Lysine for Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Disease

Drazenovich, T. L., A. J. Fascetti, et al. (2009). "Effects of dietary lysine supplementation on upper respiratory and ocular disease and detection of infectious organisms in cats within an animal shelter." Am J Vet Res 70(11): 1391-400.

Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a common cause of respiratory infections in cats housed in shelter situations. Cats latently infected with feline herpesvirus are important sources of the virus for cats that are susceptible to infection. Medications that interfere with latency establishment or reactivation of latent infections would be extremely useful, especially in rescue facilities, where animals are often highly stressed, and have variable vaccination history and immune status. Lysine has shown promise in mediating antiviral effects in cats. These researchers investigated the usefulness of dietary supplementation with lysine for cats in shelters to decrease incidence of infection and detection of FHV shedding. Using 261 adult cats, basal diets (control group) and diets supplemented with lysine (treated group) were fed for four weeks. Unexpectedly, they found that treated cats were actually more likely to manifest severe disease than untreated controls at certain time points in the study (week 4). In addition, FHV was detected more commonly in treated cats (found in week 2 only). A confounding factor was that cats in both groups were also allowed access to commercial diets when hospitalized for illness in addition to the control and test diets. The researchers concluded that continuous dietary supplementation with lysine did not successfully control respiratory disease in a shelter situation, and is not an optimal use of funds in rescue facilities. Bolus treatment of cats with lysine may provide better plasma lysine levels than continuous dietary supplementation, and may provide more beneficial effects.
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Related articles:
Maggs, D. J., J. E. Sykes, et al. (2007). "Effects of dietary lysine supplementation in cats with enzootic upper respiratory disease." J Feline Med Surg 9(2): 97-108.
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Rees, T. M. and J. L. Lubinski (2008). "Oral supplementation with L-lysine did not prevent upper respiratory infection in a shelter population of cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(5): 510-3.
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Taurine and Commerical Cat Diets

Heinze CR, Larsen JA, Kass PH et al: Plasma amino acid and whole blood taurine concentrations in cats eating commercially prepared diets, Am J Vet Res 70:1374, 2009.

The purpose of this study was to establish comprehensive reference ranges for plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations in healthy adult cats eating commercial diets. Additionally, the researchers wanted to study the relationships of age, gender, body weight, body condition score (BCS), dietary protein concentration, and dietary ingredients with plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations. Samples were taken and a complete health and diet history were obtained from 120 healthy adult cats. The study population consisted of cats belonging to students and faculty as well as a lesser number of university-owned cats housed in colony facilities. The investigators hypothesized that there would be associations between plasma amino acid concentrations and dietary protein concentrations and ingredients. The study did provide data on plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations for a large population of adult cats fed commercial diets. Whole body taurine concentration is considered to be a more accurate measure of taurine status than plasma taurine concentration in cats and reflects the skeletal muscle concentrations more accurately. Gender and neuter status had an affect on plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations where age, body weight, and BCS did not. Dietary protein concentration and dietary ingredients were not directly associated with plasma amino acid or whole blood taurine concentrations in this study. [VT]
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Wakefield L, Shofer F, Michel K: Evaluation of cats fed vegetarian diets and attitudes of their caregivers, J Amer Vet Med Assoc 229:70, 2006.
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Zaghini G, Biagi G: Nutritional peculiarities and diet palatability in the cat, Vet Res Commun 29 Suppl 2:39, 2005.
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Latent Feline Herpesvirus Infection

Richter M, Schudel L, Tobler K et al: Clinical, virological, and immunological parameters associated with superinfection of latently with FeHV-1 infected cats, Vet Microbiol 138:205, 2009.

Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a common respiratory and ocular pathogen of cats. It may be associated with recurrent ocular disease, even in vaccinated cats. These investigators examined the role of superinfecting FHV strains in recurrent disease. To do this, they genetically engineered a FHV strain to fluoresce, so that it could be distinguished from wild type strains of the virus. It was used to superinfect nine cats that were latently infected with a wild type strain of FHV. Active infection of the mutant virus in the inoculated cats was documented, but reactivation of the latent wild type strain did not occur. Following infection, no change in the clinical condition of the cats occurred. A rise in antibody titer and increased interferon production were noted. Thus, superinfection did induce an immune response, but was not associated with reactivation of latent virus. The authors concluded that vaccination of latently infected cats does not lead to reactivation of the latent virus, nor clinical disease. Sixteen months after superinfection, the cats were temporarily immunosuppressed, and assessed for reactivation of FHV. Mild signs were observed in all cats. Interestingly, only the wild type virus was identified; there was no evidence of mutant virus reactivation. Thus, it was not clear that the mutant virus was able to establish latency. The clinical disease observed was due to the reactivation of the latent wild type strain. The researchers continue to investigate the usefulness of this mutant marker virus to establish the pathogenesis of recurrent FHV disease. [MK]
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Related articles:
Weigler BJ, Babineau CA, Sherry B et al: High sensitivity polymerase chain reaction assay for active and latent feline herpesvirus-1 infections in domestic cats, Vet Rec 140:335, 1997.
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Thiry E, Addie D, Belak S et al: Feline herpesvirus infection. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management, J Feline Med Surg 11:547, 2009.
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Stability of Tritrichomonas foetus

Hale S, Norris JM, Slapeta J: Prolonged resilience of Tritrichomonas foetus in cat faeces at ambient temperature, Vet Parasitol 166:60, 2009.

This study, from the University of Sydney, Australia, was designed to investigate two culture methods for Tritrichomonas foetus, and to evaluate the effect of sample storage time on diagnostic utility. The two culture methods evaluated were InPouch TF-Feline (Bio-Med Diagnostics) and Modified Diamond's Medium. Two batches of normal cat feces were spiked with T. foetus prior to being stored either at room temperature or refrigerated. At different time points, small samples were taken from the original batches and tested in the culture systems. Both culture systems performed well. The accumulative sensitivity was found to be 83% and 100% for the InPouch TF-Feline and Modified Diamond's Medium respectively over a 6 hour period. The researchers were able to successfully culture T. foetus from feces that had been stored at room temperature for 24 hours. This finding may indicate that the environmental resilience of the organism may be more robust than previously thought, and that transmission may not be limited to close contact between cats. [SL]
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Related articles:
Tolbert MK, Gookin J: Tritrichomonas foetus: A New Agent of Feline Diarrhea, Compend Contin Educ Vet 31:374, 2009.
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Stockdale HD, Givens MD, Dykstra CC et al: Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats, Vet Parasitol 160:13, 2009.
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Dexmedetomidine for Sedation & Analgesia in Cats

Slingsby, L.S., P.M. Taylor, and T. Monroe, Thermal antinociception after dexmedetomidine administration in cats: a comparison between intramuscular and oral transmucosal administration. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(10): p. 829-34.

Dexmedetomidine belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. It has authorization for use as a sedative and premedication in dogs and cats in the United States and Europe (Dexdormitor; Pfizer, UK). The administration of dexmedetomidine causes dose dependent sedation and analgesia that may be reversed by the antagonist atipamezole (Antisedan; Pfizer, UK). In this randomized cross-over study of 12 cats, dexmedetomidine was administered either intramuscularly (IM) or oral transmucosally (OTM) at a dose of 40mcg/kg. Almost all the cats in this study vomited after dexmedetomidine administration. Cats were not fasted overnight prior to administration and this result would suggest fasting beforehand would be good practice. The OTM route provided equally good sedation and reduction in sensitivity to pain as the same dose administered IM. The researchers conclude that the OTM route of administration is a useful alternative to the IM route when administering dexmedetomidine to healthy cats. [VT]
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Granholm, M., et al., Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine or medetomidine in cats and their reversal with atipamezole. Vet Anaesth Analg, 2006. 33(4): p. 214-23.
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Selmi, A., G. Mendes, and e. al, Evaluation of the sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of dexmedetomidine, dexmedetomidine-butorphanol, and dexmedetomidine-ketamine in cats. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2003. 222(1): p. 37-41.
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Cat Health News from the Winn Feline Foundation 2009-11-12 11:00:00

Dinnage, J.D., J.M. Scarlett, and J.R. Richards, Descriptive epidemiology of feline upper respiratory tract disease in an animal shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(10): p. 816-25.

Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a common disease in cats and can spread quickly among cats residing in animal shelters. These infections cause suffering, consume vital personnel and financial resources, and limit adoptions. In a large urban shelter in the northeast United States, 531 kittens, 701 litters, and 2,203 adult cats were observed during their stays on a daily basis over a period of 50 weeks for signs of URTD. The median lengths of stay for adult cats and kittens were 5 and 4 days, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the cats exhibited signs of infectious respiratory disease. Regardless of age group, the probability of developing URTD rose steadily with increasing time spent in the shelter. The probability of exhibiting signs remained low until day 6 and then rose steadily to where by day 14, the cumulative probabilities had risen to 84% (litters), 86% (individual kittens), and 80% (adult cats). In different categories, adult cats over 11 years of age had a significantly higher risk of URTD than younger cats. Neutered males cats had higher rates of URTD than spayed females, and purebred cats were at higher risk than ones of mixed breeding. Strays were more likely to have URTD than owner-surrendered cats. The study documented the strong association between the length of the residence in a shelter and the risk of developing URTD. The results suggest shelters should focus efforts and programs at minimizing the length of time cats spend in a shelter. [VT]
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Related articles:
Zicola, A., et al., Feline herpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus infections in a heterogeneous cat population of a rescue shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009.
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Edwards, D.S., et al., Risk factors for time to diagnosis of feline upper respiratory tract disease in UK animal adoption shelters. Prev Vet Med, 2008. 87(3-4): p. 327-39.
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Treatment of Feline Hyperthyroidism with Carbimazole

Frenais, R., et al., Clinical efficacy and safety of a once-daily formulation of carbimazole in cats with hyperthyroidism. J Small Anim Pract, 2009. 50(10): p. 510-5.

Traditionally, medical treatment of feline hyperthyroidism has involved daily use of the azole drugs, methimazole or its pro-drug, carbimazole. Many cats require twice daily treatment with these drugs. A novel controlled-release formulation of carbimazole (Vidalta) has been developed by Intervet. These researchers evaluated the efficacy and safety of this new carbimazole formulation via a multi-center study of 44 client-owned cats with hyperthyroidism. Treatment was started at 15 mg/cat once daily, and dose was adjusted as required. Cats were followed for 53 weeks. The median dose over the study period was 10-15 mg/cat once daily. Clinical signs improved in almost all cats within 3 weeks after treatment was started. An increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was noted in 25% of the cats, eosinophilia was noted in 20%, and lymphopenia in 16%. The researchers conclude that once daily administration of controlled-release carbimazole is effective with acceptable tolerance during short and long term treatment of feline hyperthyroidism. [SL]
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Frenais, R., S. Burgaud, and L.J.I. Horspool, Pharmacokinetics of controlled-release carbimazole tablets support once daily dosing in cats. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2008. 31(3): p. 213-219.
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Trepanier, L.A., Medical management of hyperthyroidism. Clin Tech Small Anim Pract, 2006. 21(1): p. 22-8.
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Treatment of Feline Diabetes

Marshall, R.D., J.S. Rand, and J.M. Morton, Treatment of newly diagnosed diabetic cats with glargine insulin improves glycaemic control and results in higher probability of remission than protamine zinc and lente insulins. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 683-691.

Diabetes mellitus is a moderately common disease in cats. The most effective and reliable treatment is insulin therapy to achieve glycemic control. The authors’ study compared the glycemic control and remission possibilities in 24 newly diagnosed diabetic cats. The cats were treated twice daily with either glargine, protamine zinc (PZI), or lente insulin along with being fed a low carbohydrate-high protein canned food. The primary finding was that for newly diagnosed diabetic cats, treatment with glargine resulted in a higher probability of remission compared to PZI or lente insulin. Better glycemic control of cats after 17 days of treatment with glargine was noted and based on lower mean blood glucose concentrations. By day 112, 8 of 8 cats treated with glargine achieved remission while 2/8 in the lente group and 3/8 in the PZI group had achieved remission. None of the glargine-treated cats exhibited signs of hypoglycemia while 3 cats in the other groups developed clinically severe hypoglycemia. The study indicates that twice-daily treatment with glargine insulin may deliver better glycemic control and possibility of remission than similar treatment with lente or PZI insulin. The authors note that good glycemic control soon after diagnosis with diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased probability of remission and this should be the goal of insulin therapy. [VT]
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Related articles:
Hall, T.D., et al., Effects of diet on glucose control in cats with diabetes mellitus treated with twice daily insulin glargine. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(2): p. 125-130.
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Weaver, K.E., et al., Use of glargine and lente insulins in cats with diabetes mellitus. J Vet Intern Med, 2006. 20(2): p. 234-8.
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Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Role of Papillomavirus

Munday, J.S., M. Dunowska, and S. De Grey, Detection of two different papillomaviruses within a feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: case report and review of the literature. N Z Vet J, 2009. 57(4): p. 248-51.

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are among the most common malignant skin cancers of cats. There is evidence that papillomaviruses promote SCC development on sun-exposed areas in humans. About 100 papillomaviruses are known in humans, but only a few in dogs and cats. Previous reports have identified papillomaviruses in a certain proportion of canine SCC. This paper describes the identification (using PCR) of viral DNA from two distinct papillomaviruses in an invasive SCC on the nose of a 15-year-old cat. One of the two viruses has never been described before. It is also the first time that multiple papillomaviruses have been detected in a single cancerous lesion in a cat. This finding supports the association between papillomaviruses and SCC in cats. If papillomaviruses influence the development of feline SCC, new approaches to treatment may be possible. [MK]
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Related articles:
Munday, J.S., et al., Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers. Vet Dermatol, 2007. 18(4): p. 241-5.
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Zaugg, N., et al., Detection of novel papillomaviruses in canine mucosal, cutaneous and in situ squamous cell carcinomas. Vet Dermatol, 2005. 16(5): p. 290-8.
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