Quality of Life for Cats Receiving Chemotherapy

Tzannes, S., M. F. Hammond, et al. (2008). "Owners 'perception of their cats' quality of life during COP chemotherapy for lymphoma." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 73-81.


Lymphoma is one of the most common feline cancers and many owners opt for chemotherapy as a treatment option. Most owners are concerned about quality of life for feline cancer patients, both with and without chemotherapy. Questionnaires on quality of life (QOL) were completed by the owners of 31 cats undergoing treatment for lymphoma between 2002 and 2006. All cats were treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone (COP). QOL scores were significantly higher in cats before the onset of cancer than after, but before the start of chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, QOL scores were also lower than before the onset of cancer, but were significantly higher than prior to starting treatment. The majority of cats (87%) experienced adverse effects during treatment. Most pet owners (83%) were happy they treated their cats and most (87%) would treat another cat. The results of this questionnaire survey indicate that COP chemotherapy is well tolerated by cats according to owner perceptions of QOL.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Teske, E., G. van Straten, et al. (2002). "Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (COP) in cats with malignant lymphoma: new results with an old protocol." J Vet Intern Med 16(2): 179-186.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation

Tzannes, S., M. F. Hammond, et al. (2008). "Owners 'perception of their cats' quality of life during COP chemotherapy for lymphoma." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 73-81.


Lymphoma is one of the most common feline cancers and many owners opt for chemotherapy as a treatment option. Most owners are concerned about quality of life for feline cancer patients, both with and without chemotherapy. Questionnaires on quality of life (QOL) were completed by the owners of 31 cats undergoing treatment for lymphoma between 2002 and 2006. All cats were treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone (COP). QOL scores were significantly higher in cats before the onset of cancer than after, but before the start of chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, QOL scores were also lower than before the onset of cancer, but were significantly higher than prior to starting treatment. The majority of cats (87%) experienced adverse effects during treatment. Most pet owners (83%) were happy they treated their cats and most (87%) would treat another cat. The results of this questionnaire survey indicate that COP chemotherapy is well tolerated by cats according to owner perceptions of QOL.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Teske, E., G. van Straten, et al. (2002). "Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (COP) in cats with malignant lymphoma: new results with an old protocol." J Vet Intern Med 16(2): 179-186.
>> PubMed abstract


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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

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Cytauxzoonosis in Domestic Cats

Reichard, M. V., K. A. Baum, et al. (2008). "Temporal occurrence and environmental risk factors associated with cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats." Vet Parasitol 152(3-4): 314-20.

Cytauxzoonosis is caused by Cytauxzoon felis, a protozoan parasite of domestic and wild cats that is transmitted by ticks. The disease is seen in the south-central and southeastern U.S. Cytauxzoonosis is typically a severe disease in domestic cats, with fever , anorexia, anemia, and icterus. Most affected cats die within 3 weeks. This study determined the temporal occurrence and risk factors associated with C. felis infection in domestic cats in Oklahoma with a retrospective search of electronic medical records from the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. From 1995 to 2006, a total of 232 cytauxzoonosis cases were identified and analyzed. The number of cases remained constant from year to year. Diagnosis of the disease followed a bimodal pattern, with most cases diagnosed in April-June and a smaller number in August-September. In cases where a client address was known, the majority occurred in low density residential areas. Cytauxzoonosis cases were significantly associated with more wooded cover and closer proximity to natural or unmanaged areas than control sites. More cases can be expected in domestic cats living in close proximity to environments that support both ticks and bobcats.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Haber, M. D., M. D. Tucker, et al. (2007). "The detection of Cytauxzoon felis in apparently healthy free-roaming cats in the USA." Vet Parasitol 146(3-4): 316-20.
>> PubMed abstract

Birkenheuer, A., J. Le, et al. (2006). "Cytauxzoon felis infection in cats in the mid-Atlantic states: 34 cases (1998-2004)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(4): 568-571.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Reichard, M. V., K. A. Baum, et al. (2008). "Temporal occurrence and environmental risk factors associated with cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats." Vet Parasitol 152(3-4): 314-20.

Cytauxzoonosis is caused by Cytauxzoon felis, a protozoan parasite of domestic and wild cats that is transmitted by ticks. The disease is seen in the south-central and southeastern U.S. Cytauxzoonosis is typically a severe disease in domestic cats, with fever , anorexia, anemia, and icterus. Most affected cats die within 3 weeks. This study determined the temporal occurrence and risk factors associated with C. felis infection in domestic cats in Oklahoma with a retrospective search of electronic medical records from the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. From 1995 to 2006, a total of 232 cytauxzoonosis cases were identified and analyzed. The number of cases remained constant from year to year. Diagnosis of the disease followed a bimodal pattern, with most cases diagnosed in April-June and a smaller number in August-September. In cases where a client address was known, the majority occurred in low density residential areas. Cytauxzoonosis cases were significantly associated with more wooded cover and closer proximity to natural or unmanaged areas than control sites. More cases can be expected in domestic cats living in close proximity to environments that support both ticks and bobcats.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Haber, M. D., M. D. Tucker, et al. (2007). "The detection of Cytauxzoon felis in apparently healthy free-roaming cats in the USA." Vet Parasitol 146(3-4): 316-20.
>> PubMed abstract

Birkenheuer, A., J. Le, et al. (2006). "Cytauxzoon felis infection in cats in the mid-Atlantic states: 34 cases (1998-2004)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(4): 568-571.
>> PubMed abstract

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Carboplatin For Treatment Of Cancer in Cats

Kisseberth, W. C., D. M. Vail, et al. (2008). "Phase I clinical evaluation of carboplatin in tumor-bearing cats: a veterinary cooperative oncology group study." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 83-8.


Carboplatin (Paraplatin, Bristol-Myers Squibb) is an alkylating agent widely used as chemotherapy for certain tumors in humans and dogs. In cats, only isolated case reports exist. Little investigation has been done to investigate the optimal dose and efficacy of this drug in cats with tumors. In this study, 59 cats with naturally occurring solid tumors were treated with carboplatin. Cats were enrolled in the study from several different institutions and had various tumor types, such as injection-site sarcomas and oral squamous cell sarcomas. The starting dose was 160 mg/m(2) of body surface area and the dose was increased in cohorts of cats until the maximally tolerated dose was determined. The maximally tolerated dose was 240 mg/m(2) and the dose limiting toxicity was neutropenia. The lowest neutrophil and platelet counts occurred 2 to 3 weeks after drug administration. There was no evidence of drug-induced kidney toxicity or pulmonary edema. There was one cat with complete response to treatment, and six cats with partial responses. The dose of carboplatin recommended by the researchers is 240 mg/m(2) IV every 3 to 4 weeks. Carboplatin appears to be safe and well tolerated in cats.
>> PubMed abstract


Veterinary Cancer Society


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Kisseberth, W. C., D. M. Vail, et al. (2008). "Phase I clinical evaluation of carboplatin in tumor-bearing cats: a veterinary cooperative oncology group study." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 83-8.


Carboplatin (Paraplatin, Bristol-Myers Squibb) is an alkylating agent widely used as chemotherapy for certain tumors in humans and dogs. In cats, only isolated case reports exist. Little investigation has been done to investigate the optimal dose and efficacy of this drug in cats with tumors. In this study, 59 cats with naturally occurring solid tumors were treated with carboplatin. Cats were enrolled in the study from several different institutions and had various tumor types, such as injection-site sarcomas and oral squamous cell sarcomas. The starting dose was 160 mg/m(2) of body surface area and the dose was increased in cohorts of cats until the maximally tolerated dose was determined. The maximally tolerated dose was 240 mg/m(2) and the dose limiting toxicity was neutropenia. The lowest neutrophil and platelet counts occurred 2 to 3 weeks after drug administration. There was no evidence of drug-induced kidney toxicity or pulmonary edema. There was one cat with complete response to treatment, and six cats with partial responses. The dose of carboplatin recommended by the researchers is 240 mg/m(2) IV every 3 to 4 weeks. Carboplatin appears to be safe and well tolerated in cats.
>> PubMed abstract


Veterinary Cancer Society


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Seizures in Cats with FIP

Timmann, D., S. Cizinauskas, et al. (2008). "Retrospective analysis of seizures associated with feline infectious peritonitis in cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 9-15.

Seizures have been reported frequently in feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) but have not been studied in detail in association with this disease. The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of neurological signs in a population of 55 cats with a histopathologically confirmed neurological form of FIP. Seizure patterns were determined and it was attempted to relate occurrence of seizures with age, breed, sex and neuropathological features. Fourteen cats had seizure(s), while 41 cats had no history of seizure(s). Generalised tonic-clonic seizures were seen in nine cats; and complex focal seizures were observed in four patients. The exact type of seizure could not be determined in one cat. Status epilepticus was observed in one patient but seizure clusters were not encountered. Occurrence of seizures was not related to age, sex, breed or intensity of the inflammation in the central nervous system. However, seizures were significantly more frequent in animals with marked extension of the inflammatory lesions to the forebrain (P=0.038). Thus, the occurrence of seizures in FIP indicates extensive brain damage and can, therefore, be considered to be an unfavourable prognostic sign.
>>PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Winn funded research
Foley, J., C. Rand, et al. (2003). "Inflammation and changes in cytokine levels in neurological feline infectious peritonitis." J Fel Med Surg 5(6): 313-322.
>>PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Timmann, D., S. Cizinauskas, et al. (2008). "Retrospective analysis of seizures associated with feline infectious peritonitis in cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 9-15.

Seizures have been reported frequently in feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) but have not been studied in detail in association with this disease. The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of neurological signs in a population of 55 cats with a histopathologically confirmed neurological form of FIP. Seizure patterns were determined and it was attempted to relate occurrence of seizures with age, breed, sex and neuropathological features. Fourteen cats had seizure(s), while 41 cats had no history of seizure(s). Generalised tonic-clonic seizures were seen in nine cats; and complex focal seizures were observed in four patients. The exact type of seizure could not be determined in one cat. Status epilepticus was observed in one patient but seizure clusters were not encountered. Occurrence of seizures was not related to age, sex, breed or intensity of the inflammation in the central nervous system. However, seizures were significantly more frequent in animals with marked extension of the inflammatory lesions to the forebrain (P=0.038). Thus, the occurrence of seizures in FIP indicates extensive brain damage and can, therefore, be considered to be an unfavourable prognostic sign.
>>PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Winn funded research
Foley, J., C. Rand, et al. (2003). "Inflammation and changes in cytokine levels in neurological feline infectious peritonitis." J Fel Med Surg 5(6): 313-322.
>>PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Safety of IV Famotidine in Cats

de Brito Galvao, J. F. and L. A. Trepanier (2008). "Risk of hemolytic anemia with intravenous administration of famotidine to hospitalized cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 325-9.

Famotidine is a histamine type 2 blocker, used to treat esophagitis, nausea and vomiting in cats. Anecdotally, famotidine has been associated with hemolytic anemia when given intravenously to cats, leading some clinicians to avoid this route of administration. The actual risk has not been fully evaluated, and many clinicians have never experienced adverse effects from IV use of famotidine in cats. The objective of this study was to determine if a significant drop in packed cell volume (PCV) was observed in hospitalized cats given famotidine IV compared to cats given the drug by the subcutaneous route (SC), or not at all. It was also hypothesized that when famotidine is given slowly IV, no signficant decrease in PCV would occur. A retrospective medical record review was performed involving 56 cats prescribed famotidine IV, 48 cats given famotidine SC, and 38 cats that were not prescribed the drug at all (control group). The IV famotidine was given by a standardized protocol in this study, with administration over a period of 5 minutes. No cats were given famotidine by rapid IV bolus. The median decrease in PCV was no different in cats that received famotidine by either route compared with the control group. No cats in the famotidine groups had any signs of hemolysis. In this retrospective study, famotidine was given IV to 56 hospitalized cats without evidence of hemolysis, and the IV route appeared safe when the drug was administered over 5 minutes. There did not appear to be a safety advantage of SC versus IV administration in this group of cats.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

de Brito Galvao, J. F. and L. A. Trepanier (2008). "Risk of hemolytic anemia with intravenous administration of famotidine to hospitalized cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 325-9.

Famotidine is a histamine type 2 blocker, used to treat esophagitis, nausea and vomiting in cats. Anecdotally, famotidine has been associated with hemolytic anemia when given intravenously to cats, leading some clinicians to avoid this route of administration. The actual risk has not been fully evaluated, and many clinicians have never experienced adverse effects from IV use of famotidine in cats. The objective of this study was to determine if a significant drop in packed cell volume (PCV) was observed in hospitalized cats given famotidine IV compared to cats given the drug by the subcutaneous route (SC), or not at all. It was also hypothesized that when famotidine is given slowly IV, no signficant decrease in PCV would occur. A retrospective medical record review was performed involving 56 cats prescribed famotidine IV, 48 cats given famotidine SC, and 38 cats that were not prescribed the drug at all (control group). The IV famotidine was given by a standardized protocol in this study, with administration over a period of 5 minutes. No cats were given famotidine by rapid IV bolus. The median decrease in PCV was no different in cats that received famotidine by either route compared with the control group. No cats in the famotidine groups had any signs of hemolysis. In this retrospective study, famotidine was given IV to 56 hospitalized cats without evidence of hemolysis, and the IV route appeared safe when the drug was administered over 5 minutes. There did not appear to be a safety advantage of SC versus IV administration in this group of cats.
>> PubMed abstract

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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

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