Effect of Energy Restriction on Feline Weight Loss

Villaverde, C., J. J. Ramsey, et al. (2008). "Energy restriction results in a mass-adjusted decrease in energy expenditure in cats that is maintained after weight regain." J Nutr 138(5): 856-60.

Treatment of obesity in cats can be frustrating, even if appropriate energy restriction (ER) is employed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ER causes a long-term decrease in mass-adjusted energy expenditure (EE). Such a decrease in EE would impair weight loss and even promote regaining lost weight. EE and body composition were measured in 10 obese neutered adult cats (average body weight 6.1 kg, body condition score 7.6/9.0, fat mass 38%) at 3 time points: at baseline, during weight loss (40% ER), and after regaining weight. After weight loss, the average body weight was 5.0 kg, body condition score was 5.5/9.0, and fat mass was 31%. After a period of regaining weight, the average body weight was 6.2 kg, body condition score was 7.7/9.0, and fat mass was 42%. The total EE was significantly lower than baseline during weight loss, and remained lower than baseline even after weight regain. The results support the suggestion that ER results in a sustained mass-adjusted decrease in EE in cats.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weinsier, R. L., T. R. Nagy, et al. (2000). "Do adaptive changes in metabolic rate favor weight regain in weight-reduced individuals? An examination of the set-point theory." Am J Clin Nutr 72(5): 1088-94.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Villaverde, C., J. J. Ramsey, et al. (2008). "Energy restriction results in a mass-adjusted decrease in energy expenditure in cats that is maintained after weight regain." J Nutr 138(5): 856-60.

Treatment of obesity in cats can be frustrating, even if appropriate energy restriction (ER) is employed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ER causes a long-term decrease in mass-adjusted energy expenditure (EE). Such a decrease in EE would impair weight loss and even promote regaining lost weight. EE and body composition were measured in 10 obese neutered adult cats (average body weight 6.1 kg, body condition score 7.6/9.0, fat mass 38%) at 3 time points: at baseline, during weight loss (40% ER), and after regaining weight. After weight loss, the average body weight was 5.0 kg, body condition score was 5.5/9.0, and fat mass was 31%. After a period of regaining weight, the average body weight was 6.2 kg, body condition score was 7.7/9.0, and fat mass was 42%. The total EE was significantly lower than baseline during weight loss, and remained lower than baseline even after weight regain. The results support the suggestion that ER results in a sustained mass-adjusted decrease in EE in cats.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weinsier, R. L., T. R. Nagy, et al. (2000). "Do adaptive changes in metabolic rate favor weight regain in weight-reduced individuals? An examination of the set-point theory." Am J Clin Nutr 72(5): 1088-94.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Feline Patellar Luxation

Guillaumot, P., S. Scotti, et al. (2008). "Two cases of surgically treated feline patellar fractures." Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 21(2): 156-8.


Diseases of the patella, such as luxation and fractures, are reported less commonly in the cat than in the dog. This articles details the reports of two cases of patellar fracture: one in a 6-month old cat and one in a 2.5-year old cat. Two different methods of repair are detailed, along with information on etiology and diagnosis.
>> PubMed Abstract


Related articles:
McLaughlin, R. M. (2002). "Surgical diseases of the feline stifle joint." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 32(4): 963-82.
>> PubMed Abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Guillaumot, P., S. Scotti, et al. (2008). "Two cases of surgically treated feline patellar fractures." Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 21(2): 156-8.


Diseases of the patella, such as luxation and fractures, are reported less commonly in the cat than in the dog. This articles details the reports of two cases of patellar fracture: one in a 6-month old cat and one in a 2.5-year old cat. Two different methods of repair are detailed, along with information on etiology and diagnosis.
>> PubMed Abstract


Related articles:
McLaughlin, R. M. (2002). "Surgical diseases of the feline stifle joint." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 32(4): 963-82.
>> PubMed Abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Heartworm in Cats: Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.

While several agents have been available for treatment of heartworm infection in dogs, no safe and effective adulticides exist for treatment of heartworm in the cat. Cats infected with heartworm may benefit from corticosteroid therapy to reduce clinical signs of pulmonary disease. Fortunately, four products are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats (ivermectin, selamectin, moxidectin, milbemycin). Two products are given orally, and two are administered topically. Even cats diagnosed with heartworm infection can safely be given preventive treatment.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Bowman, D. D., C. J. Torre, et al. (2007). "Survey of 11 western states for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection, heartworm diagnostic and prevention protocols, and fecal examination protocols for gastrointestinal parasites." Vet Ther 8(4): 293-304.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: prophylaxis, treatment, and complications of treatment." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 146-151.

While several agents have been available for treatment of heartworm infection in dogs, no safe and effective adulticides exist for treatment of heartworm in the cat. Cats infected with heartworm may benefit from corticosteroid therapy to reduce clinical signs of pulmonary disease. Fortunately, four products are available for prevention of heartworm infection in cats (ivermectin, selamectin, moxidectin, milbemycin). Two products are given orally, and two are administered topically. Even cats diagnosed with heartworm infection can safely be given preventive treatment.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Bowman, D. D., C. J. Torre, et al. (2007). "Survey of 11 western states for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection, heartworm diagnostic and prevention protocols, and fecal examination protocols for gastrointestinal parasites." Vet Ther 8(4): 293-304.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Feline Heartworm: Life Cycle, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.

The heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, infects many animal species, including dogs and cats. While cats are resistant to heartworm infection, they may suffer infection rates 5-20% of the local canine rate. The American Heartworm Society released new guidelines on feline heartworm in 2007. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of heartworm disease in cats, and to educate pet owners that cats are at risk, even if they live 100% indoors.
>> PubMed Abstract

American Heartworm Society

KNOW Heartworms Campaign

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Hoch, H. and K. Strickland (2008). "Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis." Comp Contin Edu Vet 30(3): 133-141.

The heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, infects many animal species, including dogs and cats. While cats are resistant to heartworm infection, they may suffer infection rates 5-20% of the local canine rate. The American Heartworm Society released new guidelines on feline heartworm in 2007. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of heartworm disease in cats, and to educate pet owners that cats are at risk, even if they live 100% indoors.
>> PubMed Abstract

American Heartworm Society

KNOW Heartworms Campaign

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Differentiating Spayed from Intact Queens

Axnner, E., T. Gustavsson, et al. (2008). "Estradiol measurement after GnRH-stimulation as a method to diagnose the presence of ovaries in the female domestic cat." Theriogenology 70(2): 186-191.

Spaying is routinely recommended for population control in cats, as well as for specific health benefits and to avoid unwanted behaviors. It can be difficult to determine if a queen with an unknown history and no estrous activity is spayed or intact. In addition, one of the most common feline reproductive problems encountered by practicing veterinarians is ovarian remnant syndrome. A test that differentiates intact from spayed queens would be valuable. A commercially available luteinizing hormone assay (Witness LH, Synbiotics) has been marketed for this purpose, but is not available world-wide. GnRH induces release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH from the pituitary gland. FSH stimulates estradiol production by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. The aim of this study was to evaluate if it is possible to differentiate between spayed and sexually inactive intact queens by measurement of plasma estradiol before and/or after stimulation with a GnRH-analogue, buserelin (Receptal, Intervet). Two groups of female cats (11 spayed, 11 intact) were treated with buserelin after baseline measurement of plasma estradiol and progesterone. A second blood sample was collected two hours later. Median estradiol increased after stimulation with buserelin in intact but not in spayed females. There was no overlap between the two groups of cats. Measurement of plasma estradiol concentration 2 hours after stimulation with a GnRH-analogue seems to be a reliable method to diagnose the presence of ovarian tissue in the female cat.

Axnner, E., T. Gustavsson, et al. (2008). "Estradiol measurement after GnRH-stimulation as a method to diagnose the presence of ovaries in the female domestic cat." Theriogenology 70(2): 186-191.

Spaying is routinely recommended for population control in cats, as well as for specific health benefits and to avoid unwanted behaviors. It can be difficult to determine if a queen with an unknown history and no estrous activity is spayed or intact. In addition, one of the most common feline reproductive problems encountered by practicing veterinarians is ovarian remnant syndrome. A test that differentiates intact from spayed queens would be valuable. A commercially available luteinizing hormone assay (Witness LH, Synbiotics) has been marketed for this purpose, but is not available world-wide. GnRH induces release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH from the pituitary gland. FSH stimulates estradiol production by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. The aim of this study was to evaluate if it is possible to differentiate between spayed and sexually inactive intact queens by measurement of plasma estradiol before and/or after stimulation with a GnRH-analogue, buserelin (Receptal, Intervet). Two groups of female cats (11 spayed, 11 intact) were treated with buserelin after baseline measurement of plasma estradiol and progesterone. A second blood sample was collected two hours later. Median estradiol increased after stimulation with buserelin in intact but not in spayed females. There was no overlap between the two groups of cats. Measurement of plasma estradiol concentration 2 hours after stimulation with a GnRH-analogue seems to be a reliable method to diagnose the presence of ovarian tissue in the female cat.

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Glucocorticoids and Cats

Lowe, A. D., K. L. Campbell, et al. (2008). "Clinical, clinicopathological and histological changes observed in 14 cats treated with glucocorticoids." Vet Rec 162(24): 777-83.

Glucocorticoids such as prednisone and prednisolone are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions in feline medicine. Adverse effects from this class of drugs in cats are well known, and may be dose-dependent. In this study, 14 cats were given immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone (4.4 mg/kg/day) or dexamethasone (0.55 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Complete blood counts, serum biochemistry profiles and urinalyses were performed on days 0 and 56, and liver biopsies were taken on day 56. Significant increases were noted in mean white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and monocyte counts. Significant decreases were noted in mean lymphocyte counts and eosinophil counts. Consistent increases in serum albumin, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were observed. A steroid hepatopathy was present in varying degrees in all liver biopsies. One cat developed clinical signs believed to be related to the therapy, such as icterus and curling of the pinnae.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Sharkey, L. C., T. Ployngam, et al. (2007). "Effects of a single injection of methylprednisolone acetate on serum biochemical parameters in 11 cats." Vet Clin Pathol 36(2): 184-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Lowe, A. D., K. L. Campbell, et al. (2008). "Clinical, clinicopathological and histological changes observed in 14 cats treated with glucocorticoids." Vet Rec 162(24): 777-83.

Glucocorticoids such as prednisone and prednisolone are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions in feline medicine. Adverse effects from this class of drugs in cats are well known, and may be dose-dependent. In this study, 14 cats were given immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone (4.4 mg/kg/day) or dexamethasone (0.55 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Complete blood counts, serum biochemistry profiles and urinalyses were performed on days 0 and 56, and liver biopsies were taken on day 56. Significant increases were noted in mean white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and monocyte counts. Significant decreases were noted in mean lymphocyte counts and eosinophil counts. Consistent increases in serum albumin, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were observed. A steroid hepatopathy was present in varying degrees in all liver biopsies. One cat developed clinical signs believed to be related to the therapy, such as icterus and curling of the pinnae.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Sharkey, L. C., T. Ployngam, et al. (2007). "Effects of a single injection of methylprednisolone acetate on serum biochemical parameters in 11 cats." Vet Clin Pathol 36(2): 184-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Insulins for Cats: Glargine, PZI, Lente

Marshall, R. D., J. S. Rand, et al. (2008). "Glargine and protamine zinc insulin have a longer duration of action and result in lower mean daily glucose concentrations than lente insulin in healthy cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 205-212.

This 3-way crossover study was designed to evaluate the effects of glargine (Lantus®), protamine zinc (PZI), and lente insulins in 9 healthy cats. Plasma concentrations of insulin and glucose were determined for 24 hours after a single subcutaneous injection of each insulin at 3-day intervals. Time to onset of action did not differ among insulins. The mean time to the glucose nadir was longer for glargine (14 hours), than for PZI (4 hours) or lente (5 hours). PZI was biphasic, with nadirs at 4 and 14 hours. The nadir glucose value did not differ among insulin types. The duration of action was similar for glargine and PZI, and was longer than for lente. A larger study is required to further compare glargine and PZI insulins in cats.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Weaver, K. E., E. A. Rozanski, et al. (2006). "Use of glargine and lente insulins in cats with diabetes mellitus." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 234-8.
>> PubMed abstract

Rand, J. (2006). "Editorial: glargine, a new long-acting insulin analog for diabetic cats." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 219-20.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Marshall, R. D., J. S. Rand, et al. (2008). "Glargine and protamine zinc insulin have a longer duration of action and result in lower mean daily glucose concentrations than lente insulin in healthy cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 205-212.

This 3-way crossover study was designed to evaluate the effects of glargine (Lantus®), protamine zinc (PZI), and lente insulins in 9 healthy cats. Plasma concentrations of insulin and glucose were determined for 24 hours after a single subcutaneous injection of each insulin at 3-day intervals. Time to onset of action did not differ among insulins. The mean time to the glucose nadir was longer for glargine (14 hours), than for PZI (4 hours) or lente (5 hours). PZI was biphasic, with nadirs at 4 and 14 hours. The nadir glucose value did not differ among insulin types. The duration of action was similar for glargine and PZI, and was longer than for lente. A larger study is required to further compare glargine and PZI insulins in cats.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Weaver, K. E., E. A. Rozanski, et al. (2006). "Use of glargine and lente insulins in cats with diabetes mellitus." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 234-8.
>> PubMed abstract

Rand, J. (2006). "Editorial: glargine, a new long-acting insulin analog for diabetic cats." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 219-20.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More