Sources of Pet Health Information Used by Owners

Kogan, L. R., G. Goldwaser, et al. (2008). "Sources and frequency of use of pet health information and level of confidence in information accuracy, as reported by owners visiting small animal veterinary practices." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(10): 1536-42.

Although most people look to their physicians for health care information, they also utilize other sources, such as mass media. A survey conducted in 2005 determined that 74% of American adults are using the internet as a health information resource. Despite this statistic, many physicians appear unaware of the frequency with which their patients are accessing internet sites for health information. The purpose of the study reported here was to gain a better understanding of the various sources of pet health information and the frequency of their use and to assess the level of confidence in information accuracy, as reported by pet owners who visit their veterinarians. Seventeen small animal clinics in Fort Collins, Colorado were recruited to participate in the study. Study questionnaires were distributed to each clinic; staff recruited participants by asking all individuals who entered their clinic to anonymously complete a survey. The survey contained questions on owner demograhics. Other questions included species of pet that was brought to the clinic at that visit, the number of times the participant had visited the veterinary clinic in the past 12 months, and frequency of use and confidence in various sources of pet health information. Results indicated that pet owners who visited their veterinarians acquired pet information from veterinarians via the telephone or in person and from family or friends more frequently than they acquired such information from the internet. Pet owners also reported more confidence in information received from veterinarians compared with information from any other accessible source.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Kogan, L. R., G. Goldwaser, et al. (2008). "Sources and frequency of use of pet health information and level of confidence in information accuracy, as reported by owners visiting small animal veterinary practices." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(10): 1536-42.

Although most people look to their physicians for health care information, they also utilize other sources, such as mass media. A survey conducted in 2005 determined that 74% of American adults are using the internet as a health information resource. Despite this statistic, many physicians appear unaware of the frequency with which their patients are accessing internet sites for health information. The purpose of the study reported here was to gain a better understanding of the various sources of pet health information and the frequency of their use and to assess the level of confidence in information accuracy, as reported by pet owners who visit their veterinarians. Seventeen small animal clinics in Fort Collins, Colorado were recruited to participate in the study. Study questionnaires were distributed to each clinic; staff recruited participants by asking all individuals who entered their clinic to anonymously complete a survey. The survey contained questions on owner demograhics. Other questions included species of pet that was brought to the clinic at that visit, the number of times the participant had visited the veterinary clinic in the past 12 months, and frequency of use and confidence in various sources of pet health information. Results indicated that pet owners who visited their veterinarians acquired pet information from veterinarians via the telephone or in person and from family or friends more frequently than they acquired such information from the internet. Pet owners also reported more confidence in information received from veterinarians compared with information from any other accessible source.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections in Cats

Eggertsdottir, A. V., H. S. Lund, et al. (2007). "Bacteriuria in cats with feline lower urinary tract disease: a clinical study of 134 cases in Norway." J Feline Med Surg 9(6): 458-65.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common diagnosis. Idiopathic cystitis is considered the most common cause, with bacterial cystitis traditionally accounting for less than 2% of cases in cats under the age of 10 years. In this retrospective study, 134 cats that presented with signs of lower urinary tract disorders were included in a project at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science. All the cats had a physical examination, blood samples were collected for haematology and clinical chemistry, and a full urinalysis with culture was performed. The urine samples were collected as voided mid-stream urine samples, by catheter or by cystocentesis. Of the 134 cats included in the study, 37% were diagnosed as having obstructive and 63% as having non-obstructive FLUTD. In total, 44 cats (33%) were diagnosed with bacteriuria. No significant difference was found between the sampling methods performed with regard to bacteriuria. This study indicates that bacteriuria may have been underdiagnosed in Norwegian cats with clinical signs of FLUTD. Further research is needed to establish the prevalence of the causes of FLUTD in Europe and the USA.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Dru Forrester, S. and P. Roudebush (2007). "Evidence-based management of feline lower urinary tract disease." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 37(3): 533-58.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Eggertsdottir, A. V., H. S. Lund, et al. (2007). "Bacteriuria in cats with feline lower urinary tract disease: a clinical study of 134 cases in Norway." J Feline Med Surg 9(6): 458-65.

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common diagnosis. Idiopathic cystitis is considered the most common cause, with bacterial cystitis traditionally accounting for less than 2% of cases in cats under the age of 10 years. In this retrospective study, 134 cats that presented with signs of lower urinary tract disorders were included in a project at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science. All the cats had a physical examination, blood samples were collected for haematology and clinical chemistry, and a full urinalysis with culture was performed. The urine samples were collected as voided mid-stream urine samples, by catheter or by cystocentesis. Of the 134 cats included in the study, 37% were diagnosed as having obstructive and 63% as having non-obstructive FLUTD. In total, 44 cats (33%) were diagnosed with bacteriuria. No significant difference was found between the sampling methods performed with regard to bacteriuria. This study indicates that bacteriuria may have been underdiagnosed in Norwegian cats with clinical signs of FLUTD. Further research is needed to establish the prevalence of the causes of FLUTD in Europe and the USA.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Dru Forrester, S. and P. Roudebush (2007). "Evidence-based management of feline lower urinary tract disease." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 37(3): 533-58.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Protozoal Parasites in Cats with Diarrhea

Tzannes, S., D. J. Batchelor, et al. (2008). "Prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora species infections in pet cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 1-8.

The protozoal parasites Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Isospora cause signs of gastrointestinal disease in many mammal species. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are important infections of immunocompromised people. The prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in cats varies worldwide, with rates up to 80%. In kittens, Isospora species infection may result in diarrhea that may be mucoid or bloody. The infection is common around the world, with a reported prevalence as high as 44%. This study aimed to evaluate prevalence of Cryptosporidium species, Giardia duodenalis and Isospora species infection in a cohort of cats displaying signs of gastrointestinal disease and to identify if demographic factors, such as signalment, region or season, were correlated with prevalence. Records from a United Kingdom commercial diagnostic laboratory between December 2003 and December 2005 were reviewed. Of 1355 cats, Cryptosporidium species oocysts were found in 13 cats (1%), Giardia species trophozoites in 74 (6%), and Isospora felis oocysts in 46 (3%). Prevalence of Giardia (9%) and Isospora (9%) species was higher in cats less than 6 months old. Gender and breed did not affect prevalence. This study demonstrates that enteric protozoal infection is common in domestic cats showing signs of gastrointestinal disease.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Mekaru, S. R., S. L. Marks, et al. (2007). "Comparison of direct immunofluorescence, immunoassays, and fecal flotation for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in naturally exposed cats in 4 Northern California animal shelters." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 959-65.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Tzannes, S., D. J. Batchelor, et al. (2008). "Prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora species infections in pet cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 1-8.

The protozoal parasites Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Isospora cause signs of gastrointestinal disease in many mammal species. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are important infections of immunocompromised people. The prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in cats varies worldwide, with rates up to 80%. In kittens, Isospora species infection may result in diarrhea that may be mucoid or bloody. The infection is common around the world, with a reported prevalence as high as 44%. This study aimed to evaluate prevalence of Cryptosporidium species, Giardia duodenalis and Isospora species infection in a cohort of cats displaying signs of gastrointestinal disease and to identify if demographic factors, such as signalment, region or season, were correlated with prevalence. Records from a United Kingdom commercial diagnostic laboratory between December 2003 and December 2005 were reviewed. Of 1355 cats, Cryptosporidium species oocysts were found in 13 cats (1%), Giardia species trophozoites in 74 (6%), and Isospora felis oocysts in 46 (3%). Prevalence of Giardia (9%) and Isospora (9%) species was higher in cats less than 6 months old. Gender and breed did not affect prevalence. This study demonstrates that enteric protozoal infection is common in domestic cats showing signs of gastrointestinal disease.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Mekaru, S. R., S. L. Marks, et al. (2007). "Comparison of direct immunofluorescence, immunoassays, and fecal flotation for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in naturally exposed cats in 4 Northern California animal shelters." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 959-65.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More