Tritrichomonas Diarrhea in Cats

Stockdale HD, Givens MD, Dykstra CC, et al. Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol 2009;160:13-17.

Tritrichomonas foetus causes chronic large bowel diarrhea in cats associated with blood or mucus, flatulence, tenesmus, vomiting, weight loss, and anal irritation. Most reports in the literature are since 1996. The objective of this was to estimate the prevalence of T. foetus in pet cats across the United States. Fecal samples from 173 cats across the U.S. were submitted by veterinarians. Thirty-two pedigreed cats were represented. In this study population, 10% of the cats were positive for T. foetus. All positive cats had chronic large bowel diarrhea. There was no correlation between breed or gender and infection with T. foetus. Other enteric pathogens, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, were present in nine of the 17 positive cats. The results of this study suggest that trichomoniasis is a disease of younger male and female cats of all breeds. [SL]
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Related articles:
Gunn-Moore DA, McCann TM, Reed N, et al. Prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in the UK. J Feline Med Surg 2007;9:214-218.
>> PubMed Abstract

Gookin JL, Copple CN, Papich MG, et al. Efficacy of ronidazole for treatment of feline Tritrichomonas foetus infection. J Vet Intern Med 2006;20:536-543.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Stockdale HD, Givens MD, Dykstra CC, et al. Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol 2009;160:13-17.

Tritrichomonas foetus causes chronic large bowel diarrhea in cats associated with blood or mucus, flatulence, tenesmus, vomiting, weight loss, and anal irritation. Most reports in the literature are since 1996. The objective of this was to estimate the prevalence of T. foetus in pet cats across the United States. Fecal samples from 173 cats across the U.S. were submitted by veterinarians. Thirty-two pedigreed cats were represented. In this study population, 10% of the cats were positive for T. foetus. All positive cats had chronic large bowel diarrhea. There was no correlation between breed or gender and infection with T. foetus. Other enteric pathogens, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, were present in nine of the 17 positive cats. The results of this study suggest that trichomoniasis is a disease of younger male and female cats of all breeds. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gunn-Moore DA, McCann TM, Reed N, et al. Prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in the UK. J Feline Med Surg 2007;9:214-218.
>> PubMed Abstract

Gookin JL, Copple CN, Papich MG, et al. Efficacy of ronidazole for treatment of feline Tritrichomonas foetus infection. J Vet Intern Med 2006;20:536-543.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cats

Rogers, C. L., T. E. O'Toole, et al. (2008). "Portal vein thrombosis in cats: 6 cases (2001-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 282-7.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) refers to development of thrombi within the hepatic portal venous system. All 6 cats in this case series diagnosed with PVT also had concurrent liver disease. Three of the six cats had evidence of congenital portosystemic shunt. Such local disease conditions as neoplasia and inflammation of the liver and pancreas are also risk factors. Presenting clinical signs included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, dyspnea, abdominal distension, and acute collapse. The major physical examination finding was abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic examination found an abnormal echogenic structure presumed to be thrombus within the portal vein in 5 cats. Five cats received anticoagulation therapy with the majority treated with low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin). With low numbers treated and inconsistent response, continued studies would be needed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in treating feline PVT. In conclusion, PVT is a recognized clinical entity in cats and appears to be associated with concurrent hepatic disease. [VT]
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Related articles:
Lamb, C. R. (1998). "Ultrasonography of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 28(4): 725-53.
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Rogers, C. L., T. E. O'Toole, et al. (2008). "Portal vein thrombosis in cats: 6 cases (2001-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 282-7.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) refers to development of thrombi within the hepatic portal venous system. All 6 cats in this case series diagnosed with PVT also had concurrent liver disease. Three of the six cats had evidence of congenital portosystemic shunt. Such local disease conditions as neoplasia and inflammation of the liver and pancreas are also risk factors. Presenting clinical signs included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, dyspnea, abdominal distension, and acute collapse. The major physical examination finding was abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic examination found an abnormal echogenic structure presumed to be thrombus within the portal vein in 5 cats. Five cats received anticoagulation therapy with the majority treated with low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin). With low numbers treated and inconsistent response, continued studies would be needed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in treating feline PVT. In conclusion, PVT is a recognized clinical entity in cats and appears to be associated with concurrent hepatic disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lamb, C. R. (1998). "Ultrasonography of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 28(4): 725-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Thyroid Carcinoma in Cats

Hibbert, A., T. Gruffydd-Jones, et al. (2009). "Feline thyroid carcinoma: diagnosis and response to high-dose radioactive iodine treatment." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 116-124.

Thyroid carcinoma is considered to be the cause of hyperthyroidism in 1 to 3% of hyperthyroid cats. Eight cats were included in the study based on pre-mortem histopathologic diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma, scintigraphic evaluation, and sole treatment with high-dose radioiodine. Scintigraphic findings were variable and could not distinguish whether the thyroid tissue was malignant. In all cases, histopathology confirmed malignancy, and the authors recommend histopathology should be done in every case of thyroid surgery. Successful treatment of carcinomas with radioiodine requires ablative doses three- to 10-fold higher than those used for thyroid adenoma. High-dose radioiodine was well tolerated in this group of cats and none of the cats developed clinical hypothyroidism after treatment. The study indicated that the prognosis for cats with thyroid carcinoma and treated with high-dose radioiodine is good, and extended survival times are common. [VT]
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Related articles:
Barber, L. G. (2007). "Thyroid tumors in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 37(4): 755-73, vii.
>> PubMed Abstract

Peterson, M. E. (2006). "Radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 21(1): 34-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Hibbert, A., T. Gruffydd-Jones, et al. (2009). "Feline thyroid carcinoma: diagnosis and response to high-dose radioactive iodine treatment." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 116-124.

Thyroid carcinoma is considered to be the cause of hyperthyroidism in 1 to 3% of hyperthyroid cats. Eight cats were included in the study based on pre-mortem histopathologic diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma, scintigraphic evaluation, and sole treatment with high-dose radioiodine. Scintigraphic findings were variable and could not distinguish whether the thyroid tissue was malignant. In all cases, histopathology confirmed malignancy, and the authors recommend histopathology should be done in every case of thyroid surgery. Successful treatment of carcinomas with radioiodine requires ablative doses three- to 10-fold higher than those used for thyroid adenoma. High-dose radioiodine was well tolerated in this group of cats and none of the cats developed clinical hypothyroidism after treatment. The study indicated that the prognosis for cats with thyroid carcinoma and treated with high-dose radioiodine is good, and extended survival times are common. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Barber, L. G. (2007). "Thyroid tumors in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 37(4): 755-73, vii.
>> PubMed Abstract

Peterson, M. E. (2006). "Radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 21(1): 34-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Demographics of Cats in the U.S.

Chu, K., W. M. Anderson, et al. (2009). "Population characteristics and neuter status of cats living in households in the United States." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 234(8): 1023-1030.

The objective of this study was to document the neuter status and identify demographic characteristics of cats living in the United States using a cross-sectional, random-digit-dial telephone survey. During April and May of 2007, 1205 adults in the continental U.S. were contacted. About 32% of the respondents had at least one cat at the time of the survey, yielding an estimated population of over 82 million cats living in about 37 million U.S. households. Eighty percent of the cats were reported as neutered. Of the female cats, about 82% had been neutered before having any litters. Annual family income was the strongest predictor of whether cats in the household were neutered, with only 51% of cats in households with annual family incomes less than $35,000 being neutered. This study did not attempt to gather data on stray and feral cats which represent an important part of the U.S. cat population. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Murray, J. K., M. A. Roberts, et al. (2009). "Survey of the characteristics of cats owned by households in the UK and factors affecting their neutered status." Vet Rec 164(5): 137-41.
>> PubMed Abstract

Levy, J. K., J. E. Woods, et al. (2003). "Number of unowned free-roaming cats in a college community in the southern United States and characteristics of community residents who feed them." J Am Vet Med Assoc 223(2): 202-5.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Chu, K., W. M. Anderson, et al. (2009). "Population characteristics and neuter status of cats living in households in the United States." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 234(8): 1023-1030.

The objective of this study was to document the neuter status and identify demographic characteristics of cats living in the United States using a cross-sectional, random-digit-dial telephone survey. During April and May of 2007, 1205 adults in the continental U.S. were contacted. About 32% of the respondents had at least one cat at the time of the survey, yielding an estimated population of over 82 million cats living in about 37 million U.S. households. Eighty percent of the cats were reported as neutered. Of the female cats, about 82% had been neutered before having any litters. Annual family income was the strongest predictor of whether cats in the household were neutered, with only 51% of cats in households with annual family incomes less than $35,000 being neutered. This study did not attempt to gather data on stray and feral cats which represent an important part of the U.S. cat population. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Murray, J. K., M. A. Roberts, et al. (2009). "Survey of the characteristics of cats owned by households in the UK and factors affecting their neutered status." Vet Rec 164(5): 137-41.
>> PubMed Abstract

Levy, J. K., J. E. Woods, et al. (2003). "Number of unowned free-roaming cats in a college community in the southern United States and characteristics of community residents who feed them." J Am Vet Med Assoc 223(2): 202-5.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Glucocorticoids and Cats

Lowe, A. D., K. L. Campbell, et al. (2008). "Glucocorticoids in the cat." Vet Dermatol 19(6): 340-7.

Some of the most common drugs prescribed in veterinary practice are glucocorticoids, due to their variety of therapeutic effects. Cats do not experience as many adverse effects with glucocorticoids as other species, such as humans and dogs. However, cats can experience adverse reactions, including skin atrophy and fragility, poor wound healing, and a predisposition to diabetes mellitus and possibly congestive heart failure. Steroid hepatopathy is less likely to occur in cats or is less detectable than in dogs. Prednisolone is the metabolically active drug preferred in cats. Studies have shown that time of day dosing is probably not as important in cats as in other species. Use of short to intermediate-acting glucocorticoids is preferable in case of adverse effects and the need for discontinuance of therapy. Use of repositrol glucocorticoids (such as methylprednisolone) should be reserved for situations where oral dosing is not possible. Care should be given to the use of glucocorticoids in cats at risk for diabetes mellitus or with pre-existing heart disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
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.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Lowe, A. D., K. L. Campbell, et al. (2008). "Glucocorticoids in the cat." Vet Dermatol 19(6): 340-7.

Some of the most common drugs prescribed in veterinary practice are glucocorticoids, due to their variety of therapeutic effects. Cats do not experience as many adverse effects with glucocorticoids as other species, such as humans and dogs. However, cats can experience adverse reactions, including skin atrophy and fragility, poor wound healing, and a predisposition to diabetes mellitus and possibly congestive heart failure. Steroid hepatopathy is less likely to occur in cats or is less detectable than in dogs. Prednisolone is the metabolically active drug preferred in cats. Studies have shown that time of day dosing is probably not as important in cats as in other species. Use of short to intermediate-acting glucocorticoids is preferable in case of adverse effects and the need for discontinuance of therapy. Use of repositrol glucocorticoids (such as methylprednisolone) should be reserved for situations where oral dosing is not possible. Care should be given to the use of glucocorticoids in cats at risk for diabetes mellitus or with pre-existing heart disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
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.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Nasal Lymphoma in Cats

Haney, S. M., L. Beaver, et al. (2009). "Survival analysis of 97 cats with nasal lymphoma: a multi-institutional retrospective study (1986-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 23(2): 287-294.

While lymphoma is one of the most common cancer types affecting cats, nasal lymphoma is relatively rare. This retrospective study examined survival times in cats given different therapies, and evaluated response to treatment, duration of response, and prognostic factors. Records of 97 cats from various veterinary centers in the United States diagnosed with nasal lymphoma were analyzed. Two methods of survival analysis were used. In the first method, only deaths caused by progressive lymphoma were counted. The median survival time for these cats, regardless of treatment modality, was 536 days. In the second method, all deaths regardless of cause were counted. The median survival time for these cats was 172 days. There were no statistical differences in survival times based on treatment modality (radiation therapy alone, chemotherapy alone, radiation therapy plus chemotherapy). The results must be interpreted with caution, as many confounding variables were present. The investigators did note that inclusion of radiation therapy was critical to controlling the disease at the site (nasal cavity), and a higher dose of radiation may increase survival time. Anemia appeared to be an indicator of poor prognosis. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Little, L., R. Patel, et al. (2007). "Nasal and nasopharyngeal lymphoma in cats: 50 cases (1989-2005)." Vet Pathol 44(6): 885-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sfiligoi, G., A. P. Theon, et al. (2007). "Response of nineteen cats with nasal lymphoma to radiation therapy and chemotherapy." Vet Radiol Ultrasound 48(4): 388-93.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Haney, S. M., L. Beaver, et al. (2009). "Survival analysis of 97 cats with nasal lymphoma: a multi-institutional retrospective study (1986-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 23(2): 287-294.

While lymphoma is one of the most common cancer types affecting cats, nasal lymphoma is relatively rare. This retrospective study examined survival times in cats given different therapies, and evaluated response to treatment, duration of response, and prognostic factors. Records of 97 cats from various veterinary centers in the United States diagnosed with nasal lymphoma were analyzed. Two methods of survival analysis were used. In the first method, only deaths caused by progressive lymphoma were counted. The median survival time for these cats, regardless of treatment modality, was 536 days. In the second method, all deaths regardless of cause were counted. The median survival time for these cats was 172 days. There were no statistical differences in survival times based on treatment modality (radiation therapy alone, chemotherapy alone, radiation therapy plus chemotherapy). The results must be interpreted with caution, as many confounding variables were present. The investigators did note that inclusion of radiation therapy was critical to controlling the disease at the site (nasal cavity), and a higher dose of radiation may increase survival time. Anemia appeared to be an indicator of poor prognosis. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Little, L., R. Patel, et al. (2007). "Nasal and nasopharyngeal lymphoma in cats: 50 cases (1989-2005)." Vet Pathol 44(6): 885-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sfiligoi, G., A. P. Theon, et al. (2007). "Response of nineteen cats with nasal lymphoma to radiation therapy and chemotherapy." Vet Radiol Ultrasound 48(4): 388-93.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Intestinal Intussusception in Cats

Burkitt, J. M., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2009). "Signalment, history, and outcome of cats with gastrointestinal tract intussusception: 20 cases (1986-2000)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 234(6): 771-6.

The medical records of 20 cats were evaluated for a retrospective study of gastrointestinal intussusception. The diagnosis for intussusception was confirmed either by surgical exploration or on necropsy. Ten of the cats were less than 1 year of age, 9 were six years of age or older, and the remaining cat was 2 years of age. The most common reasons for presentation were anorexia (14/17), lethargy (12/17), and vomiting (12/17). Fourteen cats had reported medical conditions in the preceding 30 days. The major physical examination findings were dehydration, poor body condition, signs of abdominal pain, and an abdominal mass. While abdominal radiographs were useful in indicating the presence of a possible intestinal obstruction, abdominal ultrasonography appears the most accurate pre-surgical method for diagnosis of intussusception in cats. Thirteen of the cats underwent surgical exploration, with manual reduction alone performed in 2 cats and resection with anastomosis performed in 11 cats. Twelve of the 20 cats had an enteroenteric intussusception, predominantly jejuno-jejunal, and 8 had an entero-colic intussusception. Histologic examination of the tissue indicated that young cats may be more likely to have idiopathic intussusception, and older cats may be more likely to have primary gastrointestinal disease such as lymphoma or inflammatory bowel disease [VT].
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Patsikas, M., L. Papazoglou, et al. (2003). "Ultrasonographic findings of intestinal intussusception in seven cats." J Fel Med Surg 5(6): 335-343.
>> PubMed Abstract

Doherty, D., E. Welsh, et al. (2000). "Intestinal intussusception in five postparturient queens." Vet Rec 146(21): 614-616.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Burkitt, J. M., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2009). "Signalment, history, and outcome of cats with gastrointestinal tract intussusception: 20 cases (1986-2000)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 234(6): 771-6.

The medical records of 20 cats were evaluated for a retrospective study of gastrointestinal intussusception. The diagnosis for intussusception was confirmed either by surgical exploration or on necropsy. Ten of the cats were less than 1 year of age, 9 were six years of age or older, and the remaining cat was 2 years of age. The most common reasons for presentation were anorexia (14/17), lethargy (12/17), and vomiting (12/17). Fourteen cats had reported medical conditions in the preceding 30 days. The major physical examination findings were dehydration, poor body condition, signs of abdominal pain, and an abdominal mass. While abdominal radiographs were useful in indicating the presence of a possible intestinal obstruction, abdominal ultrasonography appears the most accurate pre-surgical method for diagnosis of intussusception in cats. Thirteen of the cats underwent surgical exploration, with manual reduction alone performed in 2 cats and resection with anastomosis performed in 11 cats. Twelve of the 20 cats had an enteroenteric intussusception, predominantly jejuno-jejunal, and 8 had an entero-colic intussusception. Histologic examination of the tissue indicated that young cats may be more likely to have idiopathic intussusception, and older cats may be more likely to have primary gastrointestinal disease such as lymphoma or inflammatory bowel disease [VT].
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Patsikas, M., L. Papazoglou, et al. (2003). "Ultrasonographic findings of intestinal intussusception in seven cats." J Fel Med Surg 5(6): 335-343.
>> PubMed Abstract

Doherty, D., E. Welsh, et al. (2000). "Intestinal intussusception in five postparturient queens." Vet Rec 146(21): 614-616.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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