Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in African Lions

Roelke ME, Brown MA, Troyer JL et al: Pathological manifestations of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in wild African lions, Virology 390:1, 2009.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), an important pathogen of domestic cats, also infects other members of the Felidae family, including African lions. Lions have FIV seroprevalence levels of 10% in some populations, and different strains of the virus are known to circulate in much of Africa. It has been unclear whether this virus causes any disease in infected lions, or if it is a host-adapted virus that causes no disease. This study investigated lions in Botswana and Tanzania to determine if there were any clinical correlates with FIV infection. Sixty-four lions in Botswana parks, and 8 lions from the Serengeti Park in Tanzania were sampled. Virtually all FIV-infected animals had gingivitis and poor oral health. Many had papillomatous lesions on the underside of the tongue. Infected lions also had evidence of chronic inflammation. Dehydration was also more common among infected lions, though the underlying cause was not known, as most lived in swamplands with ample water. Anemia was also found more often in infected lions, as was poor coat condition, and lymphoid depletion. The investigators concluded that over time, FIV infections in free-ranging lions can lead to adverse clinical, immunological, and pathological outcomes in some individuals, and could have a detrimental impact on their survival, particularly in times of stress. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pecon-Slattery J, McCracken CL, Troyer JL, VandeWoude S, Roelke M, Sondgeroth K, Winterbach C, Winterbach H, O'Brien SJ. Genomic organization, sequence divergence, and recombination of feline immunodeficiency virus from lions in the wild. BMC Genomics. 2008 Feb 5;9:66.
>> Free, full text article

Brown EW, Yuhki N, Packer C et al: A lion lentivirus related to feline immunodeficiency virus: epidemiologic and phylogenetic aspects, J Virol 68:5953, 1994.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Roelke ME, Brown MA, Troyer JL et al: Pathological manifestations of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in wild African lions, Virology 390:1, 2009.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), an important pathogen of domestic cats, also infects other members of the Felidae family, including African lions. Lions have FIV seroprevalence levels of 10% in some populations, and different strains of the virus are known to circulate in much of Africa. It has been unclear whether this virus causes any disease in infected lions, or if it is a host-adapted virus that causes no disease. This study investigated lions in Botswana and Tanzania to determine if there were any clinical correlates with FIV infection. Sixty-four lions in Botswana parks, and 8 lions from the Serengeti Park in Tanzania were sampled. Virtually all FIV-infected animals had gingivitis and poor oral health. Many had papillomatous lesions on the underside of the tongue. Infected lions also had evidence of chronic inflammation. Dehydration was also more common among infected lions, though the underlying cause was not known, as most lived in swamplands with ample water. Anemia was also found more often in infected lions, as was poor coat condition, and lymphoid depletion. The investigators concluded that over time, FIV infections in free-ranging lions can lead to adverse clinical, immunological, and pathological outcomes in some individuals, and could have a detrimental impact on their survival, particularly in times of stress. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pecon-Slattery J, McCracken CL, Troyer JL, VandeWoude S, Roelke M, Sondgeroth K, Winterbach C, Winterbach H, O'Brien SJ. Genomic organization, sequence divergence, and recombination of feline immunodeficiency virus from lions in the wild. BMC Genomics. 2008 Feb 5;9:66.
>> Free, full text article

Brown EW, Yuhki N, Packer C et al: A lion lentivirus related to feline immunodeficiency virus: epidemiologic and phylogenetic aspects, J Virol 68:5953, 1994.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Weight Loss and Diet in Cats

Vasconcellos RS, Borges NC, Goncalves KN et al: Protein intake during weight loss influences the energy required for weight loss and maintenance in cats, J Nutr 139:855, 2009.

The effects of various nutrients, such as protein and carbohydrate, on weight loss in cats are controversial. In this study, performed at the Universidada Estadual Paulista, Sao Paolo, Brazil, the effects of two diets with different protein levels on weight loss and maintenance was assessed. The control group of obese cats received a diet containing 21 g crude protein on a metabolizable energy basis, and the high-protein group received a diet containing 28 g crude protein. All cats were fed the diet until safe, controlled weight loss of 20% was achieved. After weight loss, all cats were fed a diet containing 28 g crude protein and were monitored for 120 days. During the weight loss phase, the control group experienced a reduction in lean body mass, whereas the high-protein group did not. Overall, the high-protein diet allowed a higher energy intake to achieve weight loss than the control diet, thus reducing the severity of energy restriction required. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
German AJ, Holden S, Bissot T et al: Changes in body composition during weight loss in obese client-owned cats: loss of lean tissue mass correlates with overall percentage of weight lost, J Feline Med Surg 10:452, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

Villaverde C, Ramsey JJ, Green AS et al: Energy restriction results in a mass-adjusted decrease in energy expenditure in cats that is maintained after weight regain, J Nutr 138:856, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Vasconcellos RS, Borges NC, Goncalves KN et al: Protein intake during weight loss influences the energy required for weight loss and maintenance in cats, J Nutr 139:855, 2009.

The effects of various nutrients, such as protein and carbohydrate, on weight loss in cats are controversial. In this study, performed at the Universidada Estadual Paulista, Sao Paolo, Brazil, the effects of two diets with different protein levels on weight loss and maintenance was assessed. The control group of obese cats received a diet containing 21 g crude protein on a metabolizable energy basis, and the high-protein group received a diet containing 28 g crude protein. All cats were fed the diet until safe, controlled weight loss of 20% was achieved. After weight loss, all cats were fed a diet containing 28 g crude protein and were monitored for 120 days. During the weight loss phase, the control group experienced a reduction in lean body mass, whereas the high-protein group did not. Overall, the high-protein diet allowed a higher energy intake to achieve weight loss than the control diet, thus reducing the severity of energy restriction required. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
German AJ, Holden S, Bissot T et al: Changes in body composition during weight loss in obese client-owned cats: loss of lean tissue mass correlates with overall percentage of weight lost, J Feline Med Surg 10:452, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

Villaverde C, Ramsey JJ, Green AS et al: Energy restriction results in a mass-adjusted decrease in energy expenditure in cats that is maintained after weight regain, J Nutr 138:856, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Esophageal Stricture Treatment for Cats

Bissett SA, Davis J, Subler K et al: Risk factors and outcome of bougienage for treatment of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats: 28 cases (1995-2004), J Am Vet Med Assoc 235:844, 2009.

Benign esophageal strictures (BES) can be a difficult problem for owners and pets as they can be costly to treat and are associated with a poor prognosis. Up to 30% of the pets affected can only be fed liquid diets long term. The most common cause of BES reportedly is gastrointestinal reflux associated with general anesthesia. Esophageal bougienage is a process of dilation of the esophagus with mechanical dilators. BES in the past has been primarily treated with balloon dilators. The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes of esophageal bougienage to balloon dilation, considering that bougienage can be a more cost effective procedure. Eight cats with BES were evaluated as part of the study. Six of the 8 cats achieved a good outcome with bougienage, defined as a tolerance of solid food with regurgitation less than once a week. Cats with BES were most likely to have a recent history of general anesthesia, vomiting, or gastrointestinal tract trichobezoars (hairballs) than cats in a reference population. In 3 cats with BES, doxycycline induced esophagitis was the suspected cause of the disorder. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Glazer A, Walters P: Esophagitis and esophageal strictures., Comp Contin Edu Pract Vet 30:281, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

Leib M, Dinnel H, Ward D et al: Endoscopic balloon dilation of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats, J Vet Intern Med 15:547, 2001.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Bissett SA, Davis J, Subler K et al: Risk factors and outcome of bougienage for treatment of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats: 28 cases (1995-2004), J Am Vet Med Assoc 235:844, 2009.

Benign esophageal strictures (BES) can be a difficult problem for owners and pets as they can be costly to treat and are associated with a poor prognosis. Up to 30% of the pets affected can only be fed liquid diets long term. The most common cause of BES reportedly is gastrointestinal reflux associated with general anesthesia. Esophageal bougienage is a process of dilation of the esophagus with mechanical dilators. BES in the past has been primarily treated with balloon dilators. The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes of esophageal bougienage to balloon dilation, considering that bougienage can be a more cost effective procedure. Eight cats with BES were evaluated as part of the study. Six of the 8 cats achieved a good outcome with bougienage, defined as a tolerance of solid food with regurgitation less than once a week. Cats with BES were most likely to have a recent history of general anesthesia, vomiting, or gastrointestinal tract trichobezoars (hairballs) than cats in a reference population. In 3 cats with BES, doxycycline induced esophagitis was the suspected cause of the disorder. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Glazer A, Walters P: Esophagitis and esophageal strictures., Comp Contin Edu Pract Vet 30:281, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

Leib M, Dinnel H, Ward D et al: Endoscopic balloon dilation of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats, J Vet Intern Med 15:547, 2001.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Methicillin-resistant Staph infections in Cats

Faires MC, Tater KC, Weese JS: An investigation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in people and pets in the same household with an infected person or infected pet, J Am Vet Med Assoc 235:540, 2009.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen that has been identified in humans, as well as dogs and cats. MRSA from humans may cause infections in pets, and pets may be sources of MRSA for human infection. In order to lessen the risk of transmission of MRSA between humans and pets, a better understanding of the role, if any, of pet-to-human transmission is needed. This report describes an investigation of the prevalence of MRSA in people and their pets within the same household in which MRSA infection was known to exist, and to compare the isolates identified within a household. Households in which MRSA infection had been identified in a pet within the past month (part 1), as well as households in which one or more persons had experienced >1 MRSA infection within the past year (part 2) were included. Nasal specimens from humans and nasal and rectal swabs from pets were collected and cultured for MRSA. In households with MRSA, both humans and pets, including cats, were found to be infected, and the isolates were indistinguishable whether from humans or pets. This indicated that cross-species infection could occur, though the direction (human to pets or vice versa) was not known. The authors speculate that humans were the most likely source for the pets, rather than the reverse as the isolates were related to community-associated human strains. In addition, the affected pets were not in contact with other animals, and thus likely contracted the MRSA from their human owners. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Epstein JH, Price JT. The significant but understudied impact of pathogen
transmission from humans to animals. Mt Sinai J Med. 2009 Oct;76(5):448-55.
>> PubMed Abstract

Springer B, Orendi U, Much P, Höger G, Ruppitsch W, Krziwanek K, Metz-Gercek S, Mittermayer H. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a new zoonotic agent? Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2009;121(3-4):86-90.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Faires MC, Tater KC, Weese JS: An investigation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in people and pets in the same household with an infected person or infected pet, J Am Vet Med Assoc 235:540, 2009.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen that has been identified in humans, as well as dogs and cats. MRSA from humans may cause infections in pets, and pets may be sources of MRSA for human infection. In order to lessen the risk of transmission of MRSA between humans and pets, a better understanding of the role, if any, of pet-to-human transmission is needed. This report describes an investigation of the prevalence of MRSA in people and their pets within the same household in which MRSA infection was known to exist, and to compare the isolates identified within a household. Households in which MRSA infection had been identified in a pet within the past month (part 1), as well as households in which one or more persons had experienced >1 MRSA infection within the past year (part 2) were included. Nasal specimens from humans and nasal and rectal swabs from pets were collected and cultured for MRSA. In households with MRSA, both humans and pets, including cats, were found to be infected, and the isolates were indistinguishable whether from humans or pets. This indicated that cross-species infection could occur, though the direction (human to pets or vice versa) was not known. The authors speculate that humans were the most likely source for the pets, rather than the reverse as the isolates were related to community-associated human strains. In addition, the affected pets were not in contact with other animals, and thus likely contracted the MRSA from their human owners. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Epstein JH, Price JT. The significant but understudied impact of pathogen
transmission from humans to animals. Mt Sinai J Med. 2009 Oct;76(5):448-55.
>> PubMed Abstract

Springer B, Orendi U, Much P, Höger G, Ruppitsch W, Krziwanek K, Metz-Gercek S, Mittermayer H. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a new zoonotic agent? Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2009;121(3-4):86-90.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Idiopathic Facial Dermatitis

Chung TH, Ryu MH, Kim DY et al: Topical tacrolimus (FK506) for the treatment of feline idiopathic facial dermatitis, Aust Vet J 87:417, 2009.

A severe form of pruritic facial dermatitis has been identified in Persian cats. Affected cats have dermatitis around the eyes, nose, and chin with a black waxy discharge. It has proven very difficult to manage in most cats, and the underlying cause is unknown. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug derived from a soil bacterium. In people, it has been used for treatment of dermatitis, especially eczema and vitiligo. Use of the drug in cats has not been well studied. This case report describes a 3-year-old neutered male Persian cat with chronic ulcerative facial dermatitis diagnosed in Seoul, South Korea. Initial treatment with antimicrobial drugs for secondary infections produced some improvement. The cat was then treated with 0.1% topical tacrolimus ointment. The authors state the patient has been managed effectively with this drug without adverse effects. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Fontaine J, Heimann M: Idiopathic facial dermatitis of the Persian cat: three cases controlled with cyclosporine, Veterinary Dermatology 15:64, 2004.
>> Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Chung TH, Ryu MH, Kim DY et al: Topical tacrolimus (FK506) for the treatment of feline idiopathic facial dermatitis, Aust Vet J 87:417, 2009.

A severe form of pruritic facial dermatitis has been identified in Persian cats. Affected cats have dermatitis around the eyes, nose, and chin with a black waxy discharge. It has proven very difficult to manage in most cats, and the underlying cause is unknown. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug derived from a soil bacterium. In people, it has been used for treatment of dermatitis, especially eczema and vitiligo. Use of the drug in cats has not been well studied. This case report describes a 3-year-old neutered male Persian cat with chronic ulcerative facial dermatitis diagnosed in Seoul, South Korea. Initial treatment with antimicrobial drugs for secondary infections produced some improvement. The cat was then treated with 0.1% topical tacrolimus ointment. The authors state the patient has been managed effectively with this drug without adverse effects. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Fontaine J, Heimann M: Idiopathic facial dermatitis of the Persian cat: three cases controlled with cyclosporine, Veterinary Dermatology 15:64, 2004.
>> Abstract

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Suppression of Estrus in Cats

Gimenez F, Stornelli MC, Tittarelli CM et al: Suppression of estrus in cats with melatonin implants, Theriogenology 72:493, 2009.

Cat overpopulation is a large problem in much of the world. Surgical contraception has been the method of choice, but is not feasible in some countries because of economic limitations, and lack of organized programs. Control of reproduction is needed, but little work has been done in non-surgical feline contraception. Cats are long-day breeders; melatonin may signal the feline ovary, and exogenous melatonin may mimic shortening daylight. This study examined the usefulness and safety of heat, or estrus, suppression in cats with melatonin implants. Melatonin implants were given to nine queens, while five received a placebo, during the interestrus period. This was followed by a second implant during estrus. Vaginal cytology, behavior, and reproductive status were examined. The interestrus period was extended by two to four months in the queens receiving melatonin. Once suppression waned, and estrus occurred, pregnancy rates were not affected. The authors concluded that subcutaneous melatonin implants effectively, reversibly, and safely suppressed estrus in queens for 2 to 4 months. Additional studies are needed to suppress estrus in queens for the entire breeding season. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Munson L, Bauman J, Asa C et al: Efficacy of the GnRH analogue deslorelin for suppression of oestrous cycles in cats, J Reprod Fertil Suppl 57:269, 2001.
>> PubMed Abstract

Levy J, Miller L, Crawford P et al: GnRH immunocontraception of male cats, Theriogenology 62:1116, 2004.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Gimenez F, Stornelli MC, Tittarelli CM et al: Suppression of estrus in cats with melatonin implants, Theriogenology 72:493, 2009.

Cat overpopulation is a large problem in much of the world. Surgical contraception has been the method of choice, but is not feasible in some countries because of economic limitations, and lack of organized programs. Control of reproduction is needed, but little work has been done in non-surgical feline contraception. Cats are long-day breeders; melatonin may signal the feline ovary, and exogenous melatonin may mimic shortening daylight. This study examined the usefulness and safety of heat, or estrus, suppression in cats with melatonin implants. Melatonin implants were given to nine queens, while five received a placebo, during the interestrus period. This was followed by a second implant during estrus. Vaginal cytology, behavior, and reproductive status were examined. The interestrus period was extended by two to four months in the queens receiving melatonin. Once suppression waned, and estrus occurred, pregnancy rates were not affected. The authors concluded that subcutaneous melatonin implants effectively, reversibly, and safely suppressed estrus in queens for 2 to 4 months. Additional studies are needed to suppress estrus in queens for the entire breeding season. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Munson L, Bauman J, Asa C et al: Efficacy of the GnRH analogue deslorelin for suppression of oestrous cycles in cats, J Reprod Fertil Suppl 57:269, 2001.
>> PubMed Abstract

Levy J, Miller L, Crawford P et al: GnRH immunocontraception of male cats, Theriogenology 62:1116, 2004.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Probiotic Supplementation in Cats

Lappin MR, Veir JK, Satyaraj E et al: Pilot study to evaluate the effect of oral supplementation of Enterococcus faecium SF68 on cats with latent feline herpesvirus 1, J Feline Med Surg 11:650, 2009.

A very common infectious disease in cats is feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1). The virus is frequently associated with morbidity because of recurrent ocular and respiratory signs of disease. One dietary supplemental probiotic, Enterococcus faecium strain SF68, has immune enhancing properties. SF68 supplementation is considered safe for use in cats. Twelve cats with chronic FHV-1 infections were given either SF68 or a placebo. The cats were then monitored for clinical signs of disease, monitored for FHV-1 shedding, and evaluated for FHV-1 specific humoral and cell-mediated responses and fecal microbiome stability. The researchers found that clinical results varied amongs individual cats, although overall findings suggested that administration of the probiotic lessened morbidity associated with chronic FHV-1 infection in some cats. This was a pilot study and additional research is warranted to evaluate this protocol in a clinical setting. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Veir JK, Knorr R, Cavadini C et al: Effect of supplementation with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) on immune functions in cats, Vet Ther 8:229, 2007.
>> PubMed Abstract

Veir JK, Lappin MR, Dow SW: Evaluation of a novel immunotherapy for treatment of chronic rhinitis in cats, J Feline Med Surg 8:400, 2006.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Lappin MR, Veir JK, Satyaraj E et al: Pilot study to evaluate the effect of oral supplementation of Enterococcus faecium SF68 on cats with latent feline herpesvirus 1, J Feline Med Surg 11:650, 2009.

A very common infectious disease in cats is feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1). The virus is frequently associated with morbidity because of recurrent ocular and respiratory signs of disease. One dietary supplemental probiotic, Enterococcus faecium strain SF68, has immune enhancing properties. SF68 supplementation is considered safe for use in cats. Twelve cats with chronic FHV-1 infections were given either SF68 or a placebo. The cats were then monitored for clinical signs of disease, monitored for FHV-1 shedding, and evaluated for FHV-1 specific humoral and cell-mediated responses and fecal microbiome stability. The researchers found that clinical results varied amongs individual cats, although overall findings suggested that administration of the probiotic lessened morbidity associated with chronic FHV-1 infection in some cats. This was a pilot study and additional research is warranted to evaluate this protocol in a clinical setting. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Veir JK, Knorr R, Cavadini C et al: Effect of supplementation with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) on immune functions in cats, Vet Ther 8:229, 2007.
>> PubMed Abstract

Veir JK, Lappin MR, Dow SW: Evaluation of a novel immunotherapy for treatment of chronic rhinitis in cats, J Feline Med Surg 8:400, 2006.
>> PubMed Abstract

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