Survival of Cats with Kidney Disease

Boyd, L. M., C. Langston, et al. (2008). "Survival in Cats with Naturally Occurring Chronic Kidney Disease (2000-2002)." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 22(5): 1111-1117.

Up to 20% of cats will be affected with chronic kidney disease (CKD) during their lifetime. The prevalence of CKD increases with age, so that almost 1/3 of cats over the age of 15 years are affected. The disease has unpredictable progression and variable presentation, making it difficult to perform long-term survival studies. The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) has developed a classification scheme for CKD in dogs and cats that is often used in long-term studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the average survival time for a large populatoin of cats from a facility that sees both first and second opinion cases, and to determine if the IRIS stage at diagnosis and after correction of pre-renal azotemia are associated with survival time. The study population consisted of 211 client-owned cats enrolled between April 2000 and January 2002. Clinical characteristics, clinicopathologic data, and survival times were extracted from the medical records. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were performed to determine survival times. Median survival for cats in IRIS stage IIb at the time of diagnosis was 1,151 days, and was longer than survival in stage III (median 778 days) or stage IV (median 103 days). The researchers conclude that IRIS stage of CKD based on serum creatinine at the time of diagnosis is strongly predictive of survival in cats with naturally occurring CKD.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Syme, H. M., P. J. Markwell, et al. (2006). "Survival of cats with naturally occurring chronic renal failure is related to severity of proteinuria." J Vet Intern Med 20(3): 528-35.
>> PubMed Abstract

Elliott, J., J. M. Rawlings, et al. (2000). "Survival of cats with naturally occurring chronic renal failure: effect of dietary management." J Small Anim Pract 41(6): 235-42.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Boyd, L. M., C. Langston, et al. (2008). "Survival in Cats with Naturally Occurring Chronic Kidney Disease (2000-2002)." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 22(5): 1111-1117.

Up to 20% of cats will be affected with chronic kidney disease (CKD) during their lifetime. The prevalence of CKD increases with age, so that almost 1/3 of cats over the age of 15 years are affected. The disease has unpredictable progression and variable presentation, making it difficult to perform long-term survival studies. The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) has developed a classification scheme for CKD in dogs and cats that is often used in long-term studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the average survival time for a large populatoin of cats from a facility that sees both first and second opinion cases, and to determine if the IRIS stage at diagnosis and after correction of pre-renal azotemia are associated with survival time. The study population consisted of 211 client-owned cats enrolled between April 2000 and January 2002. Clinical characteristics, clinicopathologic data, and survival times were extracted from the medical records. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were performed to determine survival times. Median survival for cats in IRIS stage IIb at the time of diagnosis was 1,151 days, and was longer than survival in stage III (median 778 days) or stage IV (median 103 days). The researchers conclude that IRIS stage of CKD based on serum creatinine at the time of diagnosis is strongly predictive of survival in cats with naturally occurring CKD.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Syme, H. M., P. J. Markwell, et al. (2006). "Survival of cats with naturally occurring chronic renal failure is related to severity of proteinuria." J Vet Intern Med 20(3): 528-35.
>> PubMed Abstract

Elliott, J., J. M. Rawlings, et al. (2000). "Survival of cats with naturally occurring chronic renal failure: effect of dietary management." J Small Anim Pract 41(6): 235-42.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Cats

Anders, B. B., M. G. Hoelzler, et al. (2008). "Analysis of auditory and neurologic effects associated with ventral bulla osteotomy for removal of inflammatory polyps or nasopharyngeal masses in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(4): 580-5.

Inflammatory polyps are non-cancerous masses that develop in the nasopharynx, auditory tube, or middle ear. They are typically visualized within the ear canal or the pharynx. Most common in young cats, they are part of the differential diagnosis for upper respiratory tract signs and otitis. Clinical signs include nasal or otic discharge, swallowing difficulties, head tilt, nystagmus, sneezing, and Horner's syndrome. Treatment options include traction avulsion, and either lateral or ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO). Many authorities consider VBO to be the treatment of choice. Reported complications include Horner's syndrome, nerve deficits, damage to vascular tissues, and auditory damage. To date, information on how these masses affect hearing in cats and whether VBO can affect hearing has not been published. In this prospective case series, 17 cats met full inclusion criteria, and long term follow was available for 15 cats. Using BAER, 6 cats had deafness prior to surgery. No cat experienced a change in presurgical auditory status. Cats with deafness prior to surgery did not regain auditory function. In the immediate post-operative period, 11 cats developed short term Horner's syndrome. Polyp regrowth occurred in 1 cat. The authors conclude that VBO is unlikely to affect hearing in cats, and long term adverse effects, including polyp regrowth, are uncommon.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kudnig, S. T. (2002). "Nasopharyngeal polyps in cats." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 17(4): 174-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Esterline, M., M. Radlinsky, et al. (2005). "Endoscopic removal of nasal polyps in a cat using a novel approach." J Fel Med Surg 7(2): 121-124.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Anders, B. B., M. G. Hoelzler, et al. (2008). "Analysis of auditory and neurologic effects associated with ventral bulla osteotomy for removal of inflammatory polyps or nasopharyngeal masses in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(4): 580-5.

Inflammatory polyps are non-cancerous masses that develop in the nasopharynx, auditory tube, or middle ear. They are typically visualized within the ear canal or the pharynx. Most common in young cats, they are part of the differential diagnosis for upper respiratory tract signs and otitis. Clinical signs include nasal or otic discharge, swallowing difficulties, head tilt, nystagmus, sneezing, and Horner's syndrome. Treatment options include traction avulsion, and either lateral or ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO). Many authorities consider VBO to be the treatment of choice. Reported complications include Horner's syndrome, nerve deficits, damage to vascular tissues, and auditory damage. To date, information on how these masses affect hearing in cats and whether VBO can affect hearing has not been published. In this prospective case series, 17 cats met full inclusion criteria, and long term follow was available for 15 cats. Using BAER, 6 cats had deafness prior to surgery. No cat experienced a change in presurgical auditory status. Cats with deafness prior to surgery did not regain auditory function. In the immediate post-operative period, 11 cats developed short term Horner's syndrome. Polyp regrowth occurred in 1 cat. The authors conclude that VBO is unlikely to affect hearing in cats, and long term adverse effects, including polyp regrowth, are uncommon.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kudnig, S. T. (2002). "Nasopharyngeal polyps in cats." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 17(4): 174-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Esterline, M., M. Radlinsky, et al. (2005). "Endoscopic removal of nasal polyps in a cat using a novel approach." J Fel Med Surg 7(2): 121-124.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Redirected Aggression

Amat, M., X. Manteca, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of inciting causes, alternative targets, and risk factors associated with redirected aggression in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(4): 586-9.

Redirected aggression (displaced aggression) is one of the most common forms of feline aggression directed toward people. It is a dangerous form of aggression because it is unpredictable and severe. Redirected aggression is diagnosed when a cat displays aggression toward an irrelevant target when the primary inciting stimulus is not available. The attacks are difficult to stop, and the cat remains highly aroused long after the inciting event is over. Despite the fact that this type of aggression is common and serious, it has not been well investigated. In this case-control study, the medical records of 19 cats with redirected aggression and 64 cats without redirected aggression were examined. In 95% of the cases, loud noises or interactions with other cats were identified as the inciting event. Aggression was most likely to be directed toward the owner, or toward another cat living in the same household. Cats with redirected aggression were less likely to be outdoor cats, and more likely to be from small households. The researchers suggest that the underlying motivation for the aggression is fear. To reduce the risk of redirected aggression, veterinarians should encourage owners to socialize kittens and habituate them to novel objects and sounds.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Curtis, T. M. (2008). "Human-directed aggression in the cat." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 38(5): 1131-43.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Amat, M., X. Manteca, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of inciting causes, alternative targets, and risk factors associated with redirected aggression in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(4): 586-9.

Redirected aggression (displaced aggression) is one of the most common forms of feline aggression directed toward people. It is a dangerous form of aggression because it is unpredictable and severe. Redirected aggression is diagnosed when a cat displays aggression toward an irrelevant target when the primary inciting stimulus is not available. The attacks are difficult to stop, and the cat remains highly aroused long after the inciting event is over. Despite the fact that this type of aggression is common and serious, it has not been well investigated. In this case-control study, the medical records of 19 cats with redirected aggression and 64 cats without redirected aggression were examined. In 95% of the cases, loud noises or interactions with other cats were identified as the inciting event. Aggression was most likely to be directed toward the owner, or toward another cat living in the same household. Cats with redirected aggression were less likely to be outdoor cats, and more likely to be from small households. The researchers suggest that the underlying motivation for the aggression is fear. To reduce the risk of redirected aggression, veterinarians should encourage owners to socialize kittens and habituate them to novel objects and sounds.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Curtis, T. M. (2008). "Human-directed aggression in the cat." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 38(5): 1131-43.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Anal Sac Secretions

Frankel, J. L., D. W. Scott, et al. (2008). "Gross and cytological characteristics of normal feline anal-sac secretions." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(4): 319-323.

Feline anal sac disorders are uncommon, and are classified as impaction, inflammation, infection, abscess, or neoplasia. Anal-sac secretion is composed of many elements, such as desquamated keratinocytes, material from sebaceous and apocrine glands, proteins, and lipids, as well as bacteria and yeasts. Cytological examination has been recommended for the diagnosis of anal sac disorders in cats, but the cytological findings from anal sacs in either normal cats or cats with anal sac diseases have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine the cytology of clinically normal feline anal sac secretions and to quantify the numbers of organisms and cells present, and to determine whether there is an association between age or gross color and/or consistency of a secretion and the number of cells and/or organisms. The researchers discovered that the normal feline anal sac secretion is highly variable in gross appearance and cytological composition among cats.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Parry, N. M. (2006). "Anal sac gland carcinoma in a cat." Vet Pathol 43(6): 1008-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Frankel, J. L., D. W. Scott, et al. (2008). "Gross and cytological characteristics of normal feline anal-sac secretions." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(4): 319-323.

Feline anal sac disorders are uncommon, and are classified as impaction, inflammation, infection, abscess, or neoplasia. Anal-sac secretion is composed of many elements, such as desquamated keratinocytes, material from sebaceous and apocrine glands, proteins, and lipids, as well as bacteria and yeasts. Cytological examination has been recommended for the diagnosis of anal sac disorders in cats, but the cytological findings from anal sacs in either normal cats or cats with anal sac diseases have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine the cytology of clinically normal feline anal sac secretions and to quantify the numbers of organisms and cells present, and to determine whether there is an association between age or gross color and/or consistency of a secretion and the number of cells and/or organisms. The researchers discovered that the normal feline anal sac secretion is highly variable in gross appearance and cytological composition among cats.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Parry, N. M. (2006). "Anal sac gland carcinoma in a cat." Vet Pathol 43(6): 1008-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Diagnosis of Fetal Loss in Cats

Schlafer, D. H. (2008). "Canine and feline abortion diagnostics." Theriogenology 70(3): 327-331.

Knowledge of the causes of pregnancy loss in the cat is limited and the success rate for making a definitive diagnosis is disappointingly low. However, there are opportunities to improve the diagnostic success rate. Causes of pregnancy failure are generally divided into infectious (bacterial, viral, etc.) and non-infectious causes (endocrine failure, endometrial disease, toxicities, genetic abnormalities, etc). This review articles describes how to conduct a thorough examination of aborted fetuses and placentas as well as microbiological techniques. Factors such as prompt submission of samples, use of special transport media, providing complete histories and full tissue sets can greatly improve feline abortion diagnostic rates.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pretzer, S. D. (2008). "Bacterial and protozoal causes of pregnancy loss in the bitch and queen." Theriogenology 70(3): 320-326.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Schlafer, D. H. (2008). "Canine and feline abortion diagnostics." Theriogenology 70(3): 327-331.

Knowledge of the causes of pregnancy loss in the cat is limited and the success rate for making a definitive diagnosis is disappointingly low. However, there are opportunities to improve the diagnostic success rate. Causes of pregnancy failure are generally divided into infectious (bacterial, viral, etc.) and non-infectious causes (endocrine failure, endometrial disease, toxicities, genetic abnormalities, etc). This review articles describes how to conduct a thorough examination of aborted fetuses and placentas as well as microbiological techniques. Factors such as prompt submission of samples, use of special transport media, providing complete histories and full tissue sets can greatly improve feline abortion diagnostic rates.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pretzer, S. D. (2008). "Bacterial and protozoal causes of pregnancy loss in the bitch and queen." Theriogenology 70(3): 320-326.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Flea Control for Cats: Frontline Plus versus Promeris

Franc, M. and F. Beugnet (2008). "A comparative evaluation of the speed of kill and duration of efficacy against weekly infestations with fleas on cats treated with fipronil-(S)-methoprene or metaflumizone." Vet Ther 9(2): 102-10.

The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is found world-wide on many species of mammals including cats. Only the adult life stage of the flea resides on the cat while all other stages exist in the environment. On-animal flea control products may take different approaches, such as ensuring no fleas survive long enough to reproduce or disrupting the viability of flea eggs. Metaflumizone (Promeris, Fort Dodge Animal Health) was recently introduced for flea control use on cats as a topical spot-on. This study, funded by Merial, was designed to compare the speed of kill and duration of flea kill of commercially available formulations of Promeris and fipronil–(S)-methoprene (Frontline Plus, Merial) in cats in order to determine which active ingredient would be best suited to eliminate fleas before they produce eggs. Speed of kill efficacies were assessed against existing infestations and against infestations at day 7. Efficacy was also assessed 24 and 48 hours after weekly flea infestations through day 42. Cats treated with Frontline Plus had significantly fewer fleas than those treated with Promeris at 12 and 18 hours after treatment and on the day 7 infestations. Frontline Plus-treated cats also had significantly fewer fleas than Promeris-treated cats for all 24-hour counts from initial treatment on day 0 through infestation day 42.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Holzmer, S., J. A. Hair, et al. (2007). "Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone for the control of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on cats." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 219-24.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Franc, M. and F. Beugnet (2008). "A comparative evaluation of the speed of kill and duration of efficacy against weekly infestations with fleas on cats treated with fipronil-(S)-methoprene or metaflumizone." Vet Ther 9(2): 102-10.

The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is found world-wide on many species of mammals including cats. Only the adult life stage of the flea resides on the cat while all other stages exist in the environment. On-animal flea control products may take different approaches, such as ensuring no fleas survive long enough to reproduce or disrupting the viability of flea eggs. Metaflumizone (Promeris, Fort Dodge Animal Health) was recently introduced for flea control use on cats as a topical spot-on. This study, funded by Merial, was designed to compare the speed of kill and duration of flea kill of commercially available formulations of Promeris and fipronil–(S)-methoprene (Frontline Plus, Merial) in cats in order to determine which active ingredient would be best suited to eliminate fleas before they produce eggs. Speed of kill efficacies were assessed against existing infestations and against infestations at day 7. Efficacy was also assessed 24 and 48 hours after weekly flea infestations through day 42. Cats treated with Frontline Plus had significantly fewer fleas than those treated with Promeris at 12 and 18 hours after treatment and on the day 7 infestations. Frontline Plus-treated cats also had significantly fewer fleas than Promeris-treated cats for all 24-hour counts from initial treatment on day 0 through infestation day 42.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Holzmer, S., J. A. Hair, et al. (2007). "Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone for the control of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on cats." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 219-24.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Bacteremia in Cats

Greiner, M., G. Wolf, et al. (2008). "A retrospective study of the clinical presentation of 140 dogs and 39 cats with bacteraemia." J Small Anim Pract 49(8): 378-383.

Bacteremia is the presence of viable bacteria in the bloodstream. Bacteremia may develop in animals with impaired immune defenses, and is a common cause of sepsis. Sepsis is the systemic inflammatory response to infection. Bacteremia is associated with a high mortality rate in animals so that early diagnosis and intervention is very important. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial species that can be isolated from blood cultures in dogs and cats with bacteremia. Retrospective data from 39 cats (and 140 dogs) with positive blood cultures presented to the University of Munich were evaluated. Sepsis was diagnosed in 59.5% of the cats with bacteremia. The most commonly isolated organism was E. coli, accounting for 30% of the isolates in cats. Cats in this study had a higher mortality rate than dogs. The authors conclude that clinical and laboratory findings are not helpful in determining the type of bacteria involved and blood cultures need to be performed to guide therapy.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Greiner, M., G. Wolf, et al. (2007). "Bacteraemia in 66 cats and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates (1995-2004)." J Feline Med Surg 9(5): 404-10.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Greiner, M., G. Wolf, et al. (2008). "A retrospective study of the clinical presentation of 140 dogs and 39 cats with bacteraemia." J Small Anim Pract 49(8): 378-383.

Bacteremia is the presence of viable bacteria in the bloodstream. Bacteremia may develop in animals with impaired immune defenses, and is a common cause of sepsis. Sepsis is the systemic inflammatory response to infection. Bacteremia is associated with a high mortality rate in animals so that early diagnosis and intervention is very important. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial species that can be isolated from blood cultures in dogs and cats with bacteremia. Retrospective data from 39 cats (and 140 dogs) with positive blood cultures presented to the University of Munich were evaluated. Sepsis was diagnosed in 59.5% of the cats with bacteremia. The most commonly isolated organism was E. coli, accounting for 30% of the isolates in cats. Cats in this study had a higher mortality rate than dogs. The authors conclude that clinical and laboratory findings are not helpful in determining the type of bacteria involved and blood cultures need to be performed to guide therapy.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Greiner, M., G. Wolf, et al. (2007). "Bacteraemia in 66 cats and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates (1995-2004)." J Feline Med Surg 9(5): 404-10.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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