Causes of Gingivitis in Cats

Quimby, J. M., T. Elston, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 66-72.

Gingivostomatitis is a common medical condition in cats. Clinical signs include red and swollen gums that may bleed easily, halitosis, and oral pain. The discomfort can lead to dysphagia, decreased appetite, and weight loss. The syndrome is likely to be multifactorial and it is suspected to involve an exaggerated immune response to either infectious or non-infectious antigens. Other factors that may be involved include genetic predispostion, diet, stressors, and the effects of domestication. Several infectious agents have been found in cats with gingivostomatitis such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), calicivirus (FCV), herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Bartonella. However, all these agents can also be found in healthy cats so proving cause and effect has been difficult. The 45 cats in this study were housed together, had a history of flea exposure, and were vaccinated with a modified live FVRCP vaccine. At the time of sample collection, 36 of the cats had active gingivostomatitis. Samples were collected and analyzed for infectious agents. All of the agents were found in the population with the exception of FeLV. However, evidence of infection with Bartonella species, FHV-1, FCV, FeLV or FIV was not overrepresented in the cats with gingivostomatitis and so the data fail to support the hypotheses that these organisms were a cause of gingivostomatitis in this population of cats. The researchers conclude that diagnostic test results for these infectious agents should be interpreted carefully as none appear to correlate to the presence or absence of disease.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Southerden, P. and C. Gorrel (2007). "Treatment of a case of refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis with feline recombinant interferon omega." J Small Anim Pract 48(2): 104-6.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Quimby, J. M., T. Elston, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 66-72.

Gingivostomatitis is a common medical condition in cats. Clinical signs include red and swollen gums that may bleed easily, halitosis, and oral pain. The discomfort can lead to dysphagia, decreased appetite, and weight loss. The syndrome is likely to be multifactorial and it is suspected to involve an exaggerated immune response to either infectious or non-infectious antigens. Other factors that may be involved include genetic predispostion, diet, stressors, and the effects of domestication. Several infectious agents have been found in cats with gingivostomatitis such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), calicivirus (FCV), herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Bartonella. However, all these agents can also be found in healthy cats so proving cause and effect has been difficult. The 45 cats in this study were housed together, had a history of flea exposure, and were vaccinated with a modified live FVRCP vaccine. At the time of sample collection, 36 of the cats had active gingivostomatitis. Samples were collected and analyzed for infectious agents. All of the agents were found in the population with the exception of FeLV. However, evidence of infection with Bartonella species, FHV-1, FCV, FeLV or FIV was not overrepresented in the cats with gingivostomatitis and so the data fail to support the hypotheses that these organisms were a cause of gingivostomatitis in this population of cats. The researchers conclude that diagnostic test results for these infectious agents should be interpreted carefully as none appear to correlate to the presence or absence of disease.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Southerden, P. and C. Gorrel (2007). "Treatment of a case of refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis with feline recombinant interferon omega." J Small Anim Pract 48(2): 104-6.
>> PubMed abstract

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Feline Cardiomyopathy and Thromboembolism

Winn funded research

Stokol, T., M. Brooks, et al. (2008). "Hypercoagulability in cats with cardiomyopathy." J Vet Intern Med 22(3): 546-552.

Arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is a serious and often fatal complication of cardiomyopathy in cats. Thromboemboli are believed to originate from clots in the left atrium or left atrial appendage. The factors causing clot formation are not fully understood. In this study, the researchers hypothesized that cats with cardiomyopathy develop ATE because they are in a systemic hypercoagulable state or have underlying endothelial (arterial or endocardial) injury. Healthy cats (n=30) and 3 groups of cats with cardiomyopathy were studied. Group 1 cats had left atrial enlargement (LAE) only. Group 2 cats had LAE with spontaneous echocardiographic contrast, atrial thrombi or both. Group 3 cats had acute ATE with LAE. Coagulation status was assessed in all three groups, including fibroginogen, Factor VIII, antithrombin, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and D-dimer concentrations. The 3 groups of cats with cardiac disease had higher median fibrinogen concentrations than did the healthy cats. Criteria of hypercoagulability were found exclusively in group 2 and group 3 cats. Hypercoagulability was not associated with left atrial size or congestive heart failure. Systemic hypercoagulability is evident in many cats with cardiomyopathy, often without concurrent congestive heart failure or overt ATE, and may represent a risk factor for ATE. The researchers concluded that the pathogenesis of ATE is multifactorial and therefore treatment and prevention of this syndrome might involve drug combinations modulating hemostasis and inflammatory pathways.

>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:

Bedard, C., A. Lanevschi-Pietersma, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of coagulation markers in the plasma of healthy cats and cats with asymptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Vet Clin Pathol 36(2): 167-72.

>> PubMed abstract

Brazzell, J. L. and D. L. Borjesson (2007). "Evaluation of plasma antithrombin activity and D-dimer concentration in populations of healthy cats, clinically ill cats, and cats with cardiomyopathy." Vet Clin Pathol 36(1): 79-84.

>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Winn funded research

Stokol, T., M. Brooks, et al. (2008). "Hypercoagulability in cats with cardiomyopathy." J Vet Intern Med 22(3): 546-552.

Arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is a serious and often fatal complication of cardiomyopathy in cats. Thromboemboli are believed to originate from clots in the left atrium or left atrial appendage. The factors causing clot formation are not fully understood. In this study, the researchers hypothesized that cats with cardiomyopathy develop ATE because they are in a systemic hypercoagulable state or have underlying endothelial (arterial or endocardial) injury. Healthy cats (n=30) and 3 groups of cats with cardiomyopathy were studied. Group 1 cats had left atrial enlargement (LAE) only. Group 2 cats had LAE with spontaneous echocardiographic contrast, atrial thrombi or both. Group 3 cats had acute ATE with LAE. Coagulation status was assessed in all three groups, including fibroginogen, Factor VIII, antithrombin, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and D-dimer concentrations. The 3 groups of cats with cardiac disease had higher median fibrinogen concentrations than did the healthy cats. Criteria of hypercoagulability were found exclusively in group 2 and group 3 cats. Hypercoagulability was not associated with left atrial size or congestive heart failure. Systemic hypercoagulability is evident in many cats with cardiomyopathy, often without concurrent congestive heart failure or overt ATE, and may represent a risk factor for ATE. The researchers concluded that the pathogenesis of ATE is multifactorial and therefore treatment and prevention of this syndrome might involve drug combinations modulating hemostasis and inflammatory pathways.

>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:

Bedard, C., A. Lanevschi-Pietersma, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of coagulation markers in the plasma of healthy cats and cats with asymptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Vet Clin Pathol 36(2): 167-72.

>> PubMed abstract

Brazzell, J. L. and D. L. Borjesson (2007). "Evaluation of plasma antithrombin activity and D-dimer concentration in populations of healthy cats, clinically ill cats, and cats with cardiomyopathy." Vet Clin Pathol 36(1): 79-84.

>> PubMed abstract

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Insulinoma in a Cat

Greene, S. N. and R. M. Bright (2008). "Insulinoma in a cat." J Small Anim Pract 49(1): 38-40.

Insulinomas are functional pancreatic tumors producing insulin. The abnormal release of insulin drives blood glucose concentrations below normal and produces the typical clinical signs associated with insulinoma (e.g., seizures, weakness, collapse, muscle twitching, etc.). They are uncommon tumours in dogs and cats and are often malignant. Insulinomas are suspected when an adult cat is presented with suggestive clinical signs and persistent hypoglycemia. In this case report, a 14-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with seizures and hypoglycemia. Investigation revealed low blood glucose concurrent with normal insulin levels. Medical and dietary management were attempted without success. At exploratory laparotomy, a well-defined mass was found in the pancreas. The mass was resected and identified on histopathology as an islet cell carcinoma - consistent with an insulinoma. The patient has had no recurrence of clinical signs in over 32 months post-surgery. This case is unique because of the apparent lack of local recurrence and development of metastatic disease, leading to the prolonged survival.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Kraje, A. (2003). "Hypoglycemia and irreversible neurologic complications in a cat with insulinoma." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 223(6): 812-814.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Greene, S. N. and R. M. Bright (2008). "Insulinoma in a cat." J Small Anim Pract 49(1): 38-40.

Insulinomas are functional pancreatic tumors producing insulin. The abnormal release of insulin drives blood glucose concentrations below normal and produces the typical clinical signs associated with insulinoma (e.g., seizures, weakness, collapse, muscle twitching, etc.). They are uncommon tumours in dogs and cats and are often malignant. Insulinomas are suspected when an adult cat is presented with suggestive clinical signs and persistent hypoglycemia. In this case report, a 14-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with seizures and hypoglycemia. Investigation revealed low blood glucose concurrent with normal insulin levels. Medical and dietary management were attempted without success. At exploratory laparotomy, a well-defined mass was found in the pancreas. The mass was resected and identified on histopathology as an islet cell carcinoma - consistent with an insulinoma. The patient has had no recurrence of clinical signs in over 32 months post-surgery. This case is unique because of the apparent lack of local recurrence and development of metastatic disease, leading to the prolonged survival.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Kraje, A. (2003). "Hypoglycemia and irreversible neurologic complications in a cat with insulinoma." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 223(6): 812-814.
>> PubMed abstract

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Kidney Insufficiency After Treatment for Feline Hyperthyroidism

Riensche, M. R., T. K. Graves, et al. (2008). "An investigation of predictors of renal insufficiency following treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 160-6.

Renal insufficiency is a common finding in older cats, affecting about 30% of cats over age 15. Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in cats, and it appears to be increasing in incidence over time. Hyperthyroidism can mask underlying renal disease by causing an increase in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Treatment of hyperthyroidism leads to a decrease in GFR and an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Different treatments exist for hyperthyroidism in cats, including reversible (methimazole) and irreversible (thyroidectomy, radioiodine) options. The ability to predict which cats will develop renal insufficiency after treatment for hyperthyroidism would help guide treatment decisions. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if routine pre-treatment clinical data can be used to predict the development of overt renal insufficiency following treatment of feline hyperthyroidism. Medical records were reviewed for 39 nonazotemic cats undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois. The records were reviewed for for signalment, clinical signs, and serum biochemical, hematologic and urinalysis findings before and after treatment for hyperthyroidism. Cats that developed renal insufficiency within 6 months after treatment (n=20) were compared to cats that did not (n=19). No significant differences could be detected between the groups with respect to the parameters measured. The study suggests that the results of routine pre-treatment clinical data cannot be used to predict renal function after treatment for hyperthyroidism, and that a trial of methimazole therapy is indicated before choosing irreversible treatment such as radioiodine.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Boag, A. K., R. Neiger, et al. (2007). "Changes in the glomerular filtration rate of 27 cats with hyperthyroidism after treatment with radioactive iodine." Vet Rec 161(21): 711-5.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Riensche, M. R., T. K. Graves, et al. (2008). "An investigation of predictors of renal insufficiency following treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(2): 160-6.

Renal insufficiency is a common finding in older cats, affecting about 30% of cats over age 15. Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in cats, and it appears to be increasing in incidence over time. Hyperthyroidism can mask underlying renal disease by causing an increase in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Treatment of hyperthyroidism leads to a decrease in GFR and an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Different treatments exist for hyperthyroidism in cats, including reversible (methimazole) and irreversible (thyroidectomy, radioiodine) options. The ability to predict which cats will develop renal insufficiency after treatment for hyperthyroidism would help guide treatment decisions. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if routine pre-treatment clinical data can be used to predict the development of overt renal insufficiency following treatment of feline hyperthyroidism. Medical records were reviewed for 39 nonazotemic cats undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois. The records were reviewed for for signalment, clinical signs, and serum biochemical, hematologic and urinalysis findings before and after treatment for hyperthyroidism. Cats that developed renal insufficiency within 6 months after treatment (n=20) were compared to cats that did not (n=19). No significant differences could be detected between the groups with respect to the parameters measured. The study suggests that the results of routine pre-treatment clinical data cannot be used to predict renal function after treatment for hyperthyroidism, and that a trial of methimazole therapy is indicated before choosing irreversible treatment such as radioiodine.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Boag, A. K., R. Neiger, et al. (2007). "Changes in the glomerular filtration rate of 27 cats with hyperthyroidism after treatment with radioactive iodine." Vet Rec 161(21): 711-5.
>> PubMed abstract

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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.
>> 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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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.
>> 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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More