Treatment for insecticide toxicosis in cats

Haworth MD and Smart L. Use of intravenous lipid therapy in three cases of feline permethrin toxicosis. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012; 22: 697-702.

Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide and acaricide commonly used for flea and tick control in dogs. Permethrin toxicosis in cats usually occurs when owners inadvertently apply over-the-counter spot-on flea insecticides intended for dogs to their cats or when cats are exposed secondarily to the product used on dogs that share the same environment. Permethrin exerts its toxic effect on ectoparasite and host by modulating sodium ion channels, causing them to remain open longer, resulting in repetitive excitable cell discharge. While this leads to paralysis and death of the parasite, toxicosis in the host manifests primarily as central nervous system effects including tremors, hyperesthesia, ataxia, mydriasis, pyrexia, seizures, and possibly death. Cats are highly susceptible to permethrin toxicity possibly due to their innate deficiency in glucoronyl transferase and slower hepatic detoxification of the compound.
 
No antidote exists for permethrin toxicosis, therefore treatment is aimed at decontamination and control of neurological symptoms while allowing time for the toxin to be metabolized and excreted. Clinical signs typically last from 1 to 3 days. Mortality rates vary from 5-45%. Lengthy hospitalization times and cost often contribute to an owner’s decision for euthanasia.

Intravenous lipid emulsion (IVLE) has shown promise as an emerging adjuvant treatment for certain lipophilic toxicants such as ivermectin, local anesthetics, and permethrin. Although the exact mechanism of action of IVLE is unknown, it has been postulated that the lipid creates a “sink” for fat-soluble drugs, decreasing their tissue availability. This report describes treatment of 3 cats with permethrin toxicosis with IVLE administration in addition to standard treatment. All 3 cats appeared to show accelerated resolution of clinical signs following lipid administration. The authors suggest that lipid administration may also reduce hospitalization time and cost, and possibly prevent the decision to euthanize. A prospective, controlled clinical trial to confirm these findings is warranted. In circumstances where euthanasia, or death is imminent, the use of IVLE is justified. [GO]

See also: Bruckner M and Schwedes CS. Successful treatment of permethrin toxicosis in two cats with an intravenous lipid administration. Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere. 2012; 40: 129-34. 

Malik R, Ward MP, Seavers A, et al. Permethrin spot-on intoxication of cats: Literature review and survey of veterinary practitioners in Australia. J Feline Med Surg. 2010; 12: 5-14.

Related blog articles:
Feline permethrin toxicity (March 2010)
Cats and permethrin toxicity (February 2009)
Feline permethrin spot-on toxicity (May 2008)


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Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Haworth MD and Smart L. Use of intravenous lipid therapy in three cases of feline permethrin toxicosis. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012; 22: 697-702.

Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide and acaricide commonly used for flea and tick control in dogs. Permethrin toxicosis in cats usually occurs when owners inadvertently apply over-the-counter spot-on flea insecticides intended for dogs to their cats or when cats are exposed secondarily to the product used on dogs that share the same environment. Permethrin exerts its toxic effect on ectoparasite and host by modulating sodium ion channels, causing them to remain open longer, resulting in repetitive excitable cell discharge. While this leads to paralysis and death of the parasite, toxicosis in the host manifests primarily as central nervous system effects including tremors, hyperesthesia, ataxia, mydriasis, pyrexia, seizures, and possibly death. Cats are highly susceptible to permethrin toxicity possibly due to their innate deficiency in glucoronyl transferase and slower hepatic detoxification of the compound.
 
No antidote exists for permethrin toxicosis, therefore treatment is aimed at decontamination and control of neurological symptoms while allowing time for the toxin to be metabolized and excreted. Clinical signs typically last from 1 to 3 days. Mortality rates vary from 5-45%. Lengthy hospitalization times and cost often contribute to an owner’s decision for euthanasia.

Intravenous lipid emulsion (IVLE) has shown promise as an emerging adjuvant treatment for certain lipophilic toxicants such as ivermectin, local anesthetics, and permethrin. Although the exact mechanism of action of IVLE is unknown, it has been postulated that the lipid creates a “sink” for fat-soluble drugs, decreasing their tissue availability. This report describes treatment of 3 cats with permethrin toxicosis with IVLE administration in addition to standard treatment. All 3 cats appeared to show accelerated resolution of clinical signs following lipid administration. The authors suggest that lipid administration may also reduce hospitalization time and cost, and possibly prevent the decision to euthanize. A prospective, controlled clinical trial to confirm these findings is warranted. In circumstances where euthanasia, or death is imminent, the use of IVLE is justified. [GO]

See also: Bruckner M and Schwedes CS. Successful treatment of permethrin toxicosis in two cats with an intravenous lipid administration. Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere. 2012; 40: 129-34. 

Malik R, Ward MP, Seavers A, et al. Permethrin spot-on intoxication of cats: Literature review and survey of veterinary practitioners in Australia. J Feline Med Surg. 2010; 12: 5-14.

Related blog articles:
Feline permethrin toxicity (March 2010)
Cats and permethrin toxicity (February 2009)
Feline permethrin spot-on toxicity (May 2008)


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Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Preventing Fleas on Cats

Bradbury CA, Lappin MR: Evaluation of topical application of 10% imidacloprid–1% moxidectin to prevent Bartonella henselae transmission from cat fleas, J Am Vet Med Assoc 236:869, 2010.

Bartonella henselae is the gram-negative aerobic bacilli associated with the syndrome of cat scratch disease in immunocompetent humans. Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, is the vector for B. henselae. Infection is common in naturally exposed cats and their fleas, and >30% of cats with fleas are bacteremic. The objective of this study was to determine if monthly topical administration of a combination of 10% imidacloprid and 1 % moxidectin would lessen flea transmission of B. henselae among cats. Eighteen cats were housed in 3 groups of 6 cats. Each of the groups were placed in enclosures separated by mesh to allow fleas to pass among groups yet prevent cat-to-cat contact. The middle group of cats was inoculated with B. henselae and infection was confirmed. This group was flanked on one side by a group treated topically with 10% imidacloprid-1% moxidectin monthly for 3 months, and on the other side by an untreated group. Fleas were placed on the B. henselae infected group at periodic intervals. Blood samples were collected from all the cats weekly to detect Bartonella spp via PCR assay, bacterial culture, and serologic assay. B. henselae infection was confirmed in all untreated cats after flea exposure following the confirmed infection in the inoculated group. None of the cats treated with imidacloprid-moxidectin combination became infected. The results showed that a monthly topical administration of 10% imidacloprid-1% moxidectin reduces the flea load and thus prevented flea transmission of B. henselae to treated cats. Therefore, the likelihood of humans acquiring B. henselae infection may be lessened through monthly use of this flea control product in cats. [VT]

Related articles:
Kamrani A, Parreira VR, Greenwood J et al: The prevalence of Bartonella, hemoplasma, and Rickettsia felis infections in domestic cats and in cat fleas in Ontario, Can J Vet Res 72:411, 2008.

Breitschwerdt EB: Feline bartonellosis and cat scratch disease, Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123:167, 2008.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Bradbury CA, Lappin MR: Evaluation of topical application of 10% imidacloprid–1% moxidectin to prevent Bartonella henselae transmission from cat fleas, J Am Vet Med Assoc 236:869, 2010.

Bartonella henselae is the gram-negative aerobic bacilli associated with the syndrome of cat scratch disease in immunocompetent humans. Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, is the vector for B. henselae. Infection is common in naturally exposed cats and their fleas, and >30% of cats with fleas are bacteremic. The objective of this study was to determine if monthly topical administration of a combination of 10% imidacloprid and 1 % moxidectin would lessen flea transmission of B. henselae among cats. Eighteen cats were housed in 3 groups of 6 cats. Each of the groups were placed in enclosures separated by mesh to allow fleas to pass among groups yet prevent cat-to-cat contact. The middle group of cats was inoculated with B. henselae and infection was confirmed. This group was flanked on one side by a group treated topically with 10% imidacloprid-1% moxidectin monthly for 3 months, and on the other side by an untreated group. Fleas were placed on the B. henselae infected group at periodic intervals. Blood samples were collected from all the cats weekly to detect Bartonella spp via PCR assay, bacterial culture, and serologic assay. B. henselae infection was confirmed in all untreated cats after flea exposure following the confirmed infection in the inoculated group. None of the cats treated with imidacloprid-moxidectin combination became infected. The results showed that a monthly topical administration of 10% imidacloprid-1% moxidectin reduces the flea load and thus prevented flea transmission of B. henselae to treated cats. Therefore, the likelihood of humans acquiring B. henselae infection may be lessened through monthly use of this flea control product in cats. [VT]

Related articles:
Kamrani A, Parreira VR, Greenwood J et al: The prevalence of Bartonella, hemoplasma, and Rickettsia felis infections in domestic cats and in cat fleas in Ontario, Can J Vet Res 72:411, 2008.

Breitschwerdt EB: Feline bartonellosis and cat scratch disease, Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123:167, 2008.

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Rickettsial Organisms in Cats in the West Indies

Kelly PJ, Lucas H, Eremeeva ME, Dirks KG, Rolain JM, Yowell C, Thomas R, Douglas T, Dasch GA, Raoult D. Rickettsia felis, West Indies. Emerg Infect Dis. 2010 Mar;16(3):570-1.

A study examining levels of antibody to the spotted fever group of Rickettsial organisms in feral cats from a spay/neuter program on St. Kitts found that most (45/68) were seropositive for this group of bacteria. These bacteria are transmitted by ticks, and have been associated with disease in some animals. Interestingly, no ticks were found on any of the cats, but they were infested with fleas. Fleas are known to be the vector for one rickettsial organism, Rickettsia felis. This bacterium is not harmful to cats, but can cause spotted fever in humans. These investigators also looked for the organism itself in cat fleas, and found the organism in about 20% of the fleas they tested. This was the first identification of this organism in the Caribbean, and indicates cats may be sentinels for its presence in a particular locale. [MK]

Related articles:
Hawley JR, Shaw SE, Lappin MR: Prevalence of Rickettsia felis DNA in the blood of cats and their fleas in the United States, J Feline Med Surg 9:258, 2007.

Bayliss DB, Morris AK, Horta MC et al: Prevalence of Rickettsia species antibodies and Rickettsia species DNA in the blood of cats with and without fever, J Feline Med Surg 11:266, 2009.

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Kelly PJ, Lucas H, Eremeeva ME, Dirks KG, Rolain JM, Yowell C, Thomas R, Douglas T, Dasch GA, Raoult D. Rickettsia felis, West Indies. Emerg Infect Dis. 2010 Mar;16(3):570-1.

A study examining levels of antibody to the spotted fever group of Rickettsial organisms in feral cats from a spay/neuter program on St. Kitts found that most (45/68) were seropositive for this group of bacteria. These bacteria are transmitted by ticks, and have been associated with disease in some animals. Interestingly, no ticks were found on any of the cats, but they were infested with fleas. Fleas are known to be the vector for one rickettsial organism, Rickettsia felis. This bacterium is not harmful to cats, but can cause spotted fever in humans. These investigators also looked for the organism itself in cat fleas, and found the organism in about 20% of the fleas they tested. This was the first identification of this organism in the Caribbean, and indicates cats may be sentinels for its presence in a particular locale. [MK]

Related articles:
Hawley JR, Shaw SE, Lappin MR: Prevalence of Rickettsia felis DNA in the blood of cats and their fleas in the United States, J Feline Med Surg 9:258, 2007.

Bayliss DB, Morris AK, Horta MC et al: Prevalence of Rickettsia species antibodies and Rickettsia species DNA in the blood of cats with and without fever, J Feline Med Surg 11:266, 2009.

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Feline Calicivirus and Fleas

Mencke, N., M. Vobis, et al. (2009). "Transmission of feline calicivirus via the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)." Parasitol Res 105(1): 185-9.

Feline calicivirus is an important and contagious pathogen of cats. It is often associated with respiratory disease that is most commonly mild and self-limiting. However, it may cause severe pneumonia, or rarely, a systemic lethal disease. Transmission occurs most commonly through direct and indirect contact between cats. This investigation examined the potential for fleas to spread the virus. Fleas were fed blood containing the virus, and their feces were collected. Infectious virus was found in the flea feces for more than a week after exposure, and the virus could be transmitted to susceptible kittens via the fleas. Thus fleas could be a potential source for spread of this virus. However, the level of virus artificially fed to the fleas in this experiment was very high. In addition, while inoculation of infected fleas via the nose and mouth in the kittens was effective in transmission, infestation of the kittens alone with the fleas was not efficient for virus transmission. The researchers conclude that fleas could potentially be a source for transmission of feline calicivirus and note that it emphasizes the importance of good flea control. However, spread by respiratory droplets and direct contact remains the most important modes of spread. Transmission via fleas would most likely be significant in situations of crowding and significant flea infestation. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Radford, A. D., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline calicivirus infection ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 556-64.
>> PubMed Abstract

Hurley, K., P. Pesavento, et al. (2004). "An outbreak of virulent systemic feline calicivirus disease." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 224(2): 241-249.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Mencke, N., M. Vobis, et al. (2009). "Transmission of feline calicivirus via the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)." Parasitol Res 105(1): 185-9.

Feline calicivirus is an important and contagious pathogen of cats. It is often associated with respiratory disease that is most commonly mild and self-limiting. However, it may cause severe pneumonia, or rarely, a systemic lethal disease. Transmission occurs most commonly through direct and indirect contact between cats. This investigation examined the potential for fleas to spread the virus. Fleas were fed blood containing the virus, and their feces were collected. Infectious virus was found in the flea feces for more than a week after exposure, and the virus could be transmitted to susceptible kittens via the fleas. Thus fleas could be a potential source for spread of this virus. However, the level of virus artificially fed to the fleas in this experiment was very high. In addition, while inoculation of infected fleas via the nose and mouth in the kittens was effective in transmission, infestation of the kittens alone with the fleas was not efficient for virus transmission. The researchers conclude that fleas could potentially be a source for transmission of feline calicivirus and note that it emphasizes the importance of good flea control. However, spread by respiratory droplets and direct contact remains the most important modes of spread. Transmission via fleas would most likely be significant in situations of crowding and significant flea infestation. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Radford, A. D., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline calicivirus infection ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 556-64.
>> PubMed Abstract

Hurley, K., P. Pesavento, et al. (2004). "An outbreak of virulent systemic feline calicivirus disease." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 224(2): 241-249.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Flea Control for Cats: Frontline Plus versus Promeris

Franc, M. and F. Beugnet (2008). "A comparative evaluation of the speed of kill and duration of efficacy against weekly infestations with fleas on cats treated with fipronil-(S)-methoprene or metaflumizone." Vet Ther 9(2): 102-10.

The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is found world-wide on many species of mammals including cats. Only the adult life stage of the flea resides on the cat while all other stages exist in the environment. On-animal flea control products may take different approaches, such as ensuring no fleas survive long enough to reproduce or disrupting the viability of flea eggs. Metaflumizone (Promeris, Fort Dodge Animal Health) was recently introduced for flea control use on cats as a topical spot-on. This study, funded by Merial, was designed to compare the speed of kill and duration of flea kill of commercially available formulations of Promeris and fipronil–(S)-methoprene (Frontline Plus, Merial) in cats in order to determine which active ingredient would be best suited to eliminate fleas before they produce eggs. Speed of kill efficacies were assessed against existing infestations and against infestations at day 7. Efficacy was also assessed 24 and 48 hours after weekly flea infestations through day 42. Cats treated with Frontline Plus had significantly fewer fleas than those treated with Promeris at 12 and 18 hours after treatment and on the day 7 infestations. Frontline Plus-treated cats also had significantly fewer fleas than Promeris-treated cats for all 24-hour counts from initial treatment on day 0 through infestation day 42.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Holzmer, S., J. A. Hair, et al. (2007). "Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone for the control of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on cats." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 219-24.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Franc, M. and F. Beugnet (2008). "A comparative evaluation of the speed of kill and duration of efficacy against weekly infestations with fleas on cats treated with fipronil-(S)-methoprene or metaflumizone." Vet Ther 9(2): 102-10.

The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is found world-wide on many species of mammals including cats. Only the adult life stage of the flea resides on the cat while all other stages exist in the environment. On-animal flea control products may take different approaches, such as ensuring no fleas survive long enough to reproduce or disrupting the viability of flea eggs. Metaflumizone (Promeris, Fort Dodge Animal Health) was recently introduced for flea control use on cats as a topical spot-on. This study, funded by Merial, was designed to compare the speed of kill and duration of flea kill of commercially available formulations of Promeris and fipronil–(S)-methoprene (Frontline Plus, Merial) in cats in order to determine which active ingredient would be best suited to eliminate fleas before they produce eggs. Speed of kill efficacies were assessed against existing infestations and against infestations at day 7. Efficacy was also assessed 24 and 48 hours after weekly flea infestations through day 42. Cats treated with Frontline Plus had significantly fewer fleas than those treated with Promeris at 12 and 18 hours after treatment and on the day 7 infestations. Frontline Plus-treated cats also had significantly fewer fleas than Promeris-treated cats for all 24-hour counts from initial treatment on day 0 through infestation day 42.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Holzmer, S., J. A. Hair, et al. (2007). "Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone for the control of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on cats." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 219-24.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Permethrin Spot-On Toxicity

Sutton, N. M., N. Bates, et al. (2007). "Clinical effects and outcome of feline permethrin spot-on poisonings reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), London." J Feline Med Surg 9(4): 335-9.

Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used in topically applied spot-on flea treatments for dogs. Cats are very sensitive to the toxic effects of permethrin. These products are readily available and are often less expensive than other flea control products. Cats may be affected when the product is applied directly to them, or through contact with a treated animal. Data from 286 cases of permethrin toxicity in cats from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service in the United Kingdom is reviewed. The majority of the cats (96.9%) experienced clinical signs of toxicosis. The most common clinical signs were twitching, tremors, muscle fasciculations, and seizures. The duration of clinical signs was long, with seizures lasting an average of 38 hours and tremors lasting an average of 32 hours. Some cats took up to 1 week to recover. Death occurred in 10.5% of cases, some of which were euthanized due to reasons such as respiratory failure, or uncontrollable seizures. It is very important for cat owners to avoid using spot-on flea products containing permethrin on cats, and cats should not have contact with other animals treated with these products.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Linnett, P. J. (2008). "Permethrin toxicosis in cats." Aust Vet J 86(1-2): 32-5.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Sutton, N. M., N. Bates, et al. (2007). "Clinical effects and outcome of feline permethrin spot-on poisonings reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), London." J Feline Med Surg 9(4): 335-9.

Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used in topically applied spot-on flea treatments for dogs. Cats are very sensitive to the toxic effects of permethrin. These products are readily available and are often less expensive than other flea control products. Cats may be affected when the product is applied directly to them, or through contact with a treated animal. Data from 286 cases of permethrin toxicity in cats from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service in the United Kingdom is reviewed. The majority of the cats (96.9%) experienced clinical signs of toxicosis. The most common clinical signs were twitching, tremors, muscle fasciculations, and seizures. The duration of clinical signs was long, with seizures lasting an average of 38 hours and tremors lasting an average of 32 hours. Some cats took up to 1 week to recover. Death occurred in 10.5% of cases, some of which were euthanized due to reasons such as respiratory failure, or uncontrollable seizures. It is very important for cat owners to avoid using spot-on flea products containing permethrin on cats, and cats should not have contact with other animals treated with these products.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Linnett, P. J. (2008). "Permethrin toxicosis in cats." Aust Vet J 86(1-2): 32-5.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Cat Scratch Disease: A Review

Breitschwerdt, E. B. (2008). "Feline bartonellosis and cat scratch disease." Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123(1-2): 167-71.

Cat scratch disease (bartonellosis) is caused by various species of Bartonella, intracellular bacteria that favour red blood cells. Cats can be infected with five Bartonella species, including B. henselae and B. clarridgeae. Humans and many domestic animals, such as cattle and dogs, can also serve as chronically infected reservoir hosts for Bartonella. Many arthropod vectors, such as biting flies, fleas and ticks have been implicated in transmission of Bartonella to animals and humans. Bartonella infection can cause various problems in humans, including endocarditis, granulomatous inflammation of lymph nodes, and central nervous system dysfunction. Bartonellosis can be diagnosed in cats with serology, PCR, and culture. However, the issue is clouded by the high rate of sub-clinical infections in cats, making it very difficult to confirm bartonellosis as the cause of illness in cats. Fleas are involved in transmission from cat to cat, so the use of flea control products is critically important to decrease the risk of transmission of Bartonella among cats and to humans.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Chomel, B. B., H. J. Boulouis, et al. (2006). "Bartonella spp. in pets and effect on human health." Emerg Infect Dis 12(3): 389-94.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Breitschwerdt, E. B. (2008). "Feline bartonellosis and cat scratch disease." Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123(1-2): 167-71.

Cat scratch disease (bartonellosis) is caused by various species of Bartonella, intracellular bacteria that favour red blood cells. Cats can be infected with five Bartonella species, including B. henselae and B. clarridgeae. Humans and many domestic animals, such as cattle and dogs, can also serve as chronically infected reservoir hosts for Bartonella. Many arthropod vectors, such as biting flies, fleas and ticks have been implicated in transmission of Bartonella to animals and humans. Bartonella infection can cause various problems in humans, including endocarditis, granulomatous inflammation of lymph nodes, and central nervous system dysfunction. Bartonellosis can be diagnosed in cats with serology, PCR, and culture. However, the issue is clouded by the high rate of sub-clinical infections in cats, making it very difficult to confirm bartonellosis as the cause of illness in cats. Fleas are involved in transmission from cat to cat, so the use of flea control products is critically important to decrease the risk of transmission of Bartonella among cats and to humans.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Chomel, B. B., H. J. Boulouis, et al. (2006). "Bartonella spp. in pets and effect on human health." Emerg Infect Dis 12(3): 389-94.
>> Free full text article

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Bartonella and Uveitis in Cats

Fontenelle, J. P., C. C. Powell, et al. (2008). "Prevalence of serum antibodies against Bartonella species in the serum of cats with or without uveitis." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 41-6.

Anterior uveitis in cats has various causes, such as trauma, immune-mediated disease, and infectious agents. Bartonella henselae has been associated with chronic uveitis in people, and has been suggested as a cause for uveitis in some cats, although the number of proven cases is actually small. Cats are the main reservoir for B. henselae, although transmission of the infection is via fleas, ticks and other biting insects. Bartonella is the most common cause of cat scratch disease in humans. The objective of this study was to compare Bartonella seroprevalence and titers in cats with uveitis, cats with non-ocular disease, and healthy cats. The data was controlled for age and risk of flea exposure based on state of origin. Results showed no difference in seroprevalence rates or magnitude of titer between cats with uveitis and cats with non-ocular diseases. Healthy cats were more likely to be seropositive than cats with uveitis. The data from this study suggests that serum antibody tests alone cannot be used to diagnose Bartonella-associated uveitis in the cat.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Lappin, M., D. Kordick, et al. (2000). "Bartonella spp antibodies and DNA in aqueous humour of cats." J Fel Med Surg 2(1): 61-68.
>> PubMed abstract

Centers for Disease Control - Healthy Pets, Healthy People:
Cat scratch disease

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Fontenelle, J. P., C. C. Powell, et al. (2008). "Prevalence of serum antibodies against Bartonella species in the serum of cats with or without uveitis." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 41-6.

Anterior uveitis in cats has various causes, such as trauma, immune-mediated disease, and infectious agents. Bartonella henselae has been associated with chronic uveitis in people, and has been suggested as a cause for uveitis in some cats, although the number of proven cases is actually small. Cats are the main reservoir for B. henselae, although transmission of the infection is via fleas, ticks and other biting insects. Bartonella is the most common cause of cat scratch disease in humans. The objective of this study was to compare Bartonella seroprevalence and titers in cats with uveitis, cats with non-ocular disease, and healthy cats. The data was controlled for age and risk of flea exposure based on state of origin. Results showed no difference in seroprevalence rates or magnitude of titer between cats with uveitis and cats with non-ocular diseases. Healthy cats were more likely to be seropositive than cats with uveitis. The data from this study suggests that serum antibody tests alone cannot be used to diagnose Bartonella-associated uveitis in the cat.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Lappin, M., D. Kordick, et al. (2000). "Bartonella spp antibodies and DNA in aqueous humour of cats." J Fel Med Surg 2(1): 61-68.
>> PubMed abstract

Centers for Disease Control - Healthy Pets, Healthy People:
Cat scratch disease

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

ProMeris(R) for Flea Control in Cats

Dryden, M., P. Payne, et al. (2008). "Efficacy of a topically applied spot-on formulation of a novel insecticide, metaflumizone, applied to cats against a flea strain (KS1) with documented reduced susceptibility to various insecticides." Vet Parasitol 151(1): 74-9.


Metaflumizone (ProMeris, Fort Dodge Animal Health) is a new spot-on flea control product available for both dogs and cats. In this study, metaflumizone was evaluated for its efficacy against a strain of fleas known to have some resistance to other insecticides. Three groups of cats were utilized: eight adult domestic shorthair cats were treated with metaflumizone, eight cats were treated with fipronil/methoprene (Frontline Plus, Merial), and eight cats served as untreated controls. Each cat was infested with fleas on a pre-determined schedule and flea-combed at intervals. Treatment with metaflumizone provided at least 99.3% efficacy for 3 weeks post-treatment; then 97.4% at 4 weeks, 91.4% at 5 weeks, and 86.2% at 6 weeks. Fipronil/methoprene provided 99.6% efficacy at 1 week post-treatment; then 97.6% at 2 weeks, declining to 13.1% efficacy at 6 weeks. The reduction in flea numbers was significantly greater for metaflumizone than for fipronil from 3 to 6 weeks post-treatment.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Heaney, K. and R. G. Lindahl (2007). "Safety of a topically applied metaflumizone spot-on formulation for flea control in cats and kittens." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 233-8.
>> PubMed abstract


Holzmer, S., J. A. Hair, et al. (2007). "Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone for the control of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on cats." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 219-24.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Dryden, M., P. Payne, et al. (2008). "Efficacy of a topically applied spot-on formulation of a novel insecticide, metaflumizone, applied to cats against a flea strain (KS1) with documented reduced susceptibility to various insecticides." Vet Parasitol 151(1): 74-9.


Metaflumizone (ProMeris, Fort Dodge Animal Health) is a new spot-on flea control product available for both dogs and cats. In this study, metaflumizone was evaluated for its efficacy against a strain of fleas known to have some resistance to other insecticides. Three groups of cats were utilized: eight adult domestic shorthair cats were treated with metaflumizone, eight cats were treated with fipronil/methoprene (Frontline Plus, Merial), and eight cats served as untreated controls. Each cat was infested with fleas on a pre-determined schedule and flea-combed at intervals. Treatment with metaflumizone provided at least 99.3% efficacy for 3 weeks post-treatment; then 97.4% at 4 weeks, 91.4% at 5 weeks, and 86.2% at 6 weeks. Fipronil/methoprene provided 99.6% efficacy at 1 week post-treatment; then 97.6% at 2 weeks, declining to 13.1% efficacy at 6 weeks. The reduction in flea numbers was significantly greater for metaflumizone than for fipronil from 3 to 6 weeks post-treatment.
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Related articles:
Heaney, K. and R. G. Lindahl (2007). "Safety of a topically applied metaflumizone spot-on formulation for flea control in cats and kittens." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 233-8.
>> PubMed abstract


Holzmer, S., J. A. Hair, et al. (2007). "Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone for the control of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on cats." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 219-24.
>> PubMed abstract


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