Treatment for Mast Cell Tumors in Cats

Rassnick, K. M., L. E. Williams, et al. (2008). "Lomustine for treatment of mast cell tumors in cats: 38 cases (1999-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1200-5.


Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are commonly diagnosed in cats, particularly in cutaneous locations. These tumours have a range of biological behavior from benign to malignant. Most cutaneous MCTs are readily treated with surgery or local radiation. Alternative treatments are needed for those cats where surgery or radiation is not an option, or where these modalities have failed to prevent recurrence. In this retrospective case series, the clinical efficacy and toxicity of lomustine was evaluated in 38 cats with confirmed mast cell tumors. Lomustine was administered at a dose at or equal to 50 mg/m(2). Of the 38 cats, most (68%) had cutaneous MCTs but tumors were also diagnosed in other locations, such as mesenteric lymph nodes. The overall response rate was 50%, with 7 cats having a complete response. The median duration of response was 168 days. The most commonly noted toxicoses were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The researchers conclude that lomustine should be considered for cats with MCTs where local treatment is not an option.
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Related articles:
Turrel, J., J. Farrelly, et al. (2006). "Evaluation of strontium 90 irradiation in treatment of cutaneous mast cell tumors in cats: 35 cases (1992-2002)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(6): 898-901.
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Retroviruses and Cat Bite Wounds

Goldkamp, C. E., J. K. Levy, et al. (2008). "Seroprevalences of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats with abscesses or bite wounds and rate of veterinarian compliance with current guidelines for retrovirus testing." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1152-8.

In this prospective study, data was collected on 967 cats being treated for bite wounds and abscesses from 134 veterinary practices in 30 states. Cats were tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) at the time of presentation. Veterinarians were asked to retest cats 60 days later to determine if seronegative cats became positive after the high-risk event. The FeLV-FIV status of 96 cats was known prior to the bite wound event. At the time of treatment, 19.3% of cats were seropositive for FeLV and/or FIV. Risk factors associated with seropositive status included age (adult), gender (male), history of wounds, and outdoor access. Retesting of seronegative cats was recommended to owners of 478 cats at 54.5% of the practices. However, only 13.4% of cats were restested. Of these cats, 5.2% that were initially seronegative for FIV seroconverted. This study determined that a high proportion of cats with abscesses or bite wounds were seropositive for retrovirus infection. Unfortunately, compliance with recommendations to test cats at the time of the event or after treatment was low. Clearly, the FeLV-FIV status of cats with fight wounds should be determined at the time of treatment, and seronegative cats should be retested in 60 days.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J. K., H. M. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Am Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-6.
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Cat Scratch Disease: A Review

Breitschwerdt, E. B. (2008). "Feline bartonellosis and cat scratch disease." Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123(1-2): 167-71.

Cat scratch disease (bartonellosis) is caused by various species of Bartonella, intracellular bacteria that favour red blood cells. Cats can be infected with five Bartonella species, including B. henselae and B. clarridgeae. Humans and many domestic animals, such as cattle and dogs, can also serve as chronically infected reservoir hosts for Bartonella. Many arthropod vectors, such as biting flies, fleas and ticks have been implicated in transmission of Bartonella to animals and humans. Bartonella infection can cause various problems in humans, including endocarditis, granulomatous inflammation of lymph nodes, and central nervous system dysfunction. Bartonellosis can be diagnosed in cats with serology, PCR, and culture. However, the issue is clouded by the high rate of sub-clinical infections in cats, making it very difficult to confirm bartonellosis as the cause of illness in cats. Fleas are involved in transmission from cat to cat, so the use of flea control products is critically important to decrease the risk of transmission of Bartonella among cats and to humans.
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Related articles:
Chomel, B. B., H. J. Boulouis, et al. (2006). "Bartonella spp. in pets and effect on human health." Emerg Infect Dis 12(3): 389-94.
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Treatment of Ringworm in Shelter Cats

Newbury, S., K. Moriello, et al. (2007). "Use of lime sulphur and itraconazole to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis in an annex facility: an open field trial." Vet Dermatol 18(5): 324-31.

Dermatophytosis is the most common contagious skin disease of cats. It is often a concern in shelter situations since it is zoonotic and highly contagious. It is important to find an effective and rapid treatment protocol for cats with ringworm in shelters to expedite cure and adoption. This open clinical trial in a shelter enrolled 58 cats with confirmed Microsporum canis infection and 32 uninfected bonded pairs. The cats were treated with 21 days of oral itraconazole at 10 mg/kg and twice weekly lime sulphur rinses until cured. No hair coat clipping was performed. Fungal cultures were performed once weekly on all cats. Cats were considered cured with two consecutive negative cultures. No cats developed oral ulcerations as a result of grooming after lime sulphur treatment. No uninfected cats living in contact with infected cats developed dermatophytosis. The mean number of days of treatment required for cure was 18.4 (range 10-49 days). In this shelter, a combination of oral itraconazole and topical lime sulphur treatment was effective and safe.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Moriello, K. A. and M. Verbrugge (2007). "Use of isolated infected spores to determine the sporocidal efficacy of two commercial antifungal rinses against Microsporum canis." Vet Dermatol 18(1): 55-8.
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Heartworm in Cats

Litster, A. L. and R. B. Atwell (2008). "Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 137-44.

Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis and is transmitted by mosquitoes in heartworm-endemic areas around the world. Dogs and other canids are the definitive hosts, but cats can also be infected. In endemic areas, it is estimated that the feline infection rate is about 5-10% of the canine infection rate. While many cats infected with heartworm have no signs of disease, others may have chronic respiratory signs similar to asthma, or chronic vomiting, or acute death. Diagnosis of feline heartworm is challenging, as there is no single perfect test methodology. Treatment is also problematic as there are no adulticides judged to be safe and effective in cats. Most infected cats are managed with supportive care. A number of safe and effective drugs are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats, in both oral and topical formulations.
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Related articles:
Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.
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Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.
>> PubMed abstract

KNOW Heartworms

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Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Diabetic Cats

Wiedmeyer, C. E. and A. E. Declue (2008). "Continuous glucose monitoring in dogs and cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 2-8.


Continuous glucose monitoring systems originally designed for human diabetic patients have been adapted for use in dogs and cats. Sensors continually measure glucose in subcutaneous interstitial fluid (ISF), rather than in blood. A small, flexible sensor is inserted through the skin into the subcutaneous space, secured to the skin, and attached to a recording device. The ISF glucose is recorded and stored every 5 minutes (288 readings per 24 hours). After the device is removed, the data are downloaded to a computer for analysis. The instrument can remain in place for several days, hospitalization of the patient is not necessary, and the normal daily routine of the animal can be maintained. This review from the University of Missouri-Columbia is designed to describe the technology behind the continuous glucose monitoring system, describe the clinical use of the instrument, provide clinical examples in which it may be useful, and discuss future directions for continuous glucose monitoring in dogs and cats.
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Related articles:
Ristic, J. M., M. E. Herrtage, et al. (2005). "Evaluation of a continuous glucose monitoring system in cats with diabetes mellitus." J Feline Med Surg 7(3): 153-62.
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Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency in Abyssinian & Somali Cats

Kohn, B. and C. Fumi (2008). "Clinical course of pyruvate kinase deficiency in Abyssinian and Somali cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 145-53.

Pyruvate kinase (PK) is one of the key regulatory enzymes for energy generation in red blood cells (RBCs). A deficiency in one PK isoenzyme leads to energy deprivation within the RBCs, resulting in a shortened survival time and hemolysis. PK deficiency has been described in several species, including humans and dogs. The first case of feline PK deficiency was identified in 1992 in an Abyssinian cat. The disease has since been identified in the related Somali breed, as well as in a few domestic shorthair cats. PK deficiency is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. The molecular defect has been identified and a genetic screening test has been developed. The objective of this study performed in Berlin, Germany was to examine the clinical signs, laboratory parameters, and course of disease in Abyssinian and Somali cats with PK deficiency. Over a period ranging from under 1 year to over 11 years (median 4.3), the disease was monitored in 25 PK-deficient cats. According to the owners, 11 cats did not show signs of disease. In the other 14 cats, clinical signs included lethargy, diarrhea, pale mucous membranes, anorexia, weight loss, among others. Laboratory abnormalities included anemia, increased aggregated reticulocyte counts, hyperglobulinemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and increased liver enzymes. PK deficiency shows variation in age of onset and severity of signs. Abyssinian and Somali cats destined for breeding should be tested as PK-deficient cats can be asymptomatic.
>> PubMed abstract


Josephine Deubler Genetic Disease Testing Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania


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Feline Dysautonomia in the United States

Kidder, A. C., C. Johannes, et al. (2008). "Feline dysautonomia in the Midwestern United States: a retrospective study of nine cases." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 130-6.


Dysautonomia in domestic animals results in clinical signs related to dysfunction or failure of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The disease was first reported in cats in 1982 in the United Kingdom, where it is often called Key-Gaskell syndrome. The disease remains uncommon in the United States. Common clinical findings include depression, anorexia, dysphagia, regurgitation or vomiting, constipation, dilated unresponsive pupils, prolapsed nictitating membranes, dry nose and mouth, reduced tear production, bradycardia, and megaesophagus. No etiology is known for this disease in any species although a neurotoxin or an infectious agent has been suggested. This study reports on 9 cases of feline dysautonomia in eastern Kansas and western Missouri. Interestingly, most cases of canine dysautonomia have occurred in eastern Kansas and western and southern Missouri. Unfortunately, feline dysautonomia is associated with a poor prognosis. Only 1 cat in this study could be classified as making a recovery.
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Related articles:
Nunn, F., T. Cave, et al. (2004). "Association between Key-Gaskell syndrome and infection by Clostridium botulinim type C/D." Vet Rec 155(4): 111-115.
>> PubMed abstract


Cave, T., C. Knottenbelt, et al. (2003). "Outbreak of feline dysautonomia (Key-Gaskell syndrome) in a closed colony of pet cats." Vet Rec 153(13): 387-392.
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Renal Failure Associated with Tainted Pet Food

Brown, C. A., K. S. Jeong, et al. (2007). "Outbreaks of renal failure associated with melamine and cyanuric acid in dogs and cats in 2004 and 2007." J Vet Diagn Invest 19(5): 525-31.

Contaminated pet food caused the death or illness of an unknown number of cats and dogs, most recently in 2007. Initial reports of the cause were confusing and contradictory, but over time, the toxicity was traced to food adulterated with melamine and cyanuric acid. This study from the University of Georgia evaluated histopathologic, toxicologic, and clinicopathologic changes in 16 animals (6 dogs and 10 cats) affected in outbreaks of pet food-associated renal failure in 2004 and 2007. All affected animals had evidence of uremia with anorexia, vomiting, lethargy, polyuria, azotemia and hyperphosphatemia. All animals either died or were euthanized due to severe renal failure. Lesions were found in the distal tubules of the kidneys of all animals at necropsy. Unique crystals were found in the distal tubules or collecting ducts of the kidneys in all animals. Renal tissue from all animals contained melamine and cyanuric acid. This study provides further evidence that melamine and cyanuric acid causes renal failure in cats and dogs.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Puschner, B., R. H. Poppenga, et al. (2007). "Assessment of melamine and cyanuric acid toxicity in cats." J Vet Diagn Invest 19(6): 616-24.
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Tritrichomonas Infection in the Uterus of a Cat

Dahlgren, S. S., B. Gjerde, et al. (2007). "First record of natural Tritrichomonas foetus infection of the feline uterus." J Small Anim Pract 48(11): 654-7.

Tritrichomonas foetus is an emerging intestinal parasite of cats, causing chronic large bowel diarrhea. In cattle, this protozoan parasite is a sexually transmitted pathogen, infecting the uterus of cows and the preputial cavity and urethral orifice of bulls. In this case report, the first feline record of T. foetus infection of the uterus is described in a 17-month old Exotic Shorthair queen in Norway with pyometra. This queen had no history of diarrhea. Three other cats in the cattery were diagnosed with T. foetus infection using PCR on fecal samples: a 4.5-year old Persian male with intermittent diarrhea, a 22-month old male Exotic Shorthair with normal feces, and a 2.5-year old female Persian with normal feces. Interestingly, T. foetus has never been identified in cattle in Norway, although it is a reportable disease.
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Winn funded research
Kather, E. J., S. L. Marks, et al. (2007). "Determination of the in vitro susceptibility of feline Tritrichomonas foetus to 5 antimicrobial agents." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 966-70.
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