Predictors of Feline Kidney Disease

Jepson, R. E., D. Brodbelt, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of predictors of the development of azotemia in cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(4): 806-13.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often afflicts geriatric cats, with prevalence rates of 15% reported. The important factors for development of CKD that could be monitored in cats are not known, and were investigated by these researchers. They followed healthy geriatric cats for 12 months (exams every six months), measuring various clinical parameters and correlated these with development of kidney disease. The study evaluated 118 client-owned cats with an average age of 13 years. All were neutered. Physical exams, blood pressure measurement, and blood and urine analyses were done on all cats. Thirty percent of the cats enrolled developed evidence of kidney disease (azotemia) during the study. Of the parameters measured, only two – increased levels of creatinine (including high normal levels) in the blood and detectable protein in the urine – correlated with development of kidney disease (as evidenced by azotemia). The authors concluded that measurement of protein in the urine is an inexpensive and easy way to monitor aging cats for development of CKD. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
King JN, Tasker S, Gunn-Moore DA, Strehlau G; BENRIC (benazepril in renal
insufficiency in cats) Study Group. Prognostic factors in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;21(5):906-16.
>> PubMed Abstract

Boyd LM, Langston C, Thompson K, Zivin K, Imanishi M. Survival in cats with
naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (2000-2002). J Vet Intern Med. 2008 Sep-Oct;22(5):1111-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Jepson, R. E., D. Brodbelt, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of predictors of the development of azotemia in cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(4): 806-13.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often afflicts geriatric cats, with prevalence rates of 15% reported. The important factors for development of CKD that could be monitored in cats are not known, and were investigated by these researchers. They followed healthy geriatric cats for 12 months (exams every six months), measuring various clinical parameters and correlated these with development of kidney disease. The study evaluated 118 client-owned cats with an average age of 13 years. All were neutered. Physical exams, blood pressure measurement, and blood and urine analyses were done on all cats. Thirty percent of the cats enrolled developed evidence of kidney disease (azotemia) during the study. Of the parameters measured, only two – increased levels of creatinine (including high normal levels) in the blood and detectable protein in the urine – correlated with development of kidney disease (as evidenced by azotemia). The authors concluded that measurement of protein in the urine is an inexpensive and easy way to monitor aging cats for development of CKD. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
King JN, Tasker S, Gunn-Moore DA, Strehlau G; BENRIC (benazepril in renal
insufficiency in cats) Study Group. Prognostic factors in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;21(5):906-16.
>> PubMed Abstract

Boyd LM, Langston C, Thompson K, Zivin K, Imanishi M. Survival in cats with
naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (2000-2002). J Vet Intern Med. 2008 Sep-Oct;22(5):1111-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Potential Treatment for FIP

Legendre, A.M. and J.W. Bartges, Effect of polyprenyl immunostimulant on the survival times of three cats with the dry form of feline infectious peritonitis. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 624-626.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a baffling and clinical important disease of cats caused by a virulent biotype of feline coronavirus. Despite the fact that the disease is relatively common, veterinarians are faced with a frustrating dilemma because there are no individual tests that are reliable for the diagnosis of FIP, the clinical picture is highly variable, and there is no known effective treatment. Polyprenyl immunostimulant (PI) is an investigational veterinary biologic manufactured by Sass & Sass, Inc and is comprised of a mixture of phosphorylated, linear polyisoprenols. This case series from the University of Tennessee describes three cats with the dry (non-effusive) form of FIP treated with PI. The cats were treated with varying doses of the drug, and by both subcutaneous and oral routes. Two of the three cats were still on treatment and were alive and well 2 years after diagnosis. The third cat survived 14 months but was treated for only 4.5 months. The investigators conclude that further studies to assess the therapeutic efficacy of PI for the treatment of FIP are warranted. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

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

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

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Legendre, A.M. and J.W. Bartges, Effect of polyprenyl immunostimulant on the survival times of three cats with the dry form of feline infectious peritonitis. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 624-626.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a baffling and clinical important disease of cats caused by a virulent biotype of feline coronavirus. Despite the fact that the disease is relatively common, veterinarians are faced with a frustrating dilemma because there are no individual tests that are reliable for the diagnosis of FIP, the clinical picture is highly variable, and there is no known effective treatment. Polyprenyl immunostimulant (PI) is an investigational veterinary biologic manufactured by Sass & Sass, Inc and is comprised of a mixture of phosphorylated, linear polyisoprenols. This case series from the University of Tennessee describes three cats with the dry (non-effusive) form of FIP treated with PI. The cats were treated with varying doses of the drug, and by both subcutaneous and oral routes. Two of the three cats were still on treatment and were alive and well 2 years after diagnosis. The third cat survived 14 months but was treated for only 4.5 months. The investigators conclude that further studies to assess the therapeutic efficacy of PI for the treatment of FIP are warranted. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

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

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

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Meloxicam and Kidney Function in Cats

Goodman, L.A., et al., Effects of meloxicam on plasma iohexol clearance as a marker of glomerular filtration rate in conscious healthy cats. Am J Vet Res, 2009. 70(7): p. 826-30.

This study investigates the effect of therapeutic dosages of meloxicam on the plasma clearance of iohexol in healthy, hydrated, conscious cats fed a sodium-replete diet. Meloxicam is a popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in cats, but there are few studies on the effect of this drug on feline kidney function. Plasma clearance of iohexol is used as a marker of renal glomerular filtration rate. Six healthy adult neutered male cats were studied in the masked, randomized, crossover study and were administered either no treatment or meloxicam. The studies were performed before the treatment began (baseline) and on the final day of treatment (5 days later). The results of the study indicated that meloxicam did not measurably alter GFR in healthy, hydrated, conscious cats. Additional studies looking at the effects of NSAIDs on GFR in cats with decreased actual or effective circulating blood volume or with renal disease is needed. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gunew, M.N., V.H. Menrath, and R.D. Marshall, Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01-0.03 mg/kg for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(3): p. 235-241.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lascelles, B.D., et al., Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in cats: a review. Vet Anaesth Analg, 2007. 34(4): p. 228-50.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Goodman, L.A., et al., Effects of meloxicam on plasma iohexol clearance as a marker of glomerular filtration rate in conscious healthy cats. Am J Vet Res, 2009. 70(7): p. 826-30.

This study investigates the effect of therapeutic dosages of meloxicam on the plasma clearance of iohexol in healthy, hydrated, conscious cats fed a sodium-replete diet. Meloxicam is a popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in cats, but there are few studies on the effect of this drug on feline kidney function. Plasma clearance of iohexol is used as a marker of renal glomerular filtration rate. Six healthy adult neutered male cats were studied in the masked, randomized, crossover study and were administered either no treatment or meloxicam. The studies were performed before the treatment began (baseline) and on the final day of treatment (5 days later). The results of the study indicated that meloxicam did not measurably alter GFR in healthy, hydrated, conscious cats. Additional studies looking at the effects of NSAIDs on GFR in cats with decreased actual or effective circulating blood volume or with renal disease is needed. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gunew, M.N., V.H. Menrath, and R.D. Marshall, Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01-0.03 mg/kg for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(3): p. 235-241.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lascelles, B.D., et al., Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in cats: a review. Vet Anaesth Analg, 2007. 34(4): p. 228-50.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Cat-Coyote Interactions

Grubbs, SE and Krausman, P.R. Observations of Coyote–Cat Interactions. Journal of Wildlife Management 73(5):683–685; 2009

Coyotes pose a threat to domestic pets in some urban areas. In Tucson, AZ, the Humane Society has a "Safe Cats" campaign to encourage owners to keep cats indoors. These investigators, from the University of Arizona and the University of Montana, examined the interactions between coyotes and cats for four months in the Tucson area. They captured, radio-collared, and tracked eight coyotes. In tracking the coyotes for 790 hours over the four month period, 36 coyote-cat interactions were observed, with 19 involving the killing of a cat. The majority of interactions occurred in residential areas between sunset and sunrise during the pup rearing season. Most involved only one or two coyotes. The authors conclude that pet owners should keep their cats indoors for their protection from urban coyotes. [MK]
>> Article Abstract

Related articles:
Atwood C, Weeks HP, Gehring TM. Spatial ecology of coyotes along a suburban-to-rural gradient. Journal of Wildlife Management 68(4): 1000–1009; 2004.
>> Article Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Grubbs, SE and Krausman, P.R. Observations of Coyote–Cat Interactions. Journal of Wildlife Management 73(5):683–685; 2009

Coyotes pose a threat to domestic pets in some urban areas. In Tucson, AZ, the Humane Society has a "Safe Cats" campaign to encourage owners to keep cats indoors. These investigators, from the University of Arizona and the University of Montana, examined the interactions between coyotes and cats for four months in the Tucson area. They captured, radio-collared, and tracked eight coyotes. In tracking the coyotes for 790 hours over the four month period, 36 coyote-cat interactions were observed, with 19 involving the killing of a cat. The majority of interactions occurred in residential areas between sunset and sunrise during the pup rearing season. Most involved only one or two coyotes. The authors conclude that pet owners should keep their cats indoors for their protection from urban coyotes. [MK]
>> Article Abstract

Related articles:
Atwood C, Weeks HP, Gehring TM. Spatial ecology of coyotes along a suburban-to-rural gradient. Journal of Wildlife Management 68(4): 1000–1009; 2004.
>> Article Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Oxidative Stress in Overweight Cats

Jeusette I., Salas A., et al. Increased urinary F2-isoprostane concentration as an indicator of oxidative stress in overweight cats. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, 2009. 7(1-2):36-42.

Obesity is common in cats and can contribute to many health problems. These investigators examined the effects of body weight on the health status of cats, measuring several clinical parameters. Studies in humans and rats have shown that obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Twenty overweight cats and seven lean cats were included in the study and all were healthy. Parameters measured were blood cholesterol, triacylglycerol (lipid), and inflammatory mediators (acute phase proteins). In addition, urinary isoprostane, another indicator of inflammation was assessed. While blood cholesterol and lipid levels did not significantly differ among the cats, urine F2-isoprostane levels were significantly higher in overweight cats. This component is an indicator of oxidative injury, and may play a role in disease development in overweight cats. The authors note that their study size was small, and did not include a control group. However, this preliminary work indicates that oxidative stress may have an impact on the health of overweight cats. [MK]
>> Free full text article

Related articles:
Webb CB, Falkowski L. Oxidative stress and innate immunity in feline patients with diabetes mellitus: the role of nutrition. J Feline Med Surg. 2009 Apr;11(4):271-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

Webb CB, McCord KW, Twedt DC. Assessment of oxidative stress in leukocytes and granulocyte function following oral administration of a silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex in cats. Am J Vet Res. 2009 Jan;70(1):57-62.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

Jeusette I., Salas A., et al. Increased urinary F2-isoprostane concentration as an indicator of oxidative stress in overweight cats. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, 2009. 7(1-2):36-42.

Obesity is common in cats and can contribute to many health problems. These investigators examined the effects of body weight on the health status of cats, measuring several clinical parameters. Studies in humans and rats have shown that obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Twenty overweight cats and seven lean cats were included in the study and all were healthy. Parameters measured were blood cholesterol, triacylglycerol (lipid), and inflammatory mediators (acute phase proteins). In addition, urinary isoprostane, another indicator of inflammation was assessed. While blood cholesterol and lipid levels did not significantly differ among the cats, urine F2-isoprostane levels were significantly higher in overweight cats. This component is an indicator of oxidative injury, and may play a role in disease development in overweight cats. The authors note that their study size was small, and did not include a control group. However, this preliminary work indicates that oxidative stress may have an impact on the health of overweight cats. [MK]
>> Free full text article

Related articles:
Webb CB, Falkowski L. Oxidative stress and innate immunity in feline patients with diabetes mellitus: the role of nutrition. J Feline Med Surg. 2009 Apr;11(4):271-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

Webb CB, McCord KW, Twedt DC. Assessment of oxidative stress in leukocytes and granulocyte function following oral administration of a silibinin-phosphatidylcholine complex in cats. Am J Vet Res. 2009 Jan;70(1):57-62.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Recombinant PZI Insulin for Diabetic Cats

Nelson RW, Henley K, Cole C; the PZIR Clinical Study Group. Field safety and efficacy of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin for treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2009 Jul;23(4):787-793.

This study was a prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial performed to evaluate the effects of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin (PZIR) on control of glycemia in cats with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. One hundred thirty-three cats were enrolled in the study, consisting of 120 newly diagnosed and 13 previously treated diabetics. Cats were treated twice daily with PZIR for 45 days. Control of glycemia was assessed on days 7, 14, 30, and 45 by evaluation of changes in water consumption, frequency of urination, appetite, and body weight, serum fructosamine concentration, and blood glucose concentrations determined 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 hours after administration of PZIR. Based on the criteria used to judge success of PZIR treatment, 113 (85%) of 133 diabetic cats, including 9 previously treated, poorly controlled diabetic cats, attained good diabetic control by day 45 of the study. Hypoglycemia (blood glucose nadir <80 mg/dL) was the only consistent problem with PZIR. The study cats also had a significant increase in mean body weight by the end of 45 days. Results of this study support using low dosages of insulin (0.22 U/kg) initially in newly diagnosed diabetic cats and adjusting the dosage of PZIR based on the response to treatment and results of blood glucose and serum fructosamine concentrations. The study supports the conclusion that PZIR is effective in controlling glycemia in diabetic cats and can be used as an initial treatment or as an alternative in poorly controlled diabetic cats that do not respond to treatment with other insulin preparations. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Michiels L, Reusch CE, et al. Treatment of 46 cats with porcine lente insulin: a prospective, multicentre study. J Feline Med Surg. 2008 Oct;10(5):439-51.
>> PubMed Abstract

Martin GJ, Rand JS. Control of diabetes mellitus in cats with porcine insulin zinc suspension. Vet Rec. 2007 Jul 21;161(3):88-94.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

Nelson RW, Henley K, Cole C; the PZIR Clinical Study Group. Field safety and efficacy of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin for treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2009 Jul;23(4):787-793.

This study was a prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial performed to evaluate the effects of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin (PZIR) on control of glycemia in cats with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. One hundred thirty-three cats were enrolled in the study, consisting of 120 newly diagnosed and 13 previously treated diabetics. Cats were treated twice daily with PZIR for 45 days. Control of glycemia was assessed on days 7, 14, 30, and 45 by evaluation of changes in water consumption, frequency of urination, appetite, and body weight, serum fructosamine concentration, and blood glucose concentrations determined 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 hours after administration of PZIR. Based on the criteria used to judge success of PZIR treatment, 113 (85%) of 133 diabetic cats, including 9 previously treated, poorly controlled diabetic cats, attained good diabetic control by day 45 of the study. Hypoglycemia (blood glucose nadir <80 mg/dL) was the only consistent problem with PZIR. The study cats also had a significant increase in mean body weight by the end of 45 days. Results of this study support using low dosages of insulin (0.22 U/kg) initially in newly diagnosed diabetic cats and adjusting the dosage of PZIR based on the response to treatment and results of blood glucose and serum fructosamine concentrations. The study supports the conclusion that PZIR is effective in controlling glycemia in diabetic cats and can be used as an initial treatment or as an alternative in poorly controlled diabetic cats that do not respond to treatment with other insulin preparations. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Michiels L, Reusch CE, et al. Treatment of 46 cats with porcine lente insulin: a prospective, multicentre study. J Feline Med Surg. 2008 Oct;10(5):439-51.
>> PubMed Abstract

Martin GJ, Rand JS. Control of diabetes mellitus in cats with porcine insulin zinc suspension. Vet Rec. 2007 Jul 21;161(3):88-94.
>> PubMed Abstract

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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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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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

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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