Risk Factors for FIV Infection

Murray, J.K., et al., Risk factors for feline immunodeficiency virus antibody test status in Cats Protection adoption centres (2004). Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(6): p. 467-473.

This study determined the prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) within a group of cats entering 10 United Kingdom adoption centres run by Cat Protection. All cats entering the facilities were tested for FIV using a rapid enzyme immunoassay antibody test. The overall prevalence of positive test results was 3.1%, while the prevalence at different adoption centres varied from 0.8% to 6.7%. Male cats were found to be approximately three times more likely than female cats to be FIV positive. The previous history of the cat was also shown to be associated with FIV status, where cats admitted from stray or feral backgrounds were approximately three times more likely to be FIV positive than those cats surrendered by their owners. Cats in poor health were four times more likely to be positive than those with fair to good health. There was no evidence found for an association between neuter status and FIV test results. The study may help adoption centres identify those cats with an increased risk of FIV for routine FIV testing. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J.K., et al., Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2006. 228(3): p. 371-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

Macieira, D.B., et al., Prevalence and risk factors for hemoplasmas in domestic cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus and/or feline leukemia virus in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil. J Feline Med Surg, 2008. 10(2): p. 120-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Murray, J.K., et al., Risk factors for feline immunodeficiency virus antibody test status in Cats Protection adoption centres (2004). Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(6): p. 467-473.

This study determined the prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) within a group of cats entering 10 United Kingdom adoption centres run by Cat Protection. All cats entering the facilities were tested for FIV using a rapid enzyme immunoassay antibody test. The overall prevalence of positive test results was 3.1%, while the prevalence at different adoption centres varied from 0.8% to 6.7%. Male cats were found to be approximately three times more likely than female cats to be FIV positive. The previous history of the cat was also shown to be associated with FIV status, where cats admitted from stray or feral backgrounds were approximately three times more likely to be FIV positive than those cats surrendered by their owners. Cats in poor health were four times more likely to be positive than those with fair to good health. There was no evidence found for an association between neuter status and FIV test results. The study may help adoption centres identify those cats with an increased risk of FIV for routine FIV testing. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J.K., et al., Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2006. 228(3): p. 371-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

Macieira, D.B., et al., Prevalence and risk factors for hemoplasmas in domestic cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus and/or feline leukemia virus in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil. J Feline Med Surg, 2008. 10(2): p. 120-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Treatment of Feline Diabetes with Diet and Insulin

Hall, T. D., O. Mahony, et al. (2009). "Effects of diet on glucose control in cats with diabetes mellitus treated with twice daily insulin glargine." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 125-130.

Diabetes mellitus is a common feline disease and is treated with a combination of dietary therapy and insulin. Insulin glargine (Lantus, Sanofi-Aventis) is a long-acting recombinant human insulin that is frequently used to treat diabetic cats. The purpose of this study, from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, was to compare a low carbohydrate/high protein (LCHP) diet to a non-prescription control diet in diabetic cats receiving insulin glargine twice daily. Over the 10-week trial, 6 cats were given the LCHP diet (DM Dietetic Management Feline Formula dry & canned, Nestle Purina) and 6 cats were given control diets (Pro Plan Adult Cat total Care Chicken and Rice dry, Nestle Purina and Friskies Special Diet Turkey & Giblets Dinner canned, Nestle Purina). Re-evaluations (blood glucose curves, serum fructosamine, and assessment of clinical signs) were performed at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10. Using insulin glargine twice daily and frequent monitoring, all cats in both groups did well. The main difference between the two groups was that the cats fed the LCHP diet had significantly lower serum fructosamine levels compared to the cats on the control diets. The clinical significance of this is unknown as all cats in both diet groups achieved good glycemic control. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Marshall, R. D., J. S. Rand, et al. (2008). "Glargine and protamine zinc insulin have a longer duration of action and result in lower mean daily glucose concentrations than lente insulin in healthy cats." J Vet Pharmacol Ther 31(3): 205-212.
>> PubMed Abstract

Rios, L. and C. Ward (2008). "Feline diabetes mellitus: diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring." Compend Contin Educ Vet 30(12): 626-39; quiz 639-40.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Hall, T. D., O. Mahony, et al. (2009). "Effects of diet on glucose control in cats with diabetes mellitus treated with twice daily insulin glargine." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 125-130.

Diabetes mellitus is a common feline disease and is treated with a combination of dietary therapy and insulin. Insulin glargine (Lantus, Sanofi-Aventis) is a long-acting recombinant human insulin that is frequently used to treat diabetic cats. The purpose of this study, from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, was to compare a low carbohydrate/high protein (LCHP) diet to a non-prescription control diet in diabetic cats receiving insulin glargine twice daily. Over the 10-week trial, 6 cats were given the LCHP diet (DM Dietetic Management Feline Formula dry & canned, Nestle Purina) and 6 cats were given control diets (Pro Plan Adult Cat total Care Chicken and Rice dry, Nestle Purina and Friskies Special Diet Turkey & Giblets Dinner canned, Nestle Purina). Re-evaluations (blood glucose curves, serum fructosamine, and assessment of clinical signs) were performed at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10. Using insulin glargine twice daily and frequent monitoring, all cats in both groups did well. The main difference between the two groups was that the cats fed the LCHP diet had significantly lower serum fructosamine levels compared to the cats on the control diets. The clinical significance of this is unknown as all cats in both diet groups achieved good glycemic control. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Marshall, R. D., J. S. Rand, et al. (2008). "Glargine and protamine zinc insulin have a longer duration of action and result in lower mean daily glucose concentrations than lente insulin in healthy cats." J Vet Pharmacol Ther 31(3): 205-212.
>> PubMed Abstract

Rios, L. and C. Ward (2008). "Feline diabetes mellitus: diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring." Compend Contin Educ Vet 30(12): 626-39; quiz 639-40.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Papillomavirus

Munday, J. S., L. Howe, et al. (2008). "Detection of papillomaviral DNA sequences in a feline oral squamous cell carcinoma." Res Vet Sci 86(2): 359-361.

Oral squamous cell carcinomas constitute 7.5% of all feline cancers, and often lead to death in affected cats. In humans, these tumors are associated with papillomavirus in about 25% of the cases. To investigate the association of papillomavirus with feline oral tumors, 40 oral lesions (20 cancerous, 20 non-cancerous) were examined for viral DNA. Papillomaviral DNA was detected in one oral tumor, but not in any non-cancerous lesion. Finding viral DNA in only one tumor did not indicate a causal relationship. The finding of viral DNA does however indicate additional research into the carcinogenic potential of these viruses in cats is warranted; the carcinogenic potential of papillomaviruses in general and the finding here of viral DNA in a feline oral tumor hints at a possible role. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Munday, J. S., M. Kiupel, et al. (2007). "Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers." Vet Dermatol 18(4): 241-5.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sundberg, J., M. Van Ranst, et al. (2000). "Feline papillomas and papillomaviruses." Vet Pathol 37(1): 1-10.
>> PubMed Abstact

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Munday, J. S., L. Howe, et al. (2008). "Detection of papillomaviral DNA sequences in a feline oral squamous cell carcinoma." Res Vet Sci 86(2): 359-361.

Oral squamous cell carcinomas constitute 7.5% of all feline cancers, and often lead to death in affected cats. In humans, these tumors are associated with papillomavirus in about 25% of the cases. To investigate the association of papillomavirus with feline oral tumors, 40 oral lesions (20 cancerous, 20 non-cancerous) were examined for viral DNA. Papillomaviral DNA was detected in one oral tumor, but not in any non-cancerous lesion. Finding viral DNA in only one tumor did not indicate a causal relationship. The finding of viral DNA does however indicate additional research into the carcinogenic potential of these viruses in cats is warranted; the carcinogenic potential of papillomaviruses in general and the finding here of viral DNA in a feline oral tumor hints at a possible role. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Munday, J. S., M. Kiupel, et al. (2007). "Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers." Vet Dermatol 18(4): 241-5.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sundberg, J., M. Van Ranst, et al. (2000). "Feline papillomas and papillomaviruses." Vet Pathol 37(1): 1-10.
>> PubMed Abstact

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Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Cats

Barron, P. M., J. T. Mackie, et al. (2009). "Serum cobalamin concentrations in healthy cats and cats with non-alimentary tract illness in Australia." Aust Vet J 87(7): 280-283.

The objective of this study was to determine a reference range for serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) concentration in healthy cats in Australia and prospectively investigate the prevalence of hypocobalaminemia in cats with non-alimentary tract disease. Blood samples were collected from 50 healthy cats and 47 cats with non-alimentary tract illness, and serum blood cobalamin concentrations were determined for each group. Cobalamin is a cofactor for several mammalian enzymatic reactions necessary for normal cellular function. Cats with low cobalamin levels have significant metabolic disturbances and clinical research into feline hypocobalaminemia has mostly involved cats with gastrointestinal disease. The reference range in the 50 clinically healthy cats was 345 to 3668 pb/mL. The median serum cobalamin concentration in the 47 cats with non-alimentary tract illness was not significantly different than the median concentration in the healthy cat group. The results indicate that hypocobalaminemia is uncommon in sick cats with non-alimentary tract illness in Australia, though its occurrence in this study still warrants further investigation. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Ibarrola, P., L. Blackwood, et al. (2005). "Hypocobalaminaemia is uncommon in cats in the United Kingdom." J Fel Med Surg 7(6): 341-348.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ruaux, C., J. Steiner, et al. (2005). "Early biochemical and clinical responses to cobalamin supplementation in cats with signs of gastrointestinal disease and severe hypocobalaminemia." J Vet Intern Med 19(2): 155-160.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Barron, P. M., J. T. Mackie, et al. (2009). "Serum cobalamin concentrations in healthy cats and cats with non-alimentary tract illness in Australia." Aust Vet J 87(7): 280-283.

The objective of this study was to determine a reference range for serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) concentration in healthy cats in Australia and prospectively investigate the prevalence of hypocobalaminemia in cats with non-alimentary tract disease. Blood samples were collected from 50 healthy cats and 47 cats with non-alimentary tract illness, and serum blood cobalamin concentrations were determined for each group. Cobalamin is a cofactor for several mammalian enzymatic reactions necessary for normal cellular function. Cats with low cobalamin levels have significant metabolic disturbances and clinical research into feline hypocobalaminemia has mostly involved cats with gastrointestinal disease. The reference range in the 50 clinically healthy cats was 345 to 3668 pb/mL. The median serum cobalamin concentration in the 47 cats with non-alimentary tract illness was not significantly different than the median concentration in the healthy cat group. The results indicate that hypocobalaminemia is uncommon in sick cats with non-alimentary tract illness in Australia, though its occurrence in this study still warrants further investigation. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Ibarrola, P., L. Blackwood, et al. (2005). "Hypocobalaminaemia is uncommon in cats in the United Kingdom." J Fel Med Surg 7(6): 341-348.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ruaux, C., J. Steiner, et al. (2005). "Early biochemical and clinical responses to cobalamin supplementation in cats with signs of gastrointestinal disease and severe hypocobalaminemia." J Vet Intern Med 19(2): 155-160.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Diabetes in Burmese 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.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a group of metabolic disorders characterized by yperglycemia as a result of defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. In the United States, the reported prevalence of feline DM has increased over the past 30 years from 1 in 1250 in 1970 to 1 in 81 cats affected by the disease in 1999. A number of studies have looked at potential risk factors for the development of DM, and increasing age, being a neutered male, and being obese have been identified. In North America, no particular breed of cat appears to be associated with an increased risk for the development of DM, but this does not appear to be true in other countries. The frequency of DM in two large feline-only clinics in Brisbane, Australia over a 5-year study period is described in this report. Frequency was estimated using period prevalences (the proportion of the population at risk that was affected by diabetes at any point during a specified time period). The 5-year period prevalence of DM was 7.4 per 1000 cats. Period prevalence was significantly higher in Burmese cats (22.4 cats per 1000) than in domestic longhair or shorthair cats. There appears to be a predisposition of Burmese cats to DM in some countries, and further investigations are warranted. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
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

Rand, J. S., L. M. Fleeman, et al. (2004). "Canine and feline diabetes mellitus: nature or nurture?" J Nutr 134(8 Suppl): 2072S-2080S.
>> 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.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a group of metabolic disorders characterized by yperglycemia as a result of defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. In the United States, the reported prevalence of feline DM has increased over the past 30 years from 1 in 1250 in 1970 to 1 in 81 cats affected by the disease in 1999. A number of studies have looked at potential risk factors for the development of DM, and increasing age, being a neutered male, and being obese have been identified. In North America, no particular breed of cat appears to be associated with an increased risk for the development of DM, but this does not appear to be true in other countries. The frequency of DM in two large feline-only clinics in Brisbane, Australia over a 5-year study period is described in this report. Frequency was estimated using period prevalences (the proportion of the population at risk that was affected by diabetes at any point during a specified time period). The 5-year period prevalence of DM was 7.4 per 1000 cats. Period prevalence was significantly higher in Burmese cats (22.4 cats per 1000) than in domestic longhair or shorthair cats. There appears to be a predisposition of Burmese cats to DM in some countries, and further investigations are warranted. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
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

Rand, J. S., L. M. Fleeman, et al. (2004). "Canine and feline diabetes mellitus: nature or nurture?" J Nutr 134(8 Suppl): 2072S-2080S.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Fujino, Y., et al., Prevalence of hematological abnormalities and detection of infected bone marrow cells in asymptomatic cats with feline immunodeficiency virus infection. Vet Microbiol, 2009. 136(3-4): p. 217-25.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important pathogen of cats that may lead to a lethal immunodeficient state. This may be preceded by a significant period of time, often years, without any evidence of disease. Decreases in the red and white blood cell lines as well as platelets are known to occur in infected cats. These researchers examined the prevalence of these changes in cats without obvious clinical signs of disease. They examined 50 cats whose only abnormality was the presence of FIV infection (as detected by the antibody assay for the virus). They found a significant portion of asymptomatic cats (48%) have detectable decline in the various blood cell lines, often affecting more than one cell line (e.g., anemia plus decreased white blood cells or platelets). The researchers also found that viral infection of bone marrow cells occurred, and likely led to the effects on blood cell production. Thus, FIV infection of bone marrow cells contributes to the production of the immunodeficient state as well as other blood abnormalities in infected cats. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Tanabe, T. and J.K. Yamamoto, Phenotypic and functional characteristics of FIV infection in the bone marrow stroma. Virology, 2001. 282(1): p. 113-22.
>> PubMed Abstract

Arjona, A., E. Escolar, et al. (2000). "Seroepidemiological survey of infection by feline leukemia virus and immunodeficiency virus in Madrid and correlation with some clinical aspects." J Clin Microbiol 38(9): 3448-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Fujino, Y., et al., Prevalence of hematological abnormalities and detection of infected bone marrow cells in asymptomatic cats with feline immunodeficiency virus infection. Vet Microbiol, 2009. 136(3-4): p. 217-25.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important pathogen of cats that may lead to a lethal immunodeficient state. This may be preceded by a significant period of time, often years, without any evidence of disease. Decreases in the red and white blood cell lines as well as platelets are known to occur in infected cats. These researchers examined the prevalence of these changes in cats without obvious clinical signs of disease. They examined 50 cats whose only abnormality was the presence of FIV infection (as detected by the antibody assay for the virus). They found a significant portion of asymptomatic cats (48%) have detectable decline in the various blood cell lines, often affecting more than one cell line (e.g., anemia plus decreased white blood cells or platelets). The researchers also found that viral infection of bone marrow cells occurred, and likely led to the effects on blood cell production. Thus, FIV infection of bone marrow cells contributes to the production of the immunodeficient state as well as other blood abnormalities in infected cats. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Tanabe, T. and J.K. Yamamoto, Phenotypic and functional characteristics of FIV infection in the bone marrow stroma. Virology, 2001. 282(1): p. 113-22.
>> PubMed Abstract

Arjona, A., E. Escolar, et al. (2000). "Seroepidemiological survey of infection by feline leukemia virus and immunodeficiency virus in Madrid and correlation with some clinical aspects." J Clin Microbiol 38(9): 3448-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Treatment of Idiopathic Cystitis

Wallius, B.M. and A.E. Tidholm, Use of pentosan polysulphate in cats with idiopathic, non-obstructive lower urinary tract disease: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(6): p. 409-12.

One common clinical entity in cats is idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease (iFLUTD). Various treatments, including glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as pentosan polysulphate (PPS), have been advocated. However, few treatments have been investigated by well-controlled clinical trials. This study compared the use of PPS in iFLUTD compared to placebo. Eighteen cats were included in the study with 9 cats given PPS and 9 cats given placebo. Evaluations were performed at 5 and 10 days, 2 weeks, as well as at 2, 6, and 12 months. This study showed that in the majority of cats (89%) with iFLUTD, clinical signs resolved spontaneously and the frequency of recurrent clinical signs were low. There was no statistically significant difference between the group of cats treated with PPS and the placebo group in the short-term and long-term followup. Based on these results, the authors could not recommend PPS for use in iFLUTD. Also in this study, seven cats (39%) of the group were given NSAID therapy for 1 to 4 days after onset of signs. Again, the authors did not consider NSAID therapy beneficial in the short term in this population of cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Gunn-Moore, D. and C. Shenoy, Oral glucosamine and the management of feline idiopathic cystitis. J Fel Med Surg, 2004. 6(4): p. 219-226.
>> PubMed Abstract

Buffington, C.A., et al., Clinical evaluation of multimodal environmental modification (MEMO) in the management of cats with idiopathic cystitis. J Feline Med Surg, 2006. 8(4): p. 261-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Wallius, B.M. and A.E. Tidholm, Use of pentosan polysulphate in cats with idiopathic, non-obstructive lower urinary tract disease: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(6): p. 409-12.

One common clinical entity in cats is idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease (iFLUTD). Various treatments, including glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as pentosan polysulphate (PPS), have been advocated. However, few treatments have been investigated by well-controlled clinical trials. This study compared the use of PPS in iFLUTD compared to placebo. Eighteen cats were included in the study with 9 cats given PPS and 9 cats given placebo. Evaluations were performed at 5 and 10 days, 2 weeks, as well as at 2, 6, and 12 months. This study showed that in the majority of cats (89%) with iFLUTD, clinical signs resolved spontaneously and the frequency of recurrent clinical signs were low. There was no statistically significant difference between the group of cats treated with PPS and the placebo group in the short-term and long-term followup. Based on these results, the authors could not recommend PPS for use in iFLUTD. Also in this study, seven cats (39%) of the group were given NSAID therapy for 1 to 4 days after onset of signs. Again, the authors did not consider NSAID therapy beneficial in the short term in this population of cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Gunn-Moore, D. and C. Shenoy, Oral glucosamine and the management of feline idiopathic cystitis. J Fel Med Surg, 2004. 6(4): p. 219-226.
>> PubMed Abstract

Buffington, C.A., et al., Clinical evaluation of multimodal environmental modification (MEMO) in the management of cats with idiopathic cystitis. J Feline Med Surg, 2006. 8(4): p. 261-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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