Thursday, July 8, 2010
Spleen Biopsies in Cats
Leblanc, C.J., L.L. Head, and M.M. Fry, Comparison of aspiration and nonaspiration techniques for obtaining cytologic samples from the canine and feline spleen. Vet Clin Pathol, 2009. 38(2): p. 242-6.
The objective of the study was to compare the quality of splenic cytology specimens obtained using aspiration versus nonaspiration techniques. Along with 24 dogs, 7 client-owned cats were evaluated. Two clinical pathologists were used to blindly and independently score the samples for cellularity, amount of blood, and preservation of cellular morphology. The aspiration technique is performed by using a 22-25 G needle and a 6-20 mL syringe to apply suction and obtain negative pressure for cellular yield. In the nonaspiration technique, a 22-25 G needle is guided into the target organ and incompletely retracted and redirected several times in an attempt to shear and displace cells into the cylinder of the needle. The authors concluded the nonaspiration technique is recommended for obtaining more cellular, less hemodiluted cytologic specimens of the feline spleen. [VT]
Related articles:
Ballegeer, E.A., et al., Correlation of ultrasonographic appearance of lesions and cytologic and histologic diagnoses in splenic aspirates from dogs and cats: 32 cases (2002-2005). J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2007. 230(5): p. 690-6.
More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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The objective of the study was to compare the quality of splenic cytology specimens obtained using aspiration versus nonaspiration techniques. Along with 24 dogs, 7 client-owned cats were evaluated. Two clinical pathologists were used to blindly and independently score the samples for cellularity, amount of blood, and preservation of cellular morphology. The aspiration technique is performed by using a 22-25 G needle and a 6-20 mL syringe to apply suction and obtain negative pressure for cellular yield. In the nonaspiration technique, a 22-25 G needle is guided into the target organ and incompletely retracted and redirected several times in an attempt to shear and displace cells into the cylinder of the needle. The authors concluded the nonaspiration technique is recommended for obtaining more cellular, less hemodiluted cytologic specimens of the feline spleen. [VT]
Related articles:
Ballegeer, E.A., et al., Correlation of ultrasonographic appearance of lesions and cytologic and histologic diagnoses in splenic aspirates from dogs and cats: 32 cases (2002-2005). J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2007. 230(5): p. 690-6.
More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Leblanc, C.J., L.L. Head, and M.M. Fry, Comparison of aspiration and nonaspiration techniques for obtaining cytologic samples from the canine and feline spleen. Vet Clin Pathol, 2009. 38(2): p. 242-6.
The objective of the study was to compare the quality of splenic cytology specimens obtained using aspiration versus nonaspiration techniques. Along with 24 dogs, 7 client-owned cats were evaluated. Two clinical pathologists were used to blindly and independently score the samples for cellularity, amount of blood, and preservation of cellular morphology. The aspiration technique is performed by using a 22-25 G needle and a 6-20 mL syringe to apply suction and obtain negative pressure for cellular yield. In the nonaspiration technique, a 22-25 G needle is guided into the target organ and incompletely retracted and redirected several times in an attempt to shear and displace cells into the cylinder of the needle. The authors concluded the nonaspiration technique is recommended for obtaining more cellular, less hemodiluted cytologic specimens of the feline spleen. [VT]
Related articles:
Ballegeer, E.A., et al., Correlation of ultrasonographic appearance of lesions and cytologic and histologic diagnoses in splenic aspirates from dogs and cats: 32 cases (2002-2005). J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2007. 230(5): p. 690-6.
More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Follow us on Twitter
Read More
The objective of the study was to compare the quality of splenic cytology specimens obtained using aspiration versus nonaspiration techniques. Along with 24 dogs, 7 client-owned cats were evaluated. Two clinical pathologists were used to blindly and independently score the samples for cellularity, amount of blood, and preservation of cellular morphology. The aspiration technique is performed by using a 22-25 G needle and a 6-20 mL syringe to apply suction and obtain negative pressure for cellular yield. In the nonaspiration technique, a 22-25 G needle is guided into the target organ and incompletely retracted and redirected several times in an attempt to shear and displace cells into the cylinder of the needle. The authors concluded the nonaspiration technique is recommended for obtaining more cellular, less hemodiluted cytologic specimens of the feline spleen. [VT]
Related articles:
Ballegeer, E.A., et al., Correlation of ultrasonographic appearance of lesions and cytologic and histologic diagnoses in splenic aspirates from dogs and cats: 32 cases (2002-2005). J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2007. 230(5): p. 690-6.
More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Ringworm in a Cat Shelter
Carlotti, D.N., et al., Eradication of feline dermatophytosis in a shelter: a field study. Vet Dermatol, 2009. 21(3): p. 259-266.
Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal skin infection affecting many animals, as well as humans. In otherwise healthy cats, it is self-curing, resolving in several months. Treatment, however, shortens the course and prevents spread, including to humans. This is particularly important in a shelter situation where infection can impede adoptions, and is a risk for staff and visitors. This report describes a successful eradication of fungal infection from a shelter in the UK. The authors used a three-area method in the existing facility. One area was used to isolate cats with lesions and positive skin culture; cats with no lesions, but positive by fungal culture were placed in a separate area; and healthy, fungus-free cats were kept in a third area. Cats in the first two groups were treated topically (enilconazole) and systemically (itraconazole). In addition, the environments were sampled every three weeks using a dust-catching cloth. Sequential use of detergent (cleaning) and 1% sodium hypochlorite (disinfection) were used on premises and materials. Cats were not moved into group C (fungal-free) until two negative culture results (done every two weeks). The protocol described did have a significant cost but proved successful in eradicating fungal infections from the shelter housing approximately 140 cats. In addition, by isolating incoming animals initially and assessing for infection, maintenance of fungal-free population was possible. [MK]
Related articles:
Newbury, S., et al., 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, 2007. 18(5): p. 324-31.
More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal skin infection affecting many animals, as well as humans. In otherwise healthy cats, it is self-curing, resolving in several months. Treatment, however, shortens the course and prevents spread, including to humans. This is particularly important in a shelter situation where infection can impede adoptions, and is a risk for staff and visitors. This report describes a successful eradication of fungal infection from a shelter in the UK. The authors used a three-area method in the existing facility. One area was used to isolate cats with lesions and positive skin culture; cats with no lesions, but positive by fungal culture were placed in a separate area; and healthy, fungus-free cats were kept in a third area. Cats in the first two groups were treated topically (enilconazole) and systemically (itraconazole). In addition, the environments were sampled every three weeks using a dust-catching cloth. Sequential use of detergent (cleaning) and 1% sodium hypochlorite (disinfection) were used on premises and materials. Cats were not moved into group C (fungal-free) until two negative culture results (done every two weeks). The protocol described did have a significant cost but proved successful in eradicating fungal infections from the shelter housing approximately 140 cats. In addition, by isolating incoming animals initially and assessing for infection, maintenance of fungal-free population was possible. [MK]
Related articles:
Newbury, S., et al., 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, 2007. 18(5): p. 324-31.
More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Carlotti, D.N., et al., Eradication of feline dermatophytosis in a shelter: a field study. Vet Dermatol, 2009. 21(3): p. 259-266.
Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal skin infection affecting many animals, as well as humans. In otherwise healthy cats, it is self-curing, resolving in several months. Treatment, however, shortens the course and prevents spread, including to humans. This is particularly important in a shelter situation where infection can impede adoptions, and is a risk for staff and visitors. This report describes a successful eradication of fungal infection from a shelter in the UK. The authors used a three-area method in the existing facility. One area was used to isolate cats with lesions and positive skin culture; cats with no lesions, but positive by fungal culture were placed in a separate area; and healthy, fungus-free cats were kept in a third area. Cats in the first two groups were treated topically (enilconazole) and systemically (itraconazole). In addition, the environments were sampled every three weeks using a dust-catching cloth. Sequential use of detergent (cleaning) and 1% sodium hypochlorite (disinfection) were used on premises and materials. Cats were not moved into group C (fungal-free) until two negative culture results (done every two weeks). The protocol described did have a significant cost but proved successful in eradicating fungal infections from the shelter housing approximately 140 cats. In addition, by isolating incoming animals initially and assessing for infection, maintenance of fungal-free population was possible. [MK]
Related articles:
Newbury, S., et al., 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, 2007. 18(5): p. 324-31.
More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read More
Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal skin infection affecting many animals, as well as humans. In otherwise healthy cats, it is self-curing, resolving in several months. Treatment, however, shortens the course and prevents spread, including to humans. This is particularly important in a shelter situation where infection can impede adoptions, and is a risk for staff and visitors. This report describes a successful eradication of fungal infection from a shelter in the UK. The authors used a three-area method in the existing facility. One area was used to isolate cats with lesions and positive skin culture; cats with no lesions, but positive by fungal culture were placed in a separate area; and healthy, fungus-free cats were kept in a third area. Cats in the first two groups were treated topically (enilconazole) and systemically (itraconazole). In addition, the environments were sampled every three weeks using a dust-catching cloth. Sequential use of detergent (cleaning) and 1% sodium hypochlorite (disinfection) were used on premises and materials. Cats were not moved into group C (fungal-free) until two negative culture results (done every two weeks). The protocol described did have a significant cost but proved successful in eradicating fungal infections from the shelter housing approximately 140 cats. In addition, by isolating incoming animals initially and assessing for infection, maintenance of fungal-free population was possible. [MK]
Related articles:
Newbury, S., et al., 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, 2007. 18(5): p. 324-31.
More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure
For people with hypertension, eating dark chocolate can significantly reduce blood pressure. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Medicine combined the results of 15 studies into the effects of flavanols, the compounds in chocolate which cause dilation of blood vessels, on blood pressure.Dr Karin Ried worked with a team of researchers from the University of Adelaide, Australia, to conduct the analysis. She said, "Flavanols have been shown to increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and consequently may lower blood pressure. There have, however, been conflicting results as to the real-life effects of eating chocolate. We've found that consumption can significantly, albeit modestly, reduce blood pressure for people with high blood pressure but not for people with normal blood pressure".
The pressure reduction seen in the combined results for people with hypertension, 5mm Hg systolic, may be clinically relevant – it is comparable to the known effects of 30 daily minutes of physical activity (4-9mm Hg) and could theoretically reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event by about 20% over five years. The researchers are cautious, however, "The practicability of chocolate or cocoa drinks as long-term treatment is questionable", said Dr Ried.
For people with hypertension, eating dark chocolate can significantly reduce blood pressure. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Medicine combined the results of 15 studies into the effects of flavanols, the compounds in chocolate which cause dilation of blood vessels, on blood pressure.Dr Karin Ried worked with a team of researchers from the University of Adelaide, Australia, to conduct the analysis. She said, "Flavanols have been shown to increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and consequently may lower blood pressure. There have, however, been conflicting results as to the real-life effects of eating chocolate. We've found that consumption can significantly, albeit modestly, reduce blood pressure for people with high blood pressure but not for people with normal blood pressure".
The pressure reduction seen in the combined results for people with hypertension, 5mm Hg systolic, may be clinically relevant – it is comparable to the known effects of 30 daily minutes of physical activity (4-9mm Hg) and could theoretically reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event by about 20% over five years. The researchers are cautious, however, "The practicability of chocolate or cocoa drinks as long-term treatment is questionable", said Dr Ried.
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