at assigned times and plasma was then analysed by a validated HPLC method. No adverse effects at the point of injection and no behavioural changes or alterations in health parameters were observed in the animals during or after the study (up to 7 days after the full study). After IV administration, FLU was detectable in plasma up to 36 h. After PO administration, FLU plasma concentrations were lower than those following IV administration, but they were detectable over the same time range. The terminal part of both mean pharmacokinetic curves showed a similar trend of elimination. The oral bioavailability was approximately 40%. This is the first study of FLU in an animal species of veterinary interest and it could pave the way for the use of this active ingredient in the veterinary field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline lymphocytic-plasmacytic gingivitis/stomatitis (LPGS) or caudal stomatitis is an inflammatory disease that causes painfully erosive lesions and proliferations of the oral mucosa. The disease is difficult to cure and can affect cats at an early age, resulting in lifetime therapy. In this study, a new treatment using a combination of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) oral spray and oral piroxicam was investigated using a randomized double-blinded clinical trial in 13 cats with caudal stomatitis. Oral lesion grading and scoring of clinical signs were conducted during and after the trial to assess treatment outcome. Oral mucosal biopsies were used to evaluate histological changes during and after treatment. Clinical signs were significantly improved in 77% of the cats. In a 4-week study, clinical signs were considerably ameliorated by oral piroxicam during the first 2 weeks. In a 12-week study, the combined bLf oral spray and piroxicam, when compared with piroxicam alone, exhibited an enhanced effect that reduced the severity of the oral lesions (P = 0.059), while also significantly improving clinical signs (P < 0.05), quality of life (P < 0.05), and weight gain (P < 0.05). The remission of oral inflammation was closely correlated with the decreased number of macrophages (OR = 4.719, P < 0.05). There was no detectable influence on liver or kidney function during a 12-week assessment. It was concluded that combining oral bLf spray and piroxicam was safe and might be used to decrease the clinical signs of caudal stomatitis in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To characterize the histopathological causes for failure of intrascleral prosthesis placement in dogs and cats. Procedures The Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin database was searched to find canine and feline evisceration samples that were diagnosed with neoplasia. A second population included canine and feline scleral shells that were removed after an evisceration surgery had been performed. The causes for removal were divided into: neoplasia, corneal abnormalities, and other causes. Results In dogs, 163 of 1985 evisceration samples (8.21%) contained a neoplasm, whereas 17 of 88 (19.31%) evisceration samples in cats contained a neoplasm. In dogs, severe corneal disease was diagnosed in 38 of 80 scleral shells (46.25%) and neoplasia was diagnosed in 31 of 80 scleral shells (38.75%). Malignant melanoma was the most frequently diagnosed tumor, in 14 of 31 scleral shells. In cats, eight of 12 scleral shells contained a tumor (66.7%), with feline diffuse iris melanoma being diagnosed most commonly (six of eight shells). Two of 12 feline scleral shells had severe corneal disease (16.7%). Epithelial downgrowth, lining the inner aspect of the fibrous tunic, was seen in 14 of 38 canine scleral shells and in two of two feline scleral shells with severe corneal disease. Conclusions Severe corneal disease and neoplasia are the most common causes for intrascleral prosthesis failure in dogs, whereas neoplasia is the single most common cause for intrascleral prosthesis failure in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in dogs and cats. The most common form of diabetes in dogs resembles type 1 diabetes in humans. Studies suggest that genetics, an immune-mediated component, and environmental factors are involved in the development of diabetes in dogs. Avariant of gestational diabetes also occurs in dogs. The most common form of diabetes in cats resembles type 2 diabetes in humans. A major risk factor in cats is obesity. Obese cats have altered expression of several insulin signaling genes and glucose transporters and are leptin resistant. Cats also form amyloid deposits within the islets of the pancreas and develop glucotoxicity when exposed to prolonged hyperglycemia. This review will briefly summarize our current knowledge about the etiology of diabetes in dogs and cats and illustrate the similarities among dogs, cats, and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If a tumor cannot be completely resected, an adjunctive treatment modality is recommended to prevent local recurrence. One treatment option is intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses the reagent Acridine orange (AO). A 9-year-old domestic short-haired castrated male cat previously underwent surgical resection of a malignant melanoma at the left upper eyelid four times at another veterinary hospital. The tumor was resected with a 1 cm margin laterally, but the caudal margin contacted the cranial bone. AO-PDT was performed to control the residual tumor cells. At 9 months postoperatively, local recurrence was detected, and AO-PDT and surgical resection was repeated. At 16 months postoperatively, the cat died, but tumor recurrence was not detected at the original site. There were no adverse effects from the AO-PDT detected at the surgical site at any time during followup. This case report suggests that AO-PDT may be useful in combination with marginal resection of malignant tumors in cats, especially when radiotherapy is not performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe the indications, duration of ventilation, underlying cardiac diseases, and outcome of dogs and cats undergoing positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) for treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). Design Two-site retrospective study (1992-2012). Setting Two university small animal teaching hospitals. Animals Six cats and 10 dogs undergoing PPV for CHF. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Medical records were searched to identify patients requiring PPV for treatment of pulmonary edema secondary to CHF. Sixteen animals fulfilled these criteria. Patient signalment, duration of PPV, underlying cardiac disease, arterial or venous blood gas values, pharmacologic therapy before, during, and after PPV, anesthetic drugs, complications, and outcome were recorded. Overall survival to discharge was 62.5% (10/16). Mean (±SD) duration of PPV was 30.8 ± 21.3 hours and average time from presentation for CHF to initiation of PPV was 5.9 ± 6.4 hours. Azotemia at the time of initiation of ventilation, development of anuria or oliguria, and use of pentobarbital for anesthesia were negatively associated with survival ( P = 0.011, P = 0.036, and P = 0.036, respectively). Survival-to-discharge rate was 77% (10/13) for patients treated after 2005 and those not receiving pentobarbital. There was no significant effect attributed to age, sex, weight, species, nature of heart disease, furosemide dose, length of ventilation, use of vasopressors, first-time CHF events, or plasma lactate concentration on survival to discharge. Conclusions Dogs and cats requiring PPV for CHF have a good overall prognosis for hospital discharge and require PPV for a relatively short duration. Azotemia, oliguria or anuria, and the use of pentobarbital are negatively associated with outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of the anion gap (AG) with 2 physicochemical approaches to identify unmeasured anions. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Eighty-four dogs and 14 cats presenting to a university teaching hospital emergency room. Interventions All dogs and cats in which venous blood samples for acid-base, lactate, and serum biochemical analysis were all collected within 60 minutes of each other, over a 5-month enrollment period. Unmeasured anions were quantified using each of three approaches: the anion gap (AG), strong ion gap (SIG), and a semiquantitative approach (XA). Measurements and Main Results An increased AG metabolic acidosis was evident in 34/98 of cases. The Stewart approach identified an increased SIG acidosis in 49/98 of cases. There was a strong correlation between SIG and AG ( r = 0.89; P < 0.001). The semiquantitative approach identified increased unmeasured anions in 68/98 of cases. There was a moderate correlation between AG and XA ( r = 0.68; P < 0.001) and a slightly stronger correlation between SIG and XA ( r = 0.75; P < 0.001). Plasma lactate concentrations and AG were poorly correlated ( r = 0.22; P = 0.029) and there was no correlation between lactate concentrations and BE ( r = 0.19; P = 0.069). Conclusions Unmeasured anions occurred commonly in this sample of small animal emergency room patients and physiochemical approaches identified more animals with unmeasured anions than the traditional AG calculation. Further studies are needed to determine if the results of the physicochemical approach improves clinical management and warrants the associated increases in cost and complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of the traditional approach to acid-base analysis with the Stewart approach and a semiquantitative approach. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals A total number of 84 dogs and 14 cats presenting to a university teaching hospital emergency room. Procedures All dogs and cats in which venous blood samples for acid-base, lactate, and serum biochemical analysis were all collected within 60 minutes of each other, over a 5-month enrollment period. Acid-base analysis was performed using the traditional approach, Stewart approach, and a semiquantitative approach. Results Traditional acid-base analysis identified respiratory acid-base abnormalities in 14/98 animals and metabolic acid-base abnormalities in 67/98. A mixed disorder of metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis was most common occurring in 29/98 patients. The Stewart approach identified metabolic abnormalities in 82/98 patients; strong ion difference abnormalities were evident in 68/98 cases; an increased strong ion gap acidosis was identified in 49/98 cases; and changes in the quantity of weak acids in 25/98 cases. The semiquantitative approach identified abnormalities in all cases evaluated. Of the 14 patients with a primary respiratory acid-base abnormality, the Stewart approach identified metabolic abnormalities in 9 and the semiquantitative approach found abnormalities in all animals. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance The physicochemical approaches diagnosed more acid-base abnormalities in this population than the traditional approach although many of the abnormalities identified were small and of unknown clinical relevance. The physicochemical approaches may provide greater insight as to the underlying etiology of abnormalities, which maybe of particular relevance to cases with changes in albumin and/or phosphorus concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To assess in vitro the antiviral efficacy against feline herpesvirus ( FHV-1) and cytotoxicity for cultured feline cells of famciclovir and its metabolites, BRL 42359 and penciclovir. To investigate the effect of timing of penciclovir application on in vitro antiviral activity. Procedures Plaque reduction assays were used to estimate antiviral efficacy of all compounds and the effect of penciclovir exposure before or after exposure to a FHV-1 field isolate. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by assessing cell morphology and viable cell number for 72 h following exposure to each compound. Results The penciclovir concentration that inhibited FHV-1-induced plaque formation by 50% (IC50) was 0.86 μg/mL (3.4 μ m). Famciclovir and BRL 42359 had no antiviral effect against FHV-1 at any concentration assessed. Antiviral activity was significantly enhanced when cells were exposed to 4 μ m penciclovir (approximate IC50) for 1 h but not for 24 h before viral adsorption. Delaying exposure of cells to penciclovir for 1, 2, or 4 h after viral adsorption significantly enhanced antiviral activity. Relative to untreated control wells, >88% of cells remained viable when exposed to famciclovir (100 μ m), BRL 42359 (1.06 m m), or penciclovir (40 μ m) for 72 h. No morphologic evidence of cytotoxicity was noted. Conclusions Penciclovir demonstrates potent antiviral activity against FHV-1 and may be effective at lower tissue, tear, and plasma concentrations than previously targeted. The duration of in vitro antiviral effect of penciclovir suggests that frequent famciclovir administration may be necessary in vivo. Famciclovir and BRL 42359 showed no signs of in vitro cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]