Oxidative Stress in Feline Diabetes

Webb, C. B. and L. Falkowski (2009). "Oxidative stress and innate immunity in feline patients with diabetes mellitus: the role of nutrition." J Feline Med Surg 11(4): 271-6.

The study was performed to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress is increased and neutrophil function is decreased in cats with diabetes mellitus (DM). Oxidative stress is considered a key component in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people. It is estimated that 85% of cats with DM are type 2 diabetics. The study included 20 control and 15 diabetic cats with measurements for oxidative stress and neutrophil function. The cats were fed a diet designed for feline diabetics (Purina DM Dietetic Management Feline Formula) for 8 weeks, and then assays were repeated. Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly less in cats with DM than the control cats, consistent with a greater degree of oxidative stress in the DM group. Glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme, was increased significantly in both groups following 8 weeks of consuming a diabetes-specific diet. Other parameters of oxidative stress studied, plus neutrophil function, were similar between groups and did not change following dietary intervention. The DM cats were significantly older and heavier than the control cats and these factors could have affected differences between the two groups. The findings support continued study of antioxidant supplementation and dietary intervention in diabetic cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Webb, C. B., K. W. McCord, et al. (2009). "Assessment of oxidative stress in leukocytes and granulocyte function following oral administration of a silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex in cats." American Journal of Veterinary Research 70(1): 57-62.
>> PubMed Abstract

Webb, C. B., T. L. Lehman, et al. (2008). "Effects of an oral superoxide dismutase enzyme supplementation on indices of oxidative stress, proviral load, and CD4:CD8 ratios in asymptomatic FIV-infected cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(5): 423-430.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Webb, C. B. and L. Falkowski (2009). "Oxidative stress and innate immunity in feline patients with diabetes mellitus: the role of nutrition." J Feline Med Surg 11(4): 271-6.

The study was performed to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress is increased and neutrophil function is decreased in cats with diabetes mellitus (DM). Oxidative stress is considered a key component in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people. It is estimated that 85% of cats with DM are type 2 diabetics. The study included 20 control and 15 diabetic cats with measurements for oxidative stress and neutrophil function. The cats were fed a diet designed for feline diabetics (Purina DM Dietetic Management Feline Formula) for 8 weeks, and then assays were repeated. Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly less in cats with DM than the control cats, consistent with a greater degree of oxidative stress in the DM group. Glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme, was increased significantly in both groups following 8 weeks of consuming a diabetes-specific diet. Other parameters of oxidative stress studied, plus neutrophil function, were similar between groups and did not change following dietary intervention. The DM cats were significantly older and heavier than the control cats and these factors could have affected differences between the two groups. The findings support continued study of antioxidant supplementation and dietary intervention in diabetic cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Webb, C. B., K. W. McCord, et al. (2009). "Assessment of oxidative stress in leukocytes and granulocyte function following oral administration of a silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex in cats." American Journal of Veterinary Research 70(1): 57-62.
>> PubMed Abstract

Webb, C. B., T. L. Lehman, et al. (2008). "Effects of an oral superoxide dismutase enzyme supplementation on indices of oxidative stress, proviral load, and CD4:CD8 ratios in asymptomatic FIV-infected cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(5): 423-430.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Cats and Zoonotic Parasites

Overgaauw, P. A., L. van Zutphen, et al. (2009). "Zoonotic parasites in fecal samples and fur from dogs and cats in The Netherlands." Vet Parasitol 163(1-2): 115-122.

All pet owners need to be aware of the risks of zoonotic pathogens - diseases which can be shared by animals and people. The purpose of this study from the Netherlands was to determine if healthy cats and dogs harbor zoonotic parasite infections, and to evaluate interactions between pets and owners. Both fecal and hair samples were collected from healthy cats and dogs in Dutch veterinary clinics, representing 159 households. Information and samples were collected on 152 dogs and 60 cats. Toxocara (roundworm) eggs were found in 4.6% of the cat fecal samples and in 3.4% of the cat fur samples. However, none of the eggs found in fur were viable. Giardia was isolated from 13.6% of the cat fecal samples and Cryptosporidium was isolated from 4.6% of the cat samples. In evaluating interactions between owners and pets, 50% of owners said they allowed the pet to lick their face, 60% of pets visited the bedroom, 60% of cats are allowed to sleep on the bed, and 30% of cats sleep with the owner in bed. Other interesting findings were that 45% of cats were allowed to jump into the kitchen sink, and 8% of cat owners always washed their hands after contact with their pet. The researchers conclude that close physical contact between owners and cats is common, and must be recognized as a risk factor for transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Owners should be informed about hygiene and risks of disease transmission. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Palmer, C. S., I. D. Robertson, et al. (2009). "Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats in Australia: The veterinarian's perspective and pet owner awareness." Vet J.
>> PubMed Abstract

Stull, J. W., A. P. Carr, et al. (2007). "Small animal deworming protocols, client education, and veterinarian perception of zoonotic parasites in western Canada." Can Vet J 48(3): 269-76.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Overgaauw, P. A., L. van Zutphen, et al. (2009). "Zoonotic parasites in fecal samples and fur from dogs and cats in The Netherlands." Vet Parasitol 163(1-2): 115-122.

All pet owners need to be aware of the risks of zoonotic pathogens - diseases which can be shared by animals and people. The purpose of this study from the Netherlands was to determine if healthy cats and dogs harbor zoonotic parasite infections, and to evaluate interactions between pets and owners. Both fecal and hair samples were collected from healthy cats and dogs in Dutch veterinary clinics, representing 159 households. Information and samples were collected on 152 dogs and 60 cats. Toxocara (roundworm) eggs were found in 4.6% of the cat fecal samples and in 3.4% of the cat fur samples. However, none of the eggs found in fur were viable. Giardia was isolated from 13.6% of the cat fecal samples and Cryptosporidium was isolated from 4.6% of the cat samples. In evaluating interactions between owners and pets, 50% of owners said they allowed the pet to lick their face, 60% of pets visited the bedroom, 60% of cats are allowed to sleep on the bed, and 30% of cats sleep with the owner in bed. Other interesting findings were that 45% of cats were allowed to jump into the kitchen sink, and 8% of cat owners always washed their hands after contact with their pet. The researchers conclude that close physical contact between owners and cats is common, and must be recognized as a risk factor for transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Owners should be informed about hygiene and risks of disease transmission. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Palmer, C. S., I. D. Robertson, et al. (2009). "Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats in Australia: The veterinarian's perspective and pet owner awareness." Vet J.
>> PubMed Abstract

Stull, J. W., A. P. Carr, et al. (2007). "Small animal deworming protocols, client education, and veterinarian perception of zoonotic parasites in western Canada." Can Vet J 48(3): 269-76.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

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