Tritrichomonas foetus Infection in Cats

Gookin JL, Stauffer SH, Dybas D et al: Documentation of In Vivo and In Vitro Aerobic Resistance of Feline Tritrichomonas foetus Isolates to Ronidazole, J Vet Intern Med 24:1003, 2010.


One cause of chronic large bowel diarrhea in cats is a protozoal pathogen called Tritrichomonas foetus. Estimates indicate that up to 30% of purebred show cats and 29% of cats with clinical signs of infection are infected with this organism in the United States. Trichomonads like T. foetus are susceptible to the effects of 5-nitroimidazole drugs because they utilize reductive metabolic pathways. Ronidazole is the only drug demonstrated as effective for treatment of cats infected with T. foetus and resistance to ronidazole has not been reported previously. In this study, two intact male Abyssinian cats with T. foetus were found to have resistance to increasing dosages of ronidazole. Treatment with multiple courses of metronidazole and tinidazole also did not eradicate the infection. The true prevalence of treatment resistance in the infected cat population is not known. A persistent infection in treated cats should be confirmed by the results of follow-up testing rather than assumed on the basis of clinical signs. Cats should be isolated from sources of re-infection. Cross-resistance among 5-nitroimidazole drugs has been described and the current lack of alternative drugs that have clinical efficacy against feline T. foetus suggests the need for an active investigation of other treatment approaches. [VT]

Related articles:
Payne PA, Artzer M: The biology and control of Giardia spp and Tritrichomonas foetus, Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 39:993, 2009.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Gookin JL, Stauffer SH, Dybas D et al: Documentation of In Vivo and In Vitro Aerobic Resistance of Feline Tritrichomonas foetus Isolates to Ronidazole, J Vet Intern Med 24:1003, 2010.


One cause of chronic large bowel diarrhea in cats is a protozoal pathogen called Tritrichomonas foetus. Estimates indicate that up to 30% of purebred show cats and 29% of cats with clinical signs of infection are infected with this organism in the United States. Trichomonads like T. foetus are susceptible to the effects of 5-nitroimidazole drugs because they utilize reductive metabolic pathways. Ronidazole is the only drug demonstrated as effective for treatment of cats infected with T. foetus and resistance to ronidazole has not been reported previously. In this study, two intact male Abyssinian cats with T. foetus were found to have resistance to increasing dosages of ronidazole. Treatment with multiple courses of metronidazole and tinidazole also did not eradicate the infection. The true prevalence of treatment resistance in the infected cat population is not known. A persistent infection in treated cats should be confirmed by the results of follow-up testing rather than assumed on the basis of clinical signs. Cats should be isolated from sources of re-infection. Cross-resistance among 5-nitroimidazole drugs has been described and the current lack of alternative drugs that have clinical efficacy against feline T. foetus suggests the need for an active investigation of other treatment approaches. [VT]

Related articles:
Payne PA, Artzer M: The biology and control of Giardia spp and Tritrichomonas foetus, Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 39:993, 2009.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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A Review of my Book off the Internet

In my office in Sept 2010

Im happy that someone I have never met before is enjoying the research and effort I put into creating this book. I would like to sincerely thank the site owner or reviewer from Salton Yogurt Maker.. Diet and exercise has and will always be intrinsically associated to all aspects of health from your heart, brain and even the spine. The site and review:

http://www.saltonyogurtmaker.com/health-in-your-hands-your-plan-for-natural-scoliosis-prevention-and-treatment-1451568967.html

This is must have Health In Your Hands: Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment (by CreateSpace) :
 
A brilliant book. This book was recommended to me by my chiropractor. I have had scoliosis since birth and for me I found the contents simply liberating. This is a book that takes a universal approach and looks at matters that most people wouldn't immediately link together. The chapters on diet and nutrition I found to be the most innovative as I have never come across a book that talks about what food people with spinal conditions should eat. The exercises were great too. Would highly recommend it to anyone who either suffers or wants to broaden his or her knowledge on the subject.

I have just finished reading Health In Your Hands. by Dr Kevin Lau and have had to run onto my computer to add my review. What a joyous experience it really was. Everyone must read this book. From start to finish I felt like my knowledge on scoliosis was being perpetually pumped to the point it would burst. Intense, detailed, thought provoking and revolutionary, what more would you possibly want from a book! Go and buy it.

Health in your hands.. Something tells me that I will be coming back to this book for sometime to come, Beautifully articulated with a profound sense of compassion that springs from every chapter. Lau is clearly an author who has devoted himself to understanding and in turn offering precise consultation on the subject of Scoliosis. Some very insightful chapters with tons of information on every aspect of the condition. A pleasure to read and will absolutely be going back to it.

A must read!!!!. I read this book from beginning to end in just 2 weeks. I don't think I have ever read a book that quick. Not only are the subjects relative to anyone who is interested in scoliosis but the books makes for great reading.

I particularly found the `Corrective Exercises for Scoliosis chapter a joy to read. It contained some brilliant pointers that I was previously unaware of. A fully accessible book that I highly recommend to everyone.

GREAT BOOK. I have been after a book like this for such a long time. It contains everything you would ever need to know about Scoliosis, from the condition itself, to appropriate foods, to a range of treatment and exercises that should be incorporated into the lives of scoliosis sufferers. I like the way it has been broken down into three easy to follow sections with clear indications as to the subject of each part. Really awesome book.

In my office in Sept 2010

Im happy that someone I have never met before is enjoying the research and effort I put into creating this book. I would like to sincerely thank the site owner or reviewer from Salton Yogurt Maker.. Diet and exercise has and will always be intrinsically associated to all aspects of health from your heart, brain and even the spine. The site and review:

http://www.saltonyogurtmaker.com/health-in-your-hands-your-plan-for-natural-scoliosis-prevention-and-treatment-1451568967.html

This is must have Health In Your Hands: Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment (by CreateSpace) :
 
A brilliant book. This book was recommended to me by my chiropractor. I have had scoliosis since birth and for me I found the contents simply liberating. This is a book that takes a universal approach and looks at matters that most people wouldn't immediately link together. The chapters on diet and nutrition I found to be the most innovative as I have never come across a book that talks about what food people with spinal conditions should eat. The exercises were great too. Would highly recommend it to anyone who either suffers or wants to broaden his or her knowledge on the subject.

I have just finished reading Health In Your Hands. by Dr Kevin Lau and have had to run onto my computer to add my review. What a joyous experience it really was. Everyone must read this book. From start to finish I felt like my knowledge on scoliosis was being perpetually pumped to the point it would burst. Intense, detailed, thought provoking and revolutionary, what more would you possibly want from a book! Go and buy it.

Health in your hands.. Something tells me that I will be coming back to this book for sometime to come, Beautifully articulated with a profound sense of compassion that springs from every chapter. Lau is clearly an author who has devoted himself to understanding and in turn offering precise consultation on the subject of Scoliosis. Some very insightful chapters with tons of information on every aspect of the condition. A pleasure to read and will absolutely be going back to it.

A must read!!!!. I read this book from beginning to end in just 2 weeks. I don't think I have ever read a book that quick. Not only are the subjects relative to anyone who is interested in scoliosis but the books makes for great reading.

I particularly found the `Corrective Exercises for Scoliosis chapter a joy to read. It contained some brilliant pointers that I was previously unaware of. A fully accessible book that I highly recommend to everyone.

GREAT BOOK. I have been after a book like this for such a long time. It contains everything you would ever need to know about Scoliosis, from the condition itself, to appropriate foods, to a range of treatment and exercises that should be incorporated into the lives of scoliosis sufferers. I like the way it has been broken down into three easy to follow sections with clear indications as to the subject of each part. Really awesome book.

Read More

How Effective is Scoliosis Surgery?

How effective is surgery for treating scoliosis anyway? Admittedly, it is a question with very subjective set of answers, so I thought it would be interesting to compare the benefits of surgical correction for scoliosis against the SOSORT rankings of most important scoliosis treatment outcomes.

Ranking Importance of factors in scoliosis according to SOSORT

1. Aesthetics ( I guess, if you don’t count the big scar going down the entire length of the patient’s back…cosmetic improvement IS the only indication for scoliosis surgery…”Correction of scoliosis is largely an elective cosmetic procedure in the young population, who account for the largest portion of the surgical population. Associated with the correction, however, is a very real possibility of major neurological injury, including paralysis.”)
SCOLIOSIS SURGERY: APPROPRIATE MONITORING. Tod B. Sloan MD, PhD. Anesthesiology Clinics of North America
Volume 15, Issue 3, 1 September 1997, Pages 573-592

2. Quality of life (Nope. Not with 40% of patients being legally defined as severely handicapped with in 17 years post surgery.)
Gotze C, Slomka A, Gotze HG, Potzl W, Liljenqvist U, Steinbeck J. Long-term results of quality of life in patients with idiopathic scoliosis after Harrington instrmentation and their relevance for expert evidence. Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb 2002 Sep-Oct;140(5):492-8

3. Psychological well-being (Nope. “The psychological health status is significantly impaired.”)
Quality of Life and Back Pain: Outcome 16.7 Years After Harrington Instrumentation
Spine 2002 Jul 1;27 (13) :1456-63 Gotze et al, Dept. of O Surg, Hamm,Germany

4. Disability (Nope. “40% of operated treated patients with idiopathic scoliosis were legally defined as severely handicapped persons”
Gotze C, Slomka A, Gotze HG, Potzl W, Liljenqvist U, Steinbeck J. Long-term results of quality of life in patients with idiopathic scoliosis after Harrington instrumentation and their relevance for expert evidence. Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb 2002 Sep-Oct;140(5):492-8

5. Back Pain (Nope. “Standardized gradations of pain and function showed improvement over-all, but significant impairment remained. There was a reduction in the levels of peak and constant pain, but no change in the frequency of peak pain after operation. The number of patients who were pain-free after surgery was not increased…..In view of the high rate of complications, the limited gains to be derived from spinal fusion should be assessed and clearly explained to patients before the procedure is undertaken.”)
Results of surgical treatment of adults with idiopathic scoliosis.
J Bone Joint Surg Am 1987 Jun;69(5):667-75
Sponseller PD, Cohen MS, Nachemson AL, Hall JE, Wohl ME.

6. Rib hump (Potentially, some cases may require an additional rib resection surgery though….not a small procedure.)

7. Breathing function (Nope. “The correlation between the change in Cobb angle and the thoracic volume change was poor for both groups.”)
Scoliosis curve correction, thoracic volume changes, and thoracic diameters in scoliotic patients after anterior and posterior instrumentation. Int Orthop 2001;25(2):66-0

8. Progression in adulthood (Nope. “Initial average loss of spinal correction post-surgery is 3.2 degrees in the first year and 6.5 after two years with continued loss of 1.0 degrees per year throughout life.”)

9. Needs of further treatments in adulthood (Nope. “40% of operated treated patients with idiopathic scoliosis were legally defined as severely handicapped persons” )
Gotze C, Slomka A, Gotze HG, Potzl W, Liljenqvist U, Steinbeck J. Long-term results of quality of life in patients with idiopathic scoliosis after Harrington instrumentation and their relevance for expert evidence. Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb 2002 Sep-Oct;140(5):492-8

10 Knowledge and understanding of scoliosis in general and their specific pattern (Nope.)

11 Balance (Unknown, but probably not)

12 Scoliosis Cobb degrees (radiographic lateral flexion) (Yep)

13 Self control of posture (Nope.)

14 Movement of the vertebral column (sagittal plane) (Definitely NOPE)

15 Perdriolle degrees (radiographic rotation) (Yep, but to a lesser extent than cobb angle)

16 Kypho-lordosis Cobb degrees (radiographic lateral alignment) (Yep)

17 Sensory motor integration of the corrective ideal pattern (Nope)

18 Exercise efficiency (Nope.)

19 Equality of weight bearing (Perhaps a little?)

20 Improved body motor awareness and motor learning skills (Nope.)

21 Improved processing of vestibular input (Nope.)

Final total:

5 total positive outcome measures achieved.

14 total Negative outcome measures achieved.

2 unknown outcome measures

Overall: We need a better way!

How effective is surgery for treating scoliosis anyway? Admittedly, it is a question with very subjective set of answers, so I thought it would be interesting to compare the benefits of surgical correction for scoliosis against the SOSORT rankings of most important scoliosis treatment outcomes.

Ranking Importance of factors in scoliosis according to SOSORT

1. Aesthetics ( I guess, if you don’t count the big scar going down the entire length of the patient’s back…cosmetic improvement IS the only indication for scoliosis surgery…”Correction of scoliosis is largely an elective cosmetic procedure in the young population, who account for the largest portion of the surgical population. Associated with the correction, however, is a very real possibility of major neurological injury, including paralysis.”)
SCOLIOSIS SURGERY: APPROPRIATE MONITORING. Tod B. Sloan MD, PhD. Anesthesiology Clinics of North America
Volume 15, Issue 3, 1 September 1997, Pages 573-592

2. Quality of life (Nope. Not with 40% of patients being legally defined as severely handicapped with in 17 years post surgery.)
Gotze C, Slomka A, Gotze HG, Potzl W, Liljenqvist U, Steinbeck J. Long-term results of quality of life in patients with idiopathic scoliosis after Harrington instrmentation and their relevance for expert evidence. Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb 2002 Sep-Oct;140(5):492-8

3. Psychological well-being (Nope. “The psychological health status is significantly impaired.”)
Quality of Life and Back Pain: Outcome 16.7 Years After Harrington Instrumentation
Spine 2002 Jul 1;27 (13) :1456-63 Gotze et al, Dept. of O Surg, Hamm,Germany

4. Disability (Nope. “40% of operated treated patients with idiopathic scoliosis were legally defined as severely handicapped persons”
Gotze C, Slomka A, Gotze HG, Potzl W, Liljenqvist U, Steinbeck J. Long-term results of quality of life in patients with idiopathic scoliosis after Harrington instrumentation and their relevance for expert evidence. Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb 2002 Sep-Oct;140(5):492-8

5. Back Pain (Nope. “Standardized gradations of pain and function showed improvement over-all, but significant impairment remained. There was a reduction in the levels of peak and constant pain, but no change in the frequency of peak pain after operation. The number of patients who were pain-free after surgery was not increased…..In view of the high rate of complications, the limited gains to be derived from spinal fusion should be assessed and clearly explained to patients before the procedure is undertaken.”)
Results of surgical treatment of adults with idiopathic scoliosis.
J Bone Joint Surg Am 1987 Jun;69(5):667-75
Sponseller PD, Cohen MS, Nachemson AL, Hall JE, Wohl ME.

6. Rib hump (Potentially, some cases may require an additional rib resection surgery though….not a small procedure.)

7. Breathing function (Nope. “The correlation between the change in Cobb angle and the thoracic volume change was poor for both groups.”)
Scoliosis curve correction, thoracic volume changes, and thoracic diameters in scoliotic patients after anterior and posterior instrumentation. Int Orthop 2001;25(2):66-0

8. Progression in adulthood (Nope. “Initial average loss of spinal correction post-surgery is 3.2 degrees in the first year and 6.5 after two years with continued loss of 1.0 degrees per year throughout life.”)

9. Needs of further treatments in adulthood (Nope. “40% of operated treated patients with idiopathic scoliosis were legally defined as severely handicapped persons” )
Gotze C, Slomka A, Gotze HG, Potzl W, Liljenqvist U, Steinbeck J. Long-term results of quality of life in patients with idiopathic scoliosis after Harrington instrumentation and their relevance for expert evidence. Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb 2002 Sep-Oct;140(5):492-8

10 Knowledge and understanding of scoliosis in general and their specific pattern (Nope.)

11 Balance (Unknown, but probably not)

12 Scoliosis Cobb degrees (radiographic lateral flexion) (Yep)

13 Self control of posture (Nope.)

14 Movement of the vertebral column (sagittal plane) (Definitely NOPE)

15 Perdriolle degrees (radiographic rotation) (Yep, but to a lesser extent than cobb angle)

16 Kypho-lordosis Cobb degrees (radiographic lateral alignment) (Yep)

17 Sensory motor integration of the corrective ideal pattern (Nope)

18 Exercise efficiency (Nope.)

19 Equality of weight bearing (Perhaps a little?)

20 Improved body motor awareness and motor learning skills (Nope.)

21 Improved processing of vestibular input (Nope.)

Final total:

5 total positive outcome measures achieved.

14 total Negative outcome measures achieved.

2 unknown outcome measures

Overall: We need a better way!

Read More

Scoliosis Sufferers in India Now Have a Natural Solution

Residents in India can now purchase the scoliosis book at a site: http://www.flipkart.com/health-your-hands-kevin-lau-book-1451568967

Residents in India can now purchase the scoliosis book at a site: http://www.flipkart.com/health-your-hands-kevin-lau-book-1451568967

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Assessment of Sick Cats

Aroch I, Keidar I, Himelstein A et al: Diagnostic and prognostic value of serum creatine-kinase activity in ill cats: a retrospective study of 601 cases, J Feline Med Surg 12:466, 2010.

Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity is commonly used to assess skeletal muscle damage in veterinary medicine. It is included in most serum biochemistry laboratory profiles performed. This was a retrospective study of 601 cases of ill cats aiming to evaluate the prevalence of increased CK activity. Median serum CK was 402 U/L. A previous study concluded that serum CK activity could possibly serve as a useful marker of the nutritional status of ill cats. This study indicated that 10% of the cats had marked increases of serum CK activity that were more than 20-fold above the upper limit of the reference range (URL). They found that cats with increased serum CK activity have a higher proportion of systemic clinical signs, suggesting a more severe disease compared to cats with normal CK activity. Therefore, when serum CK is increased in cats, this should probably be a marker of a more severe disease. Other factors, such as intramuscular injections and excessive restraint, could also contribute to increased CK activity. Serum CK activity is not a good predictor of outcome. Yet, when serum CK activity is extremely increased (7500 U/l or 30-fold the URL), it is associated with a higher mortality and can serve as a negative prognostic indicator. [VT]

Related articles:
Fascetti A, Mauldin G, Mauldin G: Correlation between serum creatinine kinase activities and anorexia in cats, J Vet Intern Med 11:9, 1997.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Aroch I, Keidar I, Himelstein A et al: Diagnostic and prognostic value of serum creatine-kinase activity in ill cats: a retrospective study of 601 cases, J Feline Med Surg 12:466, 2010.

Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity is commonly used to assess skeletal muscle damage in veterinary medicine. It is included in most serum biochemistry laboratory profiles performed. This was a retrospective study of 601 cases of ill cats aiming to evaluate the prevalence of increased CK activity. Median serum CK was 402 U/L. A previous study concluded that serum CK activity could possibly serve as a useful marker of the nutritional status of ill cats. This study indicated that 10% of the cats had marked increases of serum CK activity that were more than 20-fold above the upper limit of the reference range (URL). They found that cats with increased serum CK activity have a higher proportion of systemic clinical signs, suggesting a more severe disease compared to cats with normal CK activity. Therefore, when serum CK is increased in cats, this should probably be a marker of a more severe disease. Other factors, such as intramuscular injections and excessive restraint, could also contribute to increased CK activity. Serum CK activity is not a good predictor of outcome. Yet, when serum CK activity is extremely increased (7500 U/l or 30-fold the URL), it is associated with a higher mortality and can serve as a negative prognostic indicator. [VT]

Related articles:
Fascetti A, Mauldin G, Mauldin G: Correlation between serum creatinine kinase activities and anorexia in cats, J Vet Intern Med 11:9, 1997.

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

Read More

Physiotherapy helps Hamilton mum who suffered years of pain due to serious spinal condition

A LANARKSHIRE mum has endured years of pain and discomfort – due to a serious spinal condition.

Four years ago Pamela Alston, from Quarter, began to suffer extreme back pain at work. She was diagnosed with the condition scoliosis.

This causes excessive curvature of the spine.

And, if left untreated, can lead to fatal heart and lung problems.

Pamela ( 22), a customer services advisor with First Direct, found it almost impossible to sit at her desk at work all day.

When she went to her GP she was shocked to discover the pain was due to a significant curve in her spine.

Pamela was later informed the only option available to her was to undergo basic physiotherapy or to have spinal fusion surgery.

She said: “I was devastated. I’d only just discovered I was expecting my first baby.

“However, this was clouded by being diagnosed with such a serious condition.

“I was only able to get physiotherapy during the first trimester of my pregnancy.

“The NHS could not recommend any other treatment other than surgery, but my condition was considered not to be severe enough to warrant having my spine fused.

“I felt like I was in limbo.”

Pamela had baby Jessica in January 2007. Some time later she felt well enough to return to her hobby of dancing.

However, she was advised to give this up because of her spine condition.

While surfing the internet, Pamela came across a clinic which offered non-surgical treatments for the condition.

The clinic told her the pain she had been experiencing was due to an imbalance of the muscles surrounding her spine which was caused by scoliosis.

And, after being treated at the clinic in England, her pain declined. She has to make a trip to the clinic for one day every six weeks for check-ups.

Pamela said this week: “I now feel much happier with my posture and physical appearance. I’m now pain free and no longer at risk from major surgery.

“I’ve learned so much about my condition and I now feel in control. I know the exercises I need to do in order to remain pain-free.”

A LANARKSHIRE mum has endured years of pain and discomfort – due to a serious spinal condition.

Four years ago Pamela Alston, from Quarter, began to suffer extreme back pain at work. She was diagnosed with the condition scoliosis.

This causes excessive curvature of the spine.

And, if left untreated, can lead to fatal heart and lung problems.

Pamela ( 22), a customer services advisor with First Direct, found it almost impossible to sit at her desk at work all day.

When she went to her GP she was shocked to discover the pain was due to a significant curve in her spine.

Pamela was later informed the only option available to her was to undergo basic physiotherapy or to have spinal fusion surgery.

She said: “I was devastated. I’d only just discovered I was expecting my first baby.

“However, this was clouded by being diagnosed with such a serious condition.

“I was only able to get physiotherapy during the first trimester of my pregnancy.

“The NHS could not recommend any other treatment other than surgery, but my condition was considered not to be severe enough to warrant having my spine fused.

“I felt like I was in limbo.”

Pamela had baby Jessica in January 2007. Some time later she felt well enough to return to her hobby of dancing.

However, she was advised to give this up because of her spine condition.

While surfing the internet, Pamela came across a clinic which offered non-surgical treatments for the condition.

The clinic told her the pain she had been experiencing was due to an imbalance of the muscles surrounding her spine which was caused by scoliosis.

And, after being treated at the clinic in England, her pain declined. She has to make a trip to the clinic for one day every six weeks for check-ups.

Pamela said this week: “I now feel much happier with my posture and physical appearance. I’m now pain free and no longer at risk from major surgery.

“I’ve learned so much about my condition and I now feel in control. I know the exercises I need to do in order to remain pain-free.”

Read More

Efficacy of a Vaccine for FIV

Huang C, Conlee D, Gill M et al: Dual-subtype feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine provides 12 months of protective immunity against heterologous challenge, J Feline Med Surg 12:451, 2010.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes progressive impairment of the feline immune system, in time leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A hallmark of FIV infection is the depletion of CD4+ T cells and a reduction in the CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratio. This study’s purpose was to evaluate whether a 1-year duration of immunity against sub-type B FIV is attainable with the Fel-O-Vax FIV vaccine. Fourteen vaccinated cats were challenged with a subtype-B FIV strain 54 weeks after final vaccination. Ten of the fourteen vaccinated cats were fully protected for 48 weeks against infection with this FIV subtype. The levels of anti-FIV antibody noted for the vaccinated cats suggests that the three-dose vaccination regimen is capable of establishing and maintaining immunologic memory for at least 12 months. [VT]

Related articles:
Levy J, Crawford C, Hartmann K et al: 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines, J Feline Med Surg 10:300, 2008.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Huang C, Conlee D, Gill M et al: Dual-subtype feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine provides 12 months of protective immunity against heterologous challenge, J Feline Med Surg 12:451, 2010.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes progressive impairment of the feline immune system, in time leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A hallmark of FIV infection is the depletion of CD4+ T cells and a reduction in the CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratio. This study’s purpose was to evaluate whether a 1-year duration of immunity against sub-type B FIV is attainable with the Fel-O-Vax FIV vaccine. Fourteen vaccinated cats were challenged with a subtype-B FIV strain 54 weeks after final vaccination. Ten of the fourteen vaccinated cats were fully protected for 48 weeks against infection with this FIV subtype. The levels of anti-FIV antibody noted for the vaccinated cats suggests that the three-dose vaccination regimen is capable of establishing and maintaining immunologic memory for at least 12 months. [VT]

Related articles:
Levy J, Crawford C, Hartmann K et al: 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines, J Feline Med Surg 10:300, 2008.

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

Read More