Evaluation of Kidney Function in Cats

Heiene, R., B. S. Reynolds, et al. (2009). "Estimation of glomerular filtration rate via 2- and 4-sample plasma clearance of iohexol and creatinine in clinically normal cats." American Journal of Veterinary Research 70(2): 176-185.

Large numbers of elderly cats develop renal disease. Survival time after diagnosis is variable. The ability to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) could lead to early detection of renal disease and allow earlier institution of therapeutic measures that protect renal function. GFR is considered the overall best indicator of renal function in healthy and diseased animals and is estimated by measurement of clearance of a marker substance. This study used 51 cats to compare 2 methods for estimating GFR, evaluate the effect of ages and body size and their interaction on GFR estimates, and establish reference ranges for GFR in clinically normal cats. The two contrast markers evaluated were iohexol and creatinine. No adverse drug reactions were noted with the use of iohexol for GFR estimation. GFR values were established in all the cats in the study. A difference in estimated GFR between young and old cats was not evident in this study. The study did find a small but significant effect of body size on estimated GFR and this was more important than the effect of age. The 4-sample method was a convenient and reliable means to establish GFR in cats with values considered normal or near normal. The 2-sample method also provided acceptable approximations for GFR and worked well in non-sedated cats. However, the 4-sample method is more accurate in cats with low renal function. Since body weight should be taken into account for estimating GFR, further studies are indicated to provide more information. [VT]
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Related articles:
van Hoek, I., H. P. Lefebvre, et al. (2008). "Plasma clearance of exogenous creatinine, exo-iohexol, and endo-iohexol in hyperthyroid cats before and after treatment with radioiodine." J Vet Intern Med 22(4): 879-885.
>> PubMed Abstract

van Hoek, I., E. Vandermeulen, et al. (2007). "Comparison and reproducibility of plasma clearance of exogenous creatinine, exo-iohexol, endo-iohexol, and 51Cr-EDTA in young adult and aged healthy cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 950-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Heiene, R., B. S. Reynolds, et al. (2009). "Estimation of glomerular filtration rate via 2- and 4-sample plasma clearance of iohexol and creatinine in clinically normal cats." American Journal of Veterinary Research 70(2): 176-185.

Large numbers of elderly cats develop renal disease. Survival time after diagnosis is variable. The ability to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) could lead to early detection of renal disease and allow earlier institution of therapeutic measures that protect renal function. GFR is considered the overall best indicator of renal function in healthy and diseased animals and is estimated by measurement of clearance of a marker substance. This study used 51 cats to compare 2 methods for estimating GFR, evaluate the effect of ages and body size and their interaction on GFR estimates, and establish reference ranges for GFR in clinically normal cats. The two contrast markers evaluated were iohexol and creatinine. No adverse drug reactions were noted with the use of iohexol for GFR estimation. GFR values were established in all the cats in the study. A difference in estimated GFR between young and old cats was not evident in this study. The study did find a small but significant effect of body size on estimated GFR and this was more important than the effect of age. The 4-sample method was a convenient and reliable means to establish GFR in cats with values considered normal or near normal. The 2-sample method also provided acceptable approximations for GFR and worked well in non-sedated cats. However, the 4-sample method is more accurate in cats with low renal function. Since body weight should be taken into account for estimating GFR, further studies are indicated to provide more information. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
van Hoek, I., H. P. Lefebvre, et al. (2008). "Plasma clearance of exogenous creatinine, exo-iohexol, and endo-iohexol in hyperthyroid cats before and after treatment with radioiodine." J Vet Intern Med 22(4): 879-885.
>> PubMed Abstract

van Hoek, I., E. Vandermeulen, et al. (2007). "Comparison and reproducibility of plasma clearance of exogenous creatinine, exo-iohexol, endo-iohexol, and 51Cr-EDTA in young adult and aged healthy cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 950-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Response to Vaccinations in Cats

Lappin, M. R., J. Veir, et al. (2009). "Feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1, and feline calicivirus antibody responses in seronegative specific pathogen-free cats after a single administration of two different modified live FVRCP vaccines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 159-162.

Researchers at Colorado State University evaluated the antibody response of cats to a single inoculation of one of two modified live vaccines containing feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These pathogens commonly infect cats, and some cats at greatest risk, such as those in shelters or pet stores, may suffer severe disease, or even death. In these situations, rapid onset of immunity following vaccination is needed. The investigators sought to determine the timing of seroconversion in 10 seronegative cats following a single vaccination with either an intranasal vaccine or one given subcutaneously (both are commercially available vaccines). This study had limitations, in that the number of cats tested were small, and protection was evaluated by antibody levels only. In addition, the cats tested were adults not kittens; thus, the ability to break through maternal immunity could not be evaluated. Nevertheless, results were informative. While all cats developed detectable FPV and FCV antibody titers; only two cats developed detectable FHV-1 antibody titers indicating two vaccinations are required for adequate protection. For FPV and FHV-1, there were no differences in seroconversion rates between the cats that were given the intranasal versus the injectable vaccine. However, for FCV, the cats that were administered the IN FVRCP vaccine were more likely to seroconvert earlier than cats that were administered the injectable vaccine. These results suggest that the FVRCP vaccine administered IN should be considered in populations of FCV naive cats with high risk of exposure. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
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.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lappin, M. R., J. Andrews, et al. (2002). "Use of serologic tests to predict resistance to feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, and feline parvovirus infection in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 220(1): 38-42.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Lappin, M. R., J. Veir, et al. (2009). "Feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1, and feline calicivirus antibody responses in seronegative specific pathogen-free cats after a single administration of two different modified live FVRCP vaccines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 159-162.

Researchers at Colorado State University evaluated the antibody response of cats to a single inoculation of one of two modified live vaccines containing feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These pathogens commonly infect cats, and some cats at greatest risk, such as those in shelters or pet stores, may suffer severe disease, or even death. In these situations, rapid onset of immunity following vaccination is needed. The investigators sought to determine the timing of seroconversion in 10 seronegative cats following a single vaccination with either an intranasal vaccine or one given subcutaneously (both are commercially available vaccines). This study had limitations, in that the number of cats tested were small, and protection was evaluated by antibody levels only. In addition, the cats tested were adults not kittens; thus, the ability to break through maternal immunity could not be evaluated. Nevertheless, results were informative. While all cats developed detectable FPV and FCV antibody titers; only two cats developed detectable FHV-1 antibody titers indicating two vaccinations are required for adequate protection. For FPV and FHV-1, there were no differences in seroconversion rates between the cats that were given the intranasal versus the injectable vaccine. However, for FCV, the cats that were administered the IN FVRCP vaccine were more likely to seroconvert earlier than cats that were administered the injectable vaccine. These results suggest that the FVRCP vaccine administered IN should be considered in populations of FCV naive cats with high risk of exposure. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
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.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lappin, M. R., J. Andrews, et al. (2002). "Use of serologic tests to predict resistance to feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, and feline parvovirus infection in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 220(1): 38-42.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More