Blood Transfusions in Cats

Roux, F. A., J.-Y. Deschamps, et al. (2008). "Multiple red cell transfusions in 27 cats (2003-2006): indications, complications and outcomes." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 213-218.

Feline critical care, and in particular transfusion medicine, has been advancing in recent years. It is generally accepted that blood transfusions are more difficult in cats than in dogs. A particular challenge is the cat that has suffered catastrophic blood loss or hemolysis, requiring multiple transfusions (massive transfusion). The goals of this study were to evaluate the indications, complications and outcome of multiple red cell transfusions (MrcTs) in cats; to describe those that received massive transfusion; and to compare them with those who received MrcTs over a longer time course. Twenty-seven cats were identified which received a total of 110 transfusions. The median age of cats was 6 years and cats were hospitalized for a median of 6 days. No acute transfusion reactions were documented. Sixteen cats survived to discharge and 11 died or were euthanized. Indications for transfusions included bone marrow failure, surgical loss, sepsis, neoplasia, and trauma. The researchers conclude that MrcTs are well-tolerated in cats and may be associated with a favorable outcome.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Iazbik, M. C., P. Gomez Ochoa, et al. (2007). "Effects of blood collection for transfusion on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and PCV in cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1181-4.
>> PubMed abstract

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Roux, F. A., J.-Y. Deschamps, et al. (2008). "Multiple red cell transfusions in 27 cats (2003-2006): indications, complications and outcomes." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 213-218.

Feline critical care, and in particular transfusion medicine, has been advancing in recent years. It is generally accepted that blood transfusions are more difficult in cats than in dogs. A particular challenge is the cat that has suffered catastrophic blood loss or hemolysis, requiring multiple transfusions (massive transfusion). The goals of this study were to evaluate the indications, complications and outcome of multiple red cell transfusions (MrcTs) in cats; to describe those that received massive transfusion; and to compare them with those who received MrcTs over a longer time course. Twenty-seven cats were identified which received a total of 110 transfusions. The median age of cats was 6 years and cats were hospitalized for a median of 6 days. No acute transfusion reactions were documented. Sixteen cats survived to discharge and 11 died or were euthanized. Indications for transfusions included bone marrow failure, surgical loss, sepsis, neoplasia, and trauma. The researchers conclude that MrcTs are well-tolerated in cats and may be associated with a favorable outcome.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Iazbik, M. C., P. Gomez Ochoa, et al. (2007). "Effects of blood collection for transfusion on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and PCV in cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1181-4.
>> PubMed abstract

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Meloxicam for Feline Arthritis

Gunew, M. N., V. H. Menrath, et al. (2008). "Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01-0.03 mg/kg for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 235-241.

Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that typically affects the elbow, hip, and shoulder joints of as many as 1 in 5 senior cats. Affected cats may have a variety of clinical signs, such as difficulty in jumping, lameness, resentment of handling and stiff gait. However, many owners do not recognize the significance of these clinical signs and may attribute them to aging changes. Although this is a common disease, reports of long-term osteoarthritis therapy in cats are rare. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven efficacy in dogs and humans but there are limited published data on the use of NSAIDs in the long-term management of this condition in cats. This prospective study aimed to assess the long-term safety and palatability of oral meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.) and its efficacy in treating osteoarthritic pain in cats when given at a dose of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg once daily. Forty cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis completed the trial with a mean treatment duration of 5.8 months. Gastrointestinal upset in 2/46 (4%) cats was the only adverse effect noted. Three of the cats had stable chronic renal insufficiency (IRIS stage 3). No deleterious effect on renal function was detected in cats studied. Owners subjectively assessed treatment efficacy as good or excellent in 34/40 (85%) of cases. The results of this study showed oral meloxicam to be safe and palatable long-term treatment for osteoarthritis in cats when given with food at a dose of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Clarke, S. P., D. Mellor, et al. (2005). "Prevalence of radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease in a hospital population of cats." Vet Rec 157(25): 793-9.
>> PubMed abstract

Godfrey, D. R. (2005). "Osteoarthritis in cats: a retrospective radiological study." J Small Anim Pract 46(9): 425-9.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Gunew, M. N., V. H. Menrath, et al. (2008). "Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01-0.03 mg/kg for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 235-241.

Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that typically affects the elbow, hip, and shoulder joints of as many as 1 in 5 senior cats. Affected cats may have a variety of clinical signs, such as difficulty in jumping, lameness, resentment of handling and stiff gait. However, many owners do not recognize the significance of these clinical signs and may attribute them to aging changes. Although this is a common disease, reports of long-term osteoarthritis therapy in cats are rare. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven efficacy in dogs and humans but there are limited published data on the use of NSAIDs in the long-term management of this condition in cats. This prospective study aimed to assess the long-term safety and palatability of oral meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.) and its efficacy in treating osteoarthritic pain in cats when given at a dose of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg once daily. Forty cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis completed the trial with a mean treatment duration of 5.8 months. Gastrointestinal upset in 2/46 (4%) cats was the only adverse effect noted. Three of the cats had stable chronic renal insufficiency (IRIS stage 3). No deleterious effect on renal function was detected in cats studied. Owners subjectively assessed treatment efficacy as good or excellent in 34/40 (85%) of cases. The results of this study showed oral meloxicam to be safe and palatable long-term treatment for osteoarthritis in cats when given with food at a dose of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Clarke, S. P., D. Mellor, et al. (2005). "Prevalence of radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease in a hospital population of cats." Vet Rec 157(25): 793-9.
>> PubMed abstract

Godfrey, D. R. (2005). "Osteoarthritis in cats: a retrospective radiological study." J Small Anim Pract 46(9): 425-9.
>> PubMed abstract

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New FeLV/FIV Management Guidelines

Levy, J., C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 300-316.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are among the most common infectious diseases of cats. Although vaccines are available for both viruses, identification and segregation of infected cats form the cornerstone for preventing new infections. Guidelines in this report have been developed for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of FeLV and FIV infections. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infections at appropriate intervals based on individual risk assessments. No test is 100% accurate at all times under all conditions; results should be interpreted along with the patient's health and risk factors. Retroviral tests can diagnose only infection, not clinical disease, and cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for many years. A decision for euthanasia should never be based solely on whether or not the cat is infected. Vaccination against FeLV is highly recommended in kittens. In adult cats, antiretroviral vaccines are considered non-core and should be administered only if a risk assessment indicates they are appropriate.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J., H. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-376.
>> PubMed abstract

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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Levy, J., C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 300-316.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are among the most common infectious diseases of cats. Although vaccines are available for both viruses, identification and segregation of infected cats form the cornerstone for preventing new infections. Guidelines in this report have been developed for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of FeLV and FIV infections. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infections at appropriate intervals based on individual risk assessments. No test is 100% accurate at all times under all conditions; results should be interpreted along with the patient's health and risk factors. Retroviral tests can diagnose only infection, not clinical disease, and cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for many years. A decision for euthanasia should never be based solely on whether or not the cat is infected. Vaccination against FeLV is highly recommended in kittens. In adult cats, antiretroviral vaccines are considered non-core and should be administered only if a risk assessment indicates they are appropriate.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J., H. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-376.
>> PubMed abstract

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

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Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism in Cats with Kidney Disease

Wakeling, J., K. Moore, et al. (2008). "Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats with mild chronic kidney disease." Journal of Small Animal Practice 49(6): 287-294.


It is a well known phenomenon that hyperthyroid cats with concurrent non-thyroidal illness, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), may have total thyroxine concentrations within the normal reference range. This causes a diagnostic dilemma. The objective of this study was to determine total thyroxine, free thyroxine and/or thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations in cats with mild CKD. Three groups of cats were included: 16 cats with CKD and clinical signs compatible with hyperthyroidism but total thyroxine within the reference range (these cats were confirmed with hyperthyroidism at a later date); 20 cats with CKD and no signs of hyperthyroidism; 20 clinically healthy senior cats (over 8 years of age). Four of the 20 cats with CKD had free thyroxine concentrations that were borderline or high. Of the 16 cats with hyperthyroidism and CKD, free thyroxine was high in 15/16 cats and thyroid-stimulating hormone was low in all cats. The researchers conclude that the combined measurement of free thyroxine with total thyroxine or thyroid-stimulating hormone may be of merit in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats with chronic kidney disease.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Langston, C. E. and N. J. Reine (2006). "Hyperthyroidism and the kidney." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 21(1): 17-21.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Wakeling, J., K. Moore, et al. (2008). "Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats with mild chronic kidney disease." Journal of Small Animal Practice 49(6): 287-294.


It is a well known phenomenon that hyperthyroid cats with concurrent non-thyroidal illness, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), may have total thyroxine concentrations within the normal reference range. This causes a diagnostic dilemma. The objective of this study was to determine total thyroxine, free thyroxine and/or thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations in cats with mild CKD. Three groups of cats were included: 16 cats with CKD and clinical signs compatible with hyperthyroidism but total thyroxine within the reference range (these cats were confirmed with hyperthyroidism at a later date); 20 cats with CKD and no signs of hyperthyroidism; 20 clinically healthy senior cats (over 8 years of age). Four of the 20 cats with CKD had free thyroxine concentrations that were borderline or high. Of the 16 cats with hyperthyroidism and CKD, free thyroxine was high in 15/16 cats and thyroid-stimulating hormone was low in all cats. The researchers conclude that the combined measurement of free thyroxine with total thyroxine or thyroid-stimulating hormone may be of merit in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats with chronic kidney disease.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Langston, C. E. and N. J. Reine (2006). "Hyperthyroidism and the kidney." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 21(1): 17-21.
>> PubMed abstract


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Feline Large Granular Lymphocyte Lymphoma

Krick, E. L., L. Little, et al. (2008). "Description of clinical and pathological findings, treatment and outcome of feline large granular lymphocyte lymphoma (1996-2004)." Veterinary and Comparative Oncology 6(2): 102-110.

Large granular lymphocytes (LGL) can be found in the blood of healthy animals and usually constitute 10% or less of total circulating lymphocytes. Large granular lymphosarcoma/leukemia is a neoplastic disease of lymphocytes rarely seen in cats and dogs and is a distinct variation of lymphoma. Limited information exists regarding pathological and immunohistochemical descriptions, clinical findings, treatment and survival times in cats. Medical records of 45 cats with LGL lymphoma were retrospectively evaluated. The most common clinical signs were decreased appetite, anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, and vomiting. The mesenteric lymph nodes and small intestine were the most commonly affected organs. One complete response and six partial responses were noted in the 23 cats that received chemotherapy as their initial treatment. Median survival time for cats that were treated was 57 days. Based on these results, feline LGL lymphoma appears to be minimally responsive to chemotherapy and is associated with a grave prognosis.
>> Journal abstract

Related articles:
Roccabianca, P., W. Vernau, et al. (2006). "Feline large granular lymphocyte (LGL) lymphoma with secondary leukemia: primary intestinal origin with predominance of a CD3/CD8(alpha)(alpha) phenotype." Vet Pathol 43(1): 15-28.
>> PubMed abstract and free, full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Krick, E. L., L. Little, et al. (2008). "Description of clinical and pathological findings, treatment and outcome of feline large granular lymphocyte lymphoma (1996-2004)." Veterinary and Comparative Oncology 6(2): 102-110.

Large granular lymphocytes (LGL) can be found in the blood of healthy animals and usually constitute 10% or less of total circulating lymphocytes. Large granular lymphosarcoma/leukemia is a neoplastic disease of lymphocytes rarely seen in cats and dogs and is a distinct variation of lymphoma. Limited information exists regarding pathological and immunohistochemical descriptions, clinical findings, treatment and survival times in cats. Medical records of 45 cats with LGL lymphoma were retrospectively evaluated. The most common clinical signs were decreased appetite, anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, and vomiting. The mesenteric lymph nodes and small intestine were the most commonly affected organs. One complete response and six partial responses were noted in the 23 cats that received chemotherapy as their initial treatment. Median survival time for cats that were treated was 57 days. Based on these results, feline LGL lymphoma appears to be minimally responsive to chemotherapy and is associated with a grave prognosis.
>> Journal abstract

Related articles:
Roccabianca, P., W. Vernau, et al. (2006). "Feline large granular lymphocyte (LGL) lymphoma with secondary leukemia: primary intestinal origin with predominance of a CD3/CD8(alpha)(alpha) phenotype." Vet Pathol 43(1): 15-28.
>> PubMed abstract and free, full text article

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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.
Free, full text article


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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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