Bacteremia in Cats

Greiner, M., G. Wolf, et al. (2008). "A retrospective study of the clinical presentation of 140 dogs and 39 cats with bacteraemia." J Small Anim Pract 49(8): 378-383.

Bacteremia is the presence of viable bacteria in the bloodstream. Bacteremia may develop in animals with impaired immune defenses, and is a common cause of sepsis. Sepsis is the systemic inflammatory response to infection. Bacteremia is associated with a high mortality rate in animals so that early diagnosis and intervention is very important. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial species that can be isolated from blood cultures in dogs and cats with bacteremia. Retrospective data from 39 cats (and 140 dogs) with positive blood cultures presented to the University of Munich were evaluated. Sepsis was diagnosed in 59.5% of the cats with bacteremia. The most commonly isolated organism was E. coli, accounting for 30% of the isolates in cats. Cats in this study had a higher mortality rate than dogs. The authors conclude that clinical and laboratory findings are not helpful in determining the type of bacteria involved and blood cultures need to be performed to guide therapy.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Greiner, M., G. Wolf, et al. (2007). "Bacteraemia in 66 cats and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates (1995-2004)." J Feline Med Surg 9(5): 404-10.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Greiner, M., G. Wolf, et al. (2008). "A retrospective study of the clinical presentation of 140 dogs and 39 cats with bacteraemia." J Small Anim Pract 49(8): 378-383.

Bacteremia is the presence of viable bacteria in the bloodstream. Bacteremia may develop in animals with impaired immune defenses, and is a common cause of sepsis. Sepsis is the systemic inflammatory response to infection. Bacteremia is associated with a high mortality rate in animals so that early diagnosis and intervention is very important. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial species that can be isolated from blood cultures in dogs and cats with bacteremia. Retrospective data from 39 cats (and 140 dogs) with positive blood cultures presented to the University of Munich were evaluated. Sepsis was diagnosed in 59.5% of the cats with bacteremia. The most commonly isolated organism was E. coli, accounting for 30% of the isolates in cats. Cats in this study had a higher mortality rate than dogs. The authors conclude that clinical and laboratory findings are not helpful in determining the type of bacteria involved and blood cultures need to be performed to guide therapy.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Greiner, M., G. Wolf, et al. (2007). "Bacteraemia in 66 cats and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates (1995-2004)." J Feline Med Surg 9(5): 404-10.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Corneal Graft in a Cat

Townsend, W. M., A. J. Rankin, et al. (2008). "Heterologous penetrating keratoplasty for treatment of a corneal sequestrum in a cat." Veterinary Ophthalmology 11(4): 273-278.

Penetrating keratoplasty is a full-thickness corneal graft technique used to replace central corneal tissue damaged by disease or injury with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. Corneal transplants are commonly done in human medicine, but are rare in veterinary medicine. Corneal sequestrum is a condition unique to the cat where necrosis of the corneal stroma occurs. The dead stroma becomes pigmented and may spontaneously slough, leaving a corneal ulcer. The condition has gone under many names over the years (e.g., corneal mummification, corneal nigrum, kertatitis nigrum, corneal necrosis). The cause is unknown and the condition is believed to be painful. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the lesion, and may include superficial keratectomy. In this case report, a corneal sequestrum was diagnosed in an 8-year-old neutered male Burmese cat. In order to restore vision, a penetrating keratoplasty was performed. The graft was performed with fresh canine corneal tissue (heterograft) in order to decrease the risk of viral transmission from using a feline donor. The graft was successful, with final follow up 16 months postoperatively.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Featherstone, H., V. Franklin, et al. (2004). "Feline corneal sequestrum: laboratory analysis of ocular samples from 12 cats." Vet Ophthalmol 7(4): 229-238.
>> PubMed Abstract

Featherstone, H. and J. Sansom (2004). "Feline corneal sequestra: a review of 64 cases (80 eyes) from 1993 to 2000." Vet Ophthalmol 7(4): 213-227.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Townsend, W. M., A. J. Rankin, et al. (2008). "Heterologous penetrating keratoplasty for treatment of a corneal sequestrum in a cat." Veterinary Ophthalmology 11(4): 273-278.

Penetrating keratoplasty is a full-thickness corneal graft technique used to replace central corneal tissue damaged by disease or injury with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. Corneal transplants are commonly done in human medicine, but are rare in veterinary medicine. Corneal sequestrum is a condition unique to the cat where necrosis of the corneal stroma occurs. The dead stroma becomes pigmented and may spontaneously slough, leaving a corneal ulcer. The condition has gone under many names over the years (e.g., corneal mummification, corneal nigrum, kertatitis nigrum, corneal necrosis). The cause is unknown and the condition is believed to be painful. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the lesion, and may include superficial keratectomy. In this case report, a corneal sequestrum was diagnosed in an 8-year-old neutered male Burmese cat. In order to restore vision, a penetrating keratoplasty was performed. The graft was performed with fresh canine corneal tissue (heterograft) in order to decrease the risk of viral transmission from using a feline donor. The graft was successful, with final follow up 16 months postoperatively.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Featherstone, H., V. Franklin, et al. (2004). "Feline corneal sequestrum: laboratory analysis of ocular samples from 12 cats." Vet Ophthalmol 7(4): 229-238.
>> PubMed Abstract

Featherstone, H. and J. Sansom (2004). "Feline corneal sequestra: a review of 64 cases (80 eyes) from 1993 to 2000." Vet Ophthalmol 7(4): 213-227.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Lidocaine Patches for Cats

Ko, J. C. H., L. K. Maxwell, et al. (2008). "Pharmacokinetics of lidocaine following the application of 5% lidocaine patches to cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(4): 359-367.

The use of lidocaine patches to provide local analgesia in cats is increasing. The patch (Lidoderm, Endo Pharmaceuticals) contains 700 mg lidocaine and is 10 cm x 14 cm. It can be cut to a desired size and may be applied to the skin on each side of a surgical incision for post-operative pain relief. Other potential uses include relief of pain from trauma and bruising. This study was conducted to evaluate the systemic and local absorption of lidocaine from topical patches in cats. In a random cross-over design, 8 two-year old cats received either intravenous lidocaine at 2 mg/kg or one lidocaine patch placed on the lateral thorax for 72 hours. Plasma was collected at specified time points and analyzed for lidocaine and its major metabolite. After patch removal, the skin at the site was biopsied and also assayed for lidocaine. The patch produced steady-state lidocaine plasma concentrations. The bioavailability of transdermal lidocaine was 6.3 +/- 2.7% and only 56% of the total drug reached the systemic circulation. Skin lidocaine concentrations were much higher than plasma concentrations. Plasma lidocaine concentrations remained well below systemically toxic concentrations, and no obvious clinical side effects were observed in any of the cats. The researchers conclude that the low systemic absorption rate coupled with high local lidocaine concentrations in the skin support the safe use of lidocaine patches in cats.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weil, A. B., J. Ko, et al. (2007). "The use of lidocaine patches." Comp Contin Edu Pract Vet 29(4): 208-216.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Ko, J. C. H., L. K. Maxwell, et al. (2008). "Pharmacokinetics of lidocaine following the application of 5% lidocaine patches to cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(4): 359-367.

The use of lidocaine patches to provide local analgesia in cats is increasing. The patch (Lidoderm, Endo Pharmaceuticals) contains 700 mg lidocaine and is 10 cm x 14 cm. It can be cut to a desired size and may be applied to the skin on each side of a surgical incision for post-operative pain relief. Other potential uses include relief of pain from trauma and bruising. This study was conducted to evaluate the systemic and local absorption of lidocaine from topical patches in cats. In a random cross-over design, 8 two-year old cats received either intravenous lidocaine at 2 mg/kg or one lidocaine patch placed on the lateral thorax for 72 hours. Plasma was collected at specified time points and analyzed for lidocaine and its major metabolite. After patch removal, the skin at the site was biopsied and also assayed for lidocaine. The patch produced steady-state lidocaine plasma concentrations. The bioavailability of transdermal lidocaine was 6.3 +/- 2.7% and only 56% of the total drug reached the systemic circulation. Skin lidocaine concentrations were much higher than plasma concentrations. Plasma lidocaine concentrations remained well below systemically toxic concentrations, and no obvious clinical side effects were observed in any of the cats. The researchers conclude that the low systemic absorption rate coupled with high local lidocaine concentrations in the skin support the safe use of lidocaine patches in cats.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weil, A. B., J. Ko, et al. (2007). "The use of lidocaine patches." Comp Contin Edu Pract Vet 29(4): 208-216.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Cat Receiving Lomustine

Skorupski, K. A., A. C. Durham, et al. (2008). "Pulmonary fibrosis after high cumulative dose nitrosourea chemotherapy in a cat." Veterinary and Comparative Oncology 6(2): 120-125.

Lomustine (CCNU) is an alkylating nitrosourea chemotherapy drug. In feline medicine, it has been used for cutaneous lymphoma and mast cell tumors. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are known complications, so close monitoring of blood cell parameters is necessary during treatment. In this case report, a cat diagnosed with alimentary lymphoma did poorly on several chemotherapeutic regimes. However, a long-term remission was achieved with lomustine and corticosteroid therapy. After 12 months of therapy, the cat died after an acute episode of respiratory distress. On post mortem examination, severe diffuse pulmonary fibrosis was identified. The cat had no previous history of pulmonary disease. This is the first report of pulmonary fibrosis following high cumulative dose nitrosourea chemotherapy in a cat.
>> Article Abstract

Related articles
Blog post: Lomustine for mast cell tumors in cats

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Skorupski, K. A., A. C. Durham, et al. (2008). "Pulmonary fibrosis after high cumulative dose nitrosourea chemotherapy in a cat." Veterinary and Comparative Oncology 6(2): 120-125.

Lomustine (CCNU) is an alkylating nitrosourea chemotherapy drug. In feline medicine, it has been used for cutaneous lymphoma and mast cell tumors. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are known complications, so close monitoring of blood cell parameters is necessary during treatment. In this case report, a cat diagnosed with alimentary lymphoma did poorly on several chemotherapeutic regimes. However, a long-term remission was achieved with lomustine and corticosteroid therapy. After 12 months of therapy, the cat died after an acute episode of respiratory distress. On post mortem examination, severe diffuse pulmonary fibrosis was identified. The cat had no previous history of pulmonary disease. This is the first report of pulmonary fibrosis following high cumulative dose nitrosourea chemotherapy in a cat.
>> Article Abstract

Related articles
Blog post: Lomustine for mast cell tumors in cats

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Lactoferrin for Cats with FIV

Kobayashi, S., R. Sato, et al. (2008). "Effect of bovine lactoferrin on functions of activated feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells during chronic feline immunodeficiency virus infection." J Vet Med Sci 70(5): 429-35.

Cats with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection have chronic overactivation of immune and inflammatory responses, resulting in immune dysfunction. Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein that plays an important role in immunological defense systems. A previous study by these researchers showed that oral administration of bovine LF improved clinical signs in FIV-infected cats with severe stomatitis. In this study, the in vitro effect of bovine LF on proliferation, cell cycle progression, and cytokine regulation was studied in blood samples from cats in the asymptomatic carrier and the AIDS-related complex phases of FIV. The results suggest that therapy with bovine LF may help modulate immune dysfunction in cats in the terminal stages of FIV infection, and further research is warranted.
>> Free full text article

Related articles:
Sato, R., O. Inanami, et al. (1996). "Oral administration of bovine lactoferrin for treatment of intractable stomatitis in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-positive and FIV-negative cats." Am J Vet Res 57(10): 1443-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Kobayashi, S., R. Sato, et al. (2008). "Effect of bovine lactoferrin on functions of activated feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells during chronic feline immunodeficiency virus infection." J Vet Med Sci 70(5): 429-35.

Cats with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection have chronic overactivation of immune and inflammatory responses, resulting in immune dysfunction. Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein that plays an important role in immunological defense systems. A previous study by these researchers showed that oral administration of bovine LF improved clinical signs in FIV-infected cats with severe stomatitis. In this study, the in vitro effect of bovine LF on proliferation, cell cycle progression, and cytokine regulation was studied in blood samples from cats in the asymptomatic carrier and the AIDS-related complex phases of FIV. The results suggest that therapy with bovine LF may help modulate immune dysfunction in cats in the terminal stages of FIV infection, and further research is warranted.
>> Free full text article

Related articles:
Sato, R., O. Inanami, et al. (1996). "Oral administration of bovine lactoferrin for treatment of intractable stomatitis in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-positive and FIV-negative cats." Am J Vet Res 57(10): 1443-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Hematuria Associated With Glomerular Disease in Abyssinian Cats

White, J. D., J. M. Norris, et al. (2008). "Persistent haematuria and proteinuria due to glomerular disease in related Abyssinian cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 219-229.

Hematuria is a common problem in feline medicine, and may be caused by upper or lower urinary tract disease. In humans, glomerular disease is a common cause of hematuria. However, in dogs and cats, this is not typically the case. While renal failure is often diagnosed in cats, glomerular pathology is not usually present. The only known familial renal diseases in cats are renal amyloidosis in Abyssinians and polycystic kidney disease in Persians. This paper describes glomerular disease in eight, closely related young Abyssinian cats in Australia, characterised by hematuria and proteinuria.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Grauer, G. F. (2007). "Measurement, interpretation, and implications of proteinuria and albuminuria." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 37(2): 283-95, vi-vii.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

White, J. D., J. M. Norris, et al. (2008). "Persistent haematuria and proteinuria due to glomerular disease in related Abyssinian cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 219-229.

Hematuria is a common problem in feline medicine, and may be caused by upper or lower urinary tract disease. In humans, glomerular disease is a common cause of hematuria. However, in dogs and cats, this is not typically the case. While renal failure is often diagnosed in cats, glomerular pathology is not usually present. The only known familial renal diseases in cats are renal amyloidosis in Abyssinians and polycystic kidney disease in Persians. This paper describes glomerular disease in eight, closely related young Abyssinian cats in Australia, characterised by hematuria and proteinuria.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Grauer, G. F. (2007). "Measurement, interpretation, and implications of proteinuria and albuminuria." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 37(2): 283-95, vi-vii.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Care Guidelines for Spay-Neuter Programs

Looney, A. L., M. W. Bohling, et al. (2008). "The Association of Shelter Veterinarians veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(1): 74-86.

Increasing attention has been focused on spay/neuter programs as tools for reduction of the euthanasia of unwanted and unowned cats (and dogs). There are many different types of programs in operation, such as mobile clinics, shelter services, feral cat programs, and various veterinarian-supported low cost programs. Many spay-neuter programs have been established to provide quality spay-neuter services to large numbers of cats and dogs. The proliferation and diversity of these programs has created a need for guidelines for appropriate veterinary medical care in these settings. The Association of Shelter Veterinarians convened a task force consisting of 22 veterinarians from every region of the United States in December 2006. The guidelines they developed consist of recommendations for preoperative care, anesthetic management, surgical care, and postoperative care and are based on current principles of anesthesiology, critical care medicine, microbiology, and surgical practice, as determined by means of reviews of the scientific literature and expert opinion.
>> Free full text article

Related articles:
Hughes, K. L., M. R. Slater, et al. (2002). "The effects of implementing a feral cat spay/neuter program in a Florida county animal control service." J Appl Anim Welf Sci 5(4): 285-98.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Looney, A. L., M. W. Bohling, et al. (2008). "The Association of Shelter Veterinarians veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(1): 74-86.

Increasing attention has been focused on spay/neuter programs as tools for reduction of the euthanasia of unwanted and unowned cats (and dogs). There are many different types of programs in operation, such as mobile clinics, shelter services, feral cat programs, and various veterinarian-supported low cost programs. Many spay-neuter programs have been established to provide quality spay-neuter services to large numbers of cats and dogs. The proliferation and diversity of these programs has created a need for guidelines for appropriate veterinary medical care in these settings. The Association of Shelter Veterinarians convened a task force consisting of 22 veterinarians from every region of the United States in December 2006. The guidelines they developed consist of recommendations for preoperative care, anesthetic management, surgical care, and postoperative care and are based on current principles of anesthesiology, critical care medicine, microbiology, and surgical practice, as determined by means of reviews of the scientific literature and expert opinion.
>> Free full text article

Related articles:
Hughes, K. L., M. R. Slater, et al. (2002). "The effects of implementing a feral cat spay/neuter program in a Florida county animal control service." J Appl Anim Welf Sci 5(4): 285-98.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More