Differentiating Spayed from Intact Queens

Axnner, E., T. Gustavsson, et al. (2008). "Estradiol measurement after GnRH-stimulation as a method to diagnose the presence of ovaries in the female domestic cat." Theriogenology 70(2): 186-191.

Spaying is routinely recommended for population control in cats, as well as for specific health benefits and to avoid unwanted behaviors. It can be difficult to determine if a queen with an unknown history and no estrous activity is spayed or intact. In addition, one of the most common feline reproductive problems encountered by practicing veterinarians is ovarian remnant syndrome. A test that differentiates intact from spayed queens would be valuable. A commercially available luteinizing hormone assay (Witness LH, Synbiotics) has been marketed for this purpose, but is not available world-wide. GnRH induces release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH from the pituitary gland. FSH stimulates estradiol production by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. The aim of this study was to evaluate if it is possible to differentiate between spayed and sexually inactive intact queens by measurement of plasma estradiol before and/or after stimulation with a GnRH-analogue, buserelin (Receptal, Intervet). Two groups of female cats (11 spayed, 11 intact) were treated with buserelin after baseline measurement of plasma estradiol and progesterone. A second blood sample was collected two hours later. Median estradiol increased after stimulation with buserelin in intact but not in spayed females. There was no overlap between the two groups of cats. Measurement of plasma estradiol concentration 2 hours after stimulation with a GnRH-analogue seems to be a reliable method to diagnose the presence of ovarian tissue in the female cat.

Axnner, E., T. Gustavsson, et al. (2008). "Estradiol measurement after GnRH-stimulation as a method to diagnose the presence of ovaries in the female domestic cat." Theriogenology 70(2): 186-191.

Spaying is routinely recommended for population control in cats, as well as for specific health benefits and to avoid unwanted behaviors. It can be difficult to determine if a queen with an unknown history and no estrous activity is spayed or intact. In addition, one of the most common feline reproductive problems encountered by practicing veterinarians is ovarian remnant syndrome. A test that differentiates intact from spayed queens would be valuable. A commercially available luteinizing hormone assay (Witness LH, Synbiotics) has been marketed for this purpose, but is not available world-wide. GnRH induces release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH from the pituitary gland. FSH stimulates estradiol production by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. The aim of this study was to evaluate if it is possible to differentiate between spayed and sexually inactive intact queens by measurement of plasma estradiol before and/or after stimulation with a GnRH-analogue, buserelin (Receptal, Intervet). Two groups of female cats (11 spayed, 11 intact) were treated with buserelin after baseline measurement of plasma estradiol and progesterone. A second blood sample was collected two hours later. Median estradiol increased after stimulation with buserelin in intact but not in spayed females. There was no overlap between the two groups of cats. Measurement of plasma estradiol concentration 2 hours after stimulation with a GnRH-analogue seems to be a reliable method to diagnose the presence of ovarian tissue in the female cat.

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Glucocorticoids and Cats

Lowe, A. D., K. L. Campbell, et al. (2008). "Clinical, clinicopathological and histological changes observed in 14 cats treated with glucocorticoids." Vet Rec 162(24): 777-83.

Glucocorticoids such as prednisone and prednisolone are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions in feline medicine. Adverse effects from this class of drugs in cats are well known, and may be dose-dependent. In this study, 14 cats were given immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone (4.4 mg/kg/day) or dexamethasone (0.55 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Complete blood counts, serum biochemistry profiles and urinalyses were performed on days 0 and 56, and liver biopsies were taken on day 56. Significant increases were noted in mean white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and monocyte counts. Significant decreases were noted in mean lymphocyte counts and eosinophil counts. Consistent increases in serum albumin, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were observed. A steroid hepatopathy was present in varying degrees in all liver biopsies. One cat developed clinical signs believed to be related to the therapy, such as icterus and curling of the pinnae.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Sharkey, L. C., T. Ployngam, et al. (2007). "Effects of a single injection of methylprednisolone acetate on serum biochemical parameters in 11 cats." Vet Clin Pathol 36(2): 184-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Lowe, A. D., K. L. Campbell, et al. (2008). "Clinical, clinicopathological and histological changes observed in 14 cats treated with glucocorticoids." Vet Rec 162(24): 777-83.

Glucocorticoids such as prednisone and prednisolone are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions in feline medicine. Adverse effects from this class of drugs in cats are well known, and may be dose-dependent. In this study, 14 cats were given immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone (4.4 mg/kg/day) or dexamethasone (0.55 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Complete blood counts, serum biochemistry profiles and urinalyses were performed on days 0 and 56, and liver biopsies were taken on day 56. Significant increases were noted in mean white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and monocyte counts. Significant decreases were noted in mean lymphocyte counts and eosinophil counts. Consistent increases in serum albumin, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were observed. A steroid hepatopathy was present in varying degrees in all liver biopsies. One cat developed clinical signs believed to be related to the therapy, such as icterus and curling of the pinnae.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Sharkey, L. C., T. Ployngam, et al. (2007). "Effects of a single injection of methylprednisolone acetate on serum biochemical parameters in 11 cats." Vet Clin Pathol 36(2): 184-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Insulins for Cats: Glargine, PZI, Lente

Marshall, R. D., J. S. Rand, et al. (2008). "Glargine and protamine zinc insulin have a longer duration of action and result in lower mean daily glucose concentrations than lente insulin in healthy cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 205-212.

This 3-way crossover study was designed to evaluate the effects of glargine (Lantus®), protamine zinc (PZI), and lente insulins in 9 healthy cats. Plasma concentrations of insulin and glucose were determined for 24 hours after a single subcutaneous injection of each insulin at 3-day intervals. Time to onset of action did not differ among insulins. The mean time to the glucose nadir was longer for glargine (14 hours), than for PZI (4 hours) or lente (5 hours). PZI was biphasic, with nadirs at 4 and 14 hours. The nadir glucose value did not differ among insulin types. The duration of action was similar for glargine and PZI, and was longer than for lente. A larger study is required to further compare glargine and PZI insulins in cats.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Weaver, K. E., E. A. Rozanski, et al. (2006). "Use of glargine and lente insulins in cats with diabetes mellitus." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 234-8.
>> PubMed abstract

Rand, J. (2006). "Editorial: glargine, a new long-acting insulin analog for diabetic cats." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 219-20.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Marshall, R. D., J. S. Rand, et al. (2008). "Glargine and protamine zinc insulin have a longer duration of action and result in lower mean daily glucose concentrations than lente insulin in healthy cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 205-212.

This 3-way crossover study was designed to evaluate the effects of glargine (Lantus®), protamine zinc (PZI), and lente insulins in 9 healthy cats. Plasma concentrations of insulin and glucose were determined for 24 hours after a single subcutaneous injection of each insulin at 3-day intervals. Time to onset of action did not differ among insulins. The mean time to the glucose nadir was longer for glargine (14 hours), than for PZI (4 hours) or lente (5 hours). PZI was biphasic, with nadirs at 4 and 14 hours. The nadir glucose value did not differ among insulin types. The duration of action was similar for glargine and PZI, and was longer than for lente. A larger study is required to further compare glargine and PZI insulins in cats.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Weaver, K. E., E. A. Rozanski, et al. (2006). "Use of glargine and lente insulins in cats with diabetes mellitus." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 234-8.
>> PubMed abstract

Rand, J. (2006). "Editorial: glargine, a new long-acting insulin analog for diabetic cats." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 219-20.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Fecal Parvovirus Testing in Cats

Neuerer, F. F., K. Horlacher, et al. (2008). "Comparison of different in-house test systems to detect parvovirus in faeces of cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 247-251.

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a common infection of domestic cats. The disease is highly contagious and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in kittens. The virus is highly resistant and can survive up to 1 year in infected organic material. Clinical signs in cats are variable and leukopenia is not always present at the time of presentation. In-house tests for the detection of fecal canine parvovirus and/or FPV antigen for use in veterinary practice have become available. The close structural and antigenic relation of FPV and canine parvoviruses offers the possibility to test cats for FPV with the same test kit used for dogs. This study was designed to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of 5 commercial tests and to assess their sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. In total, 200 fecal samples from randomly selected healthy cats (148) and cats with diarrhea (52) were tested and compared with the results of examination by electron microscopy. Ten cats were positive for FPV and all of these had diarrhea. All tests were suitable to screen cats for fecal parvovirus excretion. In-house parvovirus tests may be positive up to 2 weeks after vaccination, and therefore, in recently vaccinated cats positive results do not necessarily mean infection.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Patterson, E. V., M. J. Reese, et al. (2007). "Effect of vaccination on parvovirus antigen testing in kittens." J Am Vet Med Assoc 230(3): 359-63.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Neuerer, F. F., K. Horlacher, et al. (2008). "Comparison of different in-house test systems to detect parvovirus in faeces of cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 247-251.

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a common infection of domestic cats. The disease is highly contagious and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in kittens. The virus is highly resistant and can survive up to 1 year in infected organic material. Clinical signs in cats are variable and leukopenia is not always present at the time of presentation. In-house tests for the detection of fecal canine parvovirus and/or FPV antigen for use in veterinary practice have become available. The close structural and antigenic relation of FPV and canine parvoviruses offers the possibility to test cats for FPV with the same test kit used for dogs. This study was designed to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of 5 commercial tests and to assess their sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. In total, 200 fecal samples from randomly selected healthy cats (148) and cats with diarrhea (52) were tested and compared with the results of examination by electron microscopy. Ten cats were positive for FPV and all of these had diarrhea. All tests were suitable to screen cats for fecal parvovirus excretion. In-house parvovirus tests may be positive up to 2 weeks after vaccination, and therefore, in recently vaccinated cats positive results do not necessarily mean infection.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Patterson, E. V., M. J. Reese, et al. (2007). "Effect of vaccination on parvovirus antigen testing in kittens." J Am Vet Med Assoc 230(3): 359-63.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Blood Transfusions in Cats

Roux, F. A., J.-Y. Deschamps, et al. (2008). "Multiple red cell transfusions in 27 cats (2003-2006): indications, complications and outcomes." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 213-218.

Feline critical care, and in particular transfusion medicine, has been advancing in recent years. It is generally accepted that blood transfusions are more difficult in cats than in dogs. A particular challenge is the cat that has suffered catastrophic blood loss or hemolysis, requiring multiple transfusions (massive transfusion). The goals of this study were to evaluate the indications, complications and outcome of multiple red cell transfusions (MrcTs) in cats; to describe those that received massive transfusion; and to compare them with those who received MrcTs over a longer time course. Twenty-seven cats were identified which received a total of 110 transfusions. The median age of cats was 6 years and cats were hospitalized for a median of 6 days. No acute transfusion reactions were documented. Sixteen cats survived to discharge and 11 died or were euthanized. Indications for transfusions included bone marrow failure, surgical loss, sepsis, neoplasia, and trauma. The researchers conclude that MrcTs are well-tolerated in cats and may be associated with a favorable outcome.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Iazbik, M. C., P. Gomez Ochoa, et al. (2007). "Effects of blood collection for transfusion on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and PCV in cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1181-4.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Roux, F. A., J.-Y. Deschamps, et al. (2008). "Multiple red cell transfusions in 27 cats (2003-2006): indications, complications and outcomes." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 213-218.

Feline critical care, and in particular transfusion medicine, has been advancing in recent years. It is generally accepted that blood transfusions are more difficult in cats than in dogs. A particular challenge is the cat that has suffered catastrophic blood loss or hemolysis, requiring multiple transfusions (massive transfusion). The goals of this study were to evaluate the indications, complications and outcome of multiple red cell transfusions (MrcTs) in cats; to describe those that received massive transfusion; and to compare them with those who received MrcTs over a longer time course. Twenty-seven cats were identified which received a total of 110 transfusions. The median age of cats was 6 years and cats were hospitalized for a median of 6 days. No acute transfusion reactions were documented. Sixteen cats survived to discharge and 11 died or were euthanized. Indications for transfusions included bone marrow failure, surgical loss, sepsis, neoplasia, and trauma. The researchers conclude that MrcTs are well-tolerated in cats and may be associated with a favorable outcome.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Iazbik, M. C., P. Gomez Ochoa, et al. (2007). "Effects of blood collection for transfusion on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and PCV in cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1181-4.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Meloxicam for Feline Arthritis

Gunew, M. N., V. H. Menrath, et al. (2008). "Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01-0.03 mg/kg for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 235-241.

Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that typically affects the elbow, hip, and shoulder joints of as many as 1 in 5 senior cats. Affected cats may have a variety of clinical signs, such as difficulty in jumping, lameness, resentment of handling and stiff gait. However, many owners do not recognize the significance of these clinical signs and may attribute them to aging changes. Although this is a common disease, reports of long-term osteoarthritis therapy in cats are rare. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven efficacy in dogs and humans but there are limited published data on the use of NSAIDs in the long-term management of this condition in cats. This prospective study aimed to assess the long-term safety and palatability of oral meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.) and its efficacy in treating osteoarthritic pain in cats when given at a dose of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg once daily. Forty cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis completed the trial with a mean treatment duration of 5.8 months. Gastrointestinal upset in 2/46 (4%) cats was the only adverse effect noted. Three of the cats had stable chronic renal insufficiency (IRIS stage 3). No deleterious effect on renal function was detected in cats studied. Owners subjectively assessed treatment efficacy as good or excellent in 34/40 (85%) of cases. The results of this study showed oral meloxicam to be safe and palatable long-term treatment for osteoarthritis in cats when given with food at a dose of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Clarke, S. P., D. Mellor, et al. (2005). "Prevalence of radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease in a hospital population of cats." Vet Rec 157(25): 793-9.
>> PubMed abstract

Godfrey, D. R. (2005). "Osteoarthritis in cats: a retrospective radiological study." J Small Anim Pract 46(9): 425-9.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Gunew, M. N., V. H. Menrath, et al. (2008). "Long-term safety, efficacy and palatability of oral meloxicam at 0.01-0.03 mg/kg for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 235-241.

Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that typically affects the elbow, hip, and shoulder joints of as many as 1 in 5 senior cats. Affected cats may have a variety of clinical signs, such as difficulty in jumping, lameness, resentment of handling and stiff gait. However, many owners do not recognize the significance of these clinical signs and may attribute them to aging changes. Although this is a common disease, reports of long-term osteoarthritis therapy in cats are rare. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven efficacy in dogs and humans but there are limited published data on the use of NSAIDs in the long-term management of this condition in cats. This prospective study aimed to assess the long-term safety and palatability of oral meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.) and its efficacy in treating osteoarthritic pain in cats when given at a dose of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg once daily. Forty cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis completed the trial with a mean treatment duration of 5.8 months. Gastrointestinal upset in 2/46 (4%) cats was the only adverse effect noted. Three of the cats had stable chronic renal insufficiency (IRIS stage 3). No deleterious effect on renal function was detected in cats studied. Owners subjectively assessed treatment efficacy as good or excellent in 34/40 (85%) of cases. The results of this study showed oral meloxicam to be safe and palatable long-term treatment for osteoarthritis in cats when given with food at a dose of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Clarke, S. P., D. Mellor, et al. (2005). "Prevalence of radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease in a hospital population of cats." Vet Rec 157(25): 793-9.
>> PubMed abstract

Godfrey, D. R. (2005). "Osteoarthritis in cats: a retrospective radiological study." J Small Anim Pract 46(9): 425-9.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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New FeLV/FIV Management Guidelines

Levy, J., C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 300-316.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are among the most common infectious diseases of cats. Although vaccines are available for both viruses, identification and segregation of infected cats form the cornerstone for preventing new infections. Guidelines in this report have been developed for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of FeLV and FIV infections. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infections at appropriate intervals based on individual risk assessments. No test is 100% accurate at all times under all conditions; results should be interpreted along with the patient's health and risk factors. Retroviral tests can diagnose only infection, not clinical disease, and cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for many years. A decision for euthanasia should never be based solely on whether or not the cat is infected. Vaccination against FeLV is highly recommended in kittens. In adult cats, antiretroviral vaccines are considered non-core and should be administered only if a risk assessment indicates they are appropriate.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J., H. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-376.
>> PubMed abstract

Goldkamp, C. E., J. K. Levy, et al. (2008). "Seroprevalences of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats with abscesses or bite wounds and rate of veterinarian compliance with current guidelines for retrovirus testing." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1152-8.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Levy, J., C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 300-316.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are among the most common infectious diseases of cats. Although vaccines are available for both viruses, identification and segregation of infected cats form the cornerstone for preventing new infections. Guidelines in this report have been developed for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of FeLV and FIV infections. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infections at appropriate intervals based on individual risk assessments. No test is 100% accurate at all times under all conditions; results should be interpreted along with the patient's health and risk factors. Retroviral tests can diagnose only infection, not clinical disease, and cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for many years. A decision for euthanasia should never be based solely on whether or not the cat is infected. Vaccination against FeLV is highly recommended in kittens. In adult cats, antiretroviral vaccines are considered non-core and should be administered only if a risk assessment indicates they are appropriate.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J., H. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-376.
>> PubMed abstract

Goldkamp, C. E., J. K. Levy, et al. (2008). "Seroprevalences of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats with abscesses or bite wounds and rate of veterinarian compliance with current guidelines for retrovirus testing." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1152-8.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More