FeLV Shedding in Feces

Gomes-Keller, M. A., E. Gonczi, et al. (2009). "Fecal shedding of infectious feline leukemia virus and its nucleic acids: a transmission potential." Vet Microbiol 134(3-4): 208-17.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an important pathogen of cats that is associated with cancer and immunodeficiency. Transmission of the virus occurs primarily via saliva. These investigators examined fecal shedding of the virus by testing for viral RNA and DNA, as well as by virus cultivation from rectal swabs of infected cats. They found that cats testing positive using common in-clinic test kits for FeLV antigen also shed virus in feces, and the majority of them were infectious to other cats. None of these FeLV-shedding cats showed any gastrointestinal signs of disease. However, it appears that the viral load in feces is small, and while it did lead to exposure and antibody production against the virus in uninfected cats in contact with virus-positive feces, these cats did not become antigen-positive on in-clinic test kits. Viral genetic material was found in tissues from a minority of these exposed cats, indicating transmission via feces is possible. While secondary to saliva as a means of virus spread, these results indicate that sharing of litter pans between infected and susceptible cats does bear some risk for transmission of FeLV. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gomes-Keller, M. A., R. Tandon, et al. (2006). "Shedding of feline leukemia virus RNA in saliva is a consistent feature in viremic cats." Vet Microbiol 112(1): 11-21.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

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Gomes-Keller, M. A., E. Gonczi, et al. (2009). "Fecal shedding of infectious feline leukemia virus and its nucleic acids: a transmission potential." Vet Microbiol 134(3-4): 208-17.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an important pathogen of cats that is associated with cancer and immunodeficiency. Transmission of the virus occurs primarily via saliva. These investigators examined fecal shedding of the virus by testing for viral RNA and DNA, as well as by virus cultivation from rectal swabs of infected cats. They found that cats testing positive using common in-clinic test kits for FeLV antigen also shed virus in feces, and the majority of them were infectious to other cats. None of these FeLV-shedding cats showed any gastrointestinal signs of disease. However, it appears that the viral load in feces is small, and while it did lead to exposure and antibody production against the virus in uninfected cats in contact with virus-positive feces, these cats did not become antigen-positive on in-clinic test kits. Viral genetic material was found in tissues from a minority of these exposed cats, indicating transmission via feces is possible. While secondary to saliva as a means of virus spread, these results indicate that sharing of litter pans between infected and susceptible cats does bear some risk for transmission of FeLV. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gomes-Keller, M. A., R. Tandon, et al. (2006). "Shedding of feline leukemia virus RNA in saliva is a consistent feature in viremic cats." Vet Microbiol 112(1): 11-21.
>> PubMed Abstract

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

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Spinal Cord Disease in Cats

Gonçalves R, Platt SR, Llabrés-Díaz FJ, et al. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings in 92 cats with clinical signs of spinal cord disease. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009;11:53-59.

Spinal cord disease is a diagnostic challenge in cats. As well, no antemortem studies on the relative frequency of the different etiologies responsible for feline spinal cord disease, such as lymphoma, feline infectious peritonitis, and intervertebral disc disease, exist in the literature. MRI is a noninvasive tool that represents the method of choice for imaging the spinal cord in human patients. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of an abnormal MRI in cats with clinical signs of spinal cord disease; to examine the relationship between the patient’s clinical characteristics and MRI findings; to identify potential predictors of a poor outcome and to investigate the outcome of cats with a normal MRI study. The authors reviewed the medical records of 92 cats with spinal cord disease that had undergone an MRI study. Seven diagnostic categories were determined on the basis of MRI and other findings: neoplastic (25 cats), inflammatory or infectious (13), traumatic (8), vascular (6), degenerative (5), anomalous (3), and those cats with a normal MRI study (32). The most important predictors of an abnormal MRI study were the presence of spinal pain and the severity of clinical signs. Of the 32 cats with a normal MRI study, only 9 died due to spinal disease. Of the 60 cats with abnormal MRI findings, 37 died due to their disease. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Negrin A, Schatzberg S, Platt SR. The paralyzed cat. Neuroanatomic diagnosis and specific spinal cord diseases. J Feline Med Surg 2009;11:361-372.
>> PubMed Abstract

Harris JE, Dhupa S. Lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease in six cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2008;44:109-115.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Gonçalves R, Platt SR, Llabrés-Díaz FJ, et al. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings in 92 cats with clinical signs of spinal cord disease. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009;11:53-59.

Spinal cord disease is a diagnostic challenge in cats. As well, no antemortem studies on the relative frequency of the different etiologies responsible for feline spinal cord disease, such as lymphoma, feline infectious peritonitis, and intervertebral disc disease, exist in the literature. MRI is a noninvasive tool that represents the method of choice for imaging the spinal cord in human patients. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of an abnormal MRI in cats with clinical signs of spinal cord disease; to examine the relationship between the patient’s clinical characteristics and MRI findings; to identify potential predictors of a poor outcome and to investigate the outcome of cats with a normal MRI study. The authors reviewed the medical records of 92 cats with spinal cord disease that had undergone an MRI study. Seven diagnostic categories were determined on the basis of MRI and other findings: neoplastic (25 cats), inflammatory or infectious (13), traumatic (8), vascular (6), degenerative (5), anomalous (3), and those cats with a normal MRI study (32). The most important predictors of an abnormal MRI study were the presence of spinal pain and the severity of clinical signs. Of the 32 cats with a normal MRI study, only 9 died due to spinal disease. Of the 60 cats with abnormal MRI findings, 37 died due to their disease. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Negrin A, Schatzberg S, Platt SR. The paralyzed cat. Neuroanatomic diagnosis and specific spinal cord diseases. J Feline Med Surg 2009;11:361-372.
>> PubMed Abstract

Harris JE, Dhupa S. Lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease in six cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2008;44:109-115.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Tritrichomonas Diarrhea in Cats

Stockdale HD, Givens MD, Dykstra CC, et al. Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol 2009;160:13-17.

Tritrichomonas foetus causes chronic large bowel diarrhea in cats associated with blood or mucus, flatulence, tenesmus, vomiting, weight loss, and anal irritation. Most reports in the literature are since 1996. The objective of this was to estimate the prevalence of T. foetus in pet cats across the United States. Fecal samples from 173 cats across the U.S. were submitted by veterinarians. Thirty-two pedigreed cats were represented. In this study population, 10% of the cats were positive for T. foetus. All positive cats had chronic large bowel diarrhea. There was no correlation between breed or gender and infection with T. foetus. Other enteric pathogens, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, were present in nine of the 17 positive cats. The results of this study suggest that trichomoniasis is a disease of younger male and female cats of all breeds. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gunn-Moore DA, McCann TM, Reed N, et al. Prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in the UK. J Feline Med Surg 2007;9:214-218.
>> PubMed Abstract

Gookin JL, Copple CN, Papich MG, et al. Efficacy of ronidazole for treatment of feline Tritrichomonas foetus infection. J Vet Intern Med 2006;20:536-543.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Stockdale HD, Givens MD, Dykstra CC, et al. Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats. Vet Parasitol 2009;160:13-17.

Tritrichomonas foetus causes chronic large bowel diarrhea in cats associated with blood or mucus, flatulence, tenesmus, vomiting, weight loss, and anal irritation. Most reports in the literature are since 1996. The objective of this was to estimate the prevalence of T. foetus in pet cats across the United States. Fecal samples from 173 cats across the U.S. were submitted by veterinarians. Thirty-two pedigreed cats were represented. In this study population, 10% of the cats were positive for T. foetus. All positive cats had chronic large bowel diarrhea. There was no correlation between breed or gender and infection with T. foetus. Other enteric pathogens, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, were present in nine of the 17 positive cats. The results of this study suggest that trichomoniasis is a disease of younger male and female cats of all breeds. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gunn-Moore DA, McCann TM, Reed N, et al. Prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhoea in the UK. J Feline Med Surg 2007;9:214-218.
>> PubMed Abstract

Gookin JL, Copple CN, Papich MG, et al. Efficacy of ronidazole for treatment of feline Tritrichomonas foetus infection. J Vet Intern Med 2006;20:536-543.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cats

Rogers, C. L., T. E. O'Toole, et al. (2008). "Portal vein thrombosis in cats: 6 cases (2001-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 282-7.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) refers to development of thrombi within the hepatic portal venous system. All 6 cats in this case series diagnosed with PVT also had concurrent liver disease. Three of the six cats had evidence of congenital portosystemic shunt. Such local disease conditions as neoplasia and inflammation of the liver and pancreas are also risk factors. Presenting clinical signs included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, dyspnea, abdominal distension, and acute collapse. The major physical examination finding was abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic examination found an abnormal echogenic structure presumed to be thrombus within the portal vein in 5 cats. Five cats received anticoagulation therapy with the majority treated with low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin). With low numbers treated and inconsistent response, continued studies would be needed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in treating feline PVT. In conclusion, PVT is a recognized clinical entity in cats and appears to be associated with concurrent hepatic disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lamb, C. R. (1998). "Ultrasonography of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 28(4): 725-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Rogers, C. L., T. E. O'Toole, et al. (2008). "Portal vein thrombosis in cats: 6 cases (2001-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 282-7.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) refers to development of thrombi within the hepatic portal venous system. All 6 cats in this case series diagnosed with PVT also had concurrent liver disease. Three of the six cats had evidence of congenital portosystemic shunt. Such local disease conditions as neoplasia and inflammation of the liver and pancreas are also risk factors. Presenting clinical signs included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, dyspnea, abdominal distension, and acute collapse. The major physical examination finding was abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic examination found an abnormal echogenic structure presumed to be thrombus within the portal vein in 5 cats. Five cats received anticoagulation therapy with the majority treated with low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin). With low numbers treated and inconsistent response, continued studies would be needed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in treating feline PVT. In conclusion, PVT is a recognized clinical entity in cats and appears to be associated with concurrent hepatic disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lamb, C. R. (1998). "Ultrasonography of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 28(4): 725-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Thyroid Carcinoma in Cats

Hibbert, A., T. Gruffydd-Jones, et al. (2009). "Feline thyroid carcinoma: diagnosis and response to high-dose radioactive iodine treatment." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 116-124.

Thyroid carcinoma is considered to be the cause of hyperthyroidism in 1 to 3% of hyperthyroid cats. Eight cats were included in the study based on pre-mortem histopathologic diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma, scintigraphic evaluation, and sole treatment with high-dose radioiodine. Scintigraphic findings were variable and could not distinguish whether the thyroid tissue was malignant. In all cases, histopathology confirmed malignancy, and the authors recommend histopathology should be done in every case of thyroid surgery. Successful treatment of carcinomas with radioiodine requires ablative doses three- to 10-fold higher than those used for thyroid adenoma. High-dose radioiodine was well tolerated in this group of cats and none of the cats developed clinical hypothyroidism after treatment. The study indicated that the prognosis for cats with thyroid carcinoma and treated with high-dose radioiodine is good, and extended survival times are common. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Barber, L. G. (2007). "Thyroid tumors in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 37(4): 755-73, vii.
>> PubMed Abstract

Peterson, M. E. (2006). "Radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 21(1): 34-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Hibbert, A., T. Gruffydd-Jones, et al. (2009). "Feline thyroid carcinoma: diagnosis and response to high-dose radioactive iodine treatment." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 116-124.

Thyroid carcinoma is considered to be the cause of hyperthyroidism in 1 to 3% of hyperthyroid cats. Eight cats were included in the study based on pre-mortem histopathologic diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma, scintigraphic evaluation, and sole treatment with high-dose radioiodine. Scintigraphic findings were variable and could not distinguish whether the thyroid tissue was malignant. In all cases, histopathology confirmed malignancy, and the authors recommend histopathology should be done in every case of thyroid surgery. Successful treatment of carcinomas with radioiodine requires ablative doses three- to 10-fold higher than those used for thyroid adenoma. High-dose radioiodine was well tolerated in this group of cats and none of the cats developed clinical hypothyroidism after treatment. The study indicated that the prognosis for cats with thyroid carcinoma and treated with high-dose radioiodine is good, and extended survival times are common. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Barber, L. G. (2007). "Thyroid tumors in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 37(4): 755-73, vii.
>> PubMed Abstract

Peterson, M. E. (2006). "Radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 21(1): 34-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Demographics of Cats in the U.S.

Chu, K., W. M. Anderson, et al. (2009). "Population characteristics and neuter status of cats living in households in the United States." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 234(8): 1023-1030.

The objective of this study was to document the neuter status and identify demographic characteristics of cats living in the United States using a cross-sectional, random-digit-dial telephone survey. During April and May of 2007, 1205 adults in the continental U.S. were contacted. About 32% of the respondents had at least one cat at the time of the survey, yielding an estimated population of over 82 million cats living in about 37 million U.S. households. Eighty percent of the cats were reported as neutered. Of the female cats, about 82% had been neutered before having any litters. Annual family income was the strongest predictor of whether cats in the household were neutered, with only 51% of cats in households with annual family incomes less than $35,000 being neutered. This study did not attempt to gather data on stray and feral cats which represent an important part of the U.S. cat population. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Murray, J. K., M. A. Roberts, et al. (2009). "Survey of the characteristics of cats owned by households in the UK and factors affecting their neutered status." Vet Rec 164(5): 137-41.
>> PubMed Abstract

Levy, J. K., J. E. Woods, et al. (2003). "Number of unowned free-roaming cats in a college community in the southern United States and characteristics of community residents who feed them." J Am Vet Med Assoc 223(2): 202-5.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Chu, K., W. M. Anderson, et al. (2009). "Population characteristics and neuter status of cats living in households in the United States." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 234(8): 1023-1030.

The objective of this study was to document the neuter status and identify demographic characteristics of cats living in the United States using a cross-sectional, random-digit-dial telephone survey. During April and May of 2007, 1205 adults in the continental U.S. were contacted. About 32% of the respondents had at least one cat at the time of the survey, yielding an estimated population of over 82 million cats living in about 37 million U.S. households. Eighty percent of the cats were reported as neutered. Of the female cats, about 82% had been neutered before having any litters. Annual family income was the strongest predictor of whether cats in the household were neutered, with only 51% of cats in households with annual family incomes less than $35,000 being neutered. This study did not attempt to gather data on stray and feral cats which represent an important part of the U.S. cat population. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Murray, J. K., M. A. Roberts, et al. (2009). "Survey of the characteristics of cats owned by households in the UK and factors affecting their neutered status." Vet Rec 164(5): 137-41.
>> PubMed Abstract

Levy, J. K., J. E. Woods, et al. (2003). "Number of unowned free-roaming cats in a college community in the southern United States and characteristics of community residents who feed them." J Am Vet Med Assoc 223(2): 202-5.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Glucocorticoids and Cats

Lowe, A. D., K. L. Campbell, et al. (2008). "Glucocorticoids in the cat." Vet Dermatol 19(6): 340-7.

Some of the most common drugs prescribed in veterinary practice are glucocorticoids, due to their variety of therapeutic effects. Cats do not experience as many adverse effects with glucocorticoids as other species, such as humans and dogs. However, cats can experience adverse reactions, including skin atrophy and fragility, poor wound healing, and a predisposition to diabetes mellitus and possibly congestive heart failure. Steroid hepatopathy is less likely to occur in cats or is less detectable than in dogs. Prednisolone is the metabolically active drug preferred in cats. Studies have shown that time of day dosing is probably not as important in cats as in other species. Use of short to intermediate-acting glucocorticoids is preferable in case of adverse effects and the need for discontinuance of therapy. Use of repositrol glucocorticoids (such as methylprednisolone) should be reserved for situations where oral dosing is not possible. Care should be given to the use of glucocorticoids in cats at risk for diabetes mellitus or with pre-existing heart disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

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

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Lowe, A. D., K. L. Campbell, et al. (2008). "Glucocorticoids in the cat." Vet Dermatol 19(6): 340-7.

Some of the most common drugs prescribed in veterinary practice are glucocorticoids, due to their variety of therapeutic effects. Cats do not experience as many adverse effects with glucocorticoids as other species, such as humans and dogs. However, cats can experience adverse reactions, including skin atrophy and fragility, poor wound healing, and a predisposition to diabetes mellitus and possibly congestive heart failure. Steroid hepatopathy is less likely to occur in cats or is less detectable than in dogs. Prednisolone is the metabolically active drug preferred in cats. Studies have shown that time of day dosing is probably not as important in cats as in other species. Use of short to intermediate-acting glucocorticoids is preferable in case of adverse effects and the need for discontinuance of therapy. Use of repositrol glucocorticoids (such as methylprednisolone) should be reserved for situations where oral dosing is not possible. Care should be given to the use of glucocorticoids in cats at risk for diabetes mellitus or with pre-existing heart disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

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

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