New Antiviral Treatment for Feline Calicivirus

Smith, A. W., P. L. Iversen, et al. (2008). "Virus-specific antiviral treatment for controlling severe and fatal outbreaks of feline calicivirus infection." Am J Vet Res 69(1): 23-32.

During the past decade, several outbreaks of severe systemic disease associated with feline calicivirus (FCV) have occurred with high mortality in the affected animals. This study details evaluation of a virus-specific antiviral phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) for treating 112 kittens involved in 3 natural outbreaks of disease in the United States. PMOs are molecules used to modify gene expression. This novel treatment modality has not previously been tested in cats. A calicivirus strain was isolated from a cat that died of natural hemorrhagic calicivirus disease and a PMO was synthesized. The PMO was administered on day 1 of clinical signs and continued for up to 7 days. Various antiviral doses were evaluated by comparing survival times, clinical recovery, and virus shedding. In the natural outbreaks, 47 of 59 treated cats survived, but only 3 of 31 untreated cats survived. PMO treatment reduced calicivirus shedding and improved clinical recovery. Virus-specific PMOs may be an effective modality for treatment of severe disease associated with feline calicivirus.
>> PubMed abstract

Related blog posts:
Virulent systemic calicivirus
Feline caliciviruses causing virulent systemic disease are genetically distinct


More on PMOs


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Smith, A. W., P. L. Iversen, et al. (2008). "Virus-specific antiviral treatment for controlling severe and fatal outbreaks of feline calicivirus infection." Am J Vet Res 69(1): 23-32.

During the past decade, several outbreaks of severe systemic disease associated with feline calicivirus (FCV) have occurred with high mortality in the affected animals. This study details evaluation of a virus-specific antiviral phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) for treating 112 kittens involved in 3 natural outbreaks of disease in the United States. PMOs are molecules used to modify gene expression. This novel treatment modality has not previously been tested in cats. A calicivirus strain was isolated from a cat that died of natural hemorrhagic calicivirus disease and a PMO was synthesized. The PMO was administered on day 1 of clinical signs and continued for up to 7 days. Various antiviral doses were evaluated by comparing survival times, clinical recovery, and virus shedding. In the natural outbreaks, 47 of 59 treated cats survived, but only 3 of 31 untreated cats survived. PMO treatment reduced calicivirus shedding and improved clinical recovery. Virus-specific PMOs may be an effective modality for treatment of severe disease associated with feline calicivirus.
>> PubMed abstract

Related blog posts:
Virulent systemic calicivirus
Feline caliciviruses causing virulent systemic disease are genetically distinct


More on PMOs


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

New FIV Test Developed

Levy, J. K., P. C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "Differentiation of feline immunodeficiency virus vaccination, infection, or vaccination and infection in cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 330-4.


Diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is complicated by the fact that no commercially available tests can differentiate between naturally infected cats and cats that have been vaccinated against FIV. After vaccination, cats produce antibodies that to date have been indistinguishable from those induced by natural infection. A discriminant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed that detects antibodies against formalin-treated FIV whole virus and untreated transmembrane peptide. In this study, blood samples from 73 uninfected and unvaccinated cats, 89 uninfected FIV-vaccinated cats, 99 unvaccinated FIV-infected cats, and 3 FIV-infected and vaccinated cats were tested. The discriminate ELISA correctly identified all uninfected cats, giving a specificity of 100%. Of the FIV-infected cats, 99 were correctly identified, giving a sensitivity of 97.1%. Other than virus isolation, which is not widely available and is time-consuming and expensive, this discriminate ELISA is the most reliable test for diagnosis of FIV. When this test becomes available at referral diagnostic laboratories, a new strategy for FIV testing would be to use the existing patient-side antibody assay as a screening test, and confirm positive results with the discriminant ELISA.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Kusuhara, H., T. Hohdatsu, et al. (2007). "Serological differentiation of FIV-infected cats from dual-subtype feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine (Fel-O-Vax FIV) inoculated cats." Vet Microbiol 120(3-4): 217-25.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Levy, J. K., P. C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "Differentiation of feline immunodeficiency virus vaccination, infection, or vaccination and infection in cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 330-4.


Diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is complicated by the fact that no commercially available tests can differentiate between naturally infected cats and cats that have been vaccinated against FIV. After vaccination, cats produce antibodies that to date have been indistinguishable from those induced by natural infection. A discriminant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed that detects antibodies against formalin-treated FIV whole virus and untreated transmembrane peptide. In this study, blood samples from 73 uninfected and unvaccinated cats, 89 uninfected FIV-vaccinated cats, 99 unvaccinated FIV-infected cats, and 3 FIV-infected and vaccinated cats were tested. The discriminate ELISA correctly identified all uninfected cats, giving a specificity of 100%. Of the FIV-infected cats, 99 were correctly identified, giving a sensitivity of 97.1%. Other than virus isolation, which is not widely available and is time-consuming and expensive, this discriminate ELISA is the most reliable test for diagnosis of FIV. When this test becomes available at referral diagnostic laboratories, a new strategy for FIV testing would be to use the existing patient-side antibody assay as a screening test, and confirm positive results with the discriminant ELISA.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Kusuhara, H., T. Hohdatsu, et al. (2007). "Serological differentiation of FIV-infected cats from dual-subtype feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine (Fel-O-Vax FIV) inoculated cats." Vet Microbiol 120(3-4): 217-25.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Hemangiosarcoma in Cats

Johannes, C. M., C. J. Henry, et al. (2007). "Hemangiosarcoma in cats: 53 cases (1992-2002)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(12): 1851-6.

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer arising from blood vessels and is considered rare in cats. Traditionally, feline hemangiosarcoma is classified as either dermal or visceral, with no distinction between cutaneous and subcutaneous dermal tumors. The purpose of this study was to characterize feline hemangiosarcoma and determine the signalment, clinical signs, biological behavior, treatment outcomes, and prognostic indicators associated with this type of tumor. In a retrospective case series, data from 53 cats with hemangiosarcoma was evaluated. Cutaneous and subcutaneous locations were more common than abdominal and thoracic locations. In 47 of the cats, surgery was the primary treatment. Tumor-free surgical margins were associated with longer survival times and were more likely to be obtained in cutaneous than subcutaneous tumors. Local recurrence was experienced in 6 of the 12 cats with subcutaneous tumors for which follow-up was available. Metastic disease was experienced by several cats. Of the 21 known deaths or euthanasias, 18 were directly related to the tumor. Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma was more aggressive than the cutaneous form, and it was more likely to recur locally and result in death or euthanasia. Visceral hemangiosarcoma is associated with a grave prognosis.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Culp, W. T., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2008). "Feline visceral hemangiosarcoma." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 148-52.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Johannes, C. M., C. J. Henry, et al. (2007). "Hemangiosarcoma in cats: 53 cases (1992-2002)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(12): 1851-6.

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer arising from blood vessels and is considered rare in cats. Traditionally, feline hemangiosarcoma is classified as either dermal or visceral, with no distinction between cutaneous and subcutaneous dermal tumors. The purpose of this study was to characterize feline hemangiosarcoma and determine the signalment, clinical signs, biological behavior, treatment outcomes, and prognostic indicators associated with this type of tumor. In a retrospective case series, data from 53 cats with hemangiosarcoma was evaluated. Cutaneous and subcutaneous locations were more common than abdominal and thoracic locations. In 47 of the cats, surgery was the primary treatment. Tumor-free surgical margins were associated with longer survival times and were more likely to be obtained in cutaneous than subcutaneous tumors. Local recurrence was experienced in 6 of the 12 cats with subcutaneous tumors for which follow-up was available. Metastic disease was experienced by several cats. Of the 21 known deaths or euthanasias, 18 were directly related to the tumor. Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma was more aggressive than the cutaneous form, and it was more likely to recur locally and result in death or euthanasia. Visceral hemangiosarcoma is associated with a grave prognosis.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Culp, W. T., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2008). "Feline visceral hemangiosarcoma." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 148-52.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

The Best Age to Spay and Neuter

Kustritz, M. V. (2007). "Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(11): 1665-75.

Spaying female cats and castrating male cats, also called gonadectomy, are among the most commonly performed surgeries in veterinary medicine. Increasingly, both pet owners and veterinarians are questioning the best age to perform gonadectomy. Most veterinarians in the U.S. recommend gonadectomy for cats and dogs between 6 and 9 months of age. However, there is no scientific evidence to document that this is the optimal age. In fact, the age for gonadectomy of cats and dogs has varied tremendously over time and by geographic location. This article is a review of the scientific evidence on optimal ages for gonadectomy.
>> Free full text article available

Related articles:
Howe, L. M. (2006). "Surgical methods of contraception and sterilization." Theriogenology 66(3): 500-9.
>> PubMed abstract

Olson, P., M. Kustritz, et al. (2001). "Early-age neutering of dogs and cats in the United States (a review)." J Reprod Fertil Suppl 57: 223-232.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Kustritz, M. V. (2007). "Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(11): 1665-75.

Spaying female cats and castrating male cats, also called gonadectomy, are among the most commonly performed surgeries in veterinary medicine. Increasingly, both pet owners and veterinarians are questioning the best age to perform gonadectomy. Most veterinarians in the U.S. recommend gonadectomy for cats and dogs between 6 and 9 months of age. However, there is no scientific evidence to document that this is the optimal age. In fact, the age for gonadectomy of cats and dogs has varied tremendously over time and by geographic location. This article is a review of the scientific evidence on optimal ages for gonadectomy.
>> Free full text article available

Related articles:
Howe, L. M. (2006). "Surgical methods of contraception and sterilization." Theriogenology 66(3): 500-9.
>> PubMed abstract

Olson, P., M. Kustritz, et al. (2001). "Early-age neutering of dogs and cats in the United States (a review)." J Reprod Fertil Suppl 57: 223-232.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Pinch-Induced Restraint for Cats

Pozza, M. E., J. L. Stella, et al. (2008). "Pinch-induced behavioral inhibition ('clipnosis') in domestic cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 82-7.


There has been much interest in using mechanical inhibition for gentle restraint of rabbits, rodents, mice and guinea pigs. In these species, immobility is induced using neck clips or inversion. Although it has not received much interest, there have been reports of immobilizing cats by placing clips along the dorsal midline or neck for short procedures such as blood sampling. The authors have coined the term "pinch-induced behavioral inhibition" (PIBI) or "clipnosis" to describe this method of restraint. In this project, the effectiveness of PIBI was evaluated in 13 healthy cats and 18 cats with idiopathic cystitis (IC) using standard two-inch binder clips from a stationery store. In the first month of the study, 92% of the healthy cats and 100% of the cats with IC responded positively to clipping. The physiological response to clipping was similar to that of scruffing a cat - miosis, ventroflexion of the back, curling the tail under the abdomen. While clips can be placed anywhere along the dorsal midline, the authors recommend the dorsum of the neck as the most effective location. No cat exhibited behavior that could be interpreted as a fear or pain response. The researchers concluded that PIBI can be a safe and effective method of gentle restraint for various routine veterinary procedures, such as blood sampling, vaccinations, and nail trimming.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Pozza, M. E., J. L. Stella, et al. (2008). "Pinch-induced behavioral inhibition ('clipnosis') in domestic cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 82-7.


There has been much interest in using mechanical inhibition for gentle restraint of rabbits, rodents, mice and guinea pigs. In these species, immobility is induced using neck clips or inversion. Although it has not received much interest, there have been reports of immobilizing cats by placing clips along the dorsal midline or neck for short procedures such as blood sampling. The authors have coined the term "pinch-induced behavioral inhibition" (PIBI) or "clipnosis" to describe this method of restraint. In this project, the effectiveness of PIBI was evaluated in 13 healthy cats and 18 cats with idiopathic cystitis (IC) using standard two-inch binder clips from a stationery store. In the first month of the study, 92% of the healthy cats and 100% of the cats with IC responded positively to clipping. The physiological response to clipping was similar to that of scruffing a cat - miosis, ventroflexion of the back, curling the tail under the abdomen. While clips can be placed anywhere along the dorsal midline, the authors recommend the dorsum of the neck as the most effective location. No cat exhibited behavior that could be interpreted as a fear or pain response. The researchers concluded that PIBI can be a safe and effective method of gentle restraint for various routine veterinary procedures, such as blood sampling, vaccinations, and nail trimming.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

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

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

Read More