Heart Disease in Cats

Paige, C. F., J. A. Abbott, et al. (2009). "Prevalence of cardiomyopathy in apparently healthy cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 234(11): 1398-1403.

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of cardiomyopathy and the relationship between cardiomyopathy and heart murmurs in apparently healthy cats. The study included 103 privately owned and apparently healthy cats that were physically and echocardiographically examined independently by two investigators. Left ventricular wall thickness was determined using 2-dimensional echocardiography in short-axis and long-axis views. Sixteen of the cats examined had heart murmurs detected; of these, 5 had cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy was also identified in 16 cats; 15 had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and one had arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. The sensitivity and specificity of auscultatory detection of a heart murmur for diagnosis of cardiomyopathy were 31% and 87%, respectively. The findings of this study indicated that cardiomyopathy is common in healthy cats. In addition, detection of a heart murmur is not a reliable indicator of cardiomyopathy in apparently healthy cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Rush, J., L. Freeman, et al. (2002). "Population and survival characteristics of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: 260 cases (1990-1999)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 220(2): 202-207.
>> PubMed Abstract

Zimmering, T. M., F. Meneses, et al. (2009). "Measurement of N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide in plasma of cats with and without cardiomyopathy." American Journal of Veterinary Research 70(2): 216-222.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Paige, C. F., J. A. Abbott, et al. (2009). "Prevalence of cardiomyopathy in apparently healthy cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 234(11): 1398-1403.

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of cardiomyopathy and the relationship between cardiomyopathy and heart murmurs in apparently healthy cats. The study included 103 privately owned and apparently healthy cats that were physically and echocardiographically examined independently by two investigators. Left ventricular wall thickness was determined using 2-dimensional echocardiography in short-axis and long-axis views. Sixteen of the cats examined had heart murmurs detected; of these, 5 had cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy was also identified in 16 cats; 15 had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and one had arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. The sensitivity and specificity of auscultatory detection of a heart murmur for diagnosis of cardiomyopathy were 31% and 87%, respectively. The findings of this study indicated that cardiomyopathy is common in healthy cats. In addition, detection of a heart murmur is not a reliable indicator of cardiomyopathy in apparently healthy cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Rush, J., L. Freeman, et al. (2002). "Population and survival characteristics of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: 260 cases (1990-1999)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 220(2): 202-207.
>> PubMed Abstract

Zimmering, T. M., F. Meneses, et al. (2009). "Measurement of N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide in plasma of cats with and without cardiomyopathy." American Journal of Veterinary Research 70(2): 216-222.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Scintigraphy for Feline Hyperthyroidism

Harvey, A. M., A. Hibbert, et al. (2009). "Scintigraphic findings in 120 hyperthyroid cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 96-106.

The purpose of this study performed at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, was to characterize the scintigraphic findings in a group of cats with hyperthyroidism to determine the location of the abnormal thyroid tissue. Thyroid scintigraphy relies on the selective uptake of a radionuclide by thyroid tissue. Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by the increased level of uptake by the thyroid gland compared with salivary gland tissue. Thyroid scintigraphy also demonstrates the location of the abnormal thyroid tissue, which is useful when planning treatment options. The database of the Feline Centre at the University of Bristol was searched for cases of feline hyperthyroidism with good quality scintigraphic images between 1994 and 2007. Images from 120 cats were evaluated. Almost 1 in 5 hyperthyroid cats was found to have multiple areas of abnormal thyroid tissue and/or intrathoracic thyroid tissue where surgical thyroidectomy would not be curative. Another finding was that scintigraphy could not reliably differentiate between thyroid carcinoma and adenoma. The authors conclude that the possible presence of ectopic thyroid tissue should be discussed with all owners of hyperthyroid cats prior to performing surgical thyroidectomy. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Henrikson, T. D., L. J. Armbrust, et al. (2005). "Thyroid to salivary ratios determined by technetium-99m pertechnetate imaging in thirty-two euthyroid cats." Vet Radiol Ultrasound 46(6): 521-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

Naan, E. C., J. Kirpensteijn, et al. (2006). "Results of thyroidectomy in 101 cats with hyperthyroidism." Vet Surg 35(3): 287-93.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Harvey, A. M., A. Hibbert, et al. (2009). "Scintigraphic findings in 120 hyperthyroid cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 96-106.

The purpose of this study performed at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, was to characterize the scintigraphic findings in a group of cats with hyperthyroidism to determine the location of the abnormal thyroid tissue. Thyroid scintigraphy relies on the selective uptake of a radionuclide by thyroid tissue. Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by the increased level of uptake by the thyroid gland compared with salivary gland tissue. Thyroid scintigraphy also demonstrates the location of the abnormal thyroid tissue, which is useful when planning treatment options. The database of the Feline Centre at the University of Bristol was searched for cases of feline hyperthyroidism with good quality scintigraphic images between 1994 and 2007. Images from 120 cats were evaluated. Almost 1 in 5 hyperthyroid cats was found to have multiple areas of abnormal thyroid tissue and/or intrathoracic thyroid tissue where surgical thyroidectomy would not be curative. Another finding was that scintigraphy could not reliably differentiate between thyroid carcinoma and adenoma. The authors conclude that the possible presence of ectopic thyroid tissue should be discussed with all owners of hyperthyroid cats prior to performing surgical thyroidectomy. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Henrikson, T. D., L. J. Armbrust, et al. (2005). "Thyroid to salivary ratios determined by technetium-99m pertechnetate imaging in thirty-two euthyroid cats." Vet Radiol Ultrasound 46(6): 521-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

Naan, E. C., J. Kirpensteijn, et al. (2006). "Results of thyroidectomy in 101 cats with hyperthyroidism." Vet Surg 35(3): 287-93.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Treatment of Ringworm in Cats

Mancianti, F., S. Dabizzi, et al. (2009). "A lufenuron pre-treatment may enhance the effects of enilconazole or griseofulvin in feline dermatophytosis?" Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 91-95.

In this study performed at the University of Pisa, Italy, the effect of pre-treatment with lufenuron on the effectiveness of enilconazole or griseofulvin for the treatment of feline ringworm was studied. Ringworm in cats is most commonly caused by the fungal agent, Microsoporum canis. A variety of treatment options have been recommended over the years, including both topical and systemic drugs. Lufenuron is a drug that interferes with chitin synthesis and is most commonly used to prevent flea infestations. It has also been proposed as an alternative treatment for ringworm, but with highly variable results when used as a sole agent. Lufenuron was given at 100 mg/kg biweekly for 8 weeks to 38 M. canis infected cats. Group A cats (13) were only treated with lufenuron. In Group B, 11 cats were pre-treated with lufenuron, and then treated with four weekly rinses of enilconazole (0.2% solution). In Group C, 14 cats were pre-treated with lufenuron, and then treated with oral griseofulvin at 50 mg/kg twice daily for 40 days. Twelve cats were used as controls in that they were given griseofulvin (7 cats) or enilconazole (5 cats), but not lufenuron. All cats except one given lufenuron alone were still infected at day 60. The authors conclude that lufenuron alone was found to be ineffective, but may have an immunomodulatory effect as a pre-treatment combined with other drugs. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Nuttall, T. J., A. J. German, et al. (2008). "Successful resolution of dermatophyte mycetoma following terbinafine treatment in two cats." Veterinary Dermatology 19(6): 405-410.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sharma, R., S. de Hoog, et al. (2007). "A virulent genotype of Microsporum canis is responsible for the majority of human infections." J Med Microbiol 56(10): 1377-85.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Mancianti, F., S. Dabizzi, et al. (2009). "A lufenuron pre-treatment may enhance the effects of enilconazole or griseofulvin in feline dermatophytosis?" Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 91-95.

In this study performed at the University of Pisa, Italy, the effect of pre-treatment with lufenuron on the effectiveness of enilconazole or griseofulvin for the treatment of feline ringworm was studied. Ringworm in cats is most commonly caused by the fungal agent, Microsoporum canis. A variety of treatment options have been recommended over the years, including both topical and systemic drugs. Lufenuron is a drug that interferes with chitin synthesis and is most commonly used to prevent flea infestations. It has also been proposed as an alternative treatment for ringworm, but with highly variable results when used as a sole agent. Lufenuron was given at 100 mg/kg biweekly for 8 weeks to 38 M. canis infected cats. Group A cats (13) were only treated with lufenuron. In Group B, 11 cats were pre-treated with lufenuron, and then treated with four weekly rinses of enilconazole (0.2% solution). In Group C, 14 cats were pre-treated with lufenuron, and then treated with oral griseofulvin at 50 mg/kg twice daily for 40 days. Twelve cats were used as controls in that they were given griseofulvin (7 cats) or enilconazole (5 cats), but not lufenuron. All cats except one given lufenuron alone were still infected at day 60. The authors conclude that lufenuron alone was found to be ineffective, but may have an immunomodulatory effect as a pre-treatment combined with other drugs. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Nuttall, T. J., A. J. German, et al. (2008). "Successful resolution of dermatophyte mycetoma following terbinafine treatment in two cats." Veterinary Dermatology 19(6): 405-410.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sharma, R., S. de Hoog, et al. (2007). "A virulent genotype of Microsporum canis is responsible for the majority of human infections." J Med Microbiol 56(10): 1377-85.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma Treatment

Eckstein, C., F. Guscetti, et al. (2009). "A retrospective analysis of radiation therapy for the treatment of feline vaccine-associated sarcoma." Vet Comp Oncol 7(1): 54-68.

Feline vaccine-associated sarcomas occur in about 1 in 10,000 vaccinated cats, comprise about 40% of all skin tumors, and are the most frequent skin tumor in cats. These tumors are highly invasive and rapidly growing. This study, among other goals, examined the effect of curative radiation treatment on survival time after surgery. Curative treatment (higher dosages, more frequent administration) did improve outcome. Cats with a poorer prognosis and given reduced radiation therapy benefited from the addition of chemotherapy by increased survival time. Both protocols are legitimate options for vaccine-associated sarcomas. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kass, P. H., W. L. Spangler, et al. (2003). "Multicenter case-control study of risk factors associated with development of vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 223(9): 1283-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

Romanelli, G., L. Marconato, et al. (2008). "Analysis of prognostic factors associated with injection-site sarcomas in cats: 57 cases (2001-2007)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1193-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Eckstein, C., F. Guscetti, et al. (2009). "A retrospective analysis of radiation therapy for the treatment of feline vaccine-associated sarcoma." Vet Comp Oncol 7(1): 54-68.

Feline vaccine-associated sarcomas occur in about 1 in 10,000 vaccinated cats, comprise about 40% of all skin tumors, and are the most frequent skin tumor in cats. These tumors are highly invasive and rapidly growing. This study, among other goals, examined the effect of curative radiation treatment on survival time after surgery. Curative treatment (higher dosages, more frequent administration) did improve outcome. Cats with a poorer prognosis and given reduced radiation therapy benefited from the addition of chemotherapy by increased survival time. Both protocols are legitimate options for vaccine-associated sarcomas. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kass, P. H., W. L. Spangler, et al. (2003). "Multicenter case-control study of risk factors associated with development of vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 223(9): 1283-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

Romanelli, G., L. Marconato, et al. (2008). "Analysis of prognostic factors associated with injection-site sarcomas in cats: 57 cases (2001-2007)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1193-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Treatment of Feline Mammary Cancer

McNeill, C. J., K. U. Sorenmo, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for the treatment of feline mammary carcinoma." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 23(1): 123-129.

Mammary carcinoma is the third most common cancer of cats. Female cats with a mean age of 10 to 12 years are primarily affected and approximately 90% of mammary tumors are malignant. Mammary tumors are characterized by local invasion into vasculature and surrounding tissues along with metastasis to distant locations such as draining lymph nodes, lungs, and other sites. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate whether adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy improved outcomes for cats with mammary carcinoma (MC) compared with surgery alone. Seventy-three cats with naturally occurring, biopsy-confirmed MC were included in the study. The surgery alone group contained 37 cats and 36 cats were in the surgery plus chemotherapy group (adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy). Median disease free survival and overall survival times were compared between groups. This study did not find a benefit to adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in cats with MC. Additional studies are recommended to determine whether certain patients with negative prognostic factors (e.g., tumor size at time of surgical intervention) may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Overley, B., F. S. Shofer, et al. (2005). "Association between ovarihysterectomy and feline mammary carcinoma." J Vet Intern Med 19(4): 560-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

Viste, J. R., S. L. Myers, et al. (2002). "Feline mammary adenocarcinoma: tumor size as a prognostic indicator." Can Vet J 43(1): 33-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

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McNeill, C. J., K. U. Sorenmo, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for the treatment of feline mammary carcinoma." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 23(1): 123-129.

Mammary carcinoma is the third most common cancer of cats. Female cats with a mean age of 10 to 12 years are primarily affected and approximately 90% of mammary tumors are malignant. Mammary tumors are characterized by local invasion into vasculature and surrounding tissues along with metastasis to distant locations such as draining lymph nodes, lungs, and other sites. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate whether adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy improved outcomes for cats with mammary carcinoma (MC) compared with surgery alone. Seventy-three cats with naturally occurring, biopsy-confirmed MC were included in the study. The surgery alone group contained 37 cats and 36 cats were in the surgery plus chemotherapy group (adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy). Median disease free survival and overall survival times were compared between groups. This study did not find a benefit to adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in cats with MC. Additional studies are recommended to determine whether certain patients with negative prognostic factors (e.g., tumor size at time of surgical intervention) may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Overley, B., F. S. Shofer, et al. (2005). "Association between ovarihysterectomy and feline mammary carcinoma." J Vet Intern Med 19(4): 560-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

Viste, J. R., S. L. Myers, et al. (2002). "Feline mammary adenocarcinoma: tumor size as a prognostic indicator." Can Vet J 43(1): 33-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Deafness in White Cats

Cvejic, D., T. A. Steinberg, et al. (2009). "Unilateral and bilateral congenital sensorineural deafness in client-owned pure-breed white cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(2): 392-395.

Congenital deafness in white cats is well known. However, studies of the prevalence among purebred white cats have not been done. This study was performed at the Ludwig Maximilian University, Germany and the University of California, Davis and examined 84 client-owned pure breed white cats for hearing loss (31 British Shorthair, 14 Maine Coon, 11 Turkish Angora, 9 Persian, 6 Foreign White, 6 Norwegian Forest, 4 Highlander, 1 Balinese, 1 Devon Rex, and 1 Oriental Shorthair). Hearing was evaluated using click-evoked brainstem auditory evoked response. Overall, about 20% of the cats had hearing loss in either one, or both ears. In addition, blue-eyed cats were more likely to have hearing loss than cats of other eye colors. While this study does not represent a population cross-section, nor breed evaluation, and prevalence rates were not compared to non-white cats, these findings do support the conclusion that deafness among pure-breed white cats occurs as it does with mixed breed white cats. Neither the mechanism of inheritance nor the genetic basis for the condition is completely understood. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Geigy, C. A., S. Heid, et al. (2007). "Does a pleiotropic gene explain deafness and blue irises in white cats?" Vet J 173(3): 548-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ryugo, D. K., H. B. Cahill, et al. (2003). "Separate forms of pathology in the cochlea of congenitally deaf white cats." Hear Res 181(1-2): 73-84.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Cvejic, D., T. A. Steinberg, et al. (2009). "Unilateral and bilateral congenital sensorineural deafness in client-owned pure-breed white cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(2): 392-395.

Congenital deafness in white cats is well known. However, studies of the prevalence among purebred white cats have not been done. This study was performed at the Ludwig Maximilian University, Germany and the University of California, Davis and examined 84 client-owned pure breed white cats for hearing loss (31 British Shorthair, 14 Maine Coon, 11 Turkish Angora, 9 Persian, 6 Foreign White, 6 Norwegian Forest, 4 Highlander, 1 Balinese, 1 Devon Rex, and 1 Oriental Shorthair). Hearing was evaluated using click-evoked brainstem auditory evoked response. Overall, about 20% of the cats had hearing loss in either one, or both ears. In addition, blue-eyed cats were more likely to have hearing loss than cats of other eye colors. While this study does not represent a population cross-section, nor breed evaluation, and prevalence rates were not compared to non-white cats, these findings do support the conclusion that deafness among pure-breed white cats occurs as it does with mixed breed white cats. Neither the mechanism of inheritance nor the genetic basis for the condition is completely understood. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Geigy, C. A., S. Heid, et al. (2007). "Does a pleiotropic gene explain deafness and blue irises in white cats?" Vet J 173(3): 548-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ryugo, D. K., H. B. Cahill, et al. (2003). "Separate forms of pathology in the cochlea of congenitally deaf white cats." Hear Res 181(1-2): 73-84.
>> PubMed Abstract

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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]
>> 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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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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