Heart disease in pedigreed cats

Trehiou-Sechi E, Tissier R, Gouni V, et al. Comparative echocardiographic and clinical features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 5 breeds of cats: a retrospective analysis of 344 Cases (2001–2011). J Vet Intern Med. 2012; 26: 532-41.
 
A common form of heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and it is associated with risk of sudden death. HCM has been shown to be inherited in some breeds though few studies have looked at comparisons of HCM phenotype and survival according to breed. The authors performed a retrospective study of 344 cats from 5 different breeds (Persian, Domestic Shorthair, Sphynx, Maine Coon, and Chartreux) having primary HCM diagnosed by conventional echocardiography. In this group, 266 cats were asymptomatic and 78 were symptomatic. Most of the symptomatic cats exhibited congestive heart failure, aortic thromboembolism, syncope, and weakness.

The age at the first cardiac event was significantly lower in Maine Coons (2.5 years) versus other breeds (7 years). In Sphynx, the age at the time of diagnosis was 3.5 years. Concerning sudden death solely, Maine Coon cats died younger than other breeds. No sudden deaths were reported in Chartreux and Persian cats in this study. Sudden death was observed in only 3 breeds—Maine Coon, Domestic Shorthair, and Sphynx. All cats surviving longer than 15 years of age were Domestic Shorthair, Persians, or Chartreux. From the results of this study, it appears that feline HCM is characterized by marked phenotypic variability with several breed-dependent features with regard to epidemiological characteristics, left ventricular geometric patterns, age at the time of diagnosis, and decompensation events. [VT]

See also: Silverman SJ, Stern JA and Meurs KM. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Sphynx cat: A retrospective evaluation of clinical presentation and heritable etiology. J Feline Med Surg. 2012; 14: 246-9.

For more information: Other blog articles on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

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Trehiou-Sechi E, Tissier R, Gouni V, et al. Comparative echocardiographic and clinical features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 5 breeds of cats: a retrospective analysis of 344 Cases (2001–2011). J Vet Intern Med. 2012; 26: 532-41.
 
A common form of heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and it is associated with risk of sudden death. HCM has been shown to be inherited in some breeds though few studies have looked at comparisons of HCM phenotype and survival according to breed. The authors performed a retrospective study of 344 cats from 5 different breeds (Persian, Domestic Shorthair, Sphynx, Maine Coon, and Chartreux) having primary HCM diagnosed by conventional echocardiography. In this group, 266 cats were asymptomatic and 78 were symptomatic. Most of the symptomatic cats exhibited congestive heart failure, aortic thromboembolism, syncope, and weakness.

The age at the first cardiac event was significantly lower in Maine Coons (2.5 years) versus other breeds (7 years). In Sphynx, the age at the time of diagnosis was 3.5 years. Concerning sudden death solely, Maine Coon cats died younger than other breeds. No sudden deaths were reported in Chartreux and Persian cats in this study. Sudden death was observed in only 3 breeds—Maine Coon, Domestic Shorthair, and Sphynx. All cats surviving longer than 15 years of age were Domestic Shorthair, Persians, or Chartreux. From the results of this study, it appears that feline HCM is characterized by marked phenotypic variability with several breed-dependent features with regard to epidemiological characteristics, left ventricular geometric patterns, age at the time of diagnosis, and decompensation events. [VT]

See also: Silverman SJ, Stern JA and Meurs KM. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Sphynx cat: A retrospective evaluation of clinical presentation and heritable etiology. J Feline Med Surg. 2012; 14: 246-9.

For more information: Other blog articles on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

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

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Feline Health Symposium: Diving into the Gene Pool

Registration is now open for the 34th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Feline Health Symposium. This year's event, "Diving into the Gene Pool", will take place on Thursday, June 28, 2012, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Boston Marriott Quincy, in Quincy, MA.

“We are excited to announce that two preeminent feline healthcare researchers will be delivering the program. Leslie Lyons, PhD, University of California, Davis will present ‘The Next Generation of Feline Genetics’ and John Rush, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, Tufts University will speak on ‘Feline Cardiomyopathy - More than Genes! New thoughts on Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment’",stated Dr. Vicki Thayer, Winn Feline Foundation Board President.

Dr. Lyons will speak on recent genetic sequencing of the cat which has led to development of a powerful new genetic resource, the cat 63K DNA array. Dr. Lyons will present examples of recent successes for identification of mutations causing cat traits and diseases. In addition, discussion will cover a new study design to evaluate more challenging traits, such as FIP resistance and susceptibility, and other complex conditions in the cat. While genetic mutations contribute to many forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the cat, these mutations cannot explain all of the manifestations of the disease. Dr. Rush will present information and research relative to diagnostic testing, dietary implications, and new drugs for treatment of feline cardiomyopathy.

All event proceeds will benefit worldwide medical research on feline HCM via Winn’s Ricky Fund, established in 2002 with the specific purpose of raising funds for feline HCM research. 

The registration fee, which includes light snacks with a cash bar, is $25. Reservations are required by June 17, 2012. Detailed information and registration options are available on our website and in the event flyer.

For more information, contact:
Maureen Walsh, Winn Chief Executive Officer
mwalsh@winnfelinehealth.org

Registration is now open for the 34th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Feline Health Symposium. This year's event, "Diving into the Gene Pool", will take place on Thursday, June 28, 2012, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Boston Marriott Quincy, in Quincy, MA.

“We are excited to announce that two preeminent feline healthcare researchers will be delivering the program. Leslie Lyons, PhD, University of California, Davis will present ‘The Next Generation of Feline Genetics’ and John Rush, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, Tufts University will speak on ‘Feline Cardiomyopathy - More than Genes! New thoughts on Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment’",stated Dr. Vicki Thayer, Winn Feline Foundation Board President.

Dr. Lyons will speak on recent genetic sequencing of the cat which has led to development of a powerful new genetic resource, the cat 63K DNA array. Dr. Lyons will present examples of recent successes for identification of mutations causing cat traits and diseases. In addition, discussion will cover a new study design to evaluate more challenging traits, such as FIP resistance and susceptibility, and other complex conditions in the cat. While genetic mutations contribute to many forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the cat, these mutations cannot explain all of the manifestations of the disease. Dr. Rush will present information and research relative to diagnostic testing, dietary implications, and new drugs for treatment of feline cardiomyopathy.

All event proceeds will benefit worldwide medical research on feline HCM via Winn’s Ricky Fund, established in 2002 with the specific purpose of raising funds for feline HCM research. 

The registration fee, which includes light snacks with a cash bar, is $25. Reservations are required by June 17, 2012. Detailed information and registration options are available on our website and in the event flyer.

For more information, contact:
Maureen Walsh, Winn Chief Executive Officer
mwalsh@winnfelinehealth.org

Read More

Investigating the Genetic Causes of HCM

Meurs, K.M., et al., Analysis of 8 sarcomeric candidate genes for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med, 2009. 23(4): p. 840-3.

The most common heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A causative mutation has been identified in two breeds, the Maine Coon (MC) and Ragdoll that involve the cardiac myosin binding protein C gene (MYBPC3). HCM is thought to be inherited in other breeds as well. The objective of the study was to evaluate a subset of cats from additional breeds with HCM including the British Shorthair (BSH), Norwegian Forest Cat (NWF), Siberian, and Sphynx and to also examine MC cats known to be affected with HCM but lacking the known mutation. Fourteen affected cats among these breeds were evaluated. A causative mutation was not identified in the eight candidate genes studied, although several single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. The study concluded that mutations within these cardiac genes do not appear to be the only cause of HCM in these breeds. Further evaluation of additional cardiac genes is considered warranted. (VT)
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Meurs, K.M., et al., A substitution mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genomics, 2007. 90(2): p. 261-4.
>> PubMed Abstract

Meurs, K., et al., A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hum Mol Genet, 2005. 14(23): p. 3587-3593.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

Meurs, K.M., et al., Analysis of 8 sarcomeric candidate genes for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med, 2009. 23(4): p. 840-3.

The most common heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A causative mutation has been identified in two breeds, the Maine Coon (MC) and Ragdoll that involve the cardiac myosin binding protein C gene (MYBPC3). HCM is thought to be inherited in other breeds as well. The objective of the study was to evaluate a subset of cats from additional breeds with HCM including the British Shorthair (BSH), Norwegian Forest Cat (NWF), Siberian, and Sphynx and to also examine MC cats known to be affected with HCM but lacking the known mutation. Fourteen affected cats among these breeds were evaluated. A causative mutation was not identified in the eight candidate genes studied, although several single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. The study concluded that mutations within these cardiac genes do not appear to be the only cause of HCM in these breeds. Further evaluation of additional cardiac genes is considered warranted. (VT)
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Meurs, K.M., et al., A substitution mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genomics, 2007. 90(2): p. 261-4.
>> PubMed Abstract

Meurs, K., et al., A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hum Mol Genet, 2005. 14(23): p. 3587-3593.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

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Tissue Doppler Imaging for Feline HCM

Koffas, H., J. Dukes-McEwan, et al. (2008). "Colour M-mode tissue Doppler imaging in healthy cats and cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." J Small Anim Pract 49(7): 330-338.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease of cats. It appears to be hereditary in some families of cats, and genetic mutations causing HCM have been identified in the Maine Coon cat and Ragdoll cat. Definitive diagnosis of HCM is accomplished by ultrasound imaging. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is a tool for quantification of myocardial function, and has been used in humans, dogs and cats. TDI may allow for improved identification of myocardial functional abnormalities, and may be superior to conventional ultrasound for identification of cats affected with HCM. Colour M-mode TDI is one of the applications of the TDI technique that has not yet been studied in cats. This prospective study was carried out to investigate the differences in some of the colour M-mode TDI indices between normal cats and cats with HCM. We hypothesised that these new TDI techniques would discriminate between the healthy and the diseased myocardium. Myocardial velocity gradient and mean myocardial velocities were measured by colour M-mode TDI in the left ventricular free wall of 20 normal cats and 17 cats with HCM. The study showed that myocardial velocity gradients recorded by colour M-mode TDI can discriminate between the healthy and diseased myocardium. This technique shows promise for discriminating normal from affected cats when screening cats for HCM.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Simpson, K. E., B. C. Devine, et al. (2007). "Assessment of the repeatability of feline echocardiography using conventional echocardiography and spectral pulse-wave Doppler tissue imaging techniques." Vet Radiol Ultrasound 48(1): 58-68.
>> PubMed Abstract

Koffas, H., J. Dukes-McEwan, et al. (2003). "Peak mean myocardial velocities and velocity gradients measured by color m-mode tissue doppler imaging in healthy cats." J Vet Intern Med 17(4): 510-524.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Koffas, H., J. Dukes-McEwan, et al. (2008). "Colour M-mode tissue Doppler imaging in healthy cats and cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." J Small Anim Pract 49(7): 330-338.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease of cats. It appears to be hereditary in some families of cats, and genetic mutations causing HCM have been identified in the Maine Coon cat and Ragdoll cat. Definitive diagnosis of HCM is accomplished by ultrasound imaging. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is a tool for quantification of myocardial function, and has been used in humans, dogs and cats. TDI may allow for improved identification of myocardial functional abnormalities, and may be superior to conventional ultrasound for identification of cats affected with HCM. Colour M-mode TDI is one of the applications of the TDI technique that has not yet been studied in cats. This prospective study was carried out to investigate the differences in some of the colour M-mode TDI indices between normal cats and cats with HCM. We hypothesised that these new TDI techniques would discriminate between the healthy and the diseased myocardium. Myocardial velocity gradient and mean myocardial velocities were measured by colour M-mode TDI in the left ventricular free wall of 20 normal cats and 17 cats with HCM. The study showed that myocardial velocity gradients recorded by colour M-mode TDI can discriminate between the healthy and diseased myocardium. This technique shows promise for discriminating normal from affected cats when screening cats for HCM.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Simpson, K. E., B. C. Devine, et al. (2007). "Assessment of the repeatability of feline echocardiography using conventional echocardiography and spectral pulse-wave Doppler tissue imaging techniques." Vet Radiol Ultrasound 48(1): 58-68.
>> PubMed Abstract

Koffas, H., J. Dukes-McEwan, et al. (2003). "Peak mean myocardial velocities and velocity gradients measured by color m-mode tissue doppler imaging in healthy cats." J Vet Intern Med 17(4): 510-524.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Prevalence of a Genetic Mutation for HCM in Maine Coon Cats

Fries, R., A. M. Heaney, et al. (2008). "Prevalence of the myosin-binding protein C mutation in Maine Coon cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(4): 893-896.

The most common cardiac disease of cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In several cat breeds, including the Maine Coon, the disease is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Previously, a single base pair change in the myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) gene, which changes a conserved amino acid and alters protein conformation, was been identified in some Maine Coon cats with HCM. The prevalence of the MYBPC3 mutation in the Maine Coon cat population is not known, but genetic screening has allowed determination of the percentage of genetically affected cats worldwide. This retrospective study reviewed records of 3,310 samples submitted for evaluation of the Maine Coon MYBPC3 mutation to the Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Laboratory database at Washington State University. In this population of cats, Maine Coons accounted for all the samples positive for this mutation. The worldwide percentage of Maine Coon cats carrying the MYBPC3 mutation was 34%.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Meurs, K., X. Sanchez, et al. (2005). "A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Hum Mol Genet 14(23): 3587-3593.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Fries, R., A. M. Heaney, et al. (2008). "Prevalence of the myosin-binding protein C mutation in Maine Coon cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(4): 893-896.

The most common cardiac disease of cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In several cat breeds, including the Maine Coon, the disease is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Previously, a single base pair change in the myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) gene, which changes a conserved amino acid and alters protein conformation, was been identified in some Maine Coon cats with HCM. The prevalence of the MYBPC3 mutation in the Maine Coon cat population is not known, but genetic screening has allowed determination of the percentage of genetically affected cats worldwide. This retrospective study reviewed records of 3,310 samples submitted for evaluation of the Maine Coon MYBPC3 mutation to the Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Laboratory database at Washington State University. In this population of cats, Maine Coons accounted for all the samples positive for this mutation. The worldwide percentage of Maine Coon cats carrying the MYBPC3 mutation was 34%.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Meurs, K., X. Sanchez, et al. (2005). "A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Hum Mol Genet 14(23): 3587-3593.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Spironolactone in Cats With Heart Disease

Macdonald, K. A., M. D. Kittleson, et al. (2008). "Effect of spironolactone on diastolic function and left ventricular mass in Maine Coon cats with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 335-41.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disease affecting the left ventricle. Some of the pathologic abnormalities found in HCM are myocardial fibrosis and concentric hypertrophy. Treatments that would reverse these pathologic changes would be beneficial. In a rat model of HCM, spironolactone reversed interstitial fibrosis, decreased myocyte disarray by 50%, and improved diastolic function within 10 weeks of treatment. The goal of this study was to evaluate spironolactone treatment of Maine Coon cats with HCM for its ability to improve diastolic function and reduce left ventricular mass. The study enrolled 26 Maine Coon cats with familial HCM and randomized them into two groups. One group received spironolactone (2 mg/kg, PO, BID) and the other group received placebo for 4 months. No significant treatment effect on cardiac function or left ventricular mass was identified. Severe facial dermatitis developed in 4 of the 13 cats receiving spironolactone, requiring discontinuation of therapy.

>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:

Winn funded research

Meurs, K., X. Sanchez, et al. (2005). "A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Hum Mol Genet 14(23): 3587-3593.

>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Macdonald, K. A., M. D. Kittleson, et al. (2008). "Effect of spironolactone on diastolic function and left ventricular mass in Maine Coon cats with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 335-41.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disease affecting the left ventricle. Some of the pathologic abnormalities found in HCM are myocardial fibrosis and concentric hypertrophy. Treatments that would reverse these pathologic changes would be beneficial. In a rat model of HCM, spironolactone reversed interstitial fibrosis, decreased myocyte disarray by 50%, and improved diastolic function within 10 weeks of treatment. The goal of this study was to evaluate spironolactone treatment of Maine Coon cats with HCM for its ability to improve diastolic function and reduce left ventricular mass. The study enrolled 26 Maine Coon cats with familial HCM and randomized them into two groups. One group received spironolactone (2 mg/kg, PO, BID) and the other group received placebo for 4 months. No significant treatment effect on cardiac function or left ventricular mass was identified. Severe facial dermatitis developed in 4 of the 13 cats receiving spironolactone, requiring discontinuation of therapy.

>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:

Winn funded research

Meurs, K., X. Sanchez, et al. (2005). "A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Hum Mol Genet 14(23): 3587-3593.

>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Measurement of Heart Size in Cats

Ghadiri, A., R. Avizeh, et al. (2008). "Radiographic measurement of vertebral heart size in healthy stray cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 61-5.

Determination of heart size on chest radiographs is important when evaluating cats for cardiac disease. An enlarged cardiac silhouette is an indicator of cardiac disease. However, determination of cardiac size is usually subjective. In recent years, a cardiac measurement technique called the vertebral heart size or score (VHS) has been investigated as a less biased assessment of cardiac size. VHS compares cardiac dimensions with the length of mid-thoracic vertebrae. It has previously been evaluated in mixed groups of obese and non-obese cats of various ages, breeds, and sizes. Different breeds of dogs may have different normal reference values for VHS but it is not known if there is variability in normal reference values for different populations of cats. The objective of this study was to determine VHS in clinically normal, domestic shorthair, non-obese stray cats. The study was performed in Ahvaz, Iran. Left and right lateral, dorsoventral and ventrodorsal radiographs were taken and evaluated. Absolute measurements and vertebral heart scale values were slightly smaller than those previously reported in the literature, indicating that normal reference values may vary by breed or population in cats.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Litster, A. and J. Buchanan (2000). "Vertebral scale system to measure heart size in radiographs of cats." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 216(2): 210-214.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Ghadiri, A., R. Avizeh, et al. (2008). "Radiographic measurement of vertebral heart size in healthy stray cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 61-5.

Determination of heart size on chest radiographs is important when evaluating cats for cardiac disease. An enlarged cardiac silhouette is an indicator of cardiac disease. However, determination of cardiac size is usually subjective. In recent years, a cardiac measurement technique called the vertebral heart size or score (VHS) has been investigated as a less biased assessment of cardiac size. VHS compares cardiac dimensions with the length of mid-thoracic vertebrae. It has previously been evaluated in mixed groups of obese and non-obese cats of various ages, breeds, and sizes. Different breeds of dogs may have different normal reference values for VHS but it is not known if there is variability in normal reference values for different populations of cats. The objective of this study was to determine VHS in clinically normal, domestic shorthair, non-obese stray cats. The study was performed in Ahvaz, Iran. Left and right lateral, dorsoventral and ventrodorsal radiographs were taken and evaluated. Absolute measurements and vertebral heart scale values were slightly smaller than those previously reported in the literature, indicating that normal reference values may vary by breed or population in cats.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Litster, A. and J. Buchanan (2000). "Vertebral scale system to measure heart size in radiographs of cats." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 216(2): 210-214.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Biochemical Markers for Feline Heart Disease

Connolly, D. J., R. J. Soares Magalhaes, et al. (2008). "Circulating natriuretic peptides in cats with heart disease." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 96-105.with heart disease." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 96-105.

Natriuretic peptides are hormones produced by cardiac muscle cells, and include atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). These hormones are released in response to stretching of the atria (ANP) and ventricles (BNP), and are responsible for regulation of body fluids and blood pressure. The forms of these hormones measured in circulation are NT-proANP and NT-proBNP. In human medicine, these biochemical markers are used as patient-side tests for the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac disease. In people with HCM, NT-proBNP is increased and correlates with severity of disease. Increased concentrations of BNP have been reported in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and congestive heart failure (CHF). In this study, serum NT-proANP and NT-proBNP levels were measured in 28 healthy control cats and 50 cats with heart disease. Of the 50 cats with heart disease, 33 were in CHF while the remaining 17 were not. The study found that both markers were able to distinguish cats with heart disease from normal cats, but NT-proBNP was able to distinguish cats without CHF from normal cats. With further investigation, it may be possible to use NT-proBNP as a screening test for heart disease in cats. Any cats with positive test results should be evaluated with a more specific test, such as echocardiography, for false positives are possible.

>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:

MacLean, H. N., J. A. Abbott, et al. (2006). "N-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide immunoreactivity in plasma of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 284-9.

>> PubMed abstract

Winn funded research

Biondo, A. W., E. J. Ehrhart, et al. (2003). "Immunohistochemistry of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides in control cats and cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Vet Pathol 40(5): 501-6.

>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Connolly, D. J., R. J. Soares Magalhaes, et al. (2008). "Circulating natriuretic peptides in cats with heart disease." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 96-105.with heart disease." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 96-105.

Natriuretic peptides are hormones produced by cardiac muscle cells, and include atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). These hormones are released in response to stretching of the atria (ANP) and ventricles (BNP), and are responsible for regulation of body fluids and blood pressure. The forms of these hormones measured in circulation are NT-proANP and NT-proBNP. In human medicine, these biochemical markers are used as patient-side tests for the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac disease. In people with HCM, NT-proBNP is increased and correlates with severity of disease. Increased concentrations of BNP have been reported in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and congestive heart failure (CHF). In this study, serum NT-proANP and NT-proBNP levels were measured in 28 healthy control cats and 50 cats with heart disease. Of the 50 cats with heart disease, 33 were in CHF while the remaining 17 were not. The study found that both markers were able to distinguish cats with heart disease from normal cats, but NT-proBNP was able to distinguish cats without CHF from normal cats. With further investigation, it may be possible to use NT-proBNP as a screening test for heart disease in cats. Any cats with positive test results should be evaluated with a more specific test, such as echocardiography, for false positives are possible.

>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:

MacLean, H. N., J. A. Abbott, et al. (2006). "N-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide immunoreactivity in plasma of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 284-9.

>> PubMed abstract

Winn funded research

Biondo, A. W., E. J. Ehrhart, et al. (2003). "Immunohistochemistry of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides in control cats and cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Vet Pathol 40(5): 501-6.

>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Pericardial Effusion in Cats

Davidson, B. J., A. C. Paling, et al. (2008). "Disease association and clinical assessment of feline pericardial effusion." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 44(1): 5-9.

Records of 83 cats with pericardial effusion diagnosed at Washington State University and the University of California (Davis) were reviewed to determine the main causes and clinical significance. The most common causes were hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with congestive heart failure, cancer, and systemic infection. Most affected cats also had pleural effusion or pulmonary edema and signs of respiratory disease. Pericardial effusion is infrequent in cats, but is associated with serious cardiac and non-cardiac disease when it occurs and so warrants careful investigation.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hall, D. J., F. Shofer, et al. (2007). "Pericardial effusion in cats: a retrospective study of clinical findings and outcome in 146 cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 1002-7.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Davidson, B. J., A. C. Paling, et al. (2008). "Disease association and clinical assessment of feline pericardial effusion." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 44(1): 5-9.

Records of 83 cats with pericardial effusion diagnosed at Washington State University and the University of California (Davis) were reviewed to determine the main causes and clinical significance. The most common causes were hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with congestive heart failure, cancer, and systemic infection. Most affected cats also had pleural effusion or pulmonary edema and signs of respiratory disease. Pericardial effusion is infrequent in cats, but is associated with serious cardiac and non-cardiac disease when it occurs and so warrants careful investigation.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hall, D. J., F. Shofer, et al. (2007). "Pericardial effusion in cats: a retrospective study of clinical findings and outcome in 146 cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 1002-7.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Efficacy of Transdermal Atenolol for Cats

Macgregor, J. M., J. E. Rush, et al. (2008). "Comparison of pharmacodynamic variables following oral versus transdermal administration of atenolol to healthy cats." Am J Vet Res 69(1): 39-44.

Atenolol is often prescribed for cats with certain types of heart disease, most notably some forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The drug is typically prescribed as 1/4 of a 25 mg tablet every 12 hours. Long term daily administration of oral medication may be very difficult for some owners to achieve. In recent years, there has been great interest in transdermal formulations of medication for cats. Few studies have reported on the efficacy of transdermal gel medications for cats, and of those that have been published the results are not always promising. In this project, atenolol was administered to 7 healthy cats, either orally or as a transdermal gel. Blood levels of atenolol were tested to determine efficacy of the route of administration. The difference between the two routes of administration was significant, with transdermal atenolol providing lower and inconsistent blood levels compared to oral administration.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Helms, S. R. (2007). "Treatment of feline hypertension with transdermal amlodipine: a pilot study." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 43(3): 149-156.

Lecuyer, M., S. Prini, et al. (2006). "Clinical efficacy and safety of transdermal methimazole in the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism." Can Vet J 47(2): 131-5. [Free full text article]

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Macgregor, J. M., J. E. Rush, et al. (2008). "Comparison of pharmacodynamic variables following oral versus transdermal administration of atenolol to healthy cats." Am J Vet Res 69(1): 39-44.

Atenolol is often prescribed for cats with certain types of heart disease, most notably some forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The drug is typically prescribed as 1/4 of a 25 mg tablet every 12 hours. Long term daily administration of oral medication may be very difficult for some owners to achieve. In recent years, there has been great interest in transdermal formulations of medication for cats. Few studies have reported on the efficacy of transdermal gel medications for cats, and of those that have been published the results are not always promising. In this project, atenolol was administered to 7 healthy cats, either orally or as a transdermal gel. Blood levels of atenolol were tested to determine efficacy of the route of administration. The difference between the two routes of administration was significant, with transdermal atenolol providing lower and inconsistent blood levels compared to oral administration.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Helms, S. R. (2007). "Treatment of feline hypertension with transdermal amlodipine: a pilot study." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 43(3): 149-156.

Lecuyer, M., S. Prini, et al. (2006). "Clinical efficacy and safety of transdermal methimazole in the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism." Can Vet J 47(2): 131-5. [Free full text article]

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More