Bacterial Peritonitis in Cats

Culp, W. T., T. E. Zeldis, et al. (2009). "Primary bacterial peritonitis in dogs and cats: 24 cases (1990-2006)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 234(7): 906-13.

This retrospective study was performed to determine the clinical characteristics of primary bacterial peritonitis and to compare the characteristics of primary and secondary peritonitis in dogs and cats. Primary peritonitis is defined as an infection of the peritoneal cavity with no identifiable intraperitoneal source of infection or history of a peritoneal penetrating injury. Secondary peritonitis cases were identified by use of the first criteria and also had a confirmed source of bacterial leakage identified either during surgery or at necropsy. Nine cats met the inclusion criteria for primary peritonitis and 11 cats met the inclusion criteria for secondary peritonitis. The most common historical findings in cats with primary and secondary peritonitis were anorexia, lethargy, and vomiting. Weight loss was an additional common finding with secondary peritonitis in cats. Significantly more cats had tachypnea, pain on abdominal palpation, and abdominal distention with primary peritonitis than the secondary form. Additionally, significantly more cats with primary peritonitis had hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia than did cats with secondary peritonitis. Three types of bacteria were cultured from the peritoneal cavity of cats, including E. coli, Clostridium spp. and Streptococcus spp. The majority of cultures of primary and secondary peritonitis in cats were monobacterial. There was no significant difference in outcome detected between animals with primary versus secondary peritonitis. [VT]
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Related articles:
Ludwig, L. L., M. A. McLoughlin, et al. (1997). "Surgical treatment of bile peritonitis in 24 dogs and 2 cats: a retrospective study (1987-1994)." Vet Surg 26(2): 90-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Culp, W. T., T. E. Zeldis, et al. (2009). "Primary bacterial peritonitis in dogs and cats: 24 cases (1990-2006)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 234(7): 906-13.

This retrospective study was performed to determine the clinical characteristics of primary bacterial peritonitis and to compare the characteristics of primary and secondary peritonitis in dogs and cats. Primary peritonitis is defined as an infection of the peritoneal cavity with no identifiable intraperitoneal source of infection or history of a peritoneal penetrating injury. Secondary peritonitis cases were identified by use of the first criteria and also had a confirmed source of bacterial leakage identified either during surgery or at necropsy. Nine cats met the inclusion criteria for primary peritonitis and 11 cats met the inclusion criteria for secondary peritonitis. The most common historical findings in cats with primary and secondary peritonitis were anorexia, lethargy, and vomiting. Weight loss was an additional common finding with secondary peritonitis in cats. Significantly more cats had tachypnea, pain on abdominal palpation, and abdominal distention with primary peritonitis than the secondary form. Additionally, significantly more cats with primary peritonitis had hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia than did cats with secondary peritonitis. Three types of bacteria were cultured from the peritoneal cavity of cats, including E. coli, Clostridium spp. and Streptococcus spp. The majority of cultures of primary and secondary peritonitis in cats were monobacterial. There was no significant difference in outcome detected between animals with primary versus secondary peritonitis. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Ludwig, L. L., M. A. McLoughlin, et al. (1997). "Surgical treatment of bile peritonitis in 24 dogs and 2 cats: a retrospective study (1987-1994)." Vet Surg 26(2): 90-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Esophageal Damage From a Hairball

Durocher, L., S. E. Johnson, et al. (2009). "Esophageal diverticulum associated with a trichobezoar in a cat." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 45(3): 142-146.

This report describes an unusual case of esophageal obstruction and subsequent esophageal diverticulum in a 9-year old, neutered male domestic longhair cat associated with a hairball (trichobezoar). The patient was originally diagnosed with esophageal obstruction secondary to a hairball, and the hairball was removed endoscopically. Nine months later, the cat presented for persistent regurgitation. Contrast radiography with fluoroscopy revealed an esophageal diverticulum at the thoracic inlet with decreased esophageal motility distal to the diverticulum. Esophagostomy revealed the presence of a hairball within the diverticulum that was removed. With medical therapy and a canned diet, the cat did well for 2 months until it died suddenly. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Owen, M. C., P. J. Morris, et al. (2005). "Concurrent gastro-oesophageal intussusception, trichobezoar and hiatal hernia in a cat." N Z Vet J 53(5): 371-4.
>> PubMed Abstract

Barrs, V. R., J. A. Beatty, et al. (1999). "Intestinal obstruction by trichobezoars in five cats." J Feline Med Surg 1(4): 199-207.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Durocher, L., S. E. Johnson, et al. (2009). "Esophageal diverticulum associated with a trichobezoar in a cat." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 45(3): 142-146.

This report describes an unusual case of esophageal obstruction and subsequent esophageal diverticulum in a 9-year old, neutered male domestic longhair cat associated with a hairball (trichobezoar). The patient was originally diagnosed with esophageal obstruction secondary to a hairball, and the hairball was removed endoscopically. Nine months later, the cat presented for persistent regurgitation. Contrast radiography with fluoroscopy revealed an esophageal diverticulum at the thoracic inlet with decreased esophageal motility distal to the diverticulum. Esophagostomy revealed the presence of a hairball within the diverticulum that was removed. With medical therapy and a canned diet, the cat did well for 2 months until it died suddenly. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Owen, M. C., P. J. Morris, et al. (2005). "Concurrent gastro-oesophageal intussusception, trichobezoar and hiatal hernia in a cat." N Z Vet J 53(5): 371-4.
>> PubMed Abstract

Barrs, V. R., J. A. Beatty, et al. (1999). "Intestinal obstruction by trichobezoars in five cats." J Feline Med Surg 1(4): 199-207.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Diabetes in Australian Cats

Lederer, R., J. S. Rand, et al. (2009). "Frequency of feline diabetes mellitus and breed predisposition in domestic cats in Australia." Vet J 179(2): 254-8.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in cats seen at two large cat clinics in Brisbane, Australia over a 5 year period was evaluated. Data was analyzed by comparing diagnosis among Burmese as compared to domestic short- and long-haired cats, and between males and females. Ninety-three of 12,576 cats seen at the clinic were diagnosed with diabetes, giving a 5-year period prevalence of 7.4 per 1000 cats. Burmese cats in this population were three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than other cats. In addition, males were more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than females. Interestingly, Burmese cats were two years older on average at the time of diagnosis than the short- or long-haired cats. The underlying mechanism predisposing Burmese cats in Australia to diabetes mellitus is not known, but may be related to elevated amounts of lipids (e.g. triglycerides) in the blood, and inherited disorders of Burmese in Australia. [MK]
>>PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Rand, J., L. Bobbermien, et al. (1997). "Over representation of Burmese cats with diabetes mellitus." Aust Vet J 75(6): 402-405.
>> PubMed Abstract

McCann, T. M., K. E. Simpson, et al. (2007). "Feline diabetes mellitus in the UK: the prevalence within an insured cat population and a questionnaire-based putative risk factor analysis." J Feline Med Surg 9(4): 289-99.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Lederer, R., J. S. Rand, et al. (2009). "Frequency of feline diabetes mellitus and breed predisposition in domestic cats in Australia." Vet J 179(2): 254-8.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in cats seen at two large cat clinics in Brisbane, Australia over a 5 year period was evaluated. Data was analyzed by comparing diagnosis among Burmese as compared to domestic short- and long-haired cats, and between males and females. Ninety-three of 12,576 cats seen at the clinic were diagnosed with diabetes, giving a 5-year period prevalence of 7.4 per 1000 cats. Burmese cats in this population were three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than other cats. In addition, males were more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than females. Interestingly, Burmese cats were two years older on average at the time of diagnosis than the short- or long-haired cats. The underlying mechanism predisposing Burmese cats in Australia to diabetes mellitus is not known, but may be related to elevated amounts of lipids (e.g. triglycerides) in the blood, and inherited disorders of Burmese in Australia. [MK]
>>PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Rand, J., L. Bobbermien, et al. (1997). "Over representation of Burmese cats with diabetes mellitus." Aust Vet J 75(6): 402-405.
>> PubMed Abstract

McCann, T. M., K. E. Simpson, et al. (2007). "Feline diabetes mellitus in the UK: the prevalence within an insured cat population and a questionnaire-based putative risk factor analysis." J Feline Med Surg 9(4): 289-99.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Skin Lesions Associated with FIP

Declercq, J., H. De Bosschere, et al. (2008). "Papular cutaneous lesions in a cat associated with feline infectious peritonitis." Vet Dermatol 19(5): 255-8.

This paper describes unusual lesions associated with a case of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)– slightly raised intradermal papules that were not painful nor itchy. The 7 month old intact male domestic shorthair cat also had other indicators of FIP, such as fever, anterior uveitis, respiratory distress, and kidney abnormalities. The skin lesions were on the neck and thorax and difficult to see in these haired areas. Histopathologic analysis of these lesions along with immunohistochemistry revealed typical FIP lesions. If detected early in the disease process, analysis of similar skin lesions may help provide a diagnosis. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Cannon, M. J., M. A. Silkstone, et al. (2005). "Cutaneous lesions associated with coronavirus-induced vasculitis in a cat with feline infectious peritonitis and concurrent feline immunodeficiency virus infection." J Feline Med Surg 7(4): 233-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Declercq, J., H. De Bosschere, et al. (2008). "Papular cutaneous lesions in a cat associated with feline infectious peritonitis." Vet Dermatol 19(5): 255-8.

This paper describes unusual lesions associated with a case of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)– slightly raised intradermal papules that were not painful nor itchy. The 7 month old intact male domestic shorthair cat also had other indicators of FIP, such as fever, anterior uveitis, respiratory distress, and kidney abnormalities. The skin lesions were on the neck and thorax and difficult to see in these haired areas. Histopathologic analysis of these lesions along with immunohistochemistry revealed typical FIP lesions. If detected early in the disease process, analysis of similar skin lesions may help provide a diagnosis. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Cannon, M. J., M. A. Silkstone, et al. (2005). "Cutaneous lesions associated with coronavirus-induced vasculitis in a cat with feline infectious peritonitis and concurrent feline immunodeficiency virus infection." J Feline Med Surg 7(4): 233-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

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FeLV Shedding in Feces

Gomes-Keller, M. A., E. Gonczi, et al. (2009). "Fecal shedding of infectious feline leukemia virus and its nucleic acids: a transmission potential." Vet Microbiol 134(3-4): 208-17.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an important pathogen of cats that is associated with cancer and immunodeficiency. Transmission of the virus occurs primarily via saliva. These investigators examined fecal shedding of the virus by testing for viral RNA and DNA, as well as by virus cultivation from rectal swabs of infected cats. They found that cats testing positive using common in-clinic test kits for FeLV antigen also shed virus in feces, and the majority of them were infectious to other cats. None of these FeLV-shedding cats showed any gastrointestinal signs of disease. However, it appears that the viral load in feces is small, and while it did lead to exposure and antibody production against the virus in uninfected cats in contact with virus-positive feces, these cats did not become antigen-positive on in-clinic test kits. Viral genetic material was found in tissues from a minority of these exposed cats, indicating transmission via feces is possible. While secondary to saliva as a means of virus spread, these results indicate that sharing of litter pans between infected and susceptible cats does bear some risk for transmission of FeLV. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gomes-Keller, M. A., R. Tandon, et al. (2006). "Shedding of feline leukemia virus RNA in saliva is a consistent feature in viremic cats." Vet Microbiol 112(1): 11-21.
>> PubMed Abstract

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.
>> Full text article

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Gomes-Keller, M. A., E. Gonczi, et al. (2009). "Fecal shedding of infectious feline leukemia virus and its nucleic acids: a transmission potential." Vet Microbiol 134(3-4): 208-17.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an important pathogen of cats that is associated with cancer and immunodeficiency. Transmission of the virus occurs primarily via saliva. These investigators examined fecal shedding of the virus by testing for viral RNA and DNA, as well as by virus cultivation from rectal swabs of infected cats. They found that cats testing positive using common in-clinic test kits for FeLV antigen also shed virus in feces, and the majority of them were infectious to other cats. None of these FeLV-shedding cats showed any gastrointestinal signs of disease. However, it appears that the viral load in feces is small, and while it did lead to exposure and antibody production against the virus in uninfected cats in contact with virus-positive feces, these cats did not become antigen-positive on in-clinic test kits. Viral genetic material was found in tissues from a minority of these exposed cats, indicating transmission via feces is possible. While secondary to saliva as a means of virus spread, these results indicate that sharing of litter pans between infected and susceptible cats does bear some risk for transmission of FeLV. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gomes-Keller, M. A., R. Tandon, et al. (2006). "Shedding of feline leukemia virus RNA in saliva is a consistent feature in viremic cats." Vet Microbiol 112(1): 11-21.
>> PubMed Abstract

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.
>> Full text article

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Spinal Cord Disease in Cats

Gonçalves R, Platt SR, Llabrés-Díaz FJ, et al. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings in 92 cats with clinical signs of spinal cord disease. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009;11:53-59.

Spinal cord disease is a diagnostic challenge in cats. As well, no antemortem studies on the relative frequency of the different etiologies responsible for feline spinal cord disease, such as lymphoma, feline infectious peritonitis, and intervertebral disc disease, exist in the literature. MRI is a noninvasive tool that represents the method of choice for imaging the spinal cord in human patients. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of an abnormal MRI in cats with clinical signs of spinal cord disease; to examine the relationship between the patient’s clinical characteristics and MRI findings; to identify potential predictors of a poor outcome and to investigate the outcome of cats with a normal MRI study. The authors reviewed the medical records of 92 cats with spinal cord disease that had undergone an MRI study. Seven diagnostic categories were determined on the basis of MRI and other findings: neoplastic (25 cats), inflammatory or infectious (13), traumatic (8), vascular (6), degenerative (5), anomalous (3), and those cats with a normal MRI study (32). The most important predictors of an abnormal MRI study were the presence of spinal pain and the severity of clinical signs. Of the 32 cats with a normal MRI study, only 9 died due to spinal disease. Of the 60 cats with abnormal MRI findings, 37 died due to their disease. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Negrin A, Schatzberg S, Platt SR. The paralyzed cat. Neuroanatomic diagnosis and specific spinal cord diseases. J Feline Med Surg 2009;11:361-372.
>> PubMed Abstract

Harris JE, Dhupa S. Lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease in six cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2008;44:109-115.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Gonçalves R, Platt SR, Llabrés-Díaz FJ, et al. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings in 92 cats with clinical signs of spinal cord disease. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009;11:53-59.

Spinal cord disease is a diagnostic challenge in cats. As well, no antemortem studies on the relative frequency of the different etiologies responsible for feline spinal cord disease, such as lymphoma, feline infectious peritonitis, and intervertebral disc disease, exist in the literature. MRI is a noninvasive tool that represents the method of choice for imaging the spinal cord in human patients. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of an abnormal MRI in cats with clinical signs of spinal cord disease; to examine the relationship between the patient’s clinical characteristics and MRI findings; to identify potential predictors of a poor outcome and to investigate the outcome of cats with a normal MRI study. The authors reviewed the medical records of 92 cats with spinal cord disease that had undergone an MRI study. Seven diagnostic categories were determined on the basis of MRI and other findings: neoplastic (25 cats), inflammatory or infectious (13), traumatic (8), vascular (6), degenerative (5), anomalous (3), and those cats with a normal MRI study (32). The most important predictors of an abnormal MRI study were the presence of spinal pain and the severity of clinical signs. Of the 32 cats with a normal MRI study, only 9 died due to spinal disease. Of the 60 cats with abnormal MRI findings, 37 died due to their disease. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Negrin A, Schatzberg S, Platt SR. The paralyzed cat. Neuroanatomic diagnosis and specific spinal cord diseases. J Feline Med Surg 2009;11:361-372.
>> PubMed Abstract

Harris JE, Dhupa S. Lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease in six cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2008;44:109-115.
>> PubMed Abstract

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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]
>> 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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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