Outcome of Cats with Lymphoma

Kiselow, M. A., K. M. Rassnick, et al. (2008). "Outcome of cats with low-grade lymphocytic lymphoma: 41 cases (1995-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(3): 405-10.

This retrospective case series looked at 41 cats with confirmed lymphoma of various organs treated with prednisone and chlorambucil. Common clinical signs included vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and diarrhea. The majority of cats tested had low serum cobalamin levels. Most cats (68%) had lymphoma confined to the gastrointestinal tract. A complete response to treatment was achieved in 58% of cats, and 39% achieved a partial response. Overall median survival time was 704 days. This study shows that most cats diagnosed with lymphocytic lymphoma will respond to treatment with prednisone and chlorambucil.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hadden, A. G., S. M. Cotter, et al. (2008). "Efficacy and Toxicosis of VELCAP-C Treatment of Lymphoma in Cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 153-7.
>> PubMed abstract

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Kiselow, M. A., K. M. Rassnick, et al. (2008). "Outcome of cats with low-grade lymphocytic lymphoma: 41 cases (1995-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(3): 405-10.

This retrospective case series looked at 41 cats with confirmed lymphoma of various organs treated with prednisone and chlorambucil. Common clinical signs included vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and diarrhea. The majority of cats tested had low serum cobalamin levels. Most cats (68%) had lymphoma confined to the gastrointestinal tract. A complete response to treatment was achieved in 58% of cats, and 39% achieved a partial response. Overall median survival time was 704 days. This study shows that most cats diagnosed with lymphocytic lymphoma will respond to treatment with prednisone and chlorambucil.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hadden, A. G., S. M. Cotter, et al. (2008). "Efficacy and Toxicosis of VELCAP-C Treatment of Lymphoma in Cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 153-7.
>> PubMed abstract

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Liver Function and Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Berent, A. C., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2007). Liver function in cats with hyperthyroidism before and after 131I therapy. J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1217-23.

Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disease of senior cats, and many patients have changes in liver enzymes and other markers of liver function at the time of diagnosis. The clinical significance of these markers of liver damage is unknown. In this study, the liver function of 19 cats with naturally occurring hyperthyroidism was evaluated before and after I-131 therapy. The majority of the cats (15/19) had significant increases in at least one liver enzyme, yet functional testing was normal. All hyperthyroid cats had normal livers on ultrasound examination. All cats responded to treatment with I-131 and all changes in liver enzymes returned to normal. This study supports the conclusion that investigation for liver disease is unnecessary in most cats with hyperthyroidism.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Archer, F. J. and S. M. Taylor (1996). Alkaline phosphatase bone isoenzyme and osteocalcin in the serum of hyperthyroid cats. Can Vet J 37(12): 735-9.
[Free full text article]

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Berent, A. C., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2007). Liver function in cats with hyperthyroidism before and after 131I therapy. J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1217-23.

Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disease of senior cats, and many patients have changes in liver enzymes and other markers of liver function at the time of diagnosis. The clinical significance of these markers of liver damage is unknown. In this study, the liver function of 19 cats with naturally occurring hyperthyroidism was evaluated before and after I-131 therapy. The majority of the cats (15/19) had significant increases in at least one liver enzyme, yet functional testing was normal. All hyperthyroid cats had normal livers on ultrasound examination. All cats responded to treatment with I-131 and all changes in liver enzymes returned to normal. This study supports the conclusion that investigation for liver disease is unnecessary in most cats with hyperthyroidism.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Archer, F. J. and S. M. Taylor (1996). Alkaline phosphatase bone isoenzyme and osteocalcin in the serum of hyperthyroid cats. Can Vet J 37(12): 735-9.
[Free full text article]

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Efficacy of Transdermal Atenolol for Cats

Macgregor, J. M., J. E. Rush, et al. (2008). "Comparison of pharmacodynamic variables following oral versus transdermal administration of atenolol to healthy cats." Am J Vet Res 69(1): 39-44.

Atenolol is often prescribed for cats with certain types of heart disease, most notably some forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The drug is typically prescribed as 1/4 of a 25 mg tablet every 12 hours. Long term daily administration of oral medication may be very difficult for some owners to achieve. In recent years, there has been great interest in transdermal formulations of medication for cats. Few studies have reported on the efficacy of transdermal gel medications for cats, and of those that have been published the results are not always promising. In this project, atenolol was administered to 7 healthy cats, either orally or as a transdermal gel. Blood levels of atenolol were tested to determine efficacy of the route of administration. The difference between the two routes of administration was significant, with transdermal atenolol providing lower and inconsistent blood levels compared to oral administration.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Helms, S. R. (2007). "Treatment of feline hypertension with transdermal amlodipine: a pilot study." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 43(3): 149-156.

Lecuyer, M., S. Prini, et al. (2006). "Clinical efficacy and safety of transdermal methimazole in the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism." Can Vet J 47(2): 131-5. [Free full text article]

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Macgregor, J. M., J. E. Rush, et al. (2008). "Comparison of pharmacodynamic variables following oral versus transdermal administration of atenolol to healthy cats." Am J Vet Res 69(1): 39-44.

Atenolol is often prescribed for cats with certain types of heart disease, most notably some forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The drug is typically prescribed as 1/4 of a 25 mg tablet every 12 hours. Long term daily administration of oral medication may be very difficult for some owners to achieve. In recent years, there has been great interest in transdermal formulations of medication for cats. Few studies have reported on the efficacy of transdermal gel medications for cats, and of those that have been published the results are not always promising. In this project, atenolol was administered to 7 healthy cats, either orally or as a transdermal gel. Blood levels of atenolol were tested to determine efficacy of the route of administration. The difference between the two routes of administration was significant, with transdermal atenolol providing lower and inconsistent blood levels compared to oral administration.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Helms, S. R. (2007). "Treatment of feline hypertension with transdermal amlodipine: a pilot study." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 43(3): 149-156.

Lecuyer, M., S. Prini, et al. (2006). "Clinical efficacy and safety of transdermal methimazole in the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism." Can Vet J 47(2): 131-5. [Free full text article]

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Feline Interferon as a Treatment for FIP

Ritz, S., H. Egberink, et al. (2007). "Effect of feline interferon-omega on the survival time and quality of life of cats with feline infectious peritonitis." J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1193-7.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a devastating disease of young cats with no known effective treatment. Feline interferon-omega (Virbagen Omega, Virbac) has been used in Europe and other parts of the world to treat FIP, but its efficacy is unknown. The drug is currently not available in North America. This study evaluated the efficacy of feline interferon-omega on the survival time and quality of life in 37 privately owned cats with naturally occurring FIP. The study was designed as a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. There was no statistical difference in the survival time or other variables in cats receiving feline interferon-omega compared to cats receiving placebo.
>> PubMed abstract

Winn Feline Foundation funds 3 new studies on FIP in 2008

Bria Fund for FIP Research

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Ritz, S., H. Egberink, et al. (2007). "Effect of feline interferon-omega on the survival time and quality of life of cats with feline infectious peritonitis." J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1193-7.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a devastating disease of young cats with no known effective treatment. Feline interferon-omega (Virbagen Omega, Virbac) has been used in Europe and other parts of the world to treat FIP, but its efficacy is unknown. The drug is currently not available in North America. This study evaluated the efficacy of feline interferon-omega on the survival time and quality of life in 37 privately owned cats with naturally occurring FIP. The study was designed as a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. There was no statistical difference in the survival time or other variables in cats receiving feline interferon-omega compared to cats receiving placebo.
>> PubMed abstract

Winn Feline Foundation funds 3 new studies on FIP in 2008

Bria Fund for FIP Research

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Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats

Winn funded research

Janeczko, S., D. Atwater, et al. (2008). "The relationship of mucosal bacteria to duodenal histopathology, cytokine mRNA, and clinical disease activity in cats with inflammatory bowel disease." Vet Microbiol 128(1-2): 178-93.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for a group of poorly understood gastrointestinal (GI) diseases of cats. Cats with IBD have uncontrolled intestinal inflammation but the inciting causes are poorly understood. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of intestinal mucosal bacteria to inflammation and clinical signs in cats with IBD. Biopsies of the duodenum were obtained from 27 cats: 17 cats sampled as part of diagnostic investigation for GI disease, and 10 control cats. The number of Enterobacteriaceae was higher in cats with clinical signs of GI disease than healthy cats. Total numbers of mucosal bacteria were associated with changes in mucosal architecture and the degree of inflammation. The results of this study suggest that mucosal bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and Clostridium are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD in cats.

>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Winn funded research

Janeczko, S., D. Atwater, et al. (2008). "The relationship of mucosal bacteria to duodenal histopathology, cytokine mRNA, and clinical disease activity in cats with inflammatory bowel disease." Vet Microbiol 128(1-2): 178-93.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for a group of poorly understood gastrointestinal (GI) diseases of cats. Cats with IBD have uncontrolled intestinal inflammation but the inciting causes are poorly understood. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of intestinal mucosal bacteria to inflammation and clinical signs in cats with IBD. Biopsies of the duodenum were obtained from 27 cats: 17 cats sampled as part of diagnostic investigation for GI disease, and 10 control cats. The number of Enterobacteriaceae was higher in cats with clinical signs of GI disease than healthy cats. Total numbers of mucosal bacteria were associated with changes in mucosal architecture and the degree of inflammation. The results of this study suggest that mucosal bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and Clostridium are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD in cats.

>> PubMed Abstract

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Yeast Overgrowth in Cats With Allergic Skin Disease

Ordeix, L., F. Galeotti, et al. (2007). "Malassezia spp. overgrowth in allergic cats." Vet Dermatol 18(5): 316-23.

Malassezia (formerly known as Pityrosporum) are yeasts found on the skin surface of animals and humans. A series of 18 cats with skin disease is reported; 16 of which were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. All were diagnosed with overgrowth of Malassezia on cytological examination or fungal culture. Skin lesions included multifocal alopecia, erythema, crusting and greasy adherent brownish scales. Treatment consisted of antifungal therapy alone, antifungal plus antibacterial therapy, or antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy. After 3 to 4 weeks, substantial improvement was seen in all cats treated with combination therapy, and in 71% of cats treated with antifungal therapy alone. Malassezia overgrowth may be a secondary problem in some allergic cats, especially those with greasy adherent brownish scales.
>> PubMed abtract

Related article:
Ahman, S., N. Perrins, et al. (2007). "Treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis-associated seborrhoeic dermatitis in Devon Rex cats with itraconazole--a pilot study." Vet Dermatol 18(3): 171-4.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Ordeix, L., F. Galeotti, et al. (2007). "Malassezia spp. overgrowth in allergic cats." Vet Dermatol 18(5): 316-23.

Malassezia (formerly known as Pityrosporum) are yeasts found on the skin surface of animals and humans. A series of 18 cats with skin disease is reported; 16 of which were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. All were diagnosed with overgrowth of Malassezia on cytological examination or fungal culture. Skin lesions included multifocal alopecia, erythema, crusting and greasy adherent brownish scales. Treatment consisted of antifungal therapy alone, antifungal plus antibacterial therapy, or antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy. After 3 to 4 weeks, substantial improvement was seen in all cats treated with combination therapy, and in 71% of cats treated with antifungal therapy alone. Malassezia overgrowth may be a secondary problem in some allergic cats, especially those with greasy adherent brownish scales.
>> PubMed abtract

Related article:
Ahman, S., N. Perrins, et al. (2007). "Treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis-associated seborrhoeic dermatitis in Devon Rex cats with itraconazole--a pilot study." Vet Dermatol 18(3): 171-4.

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Efficacy of Amoxicillin for Common Cat Infections

Roy, J., S. Messier, et al. (2007). "Clinical and in vitro efficacy of amoxicillin against bacteria associated with feline skin wounds and abscesses." Can Vet J 48(6): 607-11.

One of the most common cat health problems seen by veterinarians is skin or wound infections, typically due to injuries from fighting with other cats. Such infections are typically treated by cleansing the wound and prescribing a broad spectrum antibiotic. Veterinarians are concerned about emerging bacterial resistance problems, and are encouraged to use antimicrobial agents wisely, reserving newer and more powerful antibiotics for serious infections and resistant cases. This study was designed to determine if a common older antibiotic, amoxicillin, was still effective for treatment of this type of infection. The study examined bacterial cultures from the wounds of 122 cats and tested the isolates for sensitivity to amoxicillin. The global success rate was over 95%, demonstrating that amoxicillin is still a good choice for common skin and wound infections in cats.
>> Free full text article from PubMed Central

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Roy, J., S. Messier, et al. (2007). "Clinical and in vitro efficacy of amoxicillin against bacteria associated with feline skin wounds and abscesses." Can Vet J 48(6): 607-11.

One of the most common cat health problems seen by veterinarians is skin or wound infections, typically due to injuries from fighting with other cats. Such infections are typically treated by cleansing the wound and prescribing a broad spectrum antibiotic. Veterinarians are concerned about emerging bacterial resistance problems, and are encouraged to use antimicrobial agents wisely, reserving newer and more powerful antibiotics for serious infections and resistant cases. This study was designed to determine if a common older antibiotic, amoxicillin, was still effective for treatment of this type of infection. The study examined bacterial cultures from the wounds of 122 cats and tested the isolates for sensitivity to amoxicillin. The global success rate was over 95%, demonstrating that amoxicillin is still a good choice for common skin and wound infections in cats.
>> Free full text article from PubMed Central

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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