Chronic sinusitis and Bartonella in Cats

Berryessa NA, Johnson LR, Kasten RW, Chomel BB. Microbial culture of blood samples and serologic testing for bartonellosis in cats with chronic rhinosinusitis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2008;233(7):1084-1089.

Chronic rhinosinutitis (CRS) is a frequent and frustrating medical disorder of cats. A common finding is excessive accumulation of nasal mucus along with sneezing, nasal discharge, and turbinate bone damage. The underlying cause for this disease is most likely multifactorial and due to a mix of a viral infection, secondary bacterial infection, and a poorly developed immune response. Treatment has primarily been directed at the result of the disease instead of potential causes. Bartonella are blood borne organisms most likely transmitted to cats through exposure to flea feces. Bartonella have been implicated in nasal inflammation in small animals and often private clinicians will test for the organism along with treating with azithromycin on the assumption that Bartonella is present. This study consisted of 4 groups of cats. The first group (19 cats) was composed of cats with CRS whose diagnosis was based on having a mucopurulent discharge longer than 3 months. The remaining 3 control groups were cats with other nasal diseases (Group 2: 10 cats), cats with systemic disease with no nasal disease (Group 3: 15 cats), and healthy cats (Group 4: 15 cats). All cats in the study had serologic testing for Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae and microbial cultures of blood samples performed. In those cats where nasal disease was evaluated, a biopsy sample was taken for histologic examination and another biopsy sample saved for PCR assay to detect Bartonella. The results of the study showed no significant differences in seropositivity or culture results in cats with CRS compared to the results of the 3 control groups. A positive serologic test for Bartonella would most likely indicate exposure and not presence of infection from the organism. In addition, the PCR assays of the nasal tissue samples were negative indicating that Bartonella organisms do not play an important role in the pathogenesis of CRS as demonstrated in these cats. One limitation of the study was the small number of cats enrolled. The authors do recommend a continued need to look for an association between Bartonella and other chronic inflammatory diseases in cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Johnson L, Foley J, DeCock H, al e. Assessment of infectious organisms associated with severe chronic rhinosinusitis in cats. J Amer Vet Med Assoc. 2005;227(4):579-585.
>> PubMed Abstract

Quimby JM, Elston T, Hawley J, Brewer M, Miller A, Lappin MR. Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis. J Feline Med Surg. Feb 2008;10(1):66-72.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Berryessa NA, Johnson LR, Kasten RW, Chomel BB. Microbial culture of blood samples and serologic testing for bartonellosis in cats with chronic rhinosinusitis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2008;233(7):1084-1089.

Chronic rhinosinutitis (CRS) is a frequent and frustrating medical disorder of cats. A common finding is excessive accumulation of nasal mucus along with sneezing, nasal discharge, and turbinate bone damage. The underlying cause for this disease is most likely multifactorial and due to a mix of a viral infection, secondary bacterial infection, and a poorly developed immune response. Treatment has primarily been directed at the result of the disease instead of potential causes. Bartonella are blood borne organisms most likely transmitted to cats through exposure to flea feces. Bartonella have been implicated in nasal inflammation in small animals and often private clinicians will test for the organism along with treating with azithromycin on the assumption that Bartonella is present. This study consisted of 4 groups of cats. The first group (19 cats) was composed of cats with CRS whose diagnosis was based on having a mucopurulent discharge longer than 3 months. The remaining 3 control groups were cats with other nasal diseases (Group 2: 10 cats), cats with systemic disease with no nasal disease (Group 3: 15 cats), and healthy cats (Group 4: 15 cats). All cats in the study had serologic testing for Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae and microbial cultures of blood samples performed. In those cats where nasal disease was evaluated, a biopsy sample was taken for histologic examination and another biopsy sample saved for PCR assay to detect Bartonella. The results of the study showed no significant differences in seropositivity or culture results in cats with CRS compared to the results of the 3 control groups. A positive serologic test for Bartonella would most likely indicate exposure and not presence of infection from the organism. In addition, the PCR assays of the nasal tissue samples were negative indicating that Bartonella organisms do not play an important role in the pathogenesis of CRS as demonstrated in these cats. One limitation of the study was the small number of cats enrolled. The authors do recommend a continued need to look for an association between Bartonella and other chronic inflammatory diseases in cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Johnson L, Foley J, DeCock H, al e. Assessment of infectious organisms associated with severe chronic rhinosinusitis in cats. J Amer Vet Med Assoc. 2005;227(4):579-585.
>> PubMed Abstract

Quimby JM, Elston T, Hawley J, Brewer M, Miller A, Lappin MR. Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis. J Feline Med Surg. Feb 2008;10(1):66-72.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Obesity in Cats

Colliard L, Paragon B-M, Lemuet B, Bénet J-J, Blanchard G. Prevalence and risk factors of obesity in an urban population of healthy cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery. 2009;11(2):135-140.

Obesity in cats is generally defined as being 15% or more over ideal body weight. Cats are considered overweight when up to 15% over ideal body weight. Depending on the study, the incidence of overweight and obesity in cats in various countries ranges from 6 to 52%. This study, from the National Veterinary School in Alfort, France, was designed to determine prevalence and risk factors for obesity in cats in France, as well as owners' perceptions about the body condition of their pets. All owners presenting healthy cats for vaccination to the veterinary school between March and June 2006 were questioned by a veterinarian using a standardized form. Data was collected on 385 cats, with an average age of 3.5 years. Results indicated that 19% of the cats were found to be overweight and about 8% were found to be obese. Risk factors identified included male gender, neutered status (both male and female), and underestimation of the cat's body condition by the owner. Some factors, such as the presence of a child in the home, were associated with lowered risk. Unlike some previous studies, living indoors and living without another animal in the home were not significant risk factors. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Laflamme DP. Understanding and managing obesity in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. Nov 2006;36(6):1283-1295, vii.
>> PubMed Abstract

Roudebush P, Schoenherr WD, Delaney SJ. An evidence-based review of the use of nutraceuticals and dietary supplementation for the management of obese and overweight pets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Jun 1 2008;232(11):1646-1655.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Colliard L, Paragon B-M, Lemuet B, Bénet J-J, Blanchard G. Prevalence and risk factors of obesity in an urban population of healthy cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery. 2009;11(2):135-140.

Obesity in cats is generally defined as being 15% or more over ideal body weight. Cats are considered overweight when up to 15% over ideal body weight. Depending on the study, the incidence of overweight and obesity in cats in various countries ranges from 6 to 52%. This study, from the National Veterinary School in Alfort, France, was designed to determine prevalence and risk factors for obesity in cats in France, as well as owners' perceptions about the body condition of their pets. All owners presenting healthy cats for vaccination to the veterinary school between March and June 2006 were questioned by a veterinarian using a standardized form. Data was collected on 385 cats, with an average age of 3.5 years. Results indicated that 19% of the cats were found to be overweight and about 8% were found to be obese. Risk factors identified included male gender, neutered status (both male and female), and underestimation of the cat's body condition by the owner. Some factors, such as the presence of a child in the home, were associated with lowered risk. Unlike some previous studies, living indoors and living without another animal in the home were not significant risk factors. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Laflamme DP. Understanding and managing obesity in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. Nov 2006;36(6):1283-1295, vii.
>> PubMed Abstract

Roudebush P, Schoenherr WD, Delaney SJ. An evidence-based review of the use of nutraceuticals and dietary supplementation for the management of obese and overweight pets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Jun 1 2008;232(11):1646-1655.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Pradofloxacin for Feline Infectious Anemia

Dowers, K. L., S. Tasker, et al. (2009). "Use of pradofloxacin to treat experimentally induced Mycoplasma hemofelis infection in cats." Am J Vet Res 70(1): 105-11.

Mycoplasma hemofelis, formerly known as Hemobartonella felis, is the causative agent of feline infectious anemia. The bacterium is spread through flea bites and causes hemolytic anemia that may result in the death of infected cats. It is believed that most infected cats do not clear the organisms even with appropriate antimicrobial treatment, which most commonly is doxycycline. Pradofloxacin is a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic for veterinary use that appears to have increased effectiveness against many bacteria. In this study, treatment of cats infected with M. hemofelis with doxycycline was compared to low and high doses of pradofloxacin. All treatment regimens were equally effective in improving the clinical condition and blood parameters of infected cats. When assessed by molecular detection for clearance of the organism, both low and high dose pradofloxacin were effective, while none of the doxycycline-treated animals completely cleared detectable organisms. The authors concluded that pradofloxacin not only had anti-M. hemofelis effects, it may be more effective at long term M. hemofelis organism clearance than doxycycline.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Willi, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2007). "From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: Molecular methods provide new insights." Vet Microbiol 125(3-4): 197-209.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ishak, A. M., K. L. Dowers, et al. (2008). "Marbofloxacin for the treatment of experimentally induced Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 288-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Dowers, K. L., S. Tasker, et al. (2009). "Use of pradofloxacin to treat experimentally induced Mycoplasma hemofelis infection in cats." Am J Vet Res 70(1): 105-11.

Mycoplasma hemofelis, formerly known as Hemobartonella felis, is the causative agent of feline infectious anemia. The bacterium is spread through flea bites and causes hemolytic anemia that may result in the death of infected cats. It is believed that most infected cats do not clear the organisms even with appropriate antimicrobial treatment, which most commonly is doxycycline. Pradofloxacin is a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic for veterinary use that appears to have increased effectiveness against many bacteria. In this study, treatment of cats infected with M. hemofelis with doxycycline was compared to low and high doses of pradofloxacin. All treatment regimens were equally effective in improving the clinical condition and blood parameters of infected cats. When assessed by molecular detection for clearance of the organism, both low and high dose pradofloxacin were effective, while none of the doxycycline-treated animals completely cleared detectable organisms. The authors concluded that pradofloxacin not only had anti-M. hemofelis effects, it may be more effective at long term M. hemofelis organism clearance than doxycycline.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Willi, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2007). "From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: Molecular methods provide new insights." Vet Microbiol 125(3-4): 197-209.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ishak, A. M., K. L. Dowers, et al. (2008). "Marbofloxacin for the treatment of experimentally induced Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 288-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Pathogenicity of Feline Cytauxzoonosis

Brown, H. M., R. D. Berghaus, et al. (2009). "Genetic variability of Cytauxzoon felis from 88 infected domestic cats in Arkansas and Georgia." J Vet Diagn Invest 21(1): 59-63.

Cytauxzoonosis is a highly fatal tick-borne disease of cats, both exotic and domestic. The causative organism, Cytauxzoon felis, is a relatively new pathogen to the USA. It occurs in the south-central, southeastern, and mid-Atlantic regions. Bobcats are believed to be the natural reservoir, and when domestic cats become infected, a rapid disease course ending in death usually occurs. Recently, cases of survival have been documented in domestic cats. This may be due to different strains of the organism. To investigate this possibility, genetic analysis was done on a total of 88 C. felis isolates from cats in Arkansas and Georgia, 44 of which were from cats that survived infection. This analysis identified three unique parasite genotypes, one of which was associated with survival, referred to as genotype ITSA. Thus, there were genetic differences identified that were associated with outcome of infection.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Brown, H. M., K. S. Latimer, et al. (2008). "Detection of persistent Cytauxzoon felis infection by polymerase chain reaction in three asymptomatic domestic cats." J Vet Diagn Invest 20(4): 485-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

Haber, M. D., M. D. Tucker, et al. (2007). "The detection of Cytauxzoon felis in apparently healthy free-roaming cats in the USA." Vet Parasitol 146(3-4): 316-20.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Brown, H. M., R. D. Berghaus, et al. (2009). "Genetic variability of Cytauxzoon felis from 88 infected domestic cats in Arkansas and Georgia." J Vet Diagn Invest 21(1): 59-63.

Cytauxzoonosis is a highly fatal tick-borne disease of cats, both exotic and domestic. The causative organism, Cytauxzoon felis, is a relatively new pathogen to the USA. It occurs in the south-central, southeastern, and mid-Atlantic regions. Bobcats are believed to be the natural reservoir, and when domestic cats become infected, a rapid disease course ending in death usually occurs. Recently, cases of survival have been documented in domestic cats. This may be due to different strains of the organism. To investigate this possibility, genetic analysis was done on a total of 88 C. felis isolates from cats in Arkansas and Georgia, 44 of which were from cats that survived infection. This analysis identified three unique parasite genotypes, one of which was associated with survival, referred to as genotype ITSA. Thus, there were genetic differences identified that were associated with outcome of infection.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Brown, H. M., K. S. Latimer, et al. (2008). "Detection of persistent Cytauxzoon felis infection by polymerase chain reaction in three asymptomatic domestic cats." J Vet Diagn Invest 20(4): 485-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

Haber, M. D., M. D. Tucker, et al. (2007). "The detection of Cytauxzoon felis in apparently healthy free-roaming cats in the USA." Vet Parasitol 146(3-4): 316-20.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Treatment of Feline Herpesvirus

Malik R, Lessels NS, Webb S, et al. Treatment of feline herpesvirus-1 associated disease in cats with famciclovir and related drugs. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery. 2009;11(1):40-48.

Herpesvirus is the most common cause of ocular and upper respiratory disease in the cat, but is also associated with other clinical presentations such as dermatitis and pneumonia. Systemic antiviral treatment for feline herpesvirus has been problematic. First generation nucleoside analogues such as acyclovir have little clinical efficacy and significant adverse effects in cats. Famciclovir (Famvir, Novartis) is a newer drug that is often used by veterinary ophthalmologist and appears to be well tolerated by cats. This article details oral famciclovir treatment of 10 cats with presumptive herpesvirus infection as a cause of ocular disease, rhinosinusitis, and dermatitis. Famciclovir doses ranged from 62.5 mg/cat once or twice daily, up to 125 mg/cat three times daily. In all cases, the drug was well tolerated and caused clinical improvement. These and other reports support the use of famciclovir as anti-herpesvirus therapy in cats. Further research should be conducted to determine the optimal dose, dosing interval, and duration of treatment.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Thomasy SM, Maggs DJ, Moulin NK, Stanley SD. Pharmacokinetics and safety of penciclovir following oral administration of famciclovir to cats. Am J Vet Res. Nov 2007;68(11):1252-1258.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Malik R, Lessels NS, Webb S, et al. Treatment of feline herpesvirus-1 associated disease in cats with famciclovir and related drugs. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery. 2009;11(1):40-48.

Herpesvirus is the most common cause of ocular and upper respiratory disease in the cat, but is also associated with other clinical presentations such as dermatitis and pneumonia. Systemic antiviral treatment for feline herpesvirus has been problematic. First generation nucleoside analogues such as acyclovir have little clinical efficacy and significant adverse effects in cats. Famciclovir (Famvir, Novartis) is a newer drug that is often used by veterinary ophthalmologist and appears to be well tolerated by cats. This article details oral famciclovir treatment of 10 cats with presumptive herpesvirus infection as a cause of ocular disease, rhinosinusitis, and dermatitis. Famciclovir doses ranged from 62.5 mg/cat once or twice daily, up to 125 mg/cat three times daily. In all cases, the drug was well tolerated and caused clinical improvement. These and other reports support the use of famciclovir as anti-herpesvirus therapy in cats. Further research should be conducted to determine the optimal dose, dosing interval, and duration of treatment.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Thomasy SM, Maggs DJ, Moulin NK, Stanley SD. Pharmacokinetics and safety of penciclovir following oral administration of famciclovir to cats. Am J Vet Res. Nov 2007;68(11):1252-1258.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Diabetes & pancreatitis in cats

Forcada Y, German AJ, Noble PJ, et al. Determination of serum fPLI concentrations in cats with diabetes mellitus. J Feline Med Surg. Oct 2008;10(5):480-487.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the primary endocrine diseases of cats. Pancreatitis is suspected of being one of the main causes for poor control of DM in cats, yet no one knows how frequently this may occur. There are no prior reports indicating the prevalence of pancreatitis in live diabetic cats. In recent years, a test determining serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) has been evaluated as a possible test for pancreatitis. Researchers in this study compared samples from 29 diabetic cats and 23 non-diabetic cats for measurement of fPLI concentrations to serum fructosamine levels and clinical signs. The study had three aims. The first was to determine if fPLI concentrations were higher in cats with DM. The second was to see if serum fPLI levels could be linked to diabetic control, and last, to determine if these cats had any specific clinical signs of pancreatitis.
Researchers found the median fPLI concentrations were significantly higher in the diabetic patients than the median concentrations in the non-diabetic cats. This would suggest that pancreatic inflammation is likely more prevalent in diabetic cats than non-diabetic cats. Unfortunately, a limitation of the study is that the finding of increased fPLI levels implies but does not confirm the presence of pancreatitis. Since this was a retrospective study, the investigators were unable to support a diagnosis of pancreatitis by utilization of pancreatic histopathology or abdominal ultrasonography. The median serum fructosamine values were also found to be significantly higher in the diabetic cats than the non-diabetic cats. However, there was no clear association between serum fructosamine concentrations and the clinical judgment of diabetic control by the referring veterinarian. This study indicates that pancreatitis could be a major complicating factor in a percentage of diabetic cats, even those cases that appear to be under good control based on serum fructosamine concentration. Further studies are indicated to determine how pancreatitis influences the control, progression, and management of DM and how DM and other major diseases affect fPLI concentrations.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Forman MA, Marks SL, De Cock HE, et al. Evaluation of serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity and helical computed tomography versus conventional testing for the diagnosis of feline pancreatitis. J Vet Intern Med. Nov-Dec 2004;18(6):807-815.
>> PubMed Abstract

Steiner JM, Wilson BG, Williams DA. Development and analytical validation of a radioimmunoassay for the measurement of feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in serum. Can J Vet Res. Oct 2004;68(4):309-314.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Forcada Y, German AJ, Noble PJ, et al. Determination of serum fPLI concentrations in cats with diabetes mellitus. J Feline Med Surg. Oct 2008;10(5):480-487.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the primary endocrine diseases of cats. Pancreatitis is suspected of being one of the main causes for poor control of DM in cats, yet no one knows how frequently this may occur. There are no prior reports indicating the prevalence of pancreatitis in live diabetic cats. In recent years, a test determining serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) has been evaluated as a possible test for pancreatitis. Researchers in this study compared samples from 29 diabetic cats and 23 non-diabetic cats for measurement of fPLI concentrations to serum fructosamine levels and clinical signs. The study had three aims. The first was to determine if fPLI concentrations were higher in cats with DM. The second was to see if serum fPLI levels could be linked to diabetic control, and last, to determine if these cats had any specific clinical signs of pancreatitis.
Researchers found the median fPLI concentrations were significantly higher in the diabetic patients than the median concentrations in the non-diabetic cats. This would suggest that pancreatic inflammation is likely more prevalent in diabetic cats than non-diabetic cats. Unfortunately, a limitation of the study is that the finding of increased fPLI levels implies but does not confirm the presence of pancreatitis. Since this was a retrospective study, the investigators were unable to support a diagnosis of pancreatitis by utilization of pancreatic histopathology or abdominal ultrasonography. The median serum fructosamine values were also found to be significantly higher in the diabetic cats than the non-diabetic cats. However, there was no clear association between serum fructosamine concentrations and the clinical judgment of diabetic control by the referring veterinarian. This study indicates that pancreatitis could be a major complicating factor in a percentage of diabetic cats, even those cases that appear to be under good control based on serum fructosamine concentration. Further studies are indicated to determine how pancreatitis influences the control, progression, and management of DM and how DM and other major diseases affect fPLI concentrations.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Forman MA, Marks SL, De Cock HE, et al. Evaluation of serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity and helical computed tomography versus conventional testing for the diagnosis of feline pancreatitis. J Vet Intern Med. Nov-Dec 2004;18(6):807-815.
>> PubMed Abstract

Steiner JM, Wilson BG, Williams DA. Development and analytical validation of a radioimmunoassay for the measurement of feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in serum. Can J Vet Res. Oct 2004;68(4):309-314.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Cats and Permethrin Toxicity

Dymond NL, Swift IM. Permethrin toxicity in cats: a retrospective study of 20 cases. Aust Vet J. Jun 2008;86(6):219-223.

Researchers in Australia completed a retrospective study of 20 cases of permethrin toxicity in cats. The cats were presented to an emergency clinic in Brisbane, Australia from October 2004 to June 2005. Permethrin is present in many topical flea control products used for small animals. Cats are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of permethrin, which occurs when cats are accidentally exposed to products made for use on dogs. The history of recent exposure plus typical clinical signs of permethrin poisoning including tremors, muscle fasciculations, and seizures were the primary means for diagnosis. Treatment included decontamination of the product and patient support with drug therapy to control muscle tremors and seizures. Researchers noted that rapid intervention lead to good outcomes of treatment in 19 of 20 cats. One kitten died when there was a 24-hour delay in treatment. All recovered cats were reported to have no complications when a 4-month follow-up was performed. Education of owners regarding the risks of permethrin use on cats plus clear, appropriate labeling of products to help decrease the number of future cases were the conclusions drawn by the study.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Sutton NM, Bates N, Campbell A. Clinical effects and outcome of feline permethrin spot-on poisonings reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), London. J Feline Med Surg. Aug 2007;9(4):335-339.
>> PubMed Abstract

Linnett PJ. Permethrin toxicosis in cats. Aust Vet J. Jan-Feb 2008;86(1-2):32-35.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Dymond NL, Swift IM. Permethrin toxicity in cats: a retrospective study of 20 cases. Aust Vet J. Jun 2008;86(6):219-223.

Researchers in Australia completed a retrospective study of 20 cases of permethrin toxicity in cats. The cats were presented to an emergency clinic in Brisbane, Australia from October 2004 to June 2005. Permethrin is present in many topical flea control products used for small animals. Cats are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of permethrin, which occurs when cats are accidentally exposed to products made for use on dogs. The history of recent exposure plus typical clinical signs of permethrin poisoning including tremors, muscle fasciculations, and seizures were the primary means for diagnosis. Treatment included decontamination of the product and patient support with drug therapy to control muscle tremors and seizures. Researchers noted that rapid intervention lead to good outcomes of treatment in 19 of 20 cats. One kitten died when there was a 24-hour delay in treatment. All recovered cats were reported to have no complications when a 4-month follow-up was performed. Education of owners regarding the risks of permethrin use on cats plus clear, appropriate labeling of products to help decrease the number of future cases were the conclusions drawn by the study.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Sutton NM, Bates N, Campbell A. Clinical effects and outcome of feline permethrin spot-on poisonings reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), London. J Feline Med Surg. Aug 2007;9(4):335-339.
>> PubMed Abstract

Linnett PJ. Permethrin toxicosis in cats. Aust Vet J. Jan-Feb 2008;86(1-2):32-35.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More