Thymoma in a Cat

Fidel, J. L., I. S. Pargass, et al. (2008). "Granulocytopenia associated with thymoma in a domestic shorthaired cat." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 44(4): 210-7.

Thymomas are uncommon tumours generally found in senior cats (median age 9.5 years). Diseases reportedly associated with thymomas in cats include paraneoplastic disorders, autoimmune diseases, myasthenia gravis, and exfoliative dermatitis. Granulocytopenia is reported to occur in humans with thymoma but has never been reported in cats. In this case report, a 5-year old spayed female cat with a mass in the cranial mediastinum was diagnosed with thymoma on biopsy of the mass. The tumor was treated with radiation therapy and responded well, but immune-mediated granulocytopenia developed. The granulocytopenia was successfully treated with prednisone and cyclosporine, eventually allowing for surgical removal of the thymoma.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Zitz, J. C., S. J. Birchard, et al. (2008). "Results of excision of thymoma in cats and dogs: 20 cases (1984-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1186-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Fidel, J. L., I. S. Pargass, et al. (2008). "Granulocytopenia associated with thymoma in a domestic shorthaired cat." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 44(4): 210-7.

Thymomas are uncommon tumours generally found in senior cats (median age 9.5 years). Diseases reportedly associated with thymomas in cats include paraneoplastic disorders, autoimmune diseases, myasthenia gravis, and exfoliative dermatitis. Granulocytopenia is reported to occur in humans with thymoma but has never been reported in cats. In this case report, a 5-year old spayed female cat with a mass in the cranial mediastinum was diagnosed with thymoma on biopsy of the mass. The tumor was treated with radiation therapy and responded well, but immune-mediated granulocytopenia developed. The granulocytopenia was successfully treated with prednisone and cyclosporine, eventually allowing for surgical removal of the thymoma.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Zitz, J. C., S. J. Birchard, et al. (2008). "Results of excision of thymoma in cats and dogs: 20 cases (1984-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1186-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Prevalence of a Genetic Mutation for HCM in Maine Coon Cats

Fries, R., A. M. Heaney, et al. (2008). "Prevalence of the myosin-binding protein C mutation in Maine Coon cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(4): 893-896.

The most common cardiac disease of cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In several cat breeds, including the Maine Coon, the disease is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Previously, a single base pair change in the myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) gene, which changes a conserved amino acid and alters protein conformation, was been identified in some Maine Coon cats with HCM. The prevalence of the MYBPC3 mutation in the Maine Coon cat population is not known, but genetic screening has allowed determination of the percentage of genetically affected cats worldwide. This retrospective study reviewed records of 3,310 samples submitted for evaluation of the Maine Coon MYBPC3 mutation to the Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Laboratory database at Washington State University. In this population of cats, Maine Coons accounted for all the samples positive for this mutation. The worldwide percentage of Maine Coon cats carrying the MYBPC3 mutation was 34%.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Meurs, K., X. Sanchez, et al. (2005). "A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Hum Mol Genet 14(23): 3587-3593.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Fries, R., A. M. Heaney, et al. (2008). "Prevalence of the myosin-binding protein C mutation in Maine Coon cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(4): 893-896.

The most common cardiac disease of cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In several cat breeds, including the Maine Coon, the disease is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Previously, a single base pair change in the myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) gene, which changes a conserved amino acid and alters protein conformation, was been identified in some Maine Coon cats with HCM. The prevalence of the MYBPC3 mutation in the Maine Coon cat population is not known, but genetic screening has allowed determination of the percentage of genetically affected cats worldwide. This retrospective study reviewed records of 3,310 samples submitted for evaluation of the Maine Coon MYBPC3 mutation to the Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Laboratory database at Washington State University. In this population of cats, Maine Coons accounted for all the samples positive for this mutation. The worldwide percentage of Maine Coon cats carrying the MYBPC3 mutation was 34%.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Meurs, K., X. Sanchez, et al. (2005). "A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Hum Mol Genet 14(23): 3587-3593.
>> Free full text article

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Propofol for Cats with Hepatic Lipidosis

Posner, L. P., M. Asakawa, et al. (2008). "Use of propofol for anesthesia in cats with primary hepatic lipidosis: 44 cases (1995-2004)." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 232(12): 1841-1843.

Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) is a common disease in cats and is typically found in obese cats that have suffered a period of inappetance. A significant part of successful treatment is nutritional supplemention, often given through a gastrotomy or esophagostomy tube. Feeding tubes must be placed under anesthesia, and care must be taken in the choice of anesthetic regime. Concern has been expressed over the use of propofol in cats with hepatic lipidosis since it is primarily metabolized via the liver, although there is also some extrahepatic metabolism. In this retrospective case series, the medical records of 44 cats (21 female, 23 male) with hepatic lipidosis admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, from January 1995 to December 2004 were examined. The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 15 years, and body weights ranged from 1.8 to 9.0 kg. Twenty-seven of the cats had been administered propofol. There was no significant association between the use of propofol or the dosage of propofol and any risk factor, including the need for blood products, number of hours in the ICU, or survival. The use of propofol did not increase morbidity or mortality, and the researchers conclude that propofol can be given to cats with hepatic lipidosis for placement of a feeding tube.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Bley, C. R., M. Roos, et al. (2007). "Clinical assessment of repeated propofol-associated anesthesia in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(9): 1347-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Posner, L. P., M. Asakawa, et al. (2008). "Use of propofol for anesthesia in cats with primary hepatic lipidosis: 44 cases (1995-2004)." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 232(12): 1841-1843.

Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) is a common disease in cats and is typically found in obese cats that have suffered a period of inappetance. A significant part of successful treatment is nutritional supplemention, often given through a gastrotomy or esophagostomy tube. Feeding tubes must be placed under anesthesia, and care must be taken in the choice of anesthetic regime. Concern has been expressed over the use of propofol in cats with hepatic lipidosis since it is primarily metabolized via the liver, although there is also some extrahepatic metabolism. In this retrospective case series, the medical records of 44 cats (21 female, 23 male) with hepatic lipidosis admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, from January 1995 to December 2004 were examined. The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 15 years, and body weights ranged from 1.8 to 9.0 kg. Twenty-seven of the cats had been administered propofol. There was no significant association between the use of propofol or the dosage of propofol and any risk factor, including the need for blood products, number of hours in the ICU, or survival. The use of propofol did not increase morbidity or mortality, and the researchers conclude that propofol can be given to cats with hepatic lipidosis for placement of a feeding tube.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Bley, C. R., M. Roos, et al. (2007). "Clinical assessment of repeated propofol-associated anesthesia in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(9): 1347-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Vaccination of Kittens at the Time of Surgery

Reese, M. J., E. V. Patterson, et al. (2008). "Effects of anesthesia and surgery on serologic responses to vaccination in kittens." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 233(1): 116-121.

There are many potential situations where it is desirable to vaccinate kittens at the time of spay or neuter surgery, such as in shelter situations where compliance with post-adoption recommendations is poor. Shelters commonly spay or neuter kittens at or near the time of vaccination. However, the effects of anesthesia and surgery on the immune response of kittens to vaccination is unknown. In this prospective controlled trial, 32 specific-pathogen free kittens were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: neutering at 7, 8, 9 weeks of age, or no neutering. All kittens received a modified live virus vaccine against feline herpesvirus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) at 8, 11, and 14 weeks of age. Rabies vaccine was administered at 14 weeks of age. Serum antibody titers against FHV, FCV, FPV and rabies were determined at various time points. Serologic responses of kittens spayed or neutered at the time of vaccination were not different from the other groups. Importantly, many kittens that were last vaccinated at 14 weeks of age had inadequate antibody titers at 17 weeks. The researchers conclude that kittens may be vaccinated in the perioperative period when necessary, and the last vaccination should be given no earlier than 16 weeks of age.
>> JAVMA Abstract

Related articles:
Poulet, H. (2007). "Alternative early life vaccination programs for companion animals." J Comp Pathol 137 Suppl 1: S67-71.
>> PubMed Abstract

Richards, J. R., T. H. Elston, et al. (2006). "The 2006 American Association of Feline Practitioners Feline Vaccine Advisory Panel report." J Am Vet Med Assoc 229(9): 1405-41.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Reese, M. J., E. V. Patterson, et al. (2008). "Effects of anesthesia and surgery on serologic responses to vaccination in kittens." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 233(1): 116-121.

There are many potential situations where it is desirable to vaccinate kittens at the time of spay or neuter surgery, such as in shelter situations where compliance with post-adoption recommendations is poor. Shelters commonly spay or neuter kittens at or near the time of vaccination. However, the effects of anesthesia and surgery on the immune response of kittens to vaccination is unknown. In this prospective controlled trial, 32 specific-pathogen free kittens were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: neutering at 7, 8, 9 weeks of age, or no neutering. All kittens received a modified live virus vaccine against feline herpesvirus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) at 8, 11, and 14 weeks of age. Rabies vaccine was administered at 14 weeks of age. Serum antibody titers against FHV, FCV, FPV and rabies were determined at various time points. Serologic responses of kittens spayed or neutered at the time of vaccination were not different from the other groups. Importantly, many kittens that were last vaccinated at 14 weeks of age had inadequate antibody titers at 17 weeks. The researchers conclude that kittens may be vaccinated in the perioperative period when necessary, and the last vaccination should be given no earlier than 16 weeks of age.
>> JAVMA Abstract

Related articles:
Poulet, H. (2007). "Alternative early life vaccination programs for companion animals." J Comp Pathol 137 Suppl 1: S67-71.
>> PubMed Abstract

Richards, J. R., T. H. Elston, et al. (2006). "The 2006 American Association of Feline Practitioners Feline Vaccine Advisory Panel report." J Am Vet Med Assoc 229(9): 1405-41.
>> Free full text article

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Management of Feline Dystocia

Pretzer, S. D. (2008). "Medical management of canine and feline dystocia." Theriogenology 70(3): 332-336.

Dystocia is derived from the Greek "dys" and "tokos", meaning a difficult, painful or abnormal parturition. It is not always easy to differentiate normal labor and delivery from dystocia. There are several potential causes for dystocia in the queen, only some of which are amenable to medical management. Educated and careful decision making is aided by a thorough history and physical examination, as well as certain diagnostic tests. This review article describes the decision making process for instituting medical management for dystocia in the queen, as well as the available therapeutic options.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Traas, A. M. (2008). "Surgical management of canine and feline dystocia." Theriogenology 70(3): 337-342.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Pretzer, S. D. (2008). "Medical management of canine and feline dystocia." Theriogenology 70(3): 332-336.

Dystocia is derived from the Greek "dys" and "tokos", meaning a difficult, painful or abnormal parturition. It is not always easy to differentiate normal labor and delivery from dystocia. There are several potential causes for dystocia in the queen, only some of which are amenable to medical management. Educated and careful decision making is aided by a thorough history and physical examination, as well as certain diagnostic tests. This review article describes the decision making process for instituting medical management for dystocia in the queen, as well as the available therapeutic options.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Traas, A. M. (2008). "Surgical management of canine and feline dystocia." Theriogenology 70(3): 337-342.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Care of Neonatal Kittens

Lawler, D. F. (2008). "Neonatal and pediatric care of the puppy and kitten." Theriogenology 70(3): 384-392.


The few weeks from birth to weaning is an intensive period of adjustment to the extrauterine environment and preparation for the stresses of post-weaning development. The first 4 weeks of life are a high-risk time for abnormal developmental problems, environmental stressors, and infectious diseases. This review article covers the most common problems veterinarians may face in kittens from birth to weaning, such as low birth weight, hypoxia, failure of passive transfer, hypoglycemia, dehydration, and nutrition.
>> PubMed Abstract


Related articles:
Sparkes, A. H., K. Rogers, et al. (2006). "A questionnaire-based study of gestation, parturition and neonatal mortality in pedigree breeding cats in the UK." J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 145-57.
>> PubMed Abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Lawler, D. F. (2008). "Neonatal and pediatric care of the puppy and kitten." Theriogenology 70(3): 384-392.


The few weeks from birth to weaning is an intensive period of adjustment to the extrauterine environment and preparation for the stresses of post-weaning development. The first 4 weeks of life are a high-risk time for abnormal developmental problems, environmental stressors, and infectious diseases. This review article covers the most common problems veterinarians may face in kittens from birth to weaning, such as low birth weight, hypoxia, failure of passive transfer, hypoglycemia, dehydration, and nutrition.
>> PubMed Abstract


Related articles:
Sparkes, A. H., K. Rogers, et al. (2006). "A questionnaire-based study of gestation, parturition and neonatal mortality in pedigree breeding cats in the UK." J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 145-57.
>> PubMed Abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Effect of Energy Restriction on Feline Weight Loss

Villaverde, C., J. J. Ramsey, et al. (2008). "Energy restriction results in a mass-adjusted decrease in energy expenditure in cats that is maintained after weight regain." J Nutr 138(5): 856-60.

Treatment of obesity in cats can be frustrating, even if appropriate energy restriction (ER) is employed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ER causes a long-term decrease in mass-adjusted energy expenditure (EE). Such a decrease in EE would impair weight loss and even promote regaining lost weight. EE and body composition were measured in 10 obese neutered adult cats (average body weight 6.1 kg, body condition score 7.6/9.0, fat mass 38%) at 3 time points: at baseline, during weight loss (40% ER), and after regaining weight. After weight loss, the average body weight was 5.0 kg, body condition score was 5.5/9.0, and fat mass was 31%. After a period of regaining weight, the average body weight was 6.2 kg, body condition score was 7.7/9.0, and fat mass was 42%. The total EE was significantly lower than baseline during weight loss, and remained lower than baseline even after weight regain. The results support the suggestion that ER results in a sustained mass-adjusted decrease in EE in cats.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weinsier, R. L., T. R. Nagy, et al. (2000). "Do adaptive changes in metabolic rate favor weight regain in weight-reduced individuals? An examination of the set-point theory." Am J Clin Nutr 72(5): 1088-94.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Villaverde, C., J. J. Ramsey, et al. (2008). "Energy restriction results in a mass-adjusted decrease in energy expenditure in cats that is maintained after weight regain." J Nutr 138(5): 856-60.

Treatment of obesity in cats can be frustrating, even if appropriate energy restriction (ER) is employed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ER causes a long-term decrease in mass-adjusted energy expenditure (EE). Such a decrease in EE would impair weight loss and even promote regaining lost weight. EE and body composition were measured in 10 obese neutered adult cats (average body weight 6.1 kg, body condition score 7.6/9.0, fat mass 38%) at 3 time points: at baseline, during weight loss (40% ER), and after regaining weight. After weight loss, the average body weight was 5.0 kg, body condition score was 5.5/9.0, and fat mass was 31%. After a period of regaining weight, the average body weight was 6.2 kg, body condition score was 7.7/9.0, and fat mass was 42%. The total EE was significantly lower than baseline during weight loss, and remained lower than baseline even after weight regain. The results support the suggestion that ER results in a sustained mass-adjusted decrease in EE in cats.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weinsier, R. L., T. R. Nagy, et al. (2000). "Do adaptive changes in metabolic rate favor weight regain in weight-reduced individuals? An examination of the set-point theory." Am J Clin Nutr 72(5): 1088-94.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More