Understanding Chronic Respiratory Disease in Cats

Johnson, L.R. and P.H. Kass, Effect of sample collection methodology on nasal culture results in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 645-649.

Feline chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease in cats with an unknown etiology. A number of studies have indicated that most cases of upper respiratory disease in the cat are complicated by secondary bacterial infections. Empiric antibiotic therapy is frequently employed to treat feline CRS. This study evaluated the effect of sampling method on culture results in 44 cats. The results indicated that aerobic and anaerobic cultures were positive significantly more often from nasal flush samples than from tissue biopsy samples. Culture results did not differ for Mycoplasma species between flush and biopsy samples though there was discordancy in 8 of 44 sample pairs for Mycoplasma species. This indicates that a failure to culture Mycoplasma species from a nasal flush might not be a true reflection of the absence of Mycoplasma species in the nasal cavity since a tissue sample may be required for isolation of the organism. Nasal flush is the preferred technique though for determining presence in feline nasal disease of potentially pathogenic bacterial organisms. [VT]
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Related articles:
Berryessa, N.A., et al., Microbial culture of blood samples and serologic testing for bartonellosis in cats with chronic rhinosinusitis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2008. 233(7): p. 1084-1089.
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Ruch-Gallie, R.A., et al., Efficacy of amoxycillin and azithromycin for the empirical treatment of shelter cats with suspected bacterial upper respiratory infections. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(6): p. 542-550.
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The Taming of the Cat

Driscoll CA, Clutton-Brock J, Kitchener AC, O'Brien SJ. The Taming of the cat. Genetic and archaeological findings hint that wildcats became housecats earlier--and in a different place--than previously thought. Sci Am. 2009 Jun;300(6):68-75.

Unlike other domestic species, cats seem to contribute little to human survival, so the question of when and how cats were tamed has been unsolved. Traditionally, it has been thought that the Egyptians were the first to tame cats, about 3600 years ago. However, more recent genetic and archaelogical evidence may push that date back to about 10,000 years ago, and place cat domestication in the Fertile Crescent, where agriculture had its roots. Most likely, cats began to live near people to take advantage of food scraps and rodents. Now, in the 21st century, about one-third of American households have cats, and more than 600 million cats live among humans worldwide. [SL]
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Vigne JD, Guilaine J, Debue K, Haye L, Gérard P. Early taming of the cat in
Cyprus. Science. 2004 Apr 9;304(5668):259.
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Lipinski, M. J., L. Froenicke, et al. (2007). "The ascent of cat breeds: genetic evaluations of breeds and worldwide random-bred populations." Genomics 91(1): 12-21.
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Response of Kittens to Vaccination

Jas, D., C. Aeberle, et al. (2009). Onset of immunity in kittens after vaccination with a non-adjuvanted vaccine against feline panleucopenia, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus. Vet J 182(1): 86-93.

Feline panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus are all significant and common pathogens of cats, and are highly contagious in susceptible populations. Cats are routinely vaccinated against these pathogens, but the time it takes following vaccination for protection to develop in the kitten has not been examined in depth. Induction of a rapid immune response is critical in high-risk environments such as shelters. These investigators examined the level of protection in kittens one week after vaccination with a combination vaccine containing live strains of feline panleukopenia virus, herpesvirus, and Chlamydophila, and inactivated feline calicivirus, as well as recombinant FeLV component. A recombinant rabies vaccine was also given. Kittens were specific pathogen free, thus there was no maternal antibody to interfere with vaccine response. They were challenged one week (FPV, FHV, FCV), three weeks (FPV), or four weeks (FHV and FCV) after vaccination. Clinical parameters were measured, and antibody levels and virus shedding was assessed. Kittens appeared to be protected from severe disease by one week post-vaccination, and virus shedding was also significantly reduced as compared to non-vaccinated controls. No difference in clinical parameters was noted whether kittens were challenged at one week or three to four weeks post vaccination. While a single vaccination with FPV induced rapid antibody production, two vaccinations with FCV and FHV were required for a similar response. While maternal antibodies will interfere with vaccinal response if present, this study shows that without maternal antibodies, vaccinal response occurs rapidly. [MK]
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Related articles:
Dawson, S., K. Willoughby, et al. (2001). A field trial to assess the effect of vaccination against feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus and feline panleucopenia virus in 6-week-old kittens. J Feline Med Surg 3(1): 17-22.
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Lappin, M. R., R. W. Sebring, et al. (2006). Effects of a single dose of an intranasal feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccine on clinical signs and virus shedding after challenge with virulent feline herpesvirus 1. J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 158-63.
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The Importance of Microchips

Lord LK, Ingwersen W, Gray JL, Wintz DJ. Characterization of animals with
microchips entering animal shelters. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Jul
15;235(2):160-7.

This study characterized 7,704 microchipped animals entering 53 animal shelters between August 2007 and March 2008. Of this number, strays made up slightly more than half (53%), with the remainder designated as owner-relinquished animals (41.9%) and other (5.1%). The results showed that animal shelters were able to find the owners of three-fourths of stray dogs and cats with microchips. The ability to find owners was higher in dogs, animals that were purebred, and animals that were spayed or neutered. Animal shelters had a much higher likelihood of finding an owner when the owner information was in the shelter’s own database or registered with a microchip registry. The high rate of return of microchipped animals supports microchipping as a valuable permanent pet identification method. The results also emphasized the importance of the registration process in successfully reuniting pets and owners. The study demonstrated the importance of scanning animals more than one time and the need for proper technique. It was suggested veterinary clinic staff should scan microchipped animals during each wellness examination to ensure the microchip is still functional and has not migrated. Additionally, the study indicated the importance of personnel at animal shelters to scan owner-relinquished animals and verify ownership via a microchip registry. The person relinquishing the animal may not be the rightful owner. [VT]
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Related articles:
Lord LK, Pennell ML, Ingwersen W, Fisher RA. Sensitivity of commercial
scanners to microchips of various frequencies implanted in dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Dec 1;233(11):1729-35.
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Lord LK, Wittum TE, Ferketich AK, Funk JA, Rajala-Schultz PJ. Search methods that people use to find owners of lost pets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007 Jun 15;230(12):1835-40.
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Predictors of Feline Kidney Disease

Jepson, R. E., D. Brodbelt, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of predictors of the development of azotemia in cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(4): 806-13.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often afflicts geriatric cats, with prevalence rates of 15% reported. The important factors for development of CKD that could be monitored in cats are not known, and were investigated by these researchers. They followed healthy geriatric cats for 12 months (exams every six months), measuring various clinical parameters and correlated these with development of kidney disease. The study evaluated 118 client-owned cats with an average age of 13 years. All were neutered. Physical exams, blood pressure measurement, and blood and urine analyses were done on all cats. Thirty percent of the cats enrolled developed evidence of kidney disease (azotemia) during the study. Of the parameters measured, only two – increased levels of creatinine (including high normal levels) in the blood and detectable protein in the urine – correlated with development of kidney disease (as evidenced by azotemia). The authors concluded that measurement of protein in the urine is an inexpensive and easy way to monitor aging cats for development of CKD. [MK]
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Related articles:
King JN, Tasker S, Gunn-Moore DA, Strehlau G; BENRIC (benazepril in renal
insufficiency in cats) Study Group. Prognostic factors in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;21(5):906-16.
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Boyd LM, Langston C, Thompson K, Zivin K, Imanishi M. Survival in cats with
naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (2000-2002). J Vet Intern Med. 2008 Sep-Oct;22(5):1111-7.
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Potential Treatment for FIP

Legendre, A.M. and J.W. Bartges, Effect of polyprenyl immunostimulant on the survival times of three cats with the dry form of feline infectious peritonitis. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 624-626.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a baffling and clinical important disease of cats caused by a virulent biotype of feline coronavirus. Despite the fact that the disease is relatively common, veterinarians are faced with a frustrating dilemma because there are no individual tests that are reliable for the diagnosis of FIP, the clinical picture is highly variable, and there is no known effective treatment. Polyprenyl immunostimulant (PI) is an investigational veterinary biologic manufactured by Sass & Sass, Inc and is comprised of a mixture of phosphorylated, linear polyisoprenols. This case series from the University of Tennessee describes three cats with the dry (non-effusive) form of FIP treated with PI. The cats were treated with varying doses of the drug, and by both subcutaneous and oral routes. Two of the three cats were still on treatment and were alive and well 2 years after diagnosis. The third cat survived 14 months but was treated for only 4.5 months. The investigators conclude that further studies to assess the therapeutic efficacy of PI for the treatment of FIP are warranted. [SL]
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Addie, D., et al., Feline infectious peritonitis ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(7): p. 594-604.
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Pedersen, N.C., A review of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection: 1963-2008. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(4): p. 225-258.
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Meloxicam and Kidney Function in Cats

Goodman, L.A., et al., Effects of meloxicam on plasma iohexol clearance as a marker of glomerular filtration rate in conscious healthy cats. Am J Vet Res, 2009. 70(7): p. 826-30.

This study investigates the effect of therapeutic dosages of meloxicam on the plasma clearance of iohexol in healthy, hydrated, conscious cats fed a sodium-replete diet. Meloxicam is a popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in cats, but there are few studies on the effect of this drug on feline kidney function. Plasma clearance of iohexol is used as a marker of renal glomerular filtration rate. Six healthy adult neutered male cats were studied in the masked, randomized, crossover study and were administered either no treatment or meloxicam. The studies were performed before the treatment began (baseline) and on the final day of treatment (5 days later). The results of the study indicated that meloxicam did not measurably alter GFR in healthy, hydrated, conscious cats. Additional studies looking at the effects of NSAIDs on GFR in cats with decreased actual or effective circulating blood volume or with renal disease is needed. [VT]
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Gunew, M.N., V.H. Menrath, and R.D. Marshall, Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01-0.03 mg/kg for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(3): p. 235-241.
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Lascelles, B.D., et al., Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in cats: a review. Vet Anaesth Analg, 2007. 34(4): p. 228-50.
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Cat-Coyote Interactions

Grubbs, SE and Krausman, P.R. Observations of Coyote–Cat Interactions. Journal of Wildlife Management 73(5):683–685; 2009

Coyotes pose a threat to domestic pets in some urban areas. In Tucson, AZ, the Humane Society has a "Safe Cats" campaign to encourage owners to keep cats indoors. These investigators, from the University of Arizona and the University of Montana, examined the interactions between coyotes and cats for four months in the Tucson area. They captured, radio-collared, and tracked eight coyotes. In tracking the coyotes for 790 hours over the four month period, 36 coyote-cat interactions were observed, with 19 involving the killing of a cat. The majority of interactions occurred in residential areas between sunset and sunrise during the pup rearing season. Most involved only one or two coyotes. The authors conclude that pet owners should keep their cats indoors for their protection from urban coyotes. [MK]
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Related articles:
Atwood C, Weeks HP, Gehring TM. Spatial ecology of coyotes along a suburban-to-rural gradient. Journal of Wildlife Management 68(4): 1000–1009; 2004.
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Oxidative Stress in Overweight Cats

Jeusette I., Salas A., et al. Increased urinary F2-isoprostane concentration as an indicator of oxidative stress in overweight cats. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, 2009. 7(1-2):36-42.

Obesity is common in cats and can contribute to many health problems. These investigators examined the effects of body weight on the health status of cats, measuring several clinical parameters. Studies in humans and rats have shown that obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Twenty overweight cats and seven lean cats were included in the study and all were healthy. Parameters measured were blood cholesterol, triacylglycerol (lipid), and inflammatory mediators (acute phase proteins). In addition, urinary isoprostane, another indicator of inflammation was assessed. While blood cholesterol and lipid levels did not significantly differ among the cats, urine F2-isoprostane levels were significantly higher in overweight cats. This component is an indicator of oxidative injury, and may play a role in disease development in overweight cats. The authors note that their study size was small, and did not include a control group. However, this preliminary work indicates that oxidative stress may have an impact on the health of overweight cats. [MK]
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Webb CB, Falkowski L. Oxidative stress and innate immunity in feline patients with diabetes mellitus: the role of nutrition. J Feline Med Surg. 2009 Apr;11(4):271-6.
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Webb CB, McCord KW, Twedt DC. Assessment of oxidative stress in leukocytes and granulocyte function following oral administration of a silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex in cats. Am J Vet Res. 2009 Jan;70(1):57-62.
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Recombinant PZI Insulin for Diabetic Cats

Nelson RW, Henley K, Cole C; the PZIR Clinical Study Group. Field safety and efficacy of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin for treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2009 Jul;23(4):787-793.

This study was a prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial performed to evaluate the effects of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin (PZIR) on control of glycemia in cats with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. One hundred thirty-three cats were enrolled in the study, consisting of 120 newly diagnosed and 13 previously treated diabetics. Cats were treated twice daily with PZIR for 45 days. Control of glycemia was assessed on days 7, 14, 30, and 45 by evaluation of changes in water consumption, frequency of urination, appetite, and body weight, serum fructosamine concentration, and blood glucose concentrations determined 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 hours after administration of PZIR. Based on the criteria used to judge success of PZIR treatment, 113 (85%) of 133 diabetic cats, including 9 previously treated, poorly controlled diabetic cats, attained good diabetic control by day 45 of the study. Hypoglycemia (blood glucose nadir <80 mg/dL) was the only consistent problem with PZIR. The study cats also had a significant increase in mean body weight by the end of 45 days. Results of this study support using low dosages of insulin (0.22 U/kg) initially in newly diagnosed diabetic cats and adjusting the dosage of PZIR based on the response to treatment and results of blood glucose and serum fructosamine concentrations. The study supports the conclusion that PZIR is effective in controlling glycemia in diabetic cats and can be used as an initial treatment or as an alternative in poorly controlled diabetic cats that do not respond to treatment with other insulin preparations. [VT]
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Michiels L, Reusch CE, et al. Treatment of 46 cats with porcine lente insulin: a prospective, multicentre study. J Feline Med Surg. 2008 Oct;10(5):439-51.
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Martin GJ, Rand JS. Control of diabetes mellitus in cats with porcine insulin zinc suspension. Vet Rec. 2007 Jul 21;161(3):88-94.
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