Cognitive Dysfunction in Senior Cats

Crowell-Davis, S. L. (2008). "Cognitive dysfunction in senior pets." Comp Contin Edu Pract Vet 30(2): 106-110.

In recent years, improvements in veterinary care for cats has led to a steadily growing population of senior cats. This compels us to improve our understanding of and treatments for behavioral problems associated with this age group. Cognitive dysfunction (CD) can cause changes in behavior secondary to declining mental function. There is no specific test for CD; rather veterinarians must evaluate owner observations of changes in behavior and rule out other possible causes for these changes. Once CD has been diagnosed, treatment is multi-factorial. While several medications have been approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer's disease in humans, only one approved drug exists for CD in animals and it is approved only for dogs (Anipryl; Pfizer). Other treatments include dietary therapy, and environmental and behavior modification. The goal is to improve the quality and prolong the duration of life in senior cats with CD.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Landsberg, G. (2006). "Therapeutic options for cognitive decline in senior pets." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 42(6): 407-13.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Crowell-Davis, S. L. (2008). "Cognitive dysfunction in senior pets." Comp Contin Edu Pract Vet 30(2): 106-110.

In recent years, improvements in veterinary care for cats has led to a steadily growing population of senior cats. This compels us to improve our understanding of and treatments for behavioral problems associated with this age group. Cognitive dysfunction (CD) can cause changes in behavior secondary to declining mental function. There is no specific test for CD; rather veterinarians must evaluate owner observations of changes in behavior and rule out other possible causes for these changes. Once CD has been diagnosed, treatment is multi-factorial. While several medications have been approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer's disease in humans, only one approved drug exists for CD in animals and it is approved only for dogs (Anipryl; Pfizer). Other treatments include dietary therapy, and environmental and behavior modification. The goal is to improve the quality and prolong the duration of life in senior cats with CD.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Landsberg, G. (2006). "Therapeutic options for cognitive decline in senior pets." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 42(6): 407-13.
>> PubMed abstract

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Treatment for Mast Cell Tumors in Cats

Rassnick, K. M., L. E. Williams, et al. (2008). "Lomustine for treatment of mast cell tumors in cats: 38 cases (1999-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1200-5.


Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are commonly diagnosed in cats, particularly in cutaneous locations. These tumours have a range of biological behavior from benign to malignant. Most cutaneous MCTs are readily treated with surgery or local radiation. Alternative treatments are needed for those cats where surgery or radiation is not an option, or where these modalities have failed to prevent recurrence. In this retrospective case series, the clinical efficacy and toxicity of lomustine was evaluated in 38 cats with confirmed mast cell tumors. Lomustine was administered at a dose at or equal to 50 mg/m(2). Of the 38 cats, most (68%) had cutaneous MCTs but tumors were also diagnosed in other locations, such as mesenteric lymph nodes. The overall response rate was 50%, with 7 cats having a complete response. The median duration of response was 168 days. The most commonly noted toxicoses were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The researchers conclude that lomustine should be considered for cats with MCTs where local treatment is not an option.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Turrel, J., J. Farrelly, et al. (2006). "Evaluation of strontium 90 irradiation in treatment of cutaneous mast cell tumors in cats: 35 cases (1992-2002)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(6): 898-901.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Rassnick, K. M., L. E. Williams, et al. (2008). "Lomustine for treatment of mast cell tumors in cats: 38 cases (1999-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1200-5.


Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are commonly diagnosed in cats, particularly in cutaneous locations. These tumours have a range of biological behavior from benign to malignant. Most cutaneous MCTs are readily treated with surgery or local radiation. Alternative treatments are needed for those cats where surgery or radiation is not an option, or where these modalities have failed to prevent recurrence. In this retrospective case series, the clinical efficacy and toxicity of lomustine was evaluated in 38 cats with confirmed mast cell tumors. Lomustine was administered at a dose at or equal to 50 mg/m(2). Of the 38 cats, most (68%) had cutaneous MCTs but tumors were also diagnosed in other locations, such as mesenteric lymph nodes. The overall response rate was 50%, with 7 cats having a complete response. The median duration of response was 168 days. The most commonly noted toxicoses were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The researchers conclude that lomustine should be considered for cats with MCTs where local treatment is not an option.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Turrel, J., J. Farrelly, et al. (2006). "Evaluation of strontium 90 irradiation in treatment of cutaneous mast cell tumors in cats: 35 cases (1992-2002)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(6): 898-901.
>> PubMed abstract


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Retroviruses and Cat Bite Wounds

Goldkamp, C. E., J. K. Levy, et al. (2008). "Seroprevalences of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats with abscesses or bite wounds and rate of veterinarian compliance with current guidelines for retrovirus testing." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1152-8.

In this prospective study, data was collected on 967 cats being treated for bite wounds and abscesses from 134 veterinary practices in 30 states. Cats were tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) at the time of presentation. Veterinarians were asked to retest cats 60 days later to determine if seronegative cats became positive after the high-risk event. The FeLV-FIV status of 96 cats was known prior to the bite wound event. At the time of treatment, 19.3% of cats were seropositive for FeLV and/or FIV. Risk factors associated with seropositive status included age (adult), gender (male), history of wounds, and outdoor access. Retesting of seronegative cats was recommended to owners of 478 cats at 54.5% of the practices. However, only 13.4% of cats were restested. Of these cats, 5.2% that were initially seronegative for FIV seroconverted. This study determined that a high proportion of cats with abscesses or bite wounds were seropositive for retrovirus infection. Unfortunately, compliance with recommendations to test cats at the time of the event or after treatment was low. Clearly, the FeLV-FIV status of cats with fight wounds should be determined at the time of treatment, and seronegative cats should be retested in 60 days.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J. K., H. M. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Am Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-6.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Goldkamp, C. E., J. K. Levy, et al. (2008). "Seroprevalences of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats with abscesses or bite wounds and rate of veterinarian compliance with current guidelines for retrovirus testing." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1152-8.

In this prospective study, data was collected on 967 cats being treated for bite wounds and abscesses from 134 veterinary practices in 30 states. Cats were tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) at the time of presentation. Veterinarians were asked to retest cats 60 days later to determine if seronegative cats became positive after the high-risk event. The FeLV-FIV status of 96 cats was known prior to the bite wound event. At the time of treatment, 19.3% of cats were seropositive for FeLV and/or FIV. Risk factors associated with seropositive status included age (adult), gender (male), history of wounds, and outdoor access. Retesting of seronegative cats was recommended to owners of 478 cats at 54.5% of the practices. However, only 13.4% of cats were restested. Of these cats, 5.2% that were initially seronegative for FIV seroconverted. This study determined that a high proportion of cats with abscesses or bite wounds were seropositive for retrovirus infection. Unfortunately, compliance with recommendations to test cats at the time of the event or after treatment was low. Clearly, the FeLV-FIV status of cats with fight wounds should be determined at the time of treatment, and seronegative cats should be retested in 60 days.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J. K., H. M. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Am Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-6.
>> PubMed abstract

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Cat Scratch Disease: A Review

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

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

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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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

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

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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Treatment of Ringworm in Shelter Cats

Newbury, S., K. Moriello, et al. (2007). "Use of lime sulphur and itraconazole to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis in an annex facility: an open field trial." Vet Dermatol 18(5): 324-31.

Dermatophytosis is the most common contagious skin disease of cats. It is often a concern in shelter situations since it is zoonotic and highly contagious. It is important to find an effective and rapid treatment protocol for cats with ringworm in shelters to expedite cure and adoption. This open clinical trial in a shelter enrolled 58 cats with confirmed Microsporum canis infection and 32 uninfected bonded pairs. The cats were treated with 21 days of oral itraconazole at 10 mg/kg and twice weekly lime sulphur rinses until cured. No hair coat clipping was performed. Fungal cultures were performed once weekly on all cats. Cats were considered cured with two consecutive negative cultures. No cats developed oral ulcerations as a result of grooming after lime sulphur treatment. No uninfected cats living in contact with infected cats developed dermatophytosis. The mean number of days of treatment required for cure was 18.4 (range 10-49 days). In this shelter, a combination of oral itraconazole and topical lime sulphur treatment was effective and safe.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Moriello, K. A. and M. Verbrugge (2007). "Use of isolated infected spores to determine the sporocidal efficacy of two commercial antifungal rinses against Microsporum canis." Vet Dermatol 18(1): 55-8.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Newbury, S., K. Moriello, et al. (2007). "Use of lime sulphur and itraconazole to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis in an annex facility: an open field trial." Vet Dermatol 18(5): 324-31.

Dermatophytosis is the most common contagious skin disease of cats. It is often a concern in shelter situations since it is zoonotic and highly contagious. It is important to find an effective and rapid treatment protocol for cats with ringworm in shelters to expedite cure and adoption. This open clinical trial in a shelter enrolled 58 cats with confirmed Microsporum canis infection and 32 uninfected bonded pairs. The cats were treated with 21 days of oral itraconazole at 10 mg/kg and twice weekly lime sulphur rinses until cured. No hair coat clipping was performed. Fungal cultures were performed once weekly on all cats. Cats were considered cured with two consecutive negative cultures. No cats developed oral ulcerations as a result of grooming after lime sulphur treatment. No uninfected cats living in contact with infected cats developed dermatophytosis. The mean number of days of treatment required for cure was 18.4 (range 10-49 days). In this shelter, a combination of oral itraconazole and topical lime sulphur treatment was effective and safe.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Moriello, K. A. and M. Verbrugge (2007). "Use of isolated infected spores to determine the sporocidal efficacy of two commercial antifungal rinses against Microsporum canis." Vet Dermatol 18(1): 55-8.
>> PubMed abstract

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Heartworm in Cats

Litster, A. L. and R. B. Atwell (2008). "Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 137-44.

Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis and is transmitted by mosquitoes in heartworm-endemic areas around the world. Dogs and other canids are the definitive hosts, but cats can also be infected. In endemic areas, it is estimated that the feline infection rate is about 5-10% of the canine infection rate. While many cats infected with heartworm have no signs of disease, others may have chronic respiratory signs similar to asthma, or chronic vomiting, or acute death. Diagnosis of feline heartworm is challenging, as there is no single perfect test methodology. Treatment is also problematic as there are no adulticides judged to be safe and effective in cats. Most infected cats are managed with supportive care. A number of safe and effective drugs are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats, in both oral and topical formulations.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.
>> PubMed abstract

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.
>> PubMed abstract

KNOW Heartworms

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation

Litster, A. L. and R. B. Atwell (2008). "Feline heartworm disease: a clinical review." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 137-44.

Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis and is transmitted by mosquitoes in heartworm-endemic areas around the world. Dogs and other canids are the definitive hosts, but cats can also be infected. In endemic areas, it is estimated that the feline infection rate is about 5-10% of the canine infection rate. While many cats infected with heartworm have no signs of disease, others may have chronic respiratory signs similar to asthma, or chronic vomiting, or acute death. Diagnosis of feline heartworm is challenging, as there is no single perfect test methodology. Treatment is also problematic as there are no adulticides judged to be safe and effective in cats. Most infected cats are managed with supportive care. A number of safe and effective drugs are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats, in both oral and topical formulations.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.
>> PubMed abstract

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.
>> PubMed abstract

KNOW Heartworms

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Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Diabetic Cats

Wiedmeyer, C. E. and A. E. Declue (2008). "Continuous glucose monitoring in dogs and cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 2-8.


Continuous glucose monitoring systems originally designed for human diabetic patients have been adapted for use in dogs and cats. Sensors continually measure glucose in subcutaneous interstitial fluid (ISF), rather than in blood. A small, flexible sensor is inserted through the skin into the subcutaneous space, secured to the skin, and attached to a recording device. The ISF glucose is recorded and stored every 5 minutes (288 readings per 24 hours). After the device is removed, the data are downloaded to a computer for analysis. The instrument can remain in place for several days, hospitalization of the patient is not necessary, and the normal daily routine of the animal can be maintained. This review from the University of Missouri-Columbia is designed to describe the technology behind the continuous glucose monitoring system, describe the clinical use of the instrument, provide clinical examples in which it may be useful, and discuss future directions for continuous glucose monitoring in dogs and cats.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Ristic, J. M., M. E. Herrtage, et al. (2005). "Evaluation of a continuous glucose monitoring system in cats with diabetes mellitus." J Feline Med Surg 7(3): 153-62.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Wiedmeyer, C. E. and A. E. Declue (2008). "Continuous glucose monitoring in dogs and cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 2-8.


Continuous glucose monitoring systems originally designed for human diabetic patients have been adapted for use in dogs and cats. Sensors continually measure glucose in subcutaneous interstitial fluid (ISF), rather than in blood. A small, flexible sensor is inserted through the skin into the subcutaneous space, secured to the skin, and attached to a recording device. The ISF glucose is recorded and stored every 5 minutes (288 readings per 24 hours). After the device is removed, the data are downloaded to a computer for analysis. The instrument can remain in place for several days, hospitalization of the patient is not necessary, and the normal daily routine of the animal can be maintained. This review from the University of Missouri-Columbia is designed to describe the technology behind the continuous glucose monitoring system, describe the clinical use of the instrument, provide clinical examples in which it may be useful, and discuss future directions for continuous glucose monitoring in dogs and cats.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Ristic, J. M., M. E. Herrtage, et al. (2005). "Evaluation of a continuous glucose monitoring system in cats with diabetes mellitus." J Feline Med Surg 7(3): 153-62.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More