New Treatment for Feline Herpesvirus

Winn funded research

Wilkes RP, Kania SA. Use of interfering RNAs targeted against feline herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein D for inhibition of feline herpesvirus 1 infection of feline kidney cells. Am J Vet Res 2009; 70: 1018-25.

Feline herpesvirus causes at least 50% of upper respiratory infections in the cat. While vaccines are available, the virus persists in cat populations and spreads readily from infected to naive cats. As well, chronic disease occurs in latently infected cats. Most antiviral medications approved for a similar virus in people are either too toxic for cats or are only minimally effective. Small interfering RNAs (RNAi) are novel therapies that can be used to inhibit expression of genes of interest. This study evaluated the use of RNAi targeted against feline herpesvirus glycoprotein D in order to inhibit herpesvirus infection of cell cultures. Six chemically produced RNAi constructs were evaluated, and two of them proved highly effective in reducing expression of the target glycoprotein. Treatment of cell cultures with RNAi resulted in inhibition of herpesvirus replication. The researchers were able to show that glycoprotein D is essential for the virus to infect cells, and is a potential new target for antiviral treatment. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Thiry E, Addie D, Belak S, et al. Feline herpesvirus infection. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg 2009; 11: 547-55.
>> Free, full text article

Malik R, Lessels NS, Webb S, et al. Treatment of feline herpesvirus-1 associated disease in cats with famciclovir and related drugs. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009; 11: 40-48.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Winn funded research

Wilkes RP, Kania SA. Use of interfering RNAs targeted against feline herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein D for inhibition of feline herpesvirus 1 infection of feline kidney cells. Am J Vet Res 2009; 70: 1018-25.

Feline herpesvirus causes at least 50% of upper respiratory infections in the cat. While vaccines are available, the virus persists in cat populations and spreads readily from infected to naive cats. As well, chronic disease occurs in latently infected cats. Most antiviral medications approved for a similar virus in people are either too toxic for cats or are only minimally effective. Small interfering RNAs (RNAi) are novel therapies that can be used to inhibit expression of genes of interest. This study evaluated the use of RNAi targeted against feline herpesvirus glycoprotein D in order to inhibit herpesvirus infection of cell cultures. Six chemically produced RNAi constructs were evaluated, and two of them proved highly effective in reducing expression of the target glycoprotein. Treatment of cell cultures with RNAi resulted in inhibition of herpesvirus replication. The researchers were able to show that glycoprotein D is essential for the virus to infect cells, and is a potential new target for antiviral treatment. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Thiry E, Addie D, Belak S, et al. Feline herpesvirus infection. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg 2009; 11: 547-55.
>> Free, full text article

Malik R, Lessels NS, Webb S, et al. Treatment of feline herpesvirus-1 associated disease in cats with famciclovir and related drugs. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009; 11: 40-48.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Risk Factors for Feline Hyperthyroidism

Wakeling J, Everard A, Brodbelt D, Elliott J, Syme H. Risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism in the UK. J Small Anim Pract 2009; 50: 406-14.

Hyperthyroidism is an important disease of cats, and while risk factors for cats in the USA and New Zealand have been studied, no equivalent study has been done for cats in the UK. These researchers investigated UK risk factors using a case-controlled questionnaire-based protocol. The study included 109 hyperthyroid cats, and 196 normal cats over eight years old as controls. They found that older cats were more likely to be affected with hyperthyroidism, while purebred animals were less likely to suffer hyperthyroidism. There was no difference in risk for males versus female in this study. In the univariate analysis, hyperthyroid cats were more likely to have used a litter box, to be fed wet cat food, to have been fed wet food from a can (as opposed to being fed wet food only from pouches), to be fed all categories of table food including high-fat dairy products, and were more likely to have been exposed to smokers in their environment and to household flea treatments. These findings were similar to those of previous studies. Exposure to food packaged in cans was identified as the major risk factor for the development of hyperthyroidism. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Olczak J, Jones BR, Pfeiffer DU, Squires RA, Morris RS, Markwell PJ. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2005; 53: 53-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

Edinboro C, Scott-Moncrieff J, Janovitz E, al e. Epidemiologic study of relationships between consumption of commercial canned food and risk of hyperthyroidism in cats. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 2004; 224: 879-886.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Wakeling J, Everard A, Brodbelt D, Elliott J, Syme H. Risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism in the UK. J Small Anim Pract 2009; 50: 406-14.

Hyperthyroidism is an important disease of cats, and while risk factors for cats in the USA and New Zealand have been studied, no equivalent study has been done for cats in the UK. These researchers investigated UK risk factors using a case-controlled questionnaire-based protocol. The study included 109 hyperthyroid cats, and 196 normal cats over eight years old as controls. They found that older cats were more likely to be affected with hyperthyroidism, while purebred animals were less likely to suffer hyperthyroidism. There was no difference in risk for males versus female in this study. In the univariate analysis, hyperthyroid cats were more likely to have used a litter box, to be fed wet cat food, to have been fed wet food from a can (as opposed to being fed wet food only from pouches), to be fed all categories of table food including high-fat dairy products, and were more likely to have been exposed to smokers in their environment and to household flea treatments. These findings were similar to those of previous studies. Exposure to food packaged in cans was identified as the major risk factor for the development of hyperthyroidism. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Olczak J, Jones BR, Pfeiffer DU, Squires RA, Morris RS, Markwell PJ. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2005; 53: 53-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

Edinboro C, Scott-Moncrieff J, Janovitz E, al e. Epidemiologic study of relationships between consumption of commercial canned food and risk of hyperthyroidism in cats. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 2004; 224: 879-886.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Pain Control for Spay Surgery in Cats

Brondani JT, Loureiro Luna SP, Beier SL, Minto BW, Padovani CR. Analgesic efficacy of perioperative use of vedaprofen, tramadol or their combination in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. J Feline Med Surg 2009; 11: 420-9.

Veterinarians now recognize that preventive pain control is beneficial for cats undergoing surgery, providing comfort and faster recoveries. One of the most common feline surgeries is the ovariohysterectomy or spay. The researchers investigated the efficacy of two drugs, tramadol and vedaprofen, in 40 female cats undergoing spay surgery. The cats were divided into four treatment groups: vedaprofen only, tramadol only, vedaprofen plus tramadol, and placebo. Medications were administered one hour before surgery and for 72 hours after surgery. Pain scores were evaluated at regular intervals for the first 96 hours and then on day 7 after surgery. Cats with high pain scores were given rescue analgesia with morphine. Cats treated with vedaprofen and tramadol together did not require rescue analgesia and proved to be the most effective option evaluated. Multimodal analgesia is known to be a superior method of pain control and proved effective for cats undergoing spay surgery. The researchers recommended that pain control should be provided for a minimum of three days after spay surgery. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Slingsby L, Waterman-Pearson A. Postoperative analgesia in the cat after ovariohysterectomy by use of carprofen, ketoprofen, meloxicam or tolfenamic acid. J Small Anim Pract 2000; 41: 447-450.
>> PubMed Abstract

Tobias KM, Harvey RC, Byarlay JM. A comparison of four methods of analgesia in cats following ovariohysterectomy. Vet Anaesth Analg 2006; 33: 390-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

Brondani JT, Loureiro Luna SP, Beier SL, Minto BW, Padovani CR. Analgesic efficacy of perioperative use of vedaprofen, tramadol or their combination in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. J Feline Med Surg 2009; 11: 420-9.

Veterinarians now recognize that preventive pain control is beneficial for cats undergoing surgery, providing comfort and faster recoveries. One of the most common feline surgeries is the ovariohysterectomy or spay. The researchers investigated the efficacy of two drugs, tramadol and vedaprofen, in 40 female cats undergoing spay surgery. The cats were divided into four treatment groups: vedaprofen only, tramadol only, vedaprofen plus tramadol, and placebo. Medications were administered one hour before surgery and for 72 hours after surgery. Pain scores were evaluated at regular intervals for the first 96 hours and then on day 7 after surgery. Cats with high pain scores were given rescue analgesia with morphine. Cats treated with vedaprofen and tramadol together did not require rescue analgesia and proved to be the most effective option evaluated. Multimodal analgesia is known to be a superior method of pain control and proved effective for cats undergoing spay surgery. The researchers recommended that pain control should be provided for a minimum of three days after spay surgery. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Slingsby L, Waterman-Pearson A. Postoperative analgesia in the cat after ovariohysterectomy by use of carprofen, ketoprofen, meloxicam or tolfenamic acid. J Small Anim Pract 2000; 41: 447-450.
>> PubMed Abstract

Tobias KM, Harvey RC, Byarlay JM. A comparison of four methods of analgesia in cats following ovariohysterectomy. Vet Anaesth Analg 2006; 33: 390-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Shelter Cats in Australia

Marston, L.C. and P.C. Bennett, Admissions of Cats to Animal Welfare Shelters in Melbourne, Australia. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2009. 12(3): p. 189 - 213.

Despite a decreasing pet cat population in Australia, feline entries into animal shelters have not decreased. To investigate this, researchers tracked over 15,000 cat submissions in one large shelter in Melbourne over a one-year period in an effort to develop effective strategies to reduce shelter admissions and euthanasia. The majority of cats were strays (81.6%). In addition, the vast majority were not neutered, even among owner-relinquished cats. The sociability of the strays indicated that these animals may have been “semi-owned”. Shelter intake increased over the summer with an influx of kittens. The authors conclude that there is an oversupply of pet-quality cats in the state of Victoria. Strategies aimed at reducing cat admissions to shelters from feral, semi-owned, and casually owned populations are likely to be quite different but equally important. As most cats admitted to shelters are strays, with no identifiable owner, the introduction of mandatory neutering may have a limited effect on this population. [MK]
>> Publisher Abstract

Related articles:
Centonze, L. and J. Levy, Characteristics of free-roaming cats and their caretakers. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2002. 220(11): p. 1627-1633.
>> PubMed Abstract

Patronek, G., et al., Risk factors for relinquishment of cats to an animal shelter. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 1996. 209(3): p. 582-588.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

Marston, L.C. and P.C. Bennett, Admissions of Cats to Animal Welfare Shelters in Melbourne, Australia. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2009. 12(3): p. 189 - 213.

Despite a decreasing pet cat population in Australia, feline entries into animal shelters have not decreased. To investigate this, researchers tracked over 15,000 cat submissions in one large shelter in Melbourne over a one-year period in an effort to develop effective strategies to reduce shelter admissions and euthanasia. The majority of cats were strays (81.6%). In addition, the vast majority were not neutered, even among owner-relinquished cats. The sociability of the strays indicated that these animals may have been “semi-owned”. Shelter intake increased over the summer with an influx of kittens. The authors conclude that there is an oversupply of pet-quality cats in the state of Victoria. Strategies aimed at reducing cat admissions to shelters from feral, semi-owned, and casually owned populations are likely to be quite different but equally important. As most cats admitted to shelters are strays, with no identifiable owner, the introduction of mandatory neutering may have a limited effect on this population. [MK]
>> Publisher Abstract

Related articles:
Centonze, L. and J. Levy, Characteristics of free-roaming cats and their caretakers. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2002. 220(11): p. 1627-1633.
>> PubMed Abstract

Patronek, G., et al., Risk factors for relinquishment of cats to an animal shelter. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 1996. 209(3): p. 582-588.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Understanding Chronic Respiratory Disease in Cats

Johnson, L.R. and P.H. Kass, Effect of sample collection methodology on nasal culture results in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 645-649.

Feline chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease in cats with an unknown etiology. A number of studies have indicated that most cases of upper respiratory disease in the cat are complicated by secondary bacterial infections. Empiric antibiotic therapy is frequently employed to treat feline CRS. This study evaluated the effect of sampling method on culture results in 44 cats. The results indicated that aerobic and anaerobic cultures were positive significantly more often from nasal flush samples than from tissue biopsy samples. Culture results did not differ for Mycoplasma species between flush and biopsy samples though there was discordancy in 8 of 44 sample pairs for Mycoplasma species. This indicates that a failure to culture Mycoplasma species from a nasal flush might not be a true reflection of the absence of Mycoplasma species in the nasal cavity since a tissue sample may be required for isolation of the organism. Nasal flush is the preferred technique though for determining presence in feline nasal disease of potentially pathogenic bacterial organisms. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Berryessa, N.A., et al., Microbial culture of blood samples and serologic testing for bartonellosis in cats with chronic rhinosinusitis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2008. 233(7): p. 1084-1089.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ruch-Gallie, R.A., et al., Efficacy of amoxycillin and azithromycin for the empirical treatment of shelter cats with suspected bacterial upper respiratory infections. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(6): p. 542-550.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

Johnson, L.R. and P.H. Kass, Effect of sample collection methodology on nasal culture results in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(8): p. 645-649.

Feline chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease in cats with an unknown etiology. A number of studies have indicated that most cases of upper respiratory disease in the cat are complicated by secondary bacterial infections. Empiric antibiotic therapy is frequently employed to treat feline CRS. This study evaluated the effect of sampling method on culture results in 44 cats. The results indicated that aerobic and anaerobic cultures were positive significantly more often from nasal flush samples than from tissue biopsy samples. Culture results did not differ for Mycoplasma species between flush and biopsy samples though there was discordancy in 8 of 44 sample pairs for Mycoplasma species. This indicates that a failure to culture Mycoplasma species from a nasal flush might not be a true reflection of the absence of Mycoplasma species in the nasal cavity since a tissue sample may be required for isolation of the organism. Nasal flush is the preferred technique though for determining presence in feline nasal disease of potentially pathogenic bacterial organisms. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Berryessa, N.A., et al., Microbial culture of blood samples and serologic testing for bartonellosis in cats with chronic rhinosinusitis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2008. 233(7): p. 1084-1089.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ruch-Gallie, R.A., et al., Efficacy of amoxycillin and azithromycin for the empirical treatment of shelter cats with suspected bacterial upper respiratory infections. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2008. 10(6): p. 542-550.
>> PubMed Abstract

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The Taming of the Cat

Driscoll CA, Clutton-Brock J, Kitchener AC, O'Brien SJ. The Taming of the cat. Genetic and archaeological findings hint that wildcats became housecats earlier--and in a different place--than previously thought. Sci Am. 2009 Jun;300(6):68-75.

Unlike other domestic species, cats seem to contribute little to human survival, so the question of when and how cats were tamed has been unsolved. Traditionally, it has been thought that the Egyptians were the first to tame cats, about 3600 years ago. However, more recent genetic and archaelogical evidence may push that date back to about 10,000 years ago, and place cat domestication in the Fertile Crescent, where agriculture had its roots. Most likely, cats began to live near people to take advantage of food scraps and rodents. Now, in the 21st century, about one-third of American households have cats, and more than 600 million cats live among humans worldwide. [SL]
>> Free, full text article

Related articles:
Vigne JD, Guilaine J, Debue K, Haye L, Gérard P. Early taming of the cat in
Cyprus. Science. 2004 Apr 9;304(5668):259.
>> Science Magazine

Lipinski, M. J., L. Froenicke, et al. (2007). "The ascent of cat breeds: genetic evaluations of breeds and worldwide random-bred populations." Genomics 91(1): 12-21.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

Driscoll CA, Clutton-Brock J, Kitchener AC, O'Brien SJ. The Taming of the cat. Genetic and archaeological findings hint that wildcats became housecats earlier--and in a different place--than previously thought. Sci Am. 2009 Jun;300(6):68-75.

Unlike other domestic species, cats seem to contribute little to human survival, so the question of when and how cats were tamed has been unsolved. Traditionally, it has been thought that the Egyptians were the first to tame cats, about 3600 years ago. However, more recent genetic and archaelogical evidence may push that date back to about 10,000 years ago, and place cat domestication in the Fertile Crescent, where agriculture had its roots. Most likely, cats began to live near people to take advantage of food scraps and rodents. Now, in the 21st century, about one-third of American households have cats, and more than 600 million cats live among humans worldwide. [SL]
>> Free, full text article

Related articles:
Vigne JD, Guilaine J, Debue K, Haye L, Gérard P. Early taming of the cat in
Cyprus. Science. 2004 Apr 9;304(5668):259.
>> Science Magazine

Lipinski, M. J., L. Froenicke, et al. (2007). "The ascent of cat breeds: genetic evaluations of breeds and worldwide random-bred populations." Genomics 91(1): 12-21.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Response of Kittens to Vaccination

Jas, D., C. Aeberle, et al. (2009). Onset of immunity in kittens after vaccination with a non-adjuvanted vaccine against feline panleucopenia, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus. Vet J 182(1): 86-93.

Feline panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus are all significant and common pathogens of cats, and are highly contagious in susceptible populations. Cats are routinely vaccinated against these pathogens, but the time it takes following vaccination for protection to develop in the kitten has not been examined in depth. Induction of a rapid immune response is critical in high-risk environments such as shelters. These investigators examined the level of protection in kittens one week after vaccination with a combination vaccine containing live strains of feline panleukopenia virus, herpesvirus, and Chlamydophila, and inactivated feline calicivirus, as well as recombinant FeLV component. A recombinant rabies vaccine was also given. Kittens were specific pathogen free, thus there was no maternal antibody to interfere with vaccine response. They were challenged one week (FPV, FHV, FCV), three weeks (FPV), or four weeks (FHV and FCV) after vaccination. Clinical parameters were measured, and antibody levels and virus shedding was assessed. Kittens appeared to be protected from severe disease by one week post-vaccination, and virus shedding was also significantly reduced as compared to non-vaccinated controls. No difference in clinical parameters was noted whether kittens were challenged at one week or three to four weeks post vaccination. While a single vaccination with FPV induced rapid antibody production, two vaccinations with FCV and FHV were required for a similar response. While maternal antibodies will interfere with vaccinal response if present, this study shows that without maternal antibodies, vaccinal response occurs rapidly. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Dawson, S., K. Willoughby, et al. (2001). A field trial to assess the effect of vaccination against feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus and feline panleucopenia virus in 6-week-old kittens. J Feline Med Surg 3(1): 17-22.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lappin, M. R., R. W. Sebring, et al. (2006). Effects of a single dose of an intranasal feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccine on clinical signs and virus shedding after challenge with virulent feline herpesvirus 1. J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 158-63.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

Jas, D., C. Aeberle, et al. (2009). Onset of immunity in kittens after vaccination with a non-adjuvanted vaccine against feline panleucopenia, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus. Vet J 182(1): 86-93.

Feline panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus are all significant and common pathogens of cats, and are highly contagious in susceptible populations. Cats are routinely vaccinated against these pathogens, but the time it takes following vaccination for protection to develop in the kitten has not been examined in depth. Induction of a rapid immune response is critical in high-risk environments such as shelters. These investigators examined the level of protection in kittens one week after vaccination with a combination vaccine containing live strains of feline panleukopenia virus, herpesvirus, and Chlamydophila, and inactivated feline calicivirus, as well as recombinant FeLV component. A recombinant rabies vaccine was also given. Kittens were specific pathogen free, thus there was no maternal antibody to interfere with vaccine response. They were challenged one week (FPV, FHV, FCV), three weeks (FPV), or four weeks (FHV and FCV) after vaccination. Clinical parameters were measured, and antibody levels and virus shedding was assessed. Kittens appeared to be protected from severe disease by one week post-vaccination, and virus shedding was also significantly reduced as compared to non-vaccinated controls. No difference in clinical parameters was noted whether kittens were challenged at one week or three to four weeks post vaccination. While a single vaccination with FPV induced rapid antibody production, two vaccinations with FCV and FHV were required for a similar response. While maternal antibodies will interfere with vaccinal response if present, this study shows that without maternal antibodies, vaccinal response occurs rapidly. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Dawson, S., K. Willoughby, et al. (2001). A field trial to assess the effect of vaccination against feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus and feline panleucopenia virus in 6-week-old kittens. J Feline Med Surg 3(1): 17-22.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lappin, M. R., R. W. Sebring, et al. (2006). Effects of a single dose of an intranasal feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccine on clinical signs and virus shedding after challenge with virulent feline herpesvirus 1. J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 158-63.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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