Pradofloxacin For Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Disease

Hartmann, A. D., C. R. Helps, et al. (2008). "Efficacy of pradofloxacin in cats with feline upper respiratory tract disease due to Chlamydophila felis or Mycoplasma infections." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 44-52.

Two of the pathogens implicated in feline upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) are Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma. Typical treatment for these pathogens has been doxycycline or enrofloxacin. Both drugs are associated with adverse effects. This study investigated the efficacy of a novel fluoroquinolone, pradofloxacin, for treatment of these pathogens. In this placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, 39 cats with clinical signs of URTD were divided into 2 treatment groups. One group was treated with pradofloxacin and the other group was treated with doxycycline; both groups were treated for 42 days. Clinical scores were evaluated as response to treatment. The presence of C. felis and Mycoplasma was determined by PCR analysis of conjunctival swabs. Before treatment, C. felis was detected in 23 cats, and Mycoplasma was detected in 20 cats. Both groups of cats responded to treatment with a marked improvement in clinical signs within 1 week. Complete elimination of Mycoplasma was achieved in both groups of cats. However, while all cats receiving doxycycline eliminated C. felis, 4 cats treated with pradofloxacin remained PCR-positive.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hartmann, A., R. Krebber, et al. (2008). "Pharmacokinetics of pradofloxacin and doxycycline in serum, saliva, and tear fluid of cats after oral administration." J Vet Pharmacol Ther 31(2): 87-94.
>> PubMed abstract

Litster, A., S. Moss, et al. (2007). "Clinical efficacy and palatability of pradofloxacin 2.5% oral suspension for the treatment of bacterial lower urinary tract infections in cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 990-5.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Hartmann, A. D., C. R. Helps, et al. (2008). "Efficacy of pradofloxacin in cats with feline upper respiratory tract disease due to Chlamydophila felis or Mycoplasma infections." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 44-52.

Two of the pathogens implicated in feline upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) are Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma. Typical treatment for these pathogens has been doxycycline or enrofloxacin. Both drugs are associated with adverse effects. This study investigated the efficacy of a novel fluoroquinolone, pradofloxacin, for treatment of these pathogens. In this placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, 39 cats with clinical signs of URTD were divided into 2 treatment groups. One group was treated with pradofloxacin and the other group was treated with doxycycline; both groups were treated for 42 days. Clinical scores were evaluated as response to treatment. The presence of C. felis and Mycoplasma was determined by PCR analysis of conjunctival swabs. Before treatment, C. felis was detected in 23 cats, and Mycoplasma was detected in 20 cats. Both groups of cats responded to treatment with a marked improvement in clinical signs within 1 week. Complete elimination of Mycoplasma was achieved in both groups of cats. However, while all cats receiving doxycycline eliminated C. felis, 4 cats treated with pradofloxacin remained PCR-positive.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hartmann, A., R. Krebber, et al. (2008). "Pharmacokinetics of pradofloxacin and doxycycline in serum, saliva, and tear fluid of cats after oral administration." J Vet Pharmacol Ther 31(2): 87-94.
>> PubMed abstract

Litster, A., S. Moss, et al. (2007). "Clinical efficacy and palatability of pradofloxacin 2.5% oral suspension for the treatment of bacterial lower urinary tract infections in cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 990-5.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Acute Kidney Failure in Cats

Worwag, S. and C. E. Langston (2008). "Acute intrinsic renal failure in cats: 32 cases (1997-2004)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(5): 728-32.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is the sudden onset of impaired renal function with associated inability to regulate fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. The prognosis for ARF in dogs and humans is generally poor, with mortality rates of 50-60%. Very limited data has been available on the characteristics of cats with ARF. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographics, clinicopathologic findings and outcome of cats with ARF. In a retrospective case series, the records of 32 cats with ARF were examined. Causes of ARF included nephrotoxins (e.g., drugs, lily toxicity) and ischemia, among others. Increases in serum potassium were associated with decreased chance of survival. Other negative prognostic indicators were low serum albumin or bicarbonate concentration at initial diagnosis. Of the 32 cases, 17 cats (53%) survived but 9 cats had persistent azotemia. The results of this study indicate that survival rates of cats with ARF are similar to rates in dogs and that about half of surviving cats have persistent renal damage.
>> PubMed abstract


Related blog posts:
Lily toxicity in a cat

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Worwag, S. and C. E. Langston (2008). "Acute intrinsic renal failure in cats: 32 cases (1997-2004)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(5): 728-32.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is the sudden onset of impaired renal function with associated inability to regulate fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. The prognosis for ARF in dogs and humans is generally poor, with mortality rates of 50-60%. Very limited data has been available on the characteristics of cats with ARF. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographics, clinicopathologic findings and outcome of cats with ARF. In a retrospective case series, the records of 32 cats with ARF were examined. Causes of ARF included nephrotoxins (e.g., drugs, lily toxicity) and ischemia, among others. Increases in serum potassium were associated with decreased chance of survival. Other negative prognostic indicators were low serum albumin or bicarbonate concentration at initial diagnosis. Of the 32 cases, 17 cats (53%) survived but 9 cats had persistent azotemia. The results of this study indicate that survival rates of cats with ARF are similar to rates in dogs and that about half of surviving cats have persistent renal damage.
>> PubMed abstract


Related blog posts:
Lily toxicity in a cat

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Feeding Practices of Cat Owners

Laflamme, D. P., S. K. Abood, et al. (2008). "Pet feeding practices of dog and cat owners in the United States and Australia." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(5): 687-94.

The objective of this large telephone survey was to determine what and how dog and cat owners feed their pets. A random selection of pet owners were surveyed in multiple U.S. locations and 1 location in Australia. Over 1100 respondents provided data on feeding practices for 635 dogs and 469 cats. Over 98% of cat owners fed commercial food for at least one-half of the nutritional intake. In addition, 29% of cats received at least one-half of their diet from commercial canned foods, and 13% of cats were fed non-commercial foods as part of their main diet. Veterinarians were cited as the most common source of information on pet care and nutrition, but 16% of cat owners cited the internet and other media sources as their primary source of information.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Michel, K. E. (2006). "Unconventional diets for dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 36(6): 1269-81, vi-vii.
>> PubMed abstract

Wakefield, L., F. Shofer, et al. (2006). "Evaluation of cats fed vegetarian diets and attitudes of their caregivers." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 229(1): 70-73.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Laflamme, D. P., S. K. Abood, et al. (2008). "Pet feeding practices of dog and cat owners in the United States and Australia." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(5): 687-94.

The objective of this large telephone survey was to determine what and how dog and cat owners feed their pets. A random selection of pet owners were surveyed in multiple U.S. locations and 1 location in Australia. Over 1100 respondents provided data on feeding practices for 635 dogs and 469 cats. Over 98% of cat owners fed commercial food for at least one-half of the nutritional intake. In addition, 29% of cats received at least one-half of their diet from commercial canned foods, and 13% of cats were fed non-commercial foods as part of their main diet. Veterinarians were cited as the most common source of information on pet care and nutrition, but 16% of cat owners cited the internet and other media sources as their primary source of information.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Michel, K. E. (2006). "Unconventional diets for dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 36(6): 1269-81, vi-vii.
>> PubMed abstract

Wakefield, L., F. Shofer, et al. (2006). "Evaluation of cats fed vegetarian diets and attitudes of their caregivers." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 229(1): 70-73.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Prognosis for Cats with Urethral Obstruction

Gerber, B., S. Eichenberger, et al. (2008). "Guarded long-term prognosis in male cats with urethral obstruction." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 16-23.


This study, from the University of Zurich, evaluated 45 male cats with urethral obstruction or lower urinary tract signs due to urethral obstruction. Follow-up information from telephone interviews was available for 39 cats. Of the 22 cats with idiopathic urethral obstruction, 36% re-obstructed after a range of 3-728 days (median 17 days). Of the 10 cats with urolithiasis, 30% re-obstructed and of the 7 cats with urethral plugs, 43% re-obstructed. Most cats (51%) experienced recurrent signs of lower urinary tract disease, including obstruction. The most common reason for euthanasia was recurrent obstruction and was the end result for 21% of the cases.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Gerber, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2005). "Evaluation of clinical signs and causes of lower urinary tract disease in European cats." J Small Anim Pract 46(12): 571-7.
>> PubMed abstract


Houston, D., A. Moore, et al. (2003). "Feline urethral plugs and bladder uroliths: a review of 5484 submissions 1998-2003." Can Vet J 44: 974-977.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Gerber, B., S. Eichenberger, et al. (2008). "Guarded long-term prognosis in male cats with urethral obstruction." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 16-23.


This study, from the University of Zurich, evaluated 45 male cats with urethral obstruction or lower urinary tract signs due to urethral obstruction. Follow-up information from telephone interviews was available for 39 cats. Of the 22 cats with idiopathic urethral obstruction, 36% re-obstructed after a range of 3-728 days (median 17 days). Of the 10 cats with urolithiasis, 30% re-obstructed and of the 7 cats with urethral plugs, 43% re-obstructed. Most cats (51%) experienced recurrent signs of lower urinary tract disease, including obstruction. The most common reason for euthanasia was recurrent obstruction and was the end result for 21% of the cases.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Gerber, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2005). "Evaluation of clinical signs and causes of lower urinary tract disease in European cats." J Small Anim Pract 46(12): 571-7.
>> PubMed abstract


Houston, D., A. Moore, et al. (2003). "Feline urethral plugs and bladder uroliths: a review of 5484 submissions 1998-2003." Can Vet J 44: 974-977.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

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

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Hemoplasma in Cats (formerly Hemobartonella)

Sykes, J. E., J. C. Terry, et al. (2008). "Prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(3): 372-9.

Three species of hemoplasmas are known to infect cats, the most well known of which is Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly Hemobartonella felis). M. haemofelis is associated with hemolytic anemia in some infected cats. Two other hemoplasmas, M. haemominutum and M. turicensis, are less commonly associated with clinical disease. In this study, 310 blood samples that had been submitted to a commercial laboratory because the cats had anemia and/or they were suspected of having hemoplasmosis were evaluated with species-specific PCR assays. The prevalences were 23.2% for M. haemominutum, 4.8% for M. haemofelis, and 6.5% for M. turicensis. Male cats were more likely to be infected with hemoplasmas, and FeLV and FIV were strongly associated with M. haemofelis infection. The results of this study show that these hemoplasmas occur commonly in cats in the United States.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Willi, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2007). "From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: Molecular methods provide new insights." Vet Microbiol 125(3-4): 197-209.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Sykes, J. E., J. C. Terry, et al. (2008). "Prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(3): 372-9.

Three species of hemoplasmas are known to infect cats, the most well known of which is Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly Hemobartonella felis). M. haemofelis is associated with hemolytic anemia in some infected cats. Two other hemoplasmas, M. haemominutum and M. turicensis, are less commonly associated with clinical disease. In this study, 310 blood samples that had been submitted to a commercial laboratory because the cats had anemia and/or they were suspected of having hemoplasmosis were evaluated with species-specific PCR assays. The prevalences were 23.2% for M. haemominutum, 4.8% for M. haemofelis, and 6.5% for M. turicensis. Male cats were more likely to be infected with hemoplasmas, and FeLV and FIV were strongly associated with M. haemofelis infection. The results of this study show that these hemoplasmas occur commonly in cats in the United States.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Willi, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2007). "From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: Molecular methods provide new insights." Vet Microbiol 125(3-4): 197-209.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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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.
>> 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

Read More