Helicobacter and Lymphoma in Cats

Bridgeford, E. C., R. P. Marini, et al. (2008). "Gastric Helicobacter species as a cause of feline gastric lymphoma: A viable hypothesis." Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123(1-2): 106-13.

In humans and other animals, gastric Helicobacter spp. bacteria are associated with chronic inflammation. In this study, the relationship between Helicobacter heilmannii and gastric lymphoma in cats was examined. Gastric specimens were collected via biopsy or at necropsy from 47 pet cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease, such as vomiting and anorexia. The specimens were characterized as gastritis (14/47), lymphoma (31/47), or normal (2/47). Staining for Helicobacter organisms was positive in 29 of the specimens. These tissues were then further examined to determine the Helicobacter species involved. Of the cats characterized as having lymphoblastic lymphoma, 13/17 were positive for H. heilmannii. The association between gastric lymphoma in cats and H. heilmannii infection requires further investigation, especially to evaluate the frequency and strain distribution of H. heilmanni in both well cats and those with gastric lymphoma using prospective studies.
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Related articles:
Priestnall, S. L., B. Wiinberg, et al. (2004). "Evaluation of "Helicobacter heilmannii" subtypes in the gastric mucosas of cats and dogs." J Clin Microbiol 42(5): 2144-51.
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Bridgeford, E. C., R. P. Marini, et al. (2008). "Gastric Helicobacter species as a cause of feline gastric lymphoma: A viable hypothesis." Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123(1-2): 106-13.

In humans and other animals, gastric Helicobacter spp. bacteria are associated with chronic inflammation. In this study, the relationship between Helicobacter heilmannii and gastric lymphoma in cats was examined. Gastric specimens were collected via biopsy or at necropsy from 47 pet cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease, such as vomiting and anorexia. The specimens were characterized as gastritis (14/47), lymphoma (31/47), or normal (2/47). Staining for Helicobacter organisms was positive in 29 of the specimens. These tissues were then further examined to determine the Helicobacter species involved. Of the cats characterized as having lymphoblastic lymphoma, 13/17 were positive for H. heilmannii. The association between gastric lymphoma in cats and H. heilmannii infection requires further investigation, especially to evaluate the frequency and strain distribution of H. heilmanni in both well cats and those with gastric lymphoma using prospective studies.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Priestnall, S. L., B. Wiinberg, et al. (2004). "Evaluation of "Helicobacter heilmannii" subtypes in the gastric mucosas of cats and dogs." J Clin Microbiol 42(5): 2144-51.
>> Free full text article

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Congenital Abnormalities of the Feline Spine

Newitt, A., A. J. German, et al. (2008). "Congenital abnormalities of the feline vertebral column." Vet Radiol Ultrasound 49(1): 35-41.

In this retrospective study, radiographs from 200 cats were assessed to determine the incidence of congenital abnormalities of the spinal column. Congenital abnormalities were found in 46 cats (23%). No cats were identified with hemivertebrae or spina bifida, although block vertebrae were found in three cats. Transitional abnormalities were the most common, such as thoracicization of L1 (18 cats; 9%) and extra ribs on L1. Extra ribs were often smaller and fragmented and could be confused with rib fractures.
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Related articles:
Bailey, C. S. and J. P. Morgan (1992). "Congenital spinal malformations." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 22(4): 985-1015.
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Newitt, A., A. J. German, et al. (2008). "Congenital abnormalities of the feline vertebral column." Vet Radiol Ultrasound 49(1): 35-41.

In this retrospective study, radiographs from 200 cats were assessed to determine the incidence of congenital abnormalities of the spinal column. Congenital abnormalities were found in 46 cats (23%). No cats were identified with hemivertebrae or spina bifida, although block vertebrae were found in three cats. Transitional abnormalities were the most common, such as thoracicization of L1 (18 cats; 9%) and extra ribs on L1. Extra ribs were often smaller and fragmented and could be confused with rib fractures.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Bailey, C. S. and J. P. Morgan (1992). "Congenital spinal malformations." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 22(4): 985-1015.
>> PubMed abstract

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Heart Failure in Diabetic Cats

Little, C. J. and G. Gettinby (2008). "Heart failure is common in diabetic cats: findings from a retrospective case-controlled study in first-opinion practice." J Small Anim Pract 49(1): 17-25.

Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in cats and the prevalence may be increasing. In people, death associated with diabetes is commonly due to cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the prognosis and cause of death in cats with diabetes mellitus diagnosed between 1999 and 2005 at a veterinary hospital in Kent, England. Nineteen cats with diabetes were each matched with three age-, breed-, and gender-matched control cats without diabetes. The incidence of heart disease in the diabetic cats was 26% versus 3.5% in the control cats. Cats with diabetes were 10.4 times more likely to have heart disease than non-diabetic cats. Survival time was significantly worse for cats with diabetes (median 385 days) versus control cats (median 718 days). All cats with heart failure died or were euthanized soon after the diagnosis. This study concluded that heart disease and failure is common in this population of cats with diabetes.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Ployngam, T., A. H. Tobias, et al. (2006). "Hemodynamic effects of methylprednisolone acetate administration in cats." Am J Vet Res 67(4): 583-7.
>> PubMed abstract

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Little, C. J. and G. Gettinby (2008). "Heart failure is common in diabetic cats: findings from a retrospective case-controlled study in first-opinion practice." J Small Anim Pract 49(1): 17-25.

Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in cats and the prevalence may be increasing. In people, death associated with diabetes is commonly due to cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the prognosis and cause of death in cats with diabetes mellitus diagnosed between 1999 and 2005 at a veterinary hospital in Kent, England. Nineteen cats with diabetes were each matched with three age-, breed-, and gender-matched control cats without diabetes. The incidence of heart disease in the diabetic cats was 26% versus 3.5% in the control cats. Cats with diabetes were 10.4 times more likely to have heart disease than non-diabetic cats. Survival time was significantly worse for cats with diabetes (median 385 days) versus control cats (median 718 days). All cats with heart failure died or were euthanized soon after the diagnosis. This study concluded that heart disease and failure is common in this population of cats with diabetes.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Ployngam, T., A. H. Tobias, et al. (2006). "Hemodynamic effects of methylprednisolone acetate administration in cats." Am J Vet Res 67(4): 583-7.
>> PubMed abstract

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Streptococcus canis Infections in Cats

Sura, R., L. S. Hinckley, et al. (2008). "Fatal necrotising fasciitis and myositis in a cat associated with Streptococcus canis." Vet Rec 162(14): 450-3.


Streptococcus canis (Lancefield group G) is present in about 10% of cultures of the nasal cavity from cats with upper respiratory tract disease. In cats, S. canis has been associated with arthritis, urogenital infections, upper respiratory tract infections, and neonatal septicemia. Necrotizing fasciitis and necrotizing myositis are rare manifestations of streptococcal infections known to occur in humans and dogs. Most of these cases are caused by streptococci of Lancefield groups A, B, or G. Necrotizing fasciitis has only been reported twice in cats to date. This paper describes a fatal case of necrotizing fasciitis and myositis with pneumonia and septicemia in a 9-year old cat associated with S. canis infection.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Pesavento, P. A., M. J. Bannasch, et al. (2007). "Fatal Streptococcus canis infections in intensively housed shelter cats." Vet Pathol 44(2): 218-21.
>> PubMed abstract


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Sura, R., L. S. Hinckley, et al. (2008). "Fatal necrotising fasciitis and myositis in a cat associated with Streptococcus canis." Vet Rec 162(14): 450-3.


Streptococcus canis (Lancefield group G) is present in about 10% of cultures of the nasal cavity from cats with upper respiratory tract disease. In cats, S. canis has been associated with arthritis, urogenital infections, upper respiratory tract infections, and neonatal septicemia. Necrotizing fasciitis and necrotizing myositis are rare manifestations of streptococcal infections known to occur in humans and dogs. Most of these cases are caused by streptococci of Lancefield groups A, B, or G. Necrotizing fasciitis has only been reported twice in cats to date. This paper describes a fatal case of necrotizing fasciitis and myositis with pneumonia and septicemia in a 9-year old cat associated with S. canis infection.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Pesavento, P. A., M. J. Bannasch, et al. (2007). "Fatal Streptococcus canis infections in intensively housed shelter cats." Vet Pathol 44(2): 218-21.
>> PubMed abstract


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Intervertebral Disk Disease in Cats

Harris, J. E. and S. Dhupa (2008). "Lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease in six cats." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 44(3): 109-15.

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in the lumbosacral spine is a common problem in dogs, but little is known about IVDD in cats. Although disk degeneration and protrusion may be found at necropsy in cats, IVDD is not usually accompanied by recognizable clinical signs. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate clinical signs and surgical outcomes in six cats diagnosed with lumbosacral IVDD. Clinical signs included reluctance to jump, carrying the tail low, inappropriate elimination, reluctance to walk, pelvic-limb paresis, urinary incontinence, and constipation. With one exception, all cats had long-standing clinical histories and clinical signs attributable to lumbosacral disease. Each of the six cats underwent dorsal decompressive laminectomy at the L7 to S1 interspace. Postoperative clinical follow-up lasted 3 to 35 months, with most cats having excellent outcomes. The authors conclude that the incidence of lumbosacral IVDD in cats may be higher than previously recognized. Lumbosacral IVDD should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all cats having caudal lumbar pain or pain on tail hyperextension.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Kathmann, I., S. Cizinauskas, et al. (2000). "Spontaneous lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion in cats: literature review and case presentations." J Feline Med Surg 2(4): 207-12.
>> PubMed abstract

Knipe, M., K. Vernau, et al. (2001). "Intervertebral disc extrusion in six cats." J Fel Med Surg 3(3): 161-168.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Harris, J. E. and S. Dhupa (2008). "Lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease in six cats." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 44(3): 109-15.

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in the lumbosacral spine is a common problem in dogs, but little is known about IVDD in cats. Although disk degeneration and protrusion may be found at necropsy in cats, IVDD is not usually accompanied by recognizable clinical signs. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate clinical signs and surgical outcomes in six cats diagnosed with lumbosacral IVDD. Clinical signs included reluctance to jump, carrying the tail low, inappropriate elimination, reluctance to walk, pelvic-limb paresis, urinary incontinence, and constipation. With one exception, all cats had long-standing clinical histories and clinical signs attributable to lumbosacral disease. Each of the six cats underwent dorsal decompressive laminectomy at the L7 to S1 interspace. Postoperative clinical follow-up lasted 3 to 35 months, with most cats having excellent outcomes. The authors conclude that the incidence of lumbosacral IVDD in cats may be higher than previously recognized. Lumbosacral IVDD should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all cats having caudal lumbar pain or pain on tail hyperextension.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Kathmann, I., S. Cizinauskas, et al. (2000). "Spontaneous lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion in cats: literature review and case presentations." J Feline Med Surg 2(4): 207-12.
>> PubMed abstract

Knipe, M., K. Vernau, et al. (2001). "Intervertebral disc extrusion in six cats." J Fel Med Surg 3(3): 161-168.
>> PubMed abstract

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Cetirizine For Allergies in Cats

Papich, M. G., E. K. Schooley, et al. (2008). "Pharmacokinetics of cetirizine in healthy cats." Am J Vet Res 69(5): 670-4.

Cats may suffer from various manifestations of allergic disease affecting body systems such as the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone are effective for treating allergic disease in cats, but may be associated with undesirable adverse effects. Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Pfizer), a second-generation antihistamine, is effective in humans for treatment of allergic symptoms and appears to have less adverse effects than first-generation antihistamines. Although there is anecdotal information about the use of cetirizine in cats, no published pharmacokinetic studies exist and an appropriate oral dose has not been established. In this study, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of cetirizine after oral administration of a single dose was characterized in cats. Each of nine healthy cats was given a single oral dose of 5 mg cetirizine. Blood samples were collected at various time points up to 24 hours after administration and plasma concentrations of cetirizine were analyzed. Cats given this single oral dose of cetirizine had high plasma concentrations compared with those reported in humans, a long halflife, and lack of detectable adverse effects. The results support once daily dosing of cetirizine in cats. Further studies evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of this drug in cats with allergic disease need to be performed, as well as multipledose pharmacokinetic and safety studies. It appears that cetirizine may be a useful alternative to glucocorticoids in cats with allergic disease.
>> PubMed abstract

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Papich, M. G., E. K. Schooley, et al. (2008). "Pharmacokinetics of cetirizine in healthy cats." Am J Vet Res 69(5): 670-4.

Cats may suffer from various manifestations of allergic disease affecting body systems such as the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone are effective for treating allergic disease in cats, but may be associated with undesirable adverse effects. Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Pfizer), a second-generation antihistamine, is effective in humans for treatment of allergic symptoms and appears to have less adverse effects than first-generation antihistamines. Although there is anecdotal information about the use of cetirizine in cats, no published pharmacokinetic studies exist and an appropriate oral dose has not been established. In this study, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of cetirizine after oral administration of a single dose was characterized in cats. Each of nine healthy cats was given a single oral dose of 5 mg cetirizine. Blood samples were collected at various time points up to 24 hours after administration and plasma concentrations of cetirizine were analyzed. Cats given this single oral dose of cetirizine had high plasma concentrations compared with those reported in humans, a long halflife, and lack of detectable adverse effects. The results support once daily dosing of cetirizine in cats. Further studies evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of this drug in cats with allergic disease need to be performed, as well as multipledose pharmacokinetic and safety studies. It appears that cetirizine may be a useful alternative to glucocorticoids in cats with allergic disease.
>> PubMed abstract

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Feline Permethrin Spot-On Toxicity

Sutton, N. M., N. Bates, et al. (2007). "Clinical effects and outcome of feline permethrin spot-on poisonings reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), London." J Feline Med Surg 9(4): 335-9.

Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used in topically applied spot-on flea treatments for dogs. Cats are very sensitive to the toxic effects of permethrin. These products are readily available and are often less expensive than other flea control products. Cats may be affected when the product is applied directly to them, or through contact with a treated animal. Data from 286 cases of permethrin toxicity in cats from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service in the United Kingdom is reviewed. The majority of the cats (96.9%) experienced clinical signs of toxicosis. The most common clinical signs were twitching, tremors, muscle fasciculations, and seizures. The duration of clinical signs was long, with seizures lasting an average of 38 hours and tremors lasting an average of 32 hours. Some cats took up to 1 week to recover. Death occurred in 10.5% of cases, some of which were euthanized due to reasons such as respiratory failure, or uncontrollable seizures. It is very important for cat owners to avoid using spot-on flea products containing permethrin on cats, and cats should not have contact with other animals treated with these products.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Linnett, P. J. (2008). "Permethrin toxicosis in cats." Aust Vet J 86(1-2): 32-5.
>> PubMed abstract

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Sutton, N. M., N. Bates, et al. (2007). "Clinical effects and outcome of feline permethrin spot-on poisonings reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), London." J Feline Med Surg 9(4): 335-9.

Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used in topically applied spot-on flea treatments for dogs. Cats are very sensitive to the toxic effects of permethrin. These products are readily available and are often less expensive than other flea control products. Cats may be affected when the product is applied directly to them, or through contact with a treated animal. Data from 286 cases of permethrin toxicity in cats from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service in the United Kingdom is reviewed. The majority of the cats (96.9%) experienced clinical signs of toxicosis. The most common clinical signs were twitching, tremors, muscle fasciculations, and seizures. The duration of clinical signs was long, with seizures lasting an average of 38 hours and tremors lasting an average of 32 hours. Some cats took up to 1 week to recover. Death occurred in 10.5% of cases, some of which were euthanized due to reasons such as respiratory failure, or uncontrollable seizures. It is very important for cat owners to avoid using spot-on flea products containing permethrin on cats, and cats should not have contact with other animals treated with these products.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Linnett, P. J. (2008). "Permethrin toxicosis in cats." Aust Vet J 86(1-2): 32-5.
>> PubMed abstract

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