Which diet is best for chronic diarrhea in cats?

Laflamme DP, Xu H, Cupp CJ, Kerr WW, Ramadan Z and Long GM. Evaluation of canned therapeutic diets for the management of cats with naturally occurring chronic diarrhea. J Feline Med Surg. 2012; 14: 669-77.
 
Dietary therapy has been considered important in the management of many feline gastrointestinal disorders. Low fat diets were for a long period of time the major recommendation for feeding cats with acute and chronic diarrhea. However, a recent double-blinded clinical trial showed that dietary fat did not affect the outcome of diarrhea in cats.

The current study, conducted by Nestle Purina PetCare Co., looked at the clinical efficacy of a new therapeutic diet for cats with diarrhea. Researchers assigned 16 cats with chronic diarrhea to be fed diet X (Hill’s Prescription i/d Feline) or diet Y (Purina Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal Feline Formula) for 4 weeks while fecal scores were recorded daily for the last week on each diet. The process was then repeated by switching each cat to the alternate diet. Diet Y is a canned food formulated to contain high protein, low carbohydrate, moderate fiber (with both soluble and insoluble fibers), and a source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids provide a relative anti-inflammatory effect and may be beneficial in some types of GI disease. Fecal scores improved significantly when both therapeutic diets were fed, but diet Y showed the best results. When fed diet Y, 47% of the cats developed normal stools with dietary change alone. [VT]

See also: Hart ML, Suchodolski JS, Steiner JM and Webb CB. Open-label trial of a multi-strain synbiotic in cats with chronic diarrhea. J Feline Med Surg. 2012; 14: 240-5.

Related blog articles:
Dietary therapy for chronic diarrhea in cats (April 2011)
Intestinal biopsies in cats (April 2010)

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Join us on Google+

Laflamme DP, Xu H, Cupp CJ, Kerr WW, Ramadan Z and Long GM. Evaluation of canned therapeutic diets for the management of cats with naturally occurring chronic diarrhea. J Feline Med Surg. 2012; 14: 669-77.
 
Dietary therapy has been considered important in the management of many feline gastrointestinal disorders. Low fat diets were for a long period of time the major recommendation for feeding cats with acute and chronic diarrhea. However, a recent double-blinded clinical trial showed that dietary fat did not affect the outcome of diarrhea in cats.

The current study, conducted by Nestle Purina PetCare Co., looked at the clinical efficacy of a new therapeutic diet for cats with diarrhea. Researchers assigned 16 cats with chronic diarrhea to be fed diet X (Hill’s Prescription i/d Feline) or diet Y (Purina Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal Feline Formula) for 4 weeks while fecal scores were recorded daily for the last week on each diet. The process was then repeated by switching each cat to the alternate diet. Diet Y is a canned food formulated to contain high protein, low carbohydrate, moderate fiber (with both soluble and insoluble fibers), and a source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids provide a relative anti-inflammatory effect and may be beneficial in some types of GI disease. Fecal scores improved significantly when both therapeutic diets were fed, but diet Y showed the best results. When fed diet Y, 47% of the cats developed normal stools with dietary change alone. [VT]

See also: Hart ML, Suchodolski JS, Steiner JM and Webb CB. Open-label trial of a multi-strain synbiotic in cats with chronic diarrhea. J Feline Med Surg. 2012; 14: 240-5.

Related blog articles:
Dietary therapy for chronic diarrhea in cats (April 2011)
Intestinal biopsies in cats (April 2010)

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Join us on Google+

Read More

Cryptosporidium infection in cats with FeLV or FIV

de Oliveira Lemos F, Almosny NP, Soares AMB, et al. Cryptosporidium species screening using Kinyoun technique in domestic cats with diarrhea. J Feline Med Surg 2012;14:113-117.

C. parvum oocysts

Cryptosporidium is an obligate coccidian that can cause diarrhea. Transmission is primarily through ingestion of contaminated water, though contaminated food and direct contact with animals and contaminated surfaces also can be source of infection. In immune competent animals, infection can be self-limiting. Infection can become severe and chronic in immune compromised patients. Generally, C. felis is a subclinical infection in cats but infection by C. parvum may lead to diarrhea. A common cause of immune suppression in cats is retrovirus infection. This study looked at whether cats infected by a retrovirus are more susceptible to Cryptosporidium infection and whether they exhibit more severe clinical signs. Blood and fecal samples were collected from 60 cats and evaluated for Cryptosporidium and for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibody by ELISA testing. Five cats were found to be shedding oocysts. Of these five cats, four were FeLV positive and one was both FeLV and FIV negative. The cats that were FeLV positive had more severe and chronic diarrhea with a larger number of oocysts, while the FeLV/FIV negative cat had a self-limiting diarrhea. [VT]

See also: Scorza V, Tangtrongsup S. Update on the diagnosis and management of Cryptosporidium spp infections in dogs and cats. Top Companion Anim Med 2010;25:163-169.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+

de Oliveira Lemos F, Almosny NP, Soares AMB, et al. Cryptosporidium species screening using Kinyoun technique in domestic cats with diarrhea. J Feline Med Surg 2012;14:113-117.

C. parvum oocysts

Cryptosporidium is an obligate coccidian that can cause diarrhea. Transmission is primarily through ingestion of contaminated water, though contaminated food and direct contact with animals and contaminated surfaces also can be source of infection. In immune competent animals, infection can be self-limiting. Infection can become severe and chronic in immune compromised patients. Generally, C. felis is a subclinical infection in cats but infection by C. parvum may lead to diarrhea. A common cause of immune suppression in cats is retrovirus infection. This study looked at whether cats infected by a retrovirus are more susceptible to Cryptosporidium infection and whether they exhibit more severe clinical signs. Blood and fecal samples were collected from 60 cats and evaluated for Cryptosporidium and for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibody by ELISA testing. Five cats were found to be shedding oocysts. Of these five cats, four were FeLV positive and one was both FeLV and FIV negative. The cats that were FeLV positive had more severe and chronic diarrhea with a larger number of oocysts, while the FeLV/FIV negative cat had a self-limiting diarrhea. [VT]

See also: Scorza V, Tangtrongsup S. Update on the diagnosis and management of Cryptosporidium spp infections in dogs and cats. Top Companion Anim Med 2010;25:163-169.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+

Read More

Adoption of Shelter Kittens

Litster A, Allen J, Mohamed A et al: Risk factors for delays between intake and veterinary approval for adoption on medical grounds in shelter puppies and kittens, Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:107, 2011.

In shelter and rescue situations, it is very important to identify highly adoptable animals whose adoptions are unlikely to be delayed for medical reasons. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for delays on medical grounds from intake to approval for adoption in shelter puppies and kittens. Records from over 300 puppies and 300 kittens in a large metropolitan shelter were examined. Not surprisingly, kittens exhibiting respiratory or gastrointestinal problems upon intake were more likely to have delayed adoption. Older kittens were less likely than young kittens to experience this delay. Stray kittens, as opposed to owner-relinquished kittens, or kittens transferred from another shelter, were more likely to experience delays for adoption. Prompt antimicrobial therapy for infectious diseases was associated with a significant decrease in the delay for adoption. Additional studies at other shelters will be useful, but this study indicates that rapid treatment of kittens and puppies with mild infections is very important to decrease their time in a shelter. [MK]

Related articles: Bannasch M, Foley J: Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple respiratory pathogens in cats in animal shelters, J Feline Med Surg 7:109, 2005.

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

Litster A, Allen J, Mohamed A et al: Risk factors for delays between intake and veterinary approval for adoption on medical grounds in shelter puppies and kittens, Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:107, 2011.

In shelter and rescue situations, it is very important to identify highly adoptable animals whose adoptions are unlikely to be delayed for medical reasons. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for delays on medical grounds from intake to approval for adoption in shelter puppies and kittens. Records from over 300 puppies and 300 kittens in a large metropolitan shelter were examined. Not surprisingly, kittens exhibiting respiratory or gastrointestinal problems upon intake were more likely to have delayed adoption. Older kittens were less likely than young kittens to experience this delay. Stray kittens, as opposed to owner-relinquished kittens, or kittens transferred from another shelter, were more likely to experience delays for adoption. Prompt antimicrobial therapy for infectious diseases was associated with a significant decrease in the delay for adoption. Additional studies at other shelters will be useful, but this study indicates that rapid treatment of kittens and puppies with mild infections is very important to decrease their time in a shelter. [MK]

Related articles: Bannasch M, Foley J: Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple respiratory pathogens in cats in animal shelters, J Feline Med Surg 7:109, 2005.

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

Read More

Dietary Therapy for Chronic Diarrhea in Cats

Laflamme DP, Xu H, Long GM: Effect of diets differing in fat content on chronic diarrhea in cats, J Vet Intern Med 25:230, 2011. 

Dietary management of gastrointestinal (GI) disease is advocated as another specific or symptomatic means to control clinical signs, such as diarrhea. Fat-restricted diets have long been recommended in dogs with diarrhea. Recent recommendations suggest feeding moderate to high fat diets (e.g., 15-25% fat on a dry basis) in cats with diarrhea, though no published studies support either a low-fat or high-fat diet recommendation. This study compared the clinical response of 60 pet cats with chronic diarrhea to dietary management using a digestible high-fat or low-fat diet. Fifty-five cats completed the double-blinded, controlled clinical trial where cats were fed 1 of the 2 diets for 6 weeks. Owners recorded fecal scores daily using an illustrated fecal score chart. Fecal scores improved significantly with over one-third of the cats developing normal stools. However, there were no differences in the response between the two diets, indicating that the amount of dietary fat does not appear to be an important factor in dietary management of cats with diarrhea. Clinical improvement was noted within the first week and a maximum effect within 3 weeks. This response would suggest if cats do not respond within 3 weeks, further evaluation is indicated. Also, it was noted that cats with low serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) concentrations at the beginning of the study had a slightly increased risk of not responding or not responding as well to dietary change. [VT]

Related articles:

Zoran D: Nutritional management of gastrointestinal disease, Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 18:211, 2003.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Join us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Laflamme DP, Xu H, Long GM: Effect of diets differing in fat content on chronic diarrhea in cats, J Vet Intern Med 25:230, 2011. 

Dietary management of gastrointestinal (GI) disease is advocated as another specific or symptomatic means to control clinical signs, such as diarrhea. Fat-restricted diets have long been recommended in dogs with diarrhea. Recent recommendations suggest feeding moderate to high fat diets (e.g., 15-25% fat on a dry basis) in cats with diarrhea, though no published studies support either a low-fat or high-fat diet recommendation. This study compared the clinical response of 60 pet cats with chronic diarrhea to dietary management using a digestible high-fat or low-fat diet. Fifty-five cats completed the double-blinded, controlled clinical trial where cats were fed 1 of the 2 diets for 6 weeks. Owners recorded fecal scores daily using an illustrated fecal score chart. Fecal scores improved significantly with over one-third of the cats developing normal stools. However, there were no differences in the response between the two diets, indicating that the amount of dietary fat does not appear to be an important factor in dietary management of cats with diarrhea. Clinical improvement was noted within the first week and a maximum effect within 3 weeks. This response would suggest if cats do not respond within 3 weeks, further evaluation is indicated. Also, it was noted that cats with low serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) concentrations at the beginning of the study had a slightly increased risk of not responding or not responding as well to dietary change. [VT]

Related articles:

Zoran D: Nutritional management of gastrointestinal disease, Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 18:211, 2003.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Join us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Read More

Tritrichomonas in Cats in Italy

Holliday, M., D. Deni, and D.A. Gunn-Moore, Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in a rescue colony in Italy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(2): p. 131-134.

Tritrichomonus foetus is protozoan parasite causing diarrhea in cats. Clinical signs are those of large bowel diarrhea, and include increased frequency of defecation, semi-formed to liquid feces, foul-smelling feces with fresh blood and mucus, and fecal incontinence. Affected cats are typically well otherwise. There are various methods of diagnosing T. foetus infection in cats, such as PCR on feces and fecal culture. Most reports of T. foetus infection in cats have come from the U.S., but there are a few reports from other countries, such as the U.K. and Germany. In this report, fecal samples from 74 cats with chronic large bowel diarrhea living in a rescue colony in Tuscany were submitted for T. foetus diagnostics. Most were rescued street cats, but some were surrendered by owners. Of the 74 cats, almost 1/3 were found to be infected with T. foetus. The infected cats were predominantly over a year of age and were all neutered non-pedigreed, domestic cats. The investigators conclude that the prevalence of T. foetus may be more widely distributed than previously thought. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Stockdale, H.D., et al., Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol, 2009. 160(1-2): p. 13-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Frey, C.F., et al., Intestinal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats in Switzerland detected by in vitro cultivation and PCR. Parasitol Res, 2009. 104(4): p. 783-88.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

Holliday, M., D. Deni, and D.A. Gunn-Moore, Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in a rescue colony in Italy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(2): p. 131-134.

Tritrichomonus foetus is protozoan parasite causing diarrhea in cats. Clinical signs are those of large bowel diarrhea, and include increased frequency of defecation, semi-formed to liquid feces, foul-smelling feces with fresh blood and mucus, and fecal incontinence. Affected cats are typically well otherwise. There are various methods of diagnosing T. foetus infection in cats, such as PCR on feces and fecal culture. Most reports of T. foetus infection in cats have come from the U.S., but there are a few reports from other countries, such as the U.K. and Germany. In this report, fecal samples from 74 cats with chronic large bowel diarrhea living in a rescue colony in Tuscany were submitted for T. foetus diagnostics. Most were rescued street cats, but some were surrendered by owners. Of the 74 cats, almost 1/3 were found to be infected with T. foetus. The infected cats were predominantly over a year of age and were all neutered non-pedigreed, domestic cats. The investigators conclude that the prevalence of T. foetus may be more widely distributed than previously thought. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Stockdale, H.D., et al., Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol, 2009. 160(1-2): p. 13-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Frey, C.F., et al., Intestinal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats in Switzerland detected by in vitro cultivation and PCR. Parasitol Res, 2009. 104(4): p. 783-88.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

Read More

Tritrichomonas Diarrhea in Cats

Stockdale HD, Givens MD, Dykstra CC, et al. Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol 2009;160:13-17.

Tritrichomonas foetus causes chronic large bowel diarrhea in cats associated with blood or mucus, flatulence, tenesmus, vomiting, weight loss, and anal irritation. Most reports in the literature are since 1996. The objective of this was to estimate the prevalence of T. foetus in pet cats across the United States. Fecal samples from 173 cats across the U.S. were submitted by veterinarians. Thirty-two pedigreed cats were represented. In this study population, 10% of the cats were positive for T. foetus. All positive cats had chronic large bowel diarrhea. There was no correlation between breed or gender and infection with T. foetus. Other enteric pathogens, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, were present in nine of the 17 positive cats. The results of this study suggest that trichomoniasis is a disease of younger male and female cats of all breeds. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gunn-Moore DA, McCann TM, Reed N, et al. Prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in the UK. J Feline Med Surg 2007;9:214-218.
>> PubMed Abstract

Gookin JL, Copple CN, Papich MG, et al. Efficacy of ronidazole for treatment of feline Tritrichomonas foetus infection. J Vet Intern Med 2006;20:536-543.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Stockdale HD, Givens MD, Dykstra CC, et al. Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol 2009;160:13-17.

Tritrichomonas foetus causes chronic large bowel diarrhea in cats associated with blood or mucus, flatulence, tenesmus, vomiting, weight loss, and anal irritation. Most reports in the literature are since 1996. The objective of this was to estimate the prevalence of T. foetus in pet cats across the United States. Fecal samples from 173 cats across the U.S. were submitted by veterinarians. Thirty-two pedigreed cats were represented. In this study population, 10% of the cats were positive for T. foetus. All positive cats had chronic large bowel diarrhea. There was no correlation between breed or gender and infection with T. foetus. Other enteric pathogens, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, were present in nine of the 17 positive cats. The results of this study suggest that trichomoniasis is a disease of younger male and female cats of all breeds. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gunn-Moore DA, McCann TM, Reed N, et al. Prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in the UK. J Feline Med Surg 2007;9:214-218.
>> PubMed Abstract

Gookin JL, Copple CN, Papich MG, et al. Efficacy of ronidazole for treatment of feline Tritrichomonas foetus infection. J Vet Intern Med 2006;20:536-543.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Probiotics for Cats

Wynn, S. G. (2009). "Probiotics in veterinary practice." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 234(5): 606-613.

The definition of a probiotic is one of several “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” Probiotics have luminal and mucosal effects in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract is the largest immune organ of the body. Mucosal effects would include interactions with immune cells and enterocytes. Luminal effects include chemical changes in ingesta and mucus as a result of the probiotic activity. Cats and dogs have high numbers of bacteria in the proximal portion of the gastrointestinal tract, more so than seen in humans. Cat feces contain high number of anaerobic bacteria, so the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus has been evaluated in the cat. The use of probiotics clearly seems to enhance immune function in cats and seems to have a role in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea). Other clinical effects are still being considered. However, probiotic products have a large variation in quality control and the safety factor is still being evaluated. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weese, J. S. (2002). "Microbiologic evaluation of commercial probiotics." J Am Vet Med Assoc 220(6): 794-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Weese, J. S. (2003). "Evaluation of deficiencies in labeling of commercial probiotics." Can Vet J 44(12): 982-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Wynn, S. G. (2009). "Probiotics in veterinary practice." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 234(5): 606-613.

The definition of a probiotic is one of several “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” Probiotics have luminal and mucosal effects in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract is the largest immune organ of the body. Mucosal effects would include interactions with immune cells and enterocytes. Luminal effects include chemical changes in ingesta and mucus as a result of the probiotic activity. Cats and dogs have high numbers of bacteria in the proximal portion of the gastrointestinal tract, more so than seen in humans. Cat feces contain high number of anaerobic bacteria, so the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus has been evaluated in the cat. The use of probiotics clearly seems to enhance immune function in cats and seems to have a role in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea). Other clinical effects are still being considered. However, probiotic products have a large variation in quality control and the safety factor is still being evaluated. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weese, J. S. (2002). "Microbiologic evaluation of commercial probiotics." J Am Vet Med Assoc 220(6): 794-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Weese, J. S. (2003). "Evaluation of deficiencies in labeling of commercial probiotics." Can Vet J 44(12): 982-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Fecal Parvovirus Testing in Cats

Neuerer, F. F., K. Horlacher, et al. (2008). "Comparison of different in-house test systems to detect parvovirus in faeces of cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 247-251.

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a common infection of domestic cats. The disease is highly contagious and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in kittens. The virus is highly resistant and can survive up to 1 year in infected organic material. Clinical signs in cats are variable and leukopenia is not always present at the time of presentation. In-house tests for the detection of fecal canine parvovirus and/or FPV antigen for use in veterinary practice have become available. The close structural and antigenic relation of FPV and canine parvoviruses offers the possibility to test cats for FPV with the same test kit used for dogs. This study was designed to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of 5 commercial tests and to assess their sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. In total, 200 fecal samples from randomly selected healthy cats (148) and cats with diarrhea (52) were tested and compared with the results of examination by electron microscopy. Ten cats were positive for FPV and all of these had diarrhea. All tests were suitable to screen cats for fecal parvovirus excretion. In-house parvovirus tests may be positive up to 2 weeks after vaccination, and therefore, in recently vaccinated cats positive results do not necessarily mean infection.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Patterson, E. V., M. J. Reese, et al. (2007). "Effect of vaccination on parvovirus antigen testing in kittens." J Am Vet Med Assoc 230(3): 359-63.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Neuerer, F. F., K. Horlacher, et al. (2008). "Comparison of different in-house test systems to detect parvovirus in faeces of cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 247-251.

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a common infection of domestic cats. The disease is highly contagious and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in kittens. The virus is highly resistant and can survive up to 1 year in infected organic material. Clinical signs in cats are variable and leukopenia is not always present at the time of presentation. In-house tests for the detection of fecal canine parvovirus and/or FPV antigen for use in veterinary practice have become available. The close structural and antigenic relation of FPV and canine parvoviruses offers the possibility to test cats for FPV with the same test kit used for dogs. This study was designed to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of 5 commercial tests and to assess their sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. In total, 200 fecal samples from randomly selected healthy cats (148) and cats with diarrhea (52) were tested and compared with the results of examination by electron microscopy. Ten cats were positive for FPV and all of these had diarrhea. All tests were suitable to screen cats for fecal parvovirus excretion. In-house parvovirus tests may be positive up to 2 weeks after vaccination, and therefore, in recently vaccinated cats positive results do not necessarily mean infection.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Patterson, E. V., M. J. Reese, et al. (2007). "Effect of vaccination on parvovirus antigen testing in kittens." J Am Vet Med Assoc 230(3): 359-63.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Clostridium difficile in Hospitalized Cats

Clooten, J., S. Kruth, et al. (2008). "Prevalence and risk factors for Clostridium difficile colonization in dogs and cats hospitalized in an intensive care unit." Vet Microbiol 129(1-2): 209-14.

Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of hospital- and antimicrobial-associated diarrhea in hospitalized humans. A prospective study of C. difficile colonization in dogs and cats was conducted in a veterinary teaching hospital intensive care unit (ICU). Rectal swabs were taken from patients upon admission to the ICU and every third day of hospitalization until discharge or death. C. difficile was isolated from 73/402 (18%) animals; 69% of isolates were toxigenic. Community-associated colonization was identified in 39/366 (11%) of animals that were sampled at the time of admission, while C. difficile was subsequently isolated from 27 of the remaining 327 (8.3%) animals that had a negative admission swab. Administration of antimicrobials prior to admission and administration of immunosuppressive drugs during hospitalization were risk factors for hospital-associated colonization. Acquisition of C. difficile during hospitalization in the ICU was associated with the development of diarrhea.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Weese, J. and J. Armstrong (2003). "Outbreak of Clostridium difficile-associated disease in a small animal veterinary teaching hospital." J Vet Intern Med 17(6): 813-816.
>> PubMed abstract

Madewell, B. R., J. K. Bea, et al. (1999). "Clostridium difficile: a survey of fecal carriage in cats in a veterinary medical teaching hospital." J Vet Diagn Invest 11(1): 50-4.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Clooten, J., S. Kruth, et al. (2008). "Prevalence and risk factors for Clostridium difficile colonization in dogs and cats hospitalized in an intensive care unit." Vet Microbiol 129(1-2): 209-14.

Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of hospital- and antimicrobial-associated diarrhea in hospitalized humans. A prospective study of C. difficile colonization in dogs and cats was conducted in a veterinary teaching hospital intensive care unit (ICU). Rectal swabs were taken from patients upon admission to the ICU and every third day of hospitalization until discharge or death. C. difficile was isolated from 73/402 (18%) animals; 69% of isolates were toxigenic. Community-associated colonization was identified in 39/366 (11%) of animals that were sampled at the time of admission, while C. difficile was subsequently isolated from 27 of the remaining 327 (8.3%) animals that had a negative admission swab. Administration of antimicrobials prior to admission and administration of immunosuppressive drugs during hospitalization were risk factors for hospital-associated colonization. Acquisition of C. difficile during hospitalization in the ICU was associated with the development of diarrhea.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Weese, J. and J. Armstrong (2003). "Outbreak of Clostridium difficile-associated disease in a small animal veterinary teaching hospital." J Vet Intern Med 17(6): 813-816.
>> PubMed abstract

Madewell, B. R., J. K. Bea, et al. (1999). "Clostridium difficile: a survey of fecal carriage in cats in a veterinary medical teaching hospital." J Vet Diagn Invest 11(1): 50-4.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Tritrichomonas Infection in the Uterus of a Cat

Dahlgren, S. S., B. Gjerde, et al. (2007). "First record of natural Tritrichomonas foetus infection of the feline uterus." J Small Anim Pract 48(11): 654-7.

Tritrichomonas foetus is an emerging intestinal parasite of cats, causing chronic large bowel diarrhea. In cattle, this protozoan parasite is a sexually transmitted pathogen, infecting the uterus of cows and the preputial cavity and urethral orifice of bulls. In this case report, the first feline record of T. foetus infection of the uterus is described in a 17-month old Exotic Shorthair queen in Norway with pyometra. This queen had no history of diarrhea. Three other cats in the cattery were diagnosed with T. foetus infection using PCR on fecal samples: a 4.5-year old Persian male with intermittent diarrhea, a 22-month old male Exotic Shorthair with normal feces, and a 2.5-year old female Persian with normal feces. Interestingly, T. foetus has never been identified in cattle in Norway, although it is a reportable disease.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Winn funded research
Kather, E. J., S. L. Marks, et al. (2007). "Determination of the in vitro susceptibility of feline Tritrichomonas foetus to 5 antimicrobial agents." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 966-70.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Dahlgren, S. S., B. Gjerde, et al. (2007). "First record of natural Tritrichomonas foetus infection of the feline uterus." J Small Anim Pract 48(11): 654-7.

Tritrichomonas foetus is an emerging intestinal parasite of cats, causing chronic large bowel diarrhea. In cattle, this protozoan parasite is a sexually transmitted pathogen, infecting the uterus of cows and the preputial cavity and urethral orifice of bulls. In this case report, the first feline record of T. foetus infection of the uterus is described in a 17-month old Exotic Shorthair queen in Norway with pyometra. This queen had no history of diarrhea. Three other cats in the cattery were diagnosed with T. foetus infection using PCR on fecal samples: a 4.5-year old Persian male with intermittent diarrhea, a 22-month old male Exotic Shorthair with normal feces, and a 2.5-year old female Persian with normal feces. Interestingly, T. foetus has never been identified in cattle in Norway, although it is a reportable disease.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Winn funded research
Kather, E. J., S. L. Marks, et al. (2007). "Determination of the in vitro susceptibility of feline Tritrichomonas foetus to 5 antimicrobial agents." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 966-70.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Outcome of Cats with Lymphoma

Kiselow, M. A., K. M. Rassnick, et al. (2008). "Outcome of cats with low-grade lymphocytic lymphoma: 41 cases (1995-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(3): 405-10.

This retrospective case series looked at 41 cats with confirmed lymphoma of various organs treated with prednisone and chlorambucil. Common clinical signs included vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and diarrhea. The majority of cats tested had low serum cobalamin levels. Most cats (68%) had lymphoma confined to the gastrointestinal tract. A complete response to treatment was achieved in 58% of cats, and 39% achieved a partial response. Overall median survival time was 704 days. This study shows that most cats diagnosed with lymphocytic lymphoma will respond to treatment with prednisone and chlorambucil.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hadden, A. G., S. M. Cotter, et al. (2008). "Efficacy and Toxicosis of VELCAP-C Treatment of Lymphoma in Cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 153-7.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Kiselow, M. A., K. M. Rassnick, et al. (2008). "Outcome of cats with low-grade lymphocytic lymphoma: 41 cases (1995-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(3): 405-10.

This retrospective case series looked at 41 cats with confirmed lymphoma of various organs treated with prednisone and chlorambucil. Common clinical signs included vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and diarrhea. The majority of cats tested had low serum cobalamin levels. Most cats (68%) had lymphoma confined to the gastrointestinal tract. A complete response to treatment was achieved in 58% of cats, and 39% achieved a partial response. Overall median survival time was 704 days. This study shows that most cats diagnosed with lymphocytic lymphoma will respond to treatment with prednisone and chlorambucil.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hadden, A. G., S. M. Cotter, et al. (2008). "Efficacy and Toxicosis of VELCAP-C Treatment of Lymphoma in Cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 153-7.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats

Winn funded research

Janeczko, S., D. Atwater, et al. (2008). "The relationship of mucosal bacteria to duodenal histopathology, cytokine mRNA, and clinical disease activity in cats with inflammatory bowel disease." Vet Microbiol 128(1-2): 178-93.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for a group of poorly understood gastrointestinal (GI) diseases of cats. Cats with IBD have uncontrolled intestinal inflammation but the inciting causes are poorly understood. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of intestinal mucosal bacteria to inflammation and clinical signs in cats with IBD. Biopsies of the duodenum were obtained from 27 cats: 17 cats sampled as part of diagnostic investigation for GI disease, and 10 control cats. The number of Enterobacteriaceae was higher in cats with clinical signs of GI disease than healthy cats. Total numbers of mucosal bacteria were associated with changes in mucosal architecture and the degree of inflammation. The results of this study suggest that mucosal bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and Clostridium are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD in cats.

>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Winn funded research

Janeczko, S., D. Atwater, et al. (2008). "The relationship of mucosal bacteria to duodenal histopathology, cytokine mRNA, and clinical disease activity in cats with inflammatory bowel disease." Vet Microbiol 128(1-2): 178-93.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for a group of poorly understood gastrointestinal (GI) diseases of cats. Cats with IBD have uncontrolled intestinal inflammation but the inciting causes are poorly understood. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of intestinal mucosal bacteria to inflammation and clinical signs in cats with IBD. Biopsies of the duodenum were obtained from 27 cats: 17 cats sampled as part of diagnostic investigation for GI disease, and 10 control cats. The number of Enterobacteriaceae was higher in cats with clinical signs of GI disease than healthy cats. Total numbers of mucosal bacteria were associated with changes in mucosal architecture and the degree of inflammation. The results of this study suggest that mucosal bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and Clostridium are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD in cats.

>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More