Diabetes in Burmese Cats

Lederer, R., J. S. Rand, et al. (2009). "Frequency of feline diabetes mellitus and breed predisposition in domestic cats in Australia." Vet J 179(2): 254-8.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a group of metabolic disorders characterized by yperglycemia as a result of defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. In the United States, the reported prevalence of feline DM has increased over the past 30 years from 1 in 1250 in 1970 to 1 in 81 cats affected by the disease in 1999. A number of studies have looked at potential risk factors for the development of DM, and increasing age, being a neutered male, and being obese have been identified. In North America, no particular breed of cat appears to be associated with an increased risk for the development of DM, but this does not appear to be true in other countries. The frequency of DM in two large feline-only clinics in Brisbane, Australia over a 5-year study period is described in this report. Frequency was estimated using period prevalences (the proportion of the population at risk that was affected by diabetes at any point during a specified time period). The 5-year period prevalence of DM was 7.4 per 1000 cats. Period prevalence was significantly higher in Burmese cats (22.4 cats per 1000) than in domestic longhair or shorthair cats. There appears to be a predisposition of Burmese cats to DM in some countries, and further investigations are warranted. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
McCann, T. M., K. E. Simpson, et al. (2007). "Feline diabetes mellitus in the UK: the prevalence within an insured cat population and a questionnaire-based putative risk factor analysis." J Feline Med Surg 9(4): 289-99.
>> PubMed Abstract

Rand, J. S., L. M. Fleeman, et al. (2004). "Canine and feline diabetes mellitus: nature or nurture?" J Nutr 134(8 Suppl): 2072S-2080S.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Lederer, R., J. S. Rand, et al. (2009). "Frequency of feline diabetes mellitus and breed predisposition in domestic cats in Australia." Vet J 179(2): 254-8.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a group of metabolic disorders characterized by yperglycemia as a result of defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. In the United States, the reported prevalence of feline DM has increased over the past 30 years from 1 in 1250 in 1970 to 1 in 81 cats affected by the disease in 1999. A number of studies have looked at potential risk factors for the development of DM, and increasing age, being a neutered male, and being obese have been identified. In North America, no particular breed of cat appears to be associated with an increased risk for the development of DM, but this does not appear to be true in other countries. The frequency of DM in two large feline-only clinics in Brisbane, Australia over a 5-year study period is described in this report. Frequency was estimated using period prevalences (the proportion of the population at risk that was affected by diabetes at any point during a specified time period). The 5-year period prevalence of DM was 7.4 per 1000 cats. Period prevalence was significantly higher in Burmese cats (22.4 cats per 1000) than in domestic longhair or shorthair cats. There appears to be a predisposition of Burmese cats to DM in some countries, and further investigations are warranted. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
McCann, T. M., K. E. Simpson, et al. (2007). "Feline diabetes mellitus in the UK: the prevalence within an insured cat population and a questionnaire-based putative risk factor analysis." J Feline Med Surg 9(4): 289-99.
>> PubMed Abstract

Rand, J. S., L. M. Fleeman, et al. (2004). "Canine and feline diabetes mellitus: nature or nurture?" J Nutr 134(8 Suppl): 2072S-2080S.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Fujino, Y., et al., Prevalence of hematological abnormalities and detection of infected bone marrow cells in asymptomatic cats with feline immunodeficiency virus infection. Vet Microbiol, 2009. 136(3-4): p. 217-25.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important pathogen of cats that may lead to a lethal immunodeficient state. This may be preceded by a significant period of time, often years, without any evidence of disease. Decreases in the red and white blood cell lines as well as platelets are known to occur in infected cats. These researchers examined the prevalence of these changes in cats without obvious clinical signs of disease. They examined 50 cats whose only abnormality was the presence of FIV infection (as detected by the antibody assay for the virus). They found a significant portion of asymptomatic cats (48%) have detectable decline in the various blood cell lines, often affecting more than one cell line (e.g., anemia plus decreased white blood cells or platelets). The researchers also found that viral infection of bone marrow cells occurred, and likely led to the effects on blood cell production. Thus, FIV infection of bone marrow cells contributes to the production of the immunodeficient state as well as other blood abnormalities in infected cats. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Tanabe, T. and J.K. Yamamoto, Phenotypic and functional characteristics of FIV infection in the bone marrow stroma. Virology, 2001. 282(1): p. 113-22.
>> PubMed Abstract

Arjona, A., E. Escolar, et al. (2000). "Seroepidemiological survey of infection by feline leukemia virus and immunodeficiency virus in Madrid and correlation with some clinical aspects." J Clin Microbiol 38(9): 3448-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Fujino, Y., et al., Prevalence of hematological abnormalities and detection of infected bone marrow cells in asymptomatic cats with feline immunodeficiency virus infection. Vet Microbiol, 2009. 136(3-4): p. 217-25.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important pathogen of cats that may lead to a lethal immunodeficient state. This may be preceded by a significant period of time, often years, without any evidence of disease. Decreases in the red and white blood cell lines as well as platelets are known to occur in infected cats. These researchers examined the prevalence of these changes in cats without obvious clinical signs of disease. They examined 50 cats whose only abnormality was the presence of FIV infection (as detected by the antibody assay for the virus). They found a significant portion of asymptomatic cats (48%) have detectable decline in the various blood cell lines, often affecting more than one cell line (e.g., anemia plus decreased white blood cells or platelets). The researchers also found that viral infection of bone marrow cells occurred, and likely led to the effects on blood cell production. Thus, FIV infection of bone marrow cells contributes to the production of the immunodeficient state as well as other blood abnormalities in infected cats. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Tanabe, T. and J.K. Yamamoto, Phenotypic and functional characteristics of FIV infection in the bone marrow stroma. Virology, 2001. 282(1): p. 113-22.
>> PubMed Abstract

Arjona, A., E. Escolar, et al. (2000). "Seroepidemiological survey of infection by feline leukemia virus and immunodeficiency virus in Madrid and correlation with some clinical aspects." J Clin Microbiol 38(9): 3448-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Treatment of Idiopathic Cystitis

Wallius, B.M. and A.E. Tidholm, Use of pentosan polysulphate in cats with idiopathic, non-obstructive lower urinary tract disease: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(6): p. 409-12.

One common clinical entity in cats is idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease (iFLUTD). Various treatments, including glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as pentosan polysulphate (PPS), have been advocated. However, few treatments have been investigated by well-controlled clinical trials. This study compared the use of PPS in iFLUTD compared to placebo. Eighteen cats were included in the study with 9 cats given PPS and 9 cats given placebo. Evaluations were performed at 5 and 10 days, 2 weeks, as well as at 2, 6, and 12 months. This study showed that in the majority of cats (89%) with iFLUTD, clinical signs resolved spontaneously and the frequency of recurrent clinical signs were low. There was no statistically significant difference between the group of cats treated with PPS and the placebo group in the short-term and long-term followup. Based on these results, the authors could not recommend PPS for use in iFLUTD. Also in this study, seven cats (39%) of the group were given NSAID therapy for 1 to 4 days after onset of signs. Again, the authors did not consider NSAID therapy beneficial in the short term in this population of cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Gunn-Moore, D. and C. Shenoy, Oral glucosamine and the management of feline idiopathic cystitis. J Fel Med Surg, 2004. 6(4): p. 219-226.
>> PubMed Abstract

Buffington, C.A., et al., Clinical evaluation of multimodal environmental modification (MEMO) in the management of cats with idiopathic cystitis. J Feline Med Surg, 2006. 8(4): p. 261-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Wallius, B.M. and A.E. Tidholm, Use of pentosan polysulphate in cats with idiopathic, non-obstructive lower urinary tract disease: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(6): p. 409-12.

One common clinical entity in cats is idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease (iFLUTD). Various treatments, including glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as pentosan polysulphate (PPS), have been advocated. However, few treatments have been investigated by well-controlled clinical trials. This study compared the use of PPS in iFLUTD compared to placebo. Eighteen cats were included in the study with 9 cats given PPS and 9 cats given placebo. Evaluations were performed at 5 and 10 days, 2 weeks, as well as at 2, 6, and 12 months. This study showed that in the majority of cats (89%) with iFLUTD, clinical signs resolved spontaneously and the frequency of recurrent clinical signs were low. There was no statistically significant difference between the group of cats treated with PPS and the placebo group in the short-term and long-term followup. Based on these results, the authors could not recommend PPS for use in iFLUTD. Also in this study, seven cats (39%) of the group were given NSAID therapy for 1 to 4 days after onset of signs. Again, the authors did not consider NSAID therapy beneficial in the short term in this population of cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Gunn-Moore, D. and C. Shenoy, Oral glucosamine and the management of feline idiopathic cystitis. J Fel Med Surg, 2004. 6(4): p. 219-226.
>> PubMed Abstract

Buffington, C.A., et al., Clinical evaluation of multimodal environmental modification (MEMO) in the management of cats with idiopathic cystitis. J Feline Med Surg, 2006. 8(4): p. 261-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Rickettsial Infections in Cats

Bayliss, D. B., A. K. Morris, et al. (2009). "Prevalence of Rickettsia species antibodies and Rickettsia species DNA in the blood of cats with and without fever." J Feline Med Surg 11(4): 266-70.

The purpose of the study was to determine if cats with a fever were more likely to have evidence of rickettsial infection than healthy, age-matched, control cats with no fever. Fever was determined to be a body temperature of over 102.5F (39.2C). The prevalence of Rickettsia species DNA in blood from clinically ill cats has not been determined. Rickettsia species antibodies have been detected in some cats but it is unknown whether infected cats develop clinical signs. Fever in humans has been attributed at times to “stealth” organisms that can evade the immune system, cause subtle clinical signs, and are not easily detectable by traditional diagnostic methods. Investigators questioned whether Rickettsia species might fill such a role in cats. The cat flea has been identified as a host and biological vector of R. felis and the question of whether the flea may be capable of transmitting the organism to cats is unanswered. The study results did not show an association between fever in cats and Rickettsia species DNA in blood or serologic evidence of exposure to R. felis. It would be optimal though to collect samples from clinically ill cats more than one time to further study this issue. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Hawley, J. R., S. E. Shaw, et al. (2007). "Prevalence of Rickettsia felis DNA in the blood of cats and their fleas in the United States." J Feline Med Surg 9(3): 258-62.
>> PubMed Abstract

Kamrani, A., V. R. Parreira, et al. (2008). "The prevalence of Bartonella, hemoplasma, and Rickettsia felis infections in domestic cats and in cat fleas in Ontario." Can J Vet Res 72(5): 411-9.
>> Free full text article

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Bayliss, D. B., A. K. Morris, et al. (2009). "Prevalence of Rickettsia species antibodies and Rickettsia species DNA in the blood of cats with and without fever." J Feline Med Surg 11(4): 266-70.

The purpose of the study was to determine if cats with a fever were more likely to have evidence of rickettsial infection than healthy, age-matched, control cats with no fever. Fever was determined to be a body temperature of over 102.5F (39.2C). The prevalence of Rickettsia species DNA in blood from clinically ill cats has not been determined. Rickettsia species antibodies have been detected in some cats but it is unknown whether infected cats develop clinical signs. Fever in humans has been attributed at times to “stealth” organisms that can evade the immune system, cause subtle clinical signs, and are not easily detectable by traditional diagnostic methods. Investigators questioned whether Rickettsia species might fill such a role in cats. The cat flea has been identified as a host and biological vector of R. felis and the question of whether the flea may be capable of transmitting the organism to cats is unanswered. The study results did not show an association between fever in cats and Rickettsia species DNA in blood or serologic evidence of exposure to R. felis. It would be optimal though to collect samples from clinically ill cats more than one time to further study this issue. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Hawley, J. R., S. E. Shaw, et al. (2007). "Prevalence of Rickettsia felis DNA in the blood of cats and their fleas in the United States." J Feline Med Surg 9(3): 258-62.
>> PubMed Abstract

Kamrani, A., V. R. Parreira, et al. (2008). "The prevalence of Bartonella, hemoplasma, and Rickettsia felis infections in domestic cats and in cat fleas in Ontario." Can J Vet Res 72(5): 411-9.
>> Free full text article

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Feline Leukemia Virus

Lutz, H., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline leukaemia ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 565-74.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus found in cats everywhere in the world. While FeLV prevalence has decreased over the last few decades, primarily due to improvements in testing and vaccination, there are still millions of infected cats. Transmission of the virus occurs mainly via friendly contact, such as mutual grooming. Fortunately, the virus does not contaminate the environment as it is does not survive more than minutes outside the host. Young kittens are most at risk of infection. The most common clinical problems associated with FeLV infection are immunosuppression (with secondary infections), anemia, and lymphoma. Fortunately, effective vaccines exist against FeLV for cats at risk of infection. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract
>> European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases

Related articles:
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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Lutz, H., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline leukaemia ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 565-74.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus found in cats everywhere in the world. While FeLV prevalence has decreased over the last few decades, primarily due to improvements in testing and vaccination, there are still millions of infected cats. Transmission of the virus occurs mainly via friendly contact, such as mutual grooming. Fortunately, the virus does not contaminate the environment as it is does not survive more than minutes outside the host. Young kittens are most at risk of infection. The most common clinical problems associated with FeLV infection are immunosuppression (with secondary infections), anemia, and lymphoma. Fortunately, effective vaccines exist against FeLV for cats at risk of infection. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract
>> European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases

Related articles:
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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Feline Calicivirus and Fleas

Mencke, N., M. Vobis, et al. (2009). "Transmission of feline calicivirus via the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)." Parasitol Res 105(1): 185-9.

Feline calicivirus is an important and contagious pathogen of cats. It is often associated with respiratory disease that is most commonly mild and self-limiting. However, it may cause severe pneumonia, or rarely, a systemic lethal disease. Transmission occurs most commonly through direct and indirect contact between cats. This investigation examined the potential for fleas to spread the virus. Fleas were fed blood containing the virus, and their feces were collected. Infectious virus was found in the flea feces for more than a week after exposure, and the virus could be transmitted to susceptible kittens via the fleas. Thus fleas could be a potential source for spread of this virus. However, the level of virus artificially fed to the fleas in this experiment was very high. In addition, while inoculation of infected fleas via the nose and mouth in the kittens was effective in transmission, infestation of the kittens alone with the fleas was not efficient for virus transmission. The researchers conclude that fleas could potentially be a source for transmission of feline calicivirus and note that it emphasizes the importance of good flea control. However, spread by respiratory droplets and direct contact remains the most important modes of spread. Transmission via fleas would most likely be significant in situations of crowding and significant flea infestation. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Radford, A. D., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline calicivirus infection ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 556-64.
>> PubMed Abstract

Hurley, K., P. Pesavento, et al. (2004). "An outbreak of virulent systemic feline calicivirus disease." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 224(2): 241-249.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Mencke, N., M. Vobis, et al. (2009). "Transmission of feline calicivirus via the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)." Parasitol Res 105(1): 185-9.

Feline calicivirus is an important and contagious pathogen of cats. It is often associated with respiratory disease that is most commonly mild and self-limiting. However, it may cause severe pneumonia, or rarely, a systemic lethal disease. Transmission occurs most commonly through direct and indirect contact between cats. This investigation examined the potential for fleas to spread the virus. Fleas were fed blood containing the virus, and their feces were collected. Infectious virus was found in the flea feces for more than a week after exposure, and the virus could be transmitted to susceptible kittens via the fleas. Thus fleas could be a potential source for spread of this virus. However, the level of virus artificially fed to the fleas in this experiment was very high. In addition, while inoculation of infected fleas via the nose and mouth in the kittens was effective in transmission, infestation of the kittens alone with the fleas was not efficient for virus transmission. The researchers conclude that fleas could potentially be a source for transmission of feline calicivirus and note that it emphasizes the importance of good flea control. However, spread by respiratory droplets and direct contact remains the most important modes of spread. Transmission via fleas would most likely be significant in situations of crowding and significant flea infestation. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Radford, A. D., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline calicivirus infection ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 556-64.
>> PubMed Abstract

Hurley, K., P. Pesavento, et al. (2004). "An outbreak of virulent systemic feline calicivirus disease." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 224(2): 241-249.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Can Cats Count?

Pisa, P. E. and C. Agrillo (2009). "Quantity discrimination in felines: a preliminary investigation of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) " J Ethology 27(2): 289-293.

The ability to count, while complicated, is not limited to humans. The simplest form of this is being able to discriminate between two different quantities of objects, and this ability may enhance survival in different ways. Little work has been done on this area in cats. In this study, four pet cats were trained to discriminate between groups of two and three dots for a food reward. The investigators demonstrated that cats can learn how to distinguish between two groups of objects that differed only in number. Interestingly, they concluded that cats do not spontaneously use numerical information, but rather make use of visual cues to solve the task. [VT]
>> Journal Abstract

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Pisa, P. E. and C. Agrillo (2009). "Quantity discrimination in felines: a preliminary investigation of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) " J Ethology 27(2): 289-293.

The ability to count, while complicated, is not limited to humans. The simplest form of this is being able to discriminate between two different quantities of objects, and this ability may enhance survival in different ways. Little work has been done on this area in cats. In this study, four pet cats were trained to discriminate between groups of two and three dots for a food reward. The investigators demonstrated that cats can learn how to distinguish between two groups of objects that differed only in number. Interestingly, they concluded that cats do not spontaneously use numerical information, but rather make use of visual cues to solve the task. [VT]
>> Journal Abstract

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