Feline Entropion

Williams, D and J.-Y. Kim. Feline entropion: a case series of 50 affected animals (2003-2008). Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2009. 12(4):221-226.

Entropion is the inward rolling of all or part of an eyelid. The cornea and conjunctiva are irritated by hairs on the eyelid causing problems from mild discomfort and tearing to chronic pain and eye injury. Entropion is more common in dogs than cats, but may be under-recognized in cats. In this study from the U.K., 50 cats with entropion were examined. About 1/3 of the cats had a mean age of 4 years, while the remainder of the cats were relatively older, with a mean age of 11 years. Among the younger cats, entropion was likely to be caused by a pre-existing irritative disorder, such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulceration. In the group of older cats, lid laxity or enophthalmos were more likely causes. Persian cats represented 10% and Maine Coons represented 6% of the study group. Among these cats, involutional entropion was likely caused by anatomic problems. All cats were treated surgically with a Hotz-Celsus procedure, and the results were evaluated from 4 to 22 weeks later. Surgical treatment was curative in the majority of cases. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Read RA, Broun HC. Entropion correction in dogs and cats using a combination Hotz-Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection: results in 311 eyes. Vet Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan-Feb;10(1):6-11.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Williams, D and J.-Y. Kim. Feline entropion: a case series of 50 affected animals (2003-2008). Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2009. 12(4):221-226.

Entropion is the inward rolling of all or part of an eyelid. The cornea and conjunctiva are irritated by hairs on the eyelid causing problems from mild discomfort and tearing to chronic pain and eye injury. Entropion is more common in dogs than cats, but may be under-recognized in cats. In this study from the U.K., 50 cats with entropion were examined. About 1/3 of the cats had a mean age of 4 years, while the remainder of the cats were relatively older, with a mean age of 11 years. Among the younger cats, entropion was likely to be caused by a pre-existing irritative disorder, such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulceration. In the group of older cats, lid laxity or enophthalmos were more likely causes. Persian cats represented 10% and Maine Coons represented 6% of the study group. Among these cats, involutional entropion was likely caused by anatomic problems. All cats were treated surgically with a Hotz-Celsus procedure, and the results were evaluated from 4 to 22 weeks later. Surgical treatment was curative in the majority of cases. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Read RA, Broun HC. Entropion correction in dogs and cats using a combination Hotz-Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection: results in 311 eyes. Vet Ophthalmol. 2007 Jan-Feb;10(1):6-11.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Tritrichomonas in Cats in Italy

Holliday, M., D. Deni, and D.A. Gunn-Moore, Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in a rescue colony in Italy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(2): p. 131-134.

Tritrichomonus foetus is protozoan parasite causing diarrhea in cats. Clinical signs are those of large bowel diarrhea, and include increased frequency of defecation, semi-formed to liquid feces, foul-smelling feces with fresh blood and mucus, and fecal incontinence. Affected cats are typically well otherwise. There are various methods of diagnosing T. foetus infection in cats, such as PCR on feces and fecal culture. Most reports of T. foetus infection in cats have come from the U.S., but there are a few reports from other countries, such as the U.K. and Germany. In this report, fecal samples from 74 cats with chronic large bowel diarrhea living in a rescue colony in Tuscany were submitted for T. foetus diagnostics. Most were rescued street cats, but some were surrendered by owners. Of the 74 cats, almost 1/3 were found to be infected with T. foetus. The infected cats were predominantly over a year of age and were all neutered non-pedigreed, domestic cats. The investigators conclude that the prevalence of T. foetus may be more widely distributed than previously thought. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Stockdale, H.D., et al., Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol, 2009. 160(1-2): p. 13-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Frey, C.F., et al., Intestinal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats in Switzerland detected by in vitro cultivation and PCR. Parasitol Res, 2009. 104(4): p. 783-88.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Holliday, M., D. Deni, and D.A. Gunn-Moore, Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in a rescue colony in Italy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(2): p. 131-134.

Tritrichomonus foetus is protozoan parasite causing diarrhea in cats. Clinical signs are those of large bowel diarrhea, and include increased frequency of defecation, semi-formed to liquid feces, foul-smelling feces with fresh blood and mucus, and fecal incontinence. Affected cats are typically well otherwise. There are various methods of diagnosing T. foetus infection in cats, such as PCR on feces and fecal culture. Most reports of T. foetus infection in cats have come from the U.S., but there are a few reports from other countries, such as the U.K. and Germany. In this report, fecal samples from 74 cats with chronic large bowel diarrhea living in a rescue colony in Tuscany were submitted for T. foetus diagnostics. Most were rescued street cats, but some were surrendered by owners. Of the 74 cats, almost 1/3 were found to be infected with T. foetus. The infected cats were predominantly over a year of age and were all neutered non-pedigreed, domestic cats. The investigators conclude that the prevalence of T. foetus may be more widely distributed than previously thought. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Stockdale, H.D., et al., Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol, 2009. 160(1-2): p. 13-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Frey, C.F., et al., Intestinal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats in Switzerland detected by in vitro cultivation and PCR. Parasitol Res, 2009. 104(4): p. 783-88.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Pathogenesis of Feline Coronavirus Infection

Pedersen, N.C., C.E. Allen, and L.A. Lyons, Pathogenesis of feline enteric coronavirus infection. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(6): p. 529-541.

The importance of feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) as a primary intestinal pathogen is considered minimal. The importance of FECV is that this virus can mutate in vivo. At least one mutant form causes the highly fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Initially, this study had been designed to demonstrate that resistance and susceptibility to FECV infection were under genetic control, just as genetics appear to play a significant role in FIP resistance. With more than 3 years of study results, it became apparent that genetics would not readily define this initial goal. The investigators made a decision to concentrate their efforts on what was learned about FECV pathogenesis. A distinct primary stage of infection was identified that lasted from 7 to 18 months, with the highest level of virus shedding during this phase. This primary stage resolved in one of the three following ways: 1) recovery, 2) persistent shedding, or 3) recurrent or intermittent shedding. During the primary phase, shedding levels were significantly higher in kittens than in adult cats. As kittens might be infected before their immune systems mature, FECV replication would be more frequent and increase the potential for FECV to FIP mutations. FIP is known to be more common in kittens than adult cats. The investigators also looked at the role of stress on reactivating latent or subclinical infection, or increasing virus shedding. They evaluated the role natural stress such as pregnancy, parturition, and lactation might play. Stress was also simulated by giving a series of corticosteroid injections using methylprednisolone acetate. No increase in virus shedding was reported in any of the scenarios. Virus shedding and serum antibody titers had a significant relationship to each other. Cats shedding virus usually had titers of 1:100 or higher. Cats that were not shedding virus usually had titers of 1:25 and lower. Additional observations on immunity to FECV infection found that immunity during the primary phase of infection was slow to develop, intermittent, and tenuous in duration. Immunity during re-infection tended to mirror that occurring during primary infection, indicating this immunity lacks memory. This pattern of infection and immunity is strongly influenced by environmental factors. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pedersen, N.C., A review of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection: 1963-2008. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(4): p. 225-258.
>> PubMed Abstract

Addie, D., et al., Feline infectious peritonitis ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(7): p. 594-604.
>> Free full text article

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Pedersen, N.C., C.E. Allen, and L.A. Lyons, Pathogenesis of feline enteric coronavirus infection. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(6): p. 529-541.

The importance of feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) as a primary intestinal pathogen is considered minimal. The importance of FECV is that this virus can mutate in vivo. At least one mutant form causes the highly fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Initially, this study had been designed to demonstrate that resistance and susceptibility to FECV infection were under genetic control, just as genetics appear to play a significant role in FIP resistance. With more than 3 years of study results, it became apparent that genetics would not readily define this initial goal. The investigators made a decision to concentrate their efforts on what was learned about FECV pathogenesis. A distinct primary stage of infection was identified that lasted from 7 to 18 months, with the highest level of virus shedding during this phase. This primary stage resolved in one of the three following ways: 1) recovery, 2) persistent shedding, or 3) recurrent or intermittent shedding. During the primary phase, shedding levels were significantly higher in kittens than in adult cats. As kittens might be infected before their immune systems mature, FECV replication would be more frequent and increase the potential for FECV to FIP mutations. FIP is known to be more common in kittens than adult cats. The investigators also looked at the role of stress on reactivating latent or subclinical infection, or increasing virus shedding. They evaluated the role natural stress such as pregnancy, parturition, and lactation might play. Stress was also simulated by giving a series of corticosteroid injections using methylprednisolone acetate. No increase in virus shedding was reported in any of the scenarios. Virus shedding and serum antibody titers had a significant relationship to each other. Cats shedding virus usually had titers of 1:100 or higher. Cats that were not shedding virus usually had titers of 1:25 and lower. Additional observations on immunity to FECV infection found that immunity during the primary phase of infection was slow to develop, intermittent, and tenuous in duration. Immunity during re-infection tended to mirror that occurring during primary infection, indicating this immunity lacks memory. This pattern of infection and immunity is strongly influenced by environmental factors. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pedersen, N.C., A review of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection: 1963-2008. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(4): p. 225-258.
>> PubMed Abstract

Addie, D., et al., Feline infectious peritonitis ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(7): p. 594-604.
>> Free full text article

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Investigating the Genetic Causes of HCM

Meurs, K.M., et al., Analysis of 8 sarcomeric candidate genes for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med, 2009. 23(4): p. 840-3.

The most common heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A causative mutation has been identified in two breeds, the Maine Coon (MC) and Ragdoll that involve the cardiac myosin binding protein C gene (MYBPC3). HCM is thought to be inherited in other breeds as well. The objective of the study was to evaluate a subset of cats from additional breeds with HCM including the British Shorthair (BSH), Norwegian Forest Cat (NWF), Siberian, and Sphynx and to also examine MC cats known to be affected with HCM but lacking the known mutation. Fourteen affected cats among these breeds were evaluated. A causative mutation was not identified in the eight candidate genes studied, although several single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. The study concluded that mutations within these cardiac genes do not appear to be the only cause of HCM in these breeds. Further evaluation of additional cardiac genes is considered warranted. (VT)
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Meurs, K.M., et al., A substitution mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genomics, 2007. 90(2): p. 261-4.
>> PubMed Abstract

Meurs, K., et al., A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hum Mol Genet, 2005. 14(23): p. 3587-3593.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Meurs, K.M., et al., Analysis of 8 sarcomeric candidate genes for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med, 2009. 23(4): p. 840-3.

The most common heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A causative mutation has been identified in two breeds, the Maine Coon (MC) and Ragdoll that involve the cardiac myosin binding protein C gene (MYBPC3). HCM is thought to be inherited in other breeds as well. The objective of the study was to evaluate a subset of cats from additional breeds with HCM including the British Shorthair (BSH), Norwegian Forest Cat (NWF), Siberian, and Sphynx and to also examine MC cats known to be affected with HCM but lacking the known mutation. Fourteen affected cats among these breeds were evaluated. A causative mutation was not identified in the eight candidate genes studied, although several single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. The study concluded that mutations within these cardiac genes do not appear to be the only cause of HCM in these breeds. Further evaluation of additional cardiac genes is considered warranted. (VT)
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Meurs, K.M., et al., A substitution mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genomics, 2007. 90(2): p. 261-4.
>> PubMed Abstract

Meurs, K., et al., A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hum Mol Genet, 2005. 14(23): p. 3587-3593.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Cats and Dietary Sodium

Xu, H., D.P.L. Laflamme, and G.L. Long, Effects of dietary sodium chloride on health parameters in mature cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(6): p. 435-441.

High sodium diets are often used for cats to increase water intake and urine output, both beneficial goals for treatment of lower urinary tract disease. A study published in 2006 suggested that increased dietary sodium might have adverse effects on the kidneys. The objective of this controlled, prospective study was to evaluate the effect of different salt contents in diets fed to mature cats for a period of 6 months. No adverse effects were noted, including effects on food intake, body weight, hydration, blood pressure, and kidney function. These results are consistent with the majority of other studies which indicate that sodium at 1.5% of the diet (DM) is not harmful to healthy cats. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kirk, C.A., D.E. Jewell, and S.R. Lowry, Effects of sodium chloride on selected parameters in cats. Vet Ther, 2006. 7(4): p. 333-46.
>> PubMed Abstract

Luckschander, N., et al., Dietary NaCl does not affect blood pressure in healthy cats. J Vet Intern Med, 2004. 18(4): p. 463-467.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Xu, H., D.P.L. Laflamme, and G.L. Long, Effects of dietary sodium chloride on health parameters in mature cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(6): p. 435-441.

High sodium diets are often used for cats to increase water intake and urine output, both beneficial goals for treatment of lower urinary tract disease. A study published in 2006 suggested that increased dietary sodium might have adverse effects on the kidneys. The objective of this controlled, prospective study was to evaluate the effect of different salt contents in diets fed to mature cats for a period of 6 months. No adverse effects were noted, including effects on food intake, body weight, hydration, blood pressure, and kidney function. These results are consistent with the majority of other studies which indicate that sodium at 1.5% of the diet (DM) is not harmful to healthy cats. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kirk, C.A., D.E. Jewell, and S.R. Lowry, Effects of sodium chloride on selected parameters in cats. Vet Ther, 2006. 7(4): p. 333-46.
>> PubMed Abstract

Luckschander, N., et al., Dietary NaCl does not affect blood pressure in healthy cats. J Vet Intern Med, 2004. 18(4): p. 463-467.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Understanding FIP

Regan, A.D., R.D. Cohen, and G.R. Whittaker, Activation of p38 MAPK by feline infectious peritonitis virus regulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production in primary blood-derived feline mononuclear cells. Virology, 2009. 384(1): p. 135-43.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of cats associated with feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection, a common enteric virus of cats. How this virus leads to the lethal disease is not clear, as most infected cats do not develop disease. Cytokines are proteins secreted from cells, including cells of the immune system, that are important in mediating an effective immune response. Cats with FIP have abnormal cytokine production that may contribute to the disease FIP. In this study, the investigators examined the effects of the FIP virus on certain white blood cells collected from cats, in a laboratory environment. These cells are the target of the FCoV in cases of FIP. The investigators showed that an important cellular pathway responsible for inducing inflammation is activated by the virus, and is a key contributor to the disease observed in cats with FIP. The raises the possibility that inhibitors of this pathway may be beneficial in the treatment of FIP. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Takano, T., et al., Neutrophil survival factors (TNF-alpha, GM-CSF, and G-CSF) produced by macrophages in cats infected with feline infectious peritonitis virus contribute to the pathogenesis of granulomatous lesions. Arch Virol, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

Giordano, A. and S. Paltrinieri, Interferon-gamma in the serum and effusions of cats with feline coronavirus infection. Vet J, 2009. 180(3): p. 396-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Regan, A.D., R.D. Cohen, and G.R. Whittaker, Activation of p38 MAPK by feline infectious peritonitis virus regulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production in primary blood-derived feline mononuclear cells. Virology, 2009. 384(1): p. 135-43.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of cats associated with feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection, a common enteric virus of cats. How this virus leads to the lethal disease is not clear, as most infected cats do not develop disease. Cytokines are proteins secreted from cells, including cells of the immune system, that are important in mediating an effective immune response. Cats with FIP have abnormal cytokine production that may contribute to the disease FIP. In this study, the investigators examined the effects of the FIP virus on certain white blood cells collected from cats, in a laboratory environment. These cells are the target of the FCoV in cases of FIP. The investigators showed that an important cellular pathway responsible for inducing inflammation is activated by the virus, and is a key contributor to the disease observed in cats with FIP. The raises the possibility that inhibitors of this pathway may be beneficial in the treatment of FIP. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Takano, T., et al., Neutrophil survival factors (TNF-alpha, GM-CSF, and G-CSF) produced by macrophages in cats infected with feline infectious peritonitis virus contribute to the pathogenesis of granulomatous lesions. Arch Virol, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

Giordano, A. and S. Paltrinieri, Interferon-gamma in the serum and effusions of cats with feline coronavirus infection. Vet J, 2009. 180(3): p. 396-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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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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