Dog and Cat Relationships

Feuerstein N, Terkel J. Interrelationships of dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus L.) living under the same roof Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2008;113(1-3):150-165.

In the process of domestication, both dogs and cats have undergone genetic changes to adapt to living with humans. However, concerns over the ability of the two species to communicate are based on their separate evolutionary development and their different social structures. In this study, the interrelationships of dogs and cats living together were studied by means of a questionnaire and by direct observation of dog-cat interactions. The study found that dogs and cats have the ability to establish amicable relationships, and the ability is not based on the animal's gender. Adoption of the cat prior to the dog appeared to be conducive to establishing an amicable relationship. It is also helpful if the first encounter takes place before the age of 6 months in cats and 1 year in dogs.
>> ScienceDirect Abstract

Related articles:
Marder A, Duxbury MM. Obtaining a pet: realistic expectations. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. Sep 2008;38(5):1145-1162, viii.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Feuerstein N, Terkel J. Interrelationships of dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus L.) living under the same roof Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2008;113(1-3):150-165.

In the process of domestication, both dogs and cats have undergone genetic changes to adapt to living with humans. However, concerns over the ability of the two species to communicate are based on their separate evolutionary development and their different social structures. In this study, the interrelationships of dogs and cats living together were studied by means of a questionnaire and by direct observation of dog-cat interactions. The study found that dogs and cats have the ability to establish amicable relationships, and the ability is not based on the animal's gender. Adoption of the cat prior to the dog appeared to be conducive to establishing an amicable relationship. It is also helpful if the first encounter takes place before the age of 6 months in cats and 1 year in dogs.
>> ScienceDirect Abstract

Related articles:
Marder A, Duxbury MM. Obtaining a pet: realistic expectations. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. Sep 2008;38(5):1145-1162, viii.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Pulmonary Edema in Cats

Benigni L, Morgan N, Lamb CR. Radiographic appearance of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema in 23 cats. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2009;50(1):9-14.

Congestive heart failure commonly results in pulmonary edema. Thoracic radiographs are useful for the diagnosis of congestive heart failure because it enables assessment of the pulmonary veins and detection of pulmonary edema. It also helps distinguish pulmonary edema from other conditions causing similar clinical signs, such as bronchopneumonia. In dogs with heart failure, pulmonary edema typically appears as a symmetrical alveolar pattern that is most apparent in the caudodorsal lung field, although it can become generalized. The radiographic appearance of pulmonary edema is thought to be more variable in cats than in dogs. The purpose of this study was to describe in detail the radiographic appearance of pulmonary edema in cats with heart failure. Thoracic radiographs of 23 cats presenting with signs of heart failure were reviewed. Pulmonary edema in these cats was associated with a range of patterns and variable distribution. All cats had a reticular or granular interstitial pattern. This occurred in combination with an alveolar pattern (83%), with increased diameter of pulmonary vessels (71%), and with a bronchial pattern (61%). The distribution of pulmonary edema was diffuse/non-uniform in 61% of cats, diffuse/uniform in 17%, multi-focal in 17% and focal in 4%. The researchers conclude that feline cardiogenic pulmonary edema has a highly variable radiographic appearance that may complicate diagnosis.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Herndon WE, Rishniw M, Schrope D, Sammarco CD, Boddy KN, Sleeper MM. Assessment of plasma cardiac troponin I concentration as a means to differentiate cardiac and noncardiac causes of dyspnea in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2008;233(8):1261-1264.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Benigni L, Morgan N, Lamb CR. Radiographic appearance of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema in 23 cats. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2009;50(1):9-14.

Congestive heart failure commonly results in pulmonary edema. Thoracic radiographs are useful for the diagnosis of congestive heart failure because it enables assessment of the pulmonary veins and detection of pulmonary edema. It also helps distinguish pulmonary edema from other conditions causing similar clinical signs, such as bronchopneumonia. In dogs with heart failure, pulmonary edema typically appears as a symmetrical alveolar pattern that is most apparent in the caudodorsal lung field, although it can become generalized. The radiographic appearance of pulmonary edema is thought to be more variable in cats than in dogs. The purpose of this study was to describe in detail the radiographic appearance of pulmonary edema in cats with heart failure. Thoracic radiographs of 23 cats presenting with signs of heart failure were reviewed. Pulmonary edema in these cats was associated with a range of patterns and variable distribution. All cats had a reticular or granular interstitial pattern. This occurred in combination with an alveolar pattern (83%), with increased diameter of pulmonary vessels (71%), and with a bronchial pattern (61%). The distribution of pulmonary edema was diffuse/non-uniform in 61% of cats, diffuse/uniform in 17%, multi-focal in 17% and focal in 4%. The researchers conclude that feline cardiogenic pulmonary edema has a highly variable radiographic appearance that may complicate diagnosis.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Herndon WE, Rishniw M, Schrope D, Sammarco CD, Boddy KN, Sleeper MM. Assessment of plasma cardiac troponin I concentration as a means to differentiate cardiac and noncardiac causes of dyspnea in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2008;233(8):1261-1264.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Convenia for Cat Bite Wounds

Six R, Cleaver DM, Lindeman CJ, et al. Effectiveness and safety of cefovecin sodium, an extended-spectrum injectable cephalosporin, in the treatment of cats with abscesses and infected wounds. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Jan 1 2009;234(1):81-87.

Abscesses and infected bite or scratch wounds are very common problems in feline medicine. The most common pathogen involved is Pasteurella multocida. Treatment of infected wounds is accomplished by drainage and debridement, and antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics typically recommended for first line treatment include penicillins, cephalosporins, and clindamycin. These drugs require once or twice daily dosing, and treatment must be continued for 7 to 14 days. Cefovecin (Convenia, Pfizer Animal Health) is a new extended-spectrum bactericidal cephalosporin. The manufacturer recommends a one-time subcutaneous injection at a dose of 8 mg/kg. Therapeutic concentrations of the drug against P. multocida are maintained for approximately 7 days. This multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cefovecin in the treatment of cats with abscesses and infected wounds. Cats were randomly allocated to one of two groups. One group received a single dose of cefovecin followed by placebo drops orally once daily for 14 days. The second group received one subcutaneous placebo injection followed by cefadroxil once daily for 14 days. The effectiveness of cefovecin was similar to that of cefadroxil. At day 28, 97% of cefovecin-treated cats and 91% of cefadroxil-treated cats were considered treatment successes. There were no serious adverse effects reports.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Stegemann MR, Sherington J, Passmore C. The efficacy and safety of cefovecin in the treatment of feline abscesses and infected wounds. J Small Anim Pract. Dec 2007;48(12):683-689.
>>PubMed Abstract

Stegemann MR, Sherington J, Coati N, Brown SA, Blanchflower S. Pharmacokinetics of cefovecin in cats. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. Dec 2006;29(6):513-524.
>>PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Six R, Cleaver DM, Lindeman CJ, et al. Effectiveness and safety of cefovecin sodium, an extended-spectrum injectable cephalosporin, in the treatment of cats with abscesses and infected wounds. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Jan 1 2009;234(1):81-87.

Abscesses and infected bite or scratch wounds are very common problems in feline medicine. The most common pathogen involved is Pasteurella multocida. Treatment of infected wounds is accomplished by drainage and debridement, and antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics typically recommended for first line treatment include penicillins, cephalosporins, and clindamycin. These drugs require once or twice daily dosing, and treatment must be continued for 7 to 14 days. Cefovecin (Convenia, Pfizer Animal Health) is a new extended-spectrum bactericidal cephalosporin. The manufacturer recommends a one-time subcutaneous injection at a dose of 8 mg/kg. Therapeutic concentrations of the drug against P. multocida are maintained for approximately 7 days. This multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cefovecin in the treatment of cats with abscesses and infected wounds. Cats were randomly allocated to one of two groups. One group received a single dose of cefovecin followed by placebo drops orally once daily for 14 days. The second group received one subcutaneous placebo injection followed by cefadroxil once daily for 14 days. The effectiveness of cefovecin was similar to that of cefadroxil. At day 28, 97% of cefovecin-treated cats and 91% of cefadroxil-treated cats were considered treatment successes. There were no serious adverse effects reports.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Stegemann MR, Sherington J, Passmore C. The efficacy and safety of cefovecin in the treatment of feline abscesses and infected wounds. J Small Anim Pract. Dec 2007;48(12):683-689.
>>PubMed Abstract

Stegemann MR, Sherington J, Coati N, Brown SA, Blanchflower S. Pharmacokinetics of cefovecin in cats. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. Dec 2006;29(6):513-524.
>>PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Cats and Arthritis

Robertson, S. A. (2008). "Osteoarthritis in cats: What we now know about recognition and treatment." Vet Med 103(11): 611-616.

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a common cause of chronic pain in middle-aged and older cats. It is now known to be much more common in cats than previously thought. Clinical signs include unwillingness to jump, stiff gait, decreased grooming, house soiling, irritability, and hiding. Unlike dogs, lameness is not necessarily a common clinical sign of osteoarthritis in cats. Elbows and hips are most commonly affected, and many cats have disease in more than one joint. Pathologic changes, many detectable on radiographs, include deterioration of articular cartilage, osteophyte formation, bone remodeling, soft tissue changes, and low-grade nonpurulent inflammation. Treatment includes weight reduction if applicable, and environmental changes such as making the litter box more accessible. Medical therapy may include nutraceuticals, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics. Non-pharmacological interventions include passive range of motion exercises and acupuncture.
>> Full text article

Related articles:
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.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lascelles, B. D., B. D. Hansen, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of client-specific outcome measures and activity monitoring to measure pain relief in cats with osteoarthritis." J Vet Intern Med 21(3): 410-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Robertson, S. A. (2008). "Osteoarthritis in cats: What we now know about recognition and treatment." Vet Med 103(11): 611-616.

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a common cause of chronic pain in middle-aged and older cats. It is now known to be much more common in cats than previously thought. Clinical signs include unwillingness to jump, stiff gait, decreased grooming, house soiling, irritability, and hiding. Unlike dogs, lameness is not necessarily a common clinical sign of osteoarthritis in cats. Elbows and hips are most commonly affected, and many cats have disease in more than one joint. Pathologic changes, many detectable on radiographs, include deterioration of articular cartilage, osteophyte formation, bone remodeling, soft tissue changes, and low-grade nonpurulent inflammation. Treatment includes weight reduction if applicable, and environmental changes such as making the litter box more accessible. Medical therapy may include nutraceuticals, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics. Non-pharmacological interventions include passive range of motion exercises and acupuncture.
>> Full text article

Related articles:
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.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lascelles, B. D., B. D. Hansen, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of client-specific outcome measures and activity monitoring to measure pain relief in cats with osteoarthritis." J Vet Intern Med 21(3): 410-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Blood Pressure in Cats

Slingerland, L. I., J. H. Robben, et al. (2008). "Response of cats to familiar and unfamiliar human contact using continuous direct arterial blood pressure measurement." Res Vet Sci 85(3): 575-82.

Blood pressure is an important measure of cardiovascular function that can be affected by both physical and pathological conditions. In cats, diseases such as chronic renal disease and hyperthyroidism may be associated with hypertension. Indirect measurement of blood pressure in cats can be determined in the practice setting using either Doppler or oscillometric machines. Only a few studies have evaluated normal ranges for feline blood pressure, and there are conflicting opinions on criteria for diagnosing hypertension. In this study, continuous direct measurement of arterial blood pressure (ABP) was carried out in 21 healthy cats via catheterization of the common carotid artery. The ABP was measured during rest, alertness, and activity and the response to be petted by familiar and unfamiliar people was also assessed. The mean blood pressure (MBP) in resting cats (114 mm Hg) was lower than in alert cats (123 mm Hg) and active cats (137 mm Hg). The MBP when being petted by a familiar person (145 mm Hg) was higher than during petting by an unfamiliar person (139 mm Hg).
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Jepson, R., V. Hartley, et al. (2005). "A comparison of CAT Doppler and oscillometric Memoprint machines for non-invasive blood pressure measurement in conscious cats." J Fel Med Surg 7: 147-152.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Slingerland, L. I., J. H. Robben, et al. (2008). "Response of cats to familiar and unfamiliar human contact using continuous direct arterial blood pressure measurement." Res Vet Sci 85(3): 575-82.

Blood pressure is an important measure of cardiovascular function that can be affected by both physical and pathological conditions. In cats, diseases such as chronic renal disease and hyperthyroidism may be associated with hypertension. Indirect measurement of blood pressure in cats can be determined in the practice setting using either Doppler or oscillometric machines. Only a few studies have evaluated normal ranges for feline blood pressure, and there are conflicting opinions on criteria for diagnosing hypertension. In this study, continuous direct measurement of arterial blood pressure (ABP) was carried out in 21 healthy cats via catheterization of the common carotid artery. The ABP was measured during rest, alertness, and activity and the response to be petted by familiar and unfamiliar people was also assessed. The mean blood pressure (MBP) in resting cats (114 mm Hg) was lower than in alert cats (123 mm Hg) and active cats (137 mm Hg). The MBP when being petted by a familiar person (145 mm Hg) was higher than during petting by an unfamiliar person (139 mm Hg).
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Jepson, R., V. Hartley, et al. (2005). "A comparison of CAT Doppler and oscillometric Memoprint machines for non-invasive blood pressure measurement in conscious cats." J Fel Med Surg 7: 147-152.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Diagnosis of Feline Pancreatic Disease

Webb, C. B. and C. Trott (2008). "Laparoscopic diagnosis of pancreatic disease in dogs and cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(6): 1263-6.

Despite advances in diagnostic testing, the diagnosis of many pancreatic diseases is not straightforward. The pancreatic-lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) assay is sensitive and specific for pancreatic disease, but cannot identify the source of the inflammation. Pancreatic disease may be due to many different causes, such as acute nonsuppurative or chronic lympoplasmacytic pancreatitis, or pancreatitis secondary to another disease process such as inflammatory bowel disease or bile duct obstruction. Noninvasive imaging methods such as ultrasound or radiology have variable degrees of sensitivity and specificity. The gold standard for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic disease in animals remains biopsy and histopathology. Laparoscopy offers a minimally invasive route by which to obtain pancreatic biopsies. In this retrospective case series, the medical records of 18 dogs and 13 cats examined between 1999 and 2007 at Colorado State University that underwent laparoscopy during which observation or biopsy of the pancreas was recorded were examined. The presenting complaints, imaging studies, and histopathologic findings were recorded. For comparison, all hospital admissions were searched for animals with the same presenting complaints and of those it was determined which animals had exploratory surgery and their pancreas biopsied. In 14 animals a laparoscopic biopsy of the pancreas resulted in a histopathologic diagnosis when the sonographic findings or the gross assessment failed to do so. Results of this study suggests that laparoscopy is a safe and potentially underutilized diagnostic tool in animals where exocrine pancreatic disease is a prominent differential diagnosis, as in dogs and cats examined for vomiting, anorexia, or both.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Richter, K. P. (2001). "Laparoscopy in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 31(4): 707-27, ix.
>>PubMed Abstract

Zoran, D. L. (2006). "Pancreatitis in cats: diagnosis and management of a challenging disease." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 42(1): 1-9.
>>PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Webb, C. B. and C. Trott (2008). "Laparoscopic diagnosis of pancreatic disease in dogs and cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(6): 1263-6.

Despite advances in diagnostic testing, the diagnosis of many pancreatic diseases is not straightforward. The pancreatic-lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) assay is sensitive and specific for pancreatic disease, but cannot identify the source of the inflammation. Pancreatic disease may be due to many different causes, such as acute nonsuppurative or chronic lympoplasmacytic pancreatitis, or pancreatitis secondary to another disease process such as inflammatory bowel disease or bile duct obstruction. Noninvasive imaging methods such as ultrasound or radiology have variable degrees of sensitivity and specificity. The gold standard for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic disease in animals remains biopsy and histopathology. Laparoscopy offers a minimally invasive route by which to obtain pancreatic biopsies. In this retrospective case series, the medical records of 18 dogs and 13 cats examined between 1999 and 2007 at Colorado State University that underwent laparoscopy during which observation or biopsy of the pancreas was recorded were examined. The presenting complaints, imaging studies, and histopathologic findings were recorded. For comparison, all hospital admissions were searched for animals with the same presenting complaints and of those it was determined which animals had exploratory surgery and their pancreas biopsied. In 14 animals a laparoscopic biopsy of the pancreas resulted in a histopathologic diagnosis when the sonographic findings or the gross assessment failed to do so. Results of this study suggests that laparoscopy is a safe and potentially underutilized diagnostic tool in animals where exocrine pancreatic disease is a prominent differential diagnosis, as in dogs and cats examined for vomiting, anorexia, or both.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Richter, K. P. (2001). "Laparoscopy in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 31(4): 707-27, ix.
>>PubMed Abstract

Zoran, D. L. (2006). "Pancreatitis in cats: diagnosis and management of a challenging disease." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 42(1): 1-9.
>>PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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Remission of Diabetes in Cats

Sieber-Ruckstuhl, N. S., S. Kley, et al. (2008). "Remission of diabetes mellitus in cats with diabetic ketoacidosis." J Vet Intern Med 22(6): 1326-32.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in cats. DM in cats appears most similar to type 2 DM in humans, with obesity being a strong risk factor. A serious complication of DM in cats is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a hyperglycemic emergency. While remission has been reported in up to 50% of cats with DM, remission in cats with severe DKA has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate medical records of cats presenting with DKA with diabetic remission and to compare them with those of cats with DKA without diabetic remission and those of cats with uncomplicated DM and diabetic remission. In this retrospective case review, the records of 12 cats with DKA and 7 cats with uncomplicated DM were analyzed. Of the cats with DKA, 7 experienced remission. These cats had more components of a stress leukogram and had pancreatic disease more often than did cats with uncomplicated DM and diabetic remission. They also had been treated more often with glucocorticoids. The researchers conclude that complete or partial remission of DM in cats presenting with DKA is possible. This finding is important as it may influence the willingness of owners and veterinarians to treat cats presenting with DKA.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Zeugswetter, F. and M. Pagitz (2008). "Ketone measurements using dipstick methodology in cats with diabetes mellitus." J Small Anim Pract. [Epub ahead of print]
>> PubMed Abstract

Bruskiewicz, K., R. Nelson, et al. (1997). "Diabetic ketosis and ketoacidosis in cats: 42 cases (1980-1995)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 211(2): 188-192.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Sieber-Ruckstuhl, N. S., S. Kley, et al. (2008). "Remission of diabetes mellitus in cats with diabetic ketoacidosis." J Vet Intern Med 22(6): 1326-32.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in cats. DM in cats appears most similar to type 2 DM in humans, with obesity being a strong risk factor. A serious complication of DM in cats is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a hyperglycemic emergency. While remission has been reported in up to 50% of cats with DM, remission in cats with severe DKA has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate medical records of cats presenting with DKA with diabetic remission and to compare them with those of cats with DKA without diabetic remission and those of cats with uncomplicated DM and diabetic remission. In this retrospective case review, the records of 12 cats with DKA and 7 cats with uncomplicated DM were analyzed. Of the cats with DKA, 7 experienced remission. These cats had more components of a stress leukogram and had pancreatic disease more often than did cats with uncomplicated DM and diabetic remission. They also had been treated more often with glucocorticoids. The researchers conclude that complete or partial remission of DM in cats presenting with DKA is possible. This finding is important as it may influence the willingness of owners and veterinarians to treat cats presenting with DKA.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Zeugswetter, F. and M. Pagitz (2008). "Ketone measurements using dipstick methodology in cats with diabetes mellitus." J Small Anim Pract. [Epub ahead of print]
>> PubMed Abstract

Bruskiewicz, K., R. Nelson, et al. (1997). "Diabetic ketosis and ketoacidosis in cats: 42 cases (1980-1995)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 211(2): 188-192.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More