Endoscopy for Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Disease in Cats

Willard, M. D., J. Mansell, et al. (2008). "Effect of sample quality on the sensitivity of endoscopic biopsy for detecting gastric and duodenal lesions in dogs and cats." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 22(5): 1084-1089.

A common diagnostic procedure for assessment of chronic gastrointestinal disease in cats is endoscopy with biopsies of gastrointestinal mucosa. Previous studies have highlighted the difficulty in obtaining quality biopsy samples via endoscopy. In this study, the researchers attempted to address two issues: whether the ability to demonstrate a histologic lesion in the stomach or duodenum is affected by sample quality, and whether more samples are needed to find a lesion when tissue specimens are of poor quality. The researchers evaluated tissues obtained via endoscopy from 51 cats (and 99 dogs) that were examined as clinical cases at 8 veterinary institutions or practices in 5 different countries. The results showed that the quality of endoscopically obtained tissue samples has a profound effect on their sensitivity for identifying certain lesions, and there are differences between biopsies of canine and feline tissues. Multiple samples need to be taken to ensure that a sufficient number of adequate tissue samples are obtained during endoscopic procedures. The old assumption that a single adequate biopsy sample is sufficient for diagnosis was shown to be incorrect. The study suggests that a goal of obtaining 6 marginal or adequate feline duodenal or gastric samples will be sufficient to give 99% confidence of finding any lesions present.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Day, M. J., T. Bilzer, et al. (2008). "Histopathological standards for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal inflammation in endoscopic biopsy samples from the dog and cat: a report from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Gastrointestinal Standardization Group." J Comp Pathol 138 Suppl 1: S1-43.
>> PubMed Abstract

Evans, S. E., J. J. Bonczynski, et al. (2006). "Comparison of endoscopic and full-thickness biopsy specimens for diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and alimentary tract lymphoma in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 229(9): 1447-50.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Willard, M. D., J. Mansell, et al. (2008). "Effect of sample quality on the sensitivity of endoscopic biopsy for detecting gastric and duodenal lesions in dogs and cats." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 22(5): 1084-1089.

A common diagnostic procedure for assessment of chronic gastrointestinal disease in cats is endoscopy with biopsies of gastrointestinal mucosa. Previous studies have highlighted the difficulty in obtaining quality biopsy samples via endoscopy. In this study, the researchers attempted to address two issues: whether the ability to demonstrate a histologic lesion in the stomach or duodenum is affected by sample quality, and whether more samples are needed to find a lesion when tissue specimens are of poor quality. The researchers evaluated tissues obtained via endoscopy from 51 cats (and 99 dogs) that were examined as clinical cases at 8 veterinary institutions or practices in 5 different countries. The results showed that the quality of endoscopically obtained tissue samples has a profound effect on their sensitivity for identifying certain lesions, and there are differences between biopsies of canine and feline tissues. Multiple samples need to be taken to ensure that a sufficient number of adequate tissue samples are obtained during endoscopic procedures. The old assumption that a single adequate biopsy sample is sufficient for diagnosis was shown to be incorrect. The study suggests that a goal of obtaining 6 marginal or adequate feline duodenal or gastric samples will be sufficient to give 99% confidence of finding any lesions present.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Day, M. J., T. Bilzer, et al. (2008). "Histopathological standards for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal inflammation in endoscopic biopsy samples from the dog and cat: a report from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Gastrointestinal Standardization Group." J Comp Pathol 138 Suppl 1: S1-43.
>> PubMed Abstract

Evans, S. E., J. J. Bonczynski, et al. (2006). "Comparison of endoscopic and full-thickness biopsy specimens for diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and alimentary tract lymphoma in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 229(9): 1447-50.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Control of Postoperative Pain in Cats

Benito-de-la-Vibora, J., B. D. Lascelles, et al. (2008). "Efficacy of tolfenamic acid and meloxicam in the control of postoperative pain following ovariohysterectomy in the cat." Vet Anaesth Analg.

This prospective, randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled study was performed at the University of Madrid, Spain to evaluate the effect of two non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (tolfenamic acid and meloxicam) on control of post-operative pain in cats. Sixty-nine client owned cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were enrolled in the study. The cats were given a dose of either tolfenamic acid (Tolfedine, Vetoquinol), meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim/Merial), or placebo pre-operatively and again post-operatively. Pain and wound sensitivity were assessed using standardized scales for up to 25 hours post-operatively. The meloxicam group was less painful than controls at 6 and 22 hours post-operatively; both treatment groups were less painful than controls at 25 hours. The number of cats requiring rescue analgesia did not differ between the groups. Cats receiving tolfenamic acid or meloxicam had decreased wound sensitivity compared to controls at all time points. The researchers conclude that both tolfenamic acid and meloxicam provide a similar analgesic effect for up to 24 hours post-operatively.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lascelles, B. D., M. H. Court, et al. (2007). "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in cats: a review." Vet Anaesth Analg 34(4): 228-50.
>> PubMed Abstract

Slingsby, L. and A. Waterman-Pearson (2000). "Postoperative analgesia in the cat after ovariohysterectomy by use of carprofen, ketoprofen, meloxicam or tolfenamic acid." J Small Anim Pract 41(10): 447-450.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Benito-de-la-Vibora, J., B. D. Lascelles, et al. (2008). "Efficacy of tolfenamic acid and meloxicam in the control of postoperative pain following ovariohysterectomy in the cat." Vet Anaesth Analg.

This prospective, randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled study was performed at the University of Madrid, Spain to evaluate the effect of two non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (tolfenamic acid and meloxicam) on control of post-operative pain in cats. Sixty-nine client owned cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were enrolled in the study. The cats were given a dose of either tolfenamic acid (Tolfedine, Vetoquinol), meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim/Merial), or placebo pre-operatively and again post-operatively. Pain and wound sensitivity were assessed using standardized scales for up to 25 hours post-operatively. The meloxicam group was less painful than controls at 6 and 22 hours post-operatively; both treatment groups were less painful than controls at 25 hours. The number of cats requiring rescue analgesia did not differ between the groups. Cats receiving tolfenamic acid or meloxicam had decreased wound sensitivity compared to controls at all time points. The researchers conclude that both tolfenamic acid and meloxicam provide a similar analgesic effect for up to 24 hours post-operatively.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lascelles, B. D., M. H. Court, et al. (2007). "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in cats: a review." Vet Anaesth Analg 34(4): 228-50.
>> PubMed Abstract

Slingsby, L. and A. Waterman-Pearson (2000). "Postoperative analgesia in the cat after ovariohysterectomy by use of carprofen, ketoprofen, meloxicam or tolfenamic acid." J Small Anim Pract 41(10): 447-450.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Diagnosis of FIP

Winn funded research

Kennedy, M. A., M. Abd-Eldaim, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of antibodies against feline coronavirus 7b protein for diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis in cats." American Journal of Veterinary Research 69(9): 1179-1182.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a lethal, complex, and clinically important disease of cats caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoV occurs in two biotypes: one that is virulent and causes FIP, and one that is nonvirulent. FIP occurs in an effusive form characterized by pleural effusion or ascites, as well as a granulomatous form that may affect several organs. No consistent genetic difference has been identified that can distinguish all virulent from nonvirulent FCoVs. As a result, antemortem diagnosis of FIP is difficult because no test that is specific and sensitive for the FIP virus is available. It has been suggested that the product of the 7b gene is a virulence factor. If expression of the 7b protein consistently leads to FIP, cats infected with virulent FCoV would be expected to have measurable antibodies against this protein, whereas cats infected with the nonvirulent FCoV would not. This would allow differentiation of cats infected with virulent FCoV from those infected with a nonvirulent strain. The purpose of this study was to determine specific antibody concentrations against the 7b protein in cats with FIP or other diseases and healthy cats. Serum samples from 95 cats submitted for various diagnostic tests as well as 20 samples from specific pathogen free cats used as negative controls were tested for antibodies against the 7b protein. Serum from cats with FIP had antibodies against the 7b protein. However, some healthy cats, as well as cats with other diseases, were seropositive for the 7b protein. The researchers conclude that seropositivity for the 7b protein is not specific for the FCoV virulent biotype or a diagnosis of FIP.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hartmann, K., C. Binder, et al. (2003). "Comparison of different tests to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis." J Vet Intern Med 17(6): 781-90.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Winn funded research

Kennedy, M. A., M. Abd-Eldaim, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of antibodies against feline coronavirus 7b protein for diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis in cats." American Journal of Veterinary Research 69(9): 1179-1182.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a lethal, complex, and clinically important disease of cats caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoV occurs in two biotypes: one that is virulent and causes FIP, and one that is nonvirulent. FIP occurs in an effusive form characterized by pleural effusion or ascites, as well as a granulomatous form that may affect several organs. No consistent genetic difference has been identified that can distinguish all virulent from nonvirulent FCoVs. As a result, antemortem diagnosis of FIP is difficult because no test that is specific and sensitive for the FIP virus is available. It has been suggested that the product of the 7b gene is a virulence factor. If expression of the 7b protein consistently leads to FIP, cats infected with virulent FCoV would be expected to have measurable antibodies against this protein, whereas cats infected with the nonvirulent FCoV would not. This would allow differentiation of cats infected with virulent FCoV from those infected with a nonvirulent strain. The purpose of this study was to determine specific antibody concentrations against the 7b protein in cats with FIP or other diseases and healthy cats. Serum samples from 95 cats submitted for various diagnostic tests as well as 20 samples from specific pathogen free cats used as negative controls were tested for antibodies against the 7b protein. Serum from cats with FIP had antibodies against the 7b protein. However, some healthy cats, as well as cats with other diseases, were seropositive for the 7b protein. The researchers conclude that seropositivity for the 7b protein is not specific for the FCoV virulent biotype or a diagnosis of FIP.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hartmann, K., C. Binder, et al. (2003). "Comparison of different tests to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis." J Vet Intern Med 17(6): 781-90.
>> PubMed abstract

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Contaminated Cat Food

Cianciolo, R. E., K. Bischoff, et al. (2008). "Clinicopathologic, histologic, and toxicologic findings in 70 cats inadvertently exposed to pet food contaminated with melamine and cyanuric acid." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 233(5): 729-737.

In early 2007, reports of renal failure in cats and dogs fed a variety of commercial pet foods led to an investigation that revealed melamine and cyanuric acid both in the suspect foods and in the imported wheat gluten used in the manufacture of those foods. The discovery led to the largest cat and dog food recall in US history. This case series represents 70 cats from a single cattery inadvertently fed contaminated food. Clinical signs were identified in 43 cats and included inappetence, vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, and lethargy. Azotemia was found in 38/68 cats tested 7-11 days after consumption of the contaminated food. One cat died and 13 were euthanized. Histologic examination of kidney samples from 13 cats revealed intratubular crystalluria, tubular necrosis with regeneration, and subcapsular perivascular inflammation. Toxicologic analyses revealed melamine and cyanuric acid in samples of cat food, vomitus, urine, and kidneys. Further evaluation of the survivors will allow assessment of any long-term effects associated with exposure to these 2 toxins.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Dobson, R. L., S. Motlagh, et al. (2008). "Identification and Characterization of Toxicity of Contaminants in Pet Food Leading to an Outbreak of Renal Toxicity in Cats and Dogs." Toxicol Sci.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Cianciolo, R. E., K. Bischoff, et al. (2008). "Clinicopathologic, histologic, and toxicologic findings in 70 cats inadvertently exposed to pet food contaminated with melamine and cyanuric acid." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 233(5): 729-737.

In early 2007, reports of renal failure in cats and dogs fed a variety of commercial pet foods led to an investigation that revealed melamine and cyanuric acid both in the suspect foods and in the imported wheat gluten used in the manufacture of those foods. The discovery led to the largest cat and dog food recall in US history. This case series represents 70 cats from a single cattery inadvertently fed contaminated food. Clinical signs were identified in 43 cats and included inappetence, vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, and lethargy. Azotemia was found in 38/68 cats tested 7-11 days after consumption of the contaminated food. One cat died and 13 were euthanized. Histologic examination of kidney samples from 13 cats revealed intratubular crystalluria, tubular necrosis with regeneration, and subcapsular perivascular inflammation. Toxicologic analyses revealed melamine and cyanuric acid in samples of cat food, vomitus, urine, and kidneys. Further evaluation of the survivors will allow assessment of any long-term effects associated with exposure to these 2 toxins.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Dobson, R. L., S. Motlagh, et al. (2008). "Identification and Characterization of Toxicity of Contaminants in Pet Food Leading to an Outbreak of Renal Toxicity in Cats and Dogs." Toxicol Sci.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Cyclosporine for Cats with Dermatitis

Wisselink, M. A. and T. Willemse (2008). "The efficacy of cyclosporine A in cats with presumed atopic dermatitis: A double blind, randomised prednisolone-controlled study." Vet J. Feb 20 [epub]

Most cats with atopic dermatitis are treated with corticosteroids, but there are cases where it would be desirable to avoid this class of drugs due to adverse effects. Cyclosporine is widely used in human and veterinary medicine to treat immunological diseases. In most countries, it is licensed for use in dogs, but not cats. In feline dermatology, cyclosporine has been used to treat eosinophilic granuloma complex, pemphigus, atopic dermatitis, and other disorders. In this randomized, controlled, double-blind study, 29 cats with atopic dermatitis were divided into 2 groups. One group (11 cats) was treated with prednisolone (1 mg/kg daily) while the remaining cats were treated with cyclosporine (5 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Blood samples for serum chemistries and hematology were collected at day 0 and day 28. During the trial, the owners were asked to evaluate the intensity of the pruritus once weekly on a linear analog scale and to record side effects. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the amount of remission or the number of cats that improved by >25%. No serious side effects were noted. The authors conclude that cyclosporine is an effective alternative to prednisolone for cats with atopic dermatitis.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Noli, C. and F. Scarampella (2006). "Prospective open pilot study on the use of ciclosporin for feline allergic skin disease." J Small Anim Pract 47(8): 434-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

Vercelli, A., G. Raviri, et al. (2006). "The use of oral cyclosporin to treat feline dermatoses: a retrospective analysis of 23 cases." Vet Dermatol 17(3): 201-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Wisselink, M. A. and T. Willemse (2008). "The efficacy of cyclosporine A in cats with presumed atopic dermatitis: A double blind, randomised prednisolone-controlled study." Vet J. Feb 20 [epub]

Most cats with atopic dermatitis are treated with corticosteroids, but there are cases where it would be desirable to avoid this class of drugs due to adverse effects. Cyclosporine is widely used in human and veterinary medicine to treat immunological diseases. In most countries, it is licensed for use in dogs, but not cats. In feline dermatology, cyclosporine has been used to treat eosinophilic granuloma complex, pemphigus, atopic dermatitis, and other disorders. In this randomized, controlled, double-blind study, 29 cats with atopic dermatitis were divided into 2 groups. One group (11 cats) was treated with prednisolone (1 mg/kg daily) while the remaining cats were treated with cyclosporine (5 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Blood samples for serum chemistries and hematology were collected at day 0 and day 28. During the trial, the owners were asked to evaluate the intensity of the pruritus once weekly on a linear analog scale and to record side effects. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the amount of remission or the number of cats that improved by >25%. No serious side effects were noted. The authors conclude that cyclosporine is an effective alternative to prednisolone for cats with atopic dermatitis.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Noli, C. and F. Scarampella (2006). "Prospective open pilot study on the use of ciclosporin for feline allergic skin disease." J Small Anim Pract 47(8): 434-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

Vercelli, A., G. Raviri, et al. (2006). "The use of oral cyclosporin to treat feline dermatoses: a retrospective analysis of 23 cases." Vet Dermatol 17(3): 201-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Cat Mortality in Shelters

Murray, J. K., E. Skillings, et al. (2008). "A study of risk factors for cat mortality in adoption centres of a UK cat charity." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(4): 338-345.


In the United Kingdom, there are many animal charities that shelter and re-home cats. Cats Protection, the largest cat-only animal charity in the UK, re-homed about 60,000 cats in 2005. Risk factors for mortality in UK shelters have not been previously studied, and may be applicable to similar animal shelter situations elsewhere in the world. A case-control study was used to examine variables associated with mortality. Retrospective data was collected for 194 cases and 320 control cats. An increased risk of mortality was discovered for cats admitted to shelters unneutered, in fair or poor health, and for cats born at shelters. Kittens under 7 weeks of age and cats over 7 years of age had an increased risk of mortality compared to other age groups. Cats with disabilities also had an increased risk of mortality. Knowledge of risk factors contributing to mortality in shelters can help focus intervention strategies aimed at reducing risk.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Cave, T., H. Thompson, et al. (2002). "Kitten mortality in the United Kingdom: a retrospective analysis of 274 histopathological examinations (1986 to 2000)." Vet Rec 151: 497-501.
>> PubMed Abstract

Bannasch, M. and J. Foley (2005). "Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple respiratory pathogens in cats in animal shelters." J Fel Med Surg 7(2): 109-119.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Murray, J. K., E. Skillings, et al. (2008). "A study of risk factors for cat mortality in adoption centres of a UK cat charity." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(4): 338-345.


In the United Kingdom, there are many animal charities that shelter and re-home cats. Cats Protection, the largest cat-only animal charity in the UK, re-homed about 60,000 cats in 2005. Risk factors for mortality in UK shelters have not been previously studied, and may be applicable to similar animal shelter situations elsewhere in the world. A case-control study was used to examine variables associated with mortality. Retrospective data was collected for 194 cases and 320 control cats. An increased risk of mortality was discovered for cats admitted to shelters unneutered, in fair or poor health, and for cats born at shelters. Kittens under 7 weeks of age and cats over 7 years of age had an increased risk of mortality compared to other age groups. Cats with disabilities also had an increased risk of mortality. Knowledge of risk factors contributing to mortality in shelters can help focus intervention strategies aimed at reducing risk.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Cave, T., H. Thompson, et al. (2002). "Kitten mortality in the United Kingdom: a retrospective analysis of 274 histopathological examinations (1986 to 2000)." Vet Rec 151: 497-501.
>> PubMed Abstract

Bannasch, M. and J. Foley (2005). "Epidemiologic evaluation of multiple respiratory pathogens in cats in animal shelters." J Fel Med Surg 7(2): 109-119.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Are Dry Foods Harmful for Cats?

Buffington, C. A. (2008). "Dry foods and risk of disease in cats." Can Vet J 49(6): 561-3.

In this Special Report, Dr. Tony Buffington of Ohio State University reviews some of the issues surrounding feeding dry food diets to cats. One of the biggest concerns is a possible relationship between the carbohydrate content of dry foods and risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus. Cats do metabolize dietary carbohydrates different from other species, although this may or may not make dry diets unsuitable for them. Recent research challenges the belief that obesity and diabetes mellitus are diet-induced diseases in cats. Factors that are receiving attention include indoor confinement, lack of activity, and feeding patterns. Environmental, developmental and genetic factors are also likely to play a role. Educating owners about providing an enriched indoor environment should be an important focus for veterinarians.
>> Free full text article

Related articles:
Backus, R. C., N. J. Cave, et al. (2007). "Gonadectomy and high dietary fat but not high dietary carbohydrate induce gains in body weight and fat of domestic cats." Br J Nutr 98(3): 641-50.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Buffington, C. A. (2008). "Dry foods and risk of disease in cats." Can Vet J 49(6): 561-3.

In this Special Report, Dr. Tony Buffington of Ohio State University reviews some of the issues surrounding feeding dry food diets to cats. One of the biggest concerns is a possible relationship between the carbohydrate content of dry foods and risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus. Cats do metabolize dietary carbohydrates different from other species, although this may or may not make dry diets unsuitable for them. Recent research challenges the belief that obesity and diabetes mellitus are diet-induced diseases in cats. Factors that are receiving attention include indoor confinement, lack of activity, and feeding patterns. Environmental, developmental and genetic factors are also likely to play a role. Educating owners about providing an enriched indoor environment should be an important focus for veterinarians.
>> Free full text article

Related articles:
Backus, R. C., N. J. Cave, et al. (2007). "Gonadectomy and high dietary fat but not high dietary carbohydrate induce gains in body weight and fat of domestic cats." Br J Nutr 98(3): 641-50.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More