Carbimazole for Feline Hyperthyroidism

Frenais, R., S. Burgaud, et al. (2008). "Pharmacokinetics of controlled-release carbimazole tablets support once daily dosing in cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 213-219.


Carbimazole is a common oral treatment for feline hyperthyroidism, although not in North America. Carbimazole is a prodrug, as it is converted to methimazole after metabolism. Methimazole reduces production of the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. The pharmacokinetics of methimazole was investigated in healthy cats following oral administration of 15 mg of carbimazole as a newly available controlled-release tablet (Vidalta®, Intervet). Methimazole levels were sustained and without a peak when compared to dosing with conventional carbimazole tablets. Repeated oral dosing for 13 days did not lead to accumulation of methimazole in plasma. Absorption of carbimazole was improved when administered with food. The relative oral bioavailability of methimazole following administration of the controlled-release tablets was similar to that of a conventional release formulation (83 ± 21%). The pharmacokinetics of this controlled-release formulation of carbimazole supports its use as a once daily treatment (both as a starting dose and for maintenance therapy) for cats with hyperthyroidism.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Bucknell, D. G. (2000). "Feline hyperthyroidism: spectrum of clinical presentions and response to carbimazole therapy." Aust Vet J 78(7): 462-5.
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Frenais, R., S. Burgaud, et al. (2008). "Pharmacokinetics of controlled-release carbimazole tablets support once daily dosing in cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 213-219.


Carbimazole is a common oral treatment for feline hyperthyroidism, although not in North America. Carbimazole is a prodrug, as it is converted to methimazole after metabolism. Methimazole reduces production of the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. The pharmacokinetics of methimazole was investigated in healthy cats following oral administration of 15 mg of carbimazole as a newly available controlled-release tablet (Vidalta®, Intervet). Methimazole levels were sustained and without a peak when compared to dosing with conventional carbimazole tablets. Repeated oral dosing for 13 days did not lead to accumulation of methimazole in plasma. Absorption of carbimazole was improved when administered with food. The relative oral bioavailability of methimazole following administration of the controlled-release tablets was similar to that of a conventional release formulation (83 ± 21%). The pharmacokinetics of this controlled-release formulation of carbimazole supports its use as a once daily treatment (both as a starting dose and for maintenance therapy) for cats with hyperthyroidism.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Bucknell, D. G. (2000). "Feline hyperthyroidism: spectrum of clinical presentions and response to carbimazole therapy." Aust Vet J 78(7): 462-5.
Free, full text article


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Cerenia for Nausea in Cats

Hickman, M. A., S. R. Cox, et al. (2008). "Safety, pharmacokinetics and use of the novel NK-1 receptor antagonist maropitant (Cerenia) for the prevention of emesis and motion sickness in cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 220-229.

Maropitant (Cerenia, Pfizer Animal Health) is a selective NK-1 receptor antagonist that has anti-emetic effects. It is licensed for oral use in dogs in the United States. In this study, maropitant was administered to cats at doses ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC) for 15 days. No adverse effects were found at any dose, including doses that exceed the anti-emetic dose by a factor of 10. The pharmacokinetics of maropitant were determined following single dose oral, intravenous, and SC administration. Anti-emesis efficacy was determined against xylazine or motion. A dosage of 1 mg/kg maropitant administered IV, SC or PO prevented emesis elicited by xylazine. The results indicate that maropitant is an effective, well tolerated and safe anti-emetic in cats at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg with a 24-hour duration of action.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
de la Puente-Redondo, V. A., E. M. Siedek, et al. (2007). "The anti-emetic efficacy of maropitant (Cerenia) in the treatment of ongoing emesis caused by a wide range of underlying clinical aetiologies in canine patients in Europe." J Small Anim Pract 48(2): 93-8.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Hickman, M. A., S. R. Cox, et al. (2008). "Safety, pharmacokinetics and use of the novel NK-1 receptor antagonist maropitant (Cerenia) for the prevention of emesis and motion sickness in cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 220-229.

Maropitant (Cerenia, Pfizer Animal Health) is a selective NK-1 receptor antagonist that has anti-emetic effects. It is licensed for oral use in dogs in the United States. In this study, maropitant was administered to cats at doses ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC) for 15 days. No adverse effects were found at any dose, including doses that exceed the anti-emetic dose by a factor of 10. The pharmacokinetics of maropitant were determined following single dose oral, intravenous, and SC administration. Anti-emesis efficacy was determined against xylazine or motion. A dosage of 1 mg/kg maropitant administered IV, SC or PO prevented emesis elicited by xylazine. The results indicate that maropitant is an effective, well tolerated and safe anti-emetic in cats at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg with a 24-hour duration of action.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
de la Puente-Redondo, V. A., E. M. Siedek, et al. (2007). "The anti-emetic efficacy of maropitant (Cerenia) in the treatment of ongoing emesis caused by a wide range of underlying clinical aetiologies in canine patients in Europe." J Small Anim Pract 48(2): 93-8.
>> PubMed abstract

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Terbinafine for Feline Ringworm

Foust, A. L., R. Marsella, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of persistence of terbinafine in the hair of normal cats after 14 days of daily therapy." Vet Dermatol 18(4): 246-51.

Microsoporum canis is the dermatophyte most commonly associated with ringworm in cats. Several drugs have been used for treatment of M. canis in cats, including itraconazole, griseofulvin, and terbinafine. Terbinafine (Lamisil, Novartis) is of interest because in other species, it shows good penetration into affected tissues, efficacy with short durations of treatment, and is well tolerated. Few studies have been conducted on the use of terbinafine in cats. In this study, the residual concentration of terbinafine in cat hair was determined after 14 days of oral treatment. Ten normal cats were administered terbinafine at a daily dose of 34-45 mg/kg for 14 days. Hair samples were analyzed at day 0, and weekly for 8 weeks after the last dose of terbinafine. With a 99% confidence interval, the concentration of terbinafine remained above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 5 weeks. Four cats experienced vomiting during treatment, and two of these cats experienced intense facial pruritus 7 to 14 days after the end of treatment. The researchers concluded that terbinafine persists in cat hair at concentrations above the MIC for several weeks after the end of therapy, even when treated for only 14 days. Pulse therapy using terbinafine is worth further investigation for the treatment of feline ringworm.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Mancianti, F., F. Pedonese, et al. (1999). "Efficacy of oral terbinafine in feline dermatophytosis due to Microsporum canis." J Fel Med Surg 1(1): 37.
>> PubMed abstract

Kotnik, T. (2002). "Drug efficacy of terbinafine hydrochloride (Lamisil) during oral treatment of cats, experimentally infected with Microsporum canis." J Vet Med B Infect Dis Vet Public Health 49(3): 120-122.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Foust, A. L., R. Marsella, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of persistence of terbinafine in the hair of normal cats after 14 days of daily therapy." Vet Dermatol 18(4): 246-51.

Microsoporum canis is the dermatophyte most commonly associated with ringworm in cats. Several drugs have been used for treatment of M. canis in cats, including itraconazole, griseofulvin, and terbinafine. Terbinafine (Lamisil, Novartis) is of interest because in other species, it shows good penetration into affected tissues, efficacy with short durations of treatment, and is well tolerated. Few studies have been conducted on the use of terbinafine in cats. In this study, the residual concentration of terbinafine in cat hair was determined after 14 days of oral treatment. Ten normal cats were administered terbinafine at a daily dose of 34-45 mg/kg for 14 days. Hair samples were analyzed at day 0, and weekly for 8 weeks after the last dose of terbinafine. With a 99% confidence interval, the concentration of terbinafine remained above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 5 weeks. Four cats experienced vomiting during treatment, and two of these cats experienced intense facial pruritus 7 to 14 days after the end of treatment. The researchers concluded that terbinafine persists in cat hair at concentrations above the MIC for several weeks after the end of therapy, even when treated for only 14 days. Pulse therapy using terbinafine is worth further investigation for the treatment of feline ringworm.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Mancianti, F., F. Pedonese, et al. (1999). "Efficacy of oral terbinafine in feline dermatophytosis due to Microsporum canis." J Fel Med Surg 1(1): 37.
>> PubMed abstract

Kotnik, T. (2002). "Drug efficacy of terbinafine hydrochloride (Lamisil) during oral treatment of cats, experimentally infected with Microsporum canis." J Vet Med B Infect Dis Vet Public Health 49(3): 120-122.
>> PubMed abstract

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Clostridium difficile in Hospitalized Cats

Clooten, J., S. Kruth, et al. (2008). "Prevalence and risk factors for Clostridium difficile colonization in dogs and cats hospitalized in an intensive care unit." Vet Microbiol 129(1-2): 209-14.

Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of hospital- and antimicrobial-associated diarrhea in hospitalized humans. A prospective study of C. difficile colonization in dogs and cats was conducted in a veterinary teaching hospital intensive care unit (ICU). Rectal swabs were taken from patients upon admission to the ICU and every third day of hospitalization until discharge or death. C. difficile was isolated from 73/402 (18%) animals; 69% of isolates were toxigenic. Community-associated colonization was identified in 39/366 (11%) of animals that were sampled at the time of admission, while C. difficile was subsequently isolated from 27 of the remaining 327 (8.3%) animals that had a negative admission swab. Administration of antimicrobials prior to admission and administration of immunosuppressive drugs during hospitalization were risk factors for hospital-associated colonization. Acquisition of C. difficile during hospitalization in the ICU was associated with the development of diarrhea.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Weese, J. and J. Armstrong (2003). "Outbreak of Clostridium difficile-associated disease in a small animal veterinary teaching hospital." J Vet Intern Med 17(6): 813-816.
>> PubMed abstract

Madewell, B. R., J. K. Bea, et al. (1999). "Clostridium difficile: a survey of fecal carriage in cats in a veterinary medical teaching hospital." J Vet Diagn Invest 11(1): 50-4.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Clooten, J., S. Kruth, et al. (2008). "Prevalence and risk factors for Clostridium difficile colonization in dogs and cats hospitalized in an intensive care unit." Vet Microbiol 129(1-2): 209-14.

Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of hospital- and antimicrobial-associated diarrhea in hospitalized humans. A prospective study of C. difficile colonization in dogs and cats was conducted in a veterinary teaching hospital intensive care unit (ICU). Rectal swabs were taken from patients upon admission to the ICU and every third day of hospitalization until discharge or death. C. difficile was isolated from 73/402 (18%) animals; 69% of isolates were toxigenic. Community-associated colonization was identified in 39/366 (11%) of animals that were sampled at the time of admission, while C. difficile was subsequently isolated from 27 of the remaining 327 (8.3%) animals that had a negative admission swab. Administration of antimicrobials prior to admission and administration of immunosuppressive drugs during hospitalization were risk factors for hospital-associated colonization. Acquisition of C. difficile during hospitalization in the ICU was associated with the development of diarrhea.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Weese, J. and J. Armstrong (2003). "Outbreak of Clostridium difficile-associated disease in a small animal veterinary teaching hospital." J Vet Intern Med 17(6): 813-816.
>> PubMed abstract

Madewell, B. R., J. K. Bea, et al. (1999). "Clostridium difficile: a survey of fecal carriage in cats in a veterinary medical teaching hospital." J Vet Diagn Invest 11(1): 50-4.
>> PubMed abstract

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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

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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

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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

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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

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