Feline Tooth Resorption

DeLaurier A, Boyde A, Jackson B et al: Identifying early osteoclastic resorptive lesions in feline teeth: a model for understanding the origin of multiple idiopathic root resorption, J Periodontal Res 44:248, 2009.

One of the most common oral lesions in cats is osteoclastic tooth resorption, a destructive lesion that typically results in pain and tooth loss. The underlying cause of this dental lesion in cats is not well understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the origin and progression of early tooth resorption lesions in teeth with no clinical signs of disease. The surfaces of 138 teeth from 13 adult cats were analyzed using electron microscopy. At least one resorptive lesion was found in 53% of the teeth. Most cats (85%) had tooth lesions, and there was a significant association between increasing age and incidence of lesions. The most commonly affected teeth were the mandibular molars. Resorptive lesions were found at the cemento-enamel junction in 38% of teeth. Evidence of repair limited to the root surface was found in 23% of teeth. When lesions occurred at the cemento-enamel junction, there was no evidence of repair. The researchers conclude that resorptive lesions are common in feline teeth, even when no signs of disease are obvious. Lesions can be found anywhere on the tooth surface, but there seems to be absent or compromised repair mechanisms at the cemento-enamel junction. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Girard N, Servet E, Biourge V et al: Feline tooth resorption in a colony of 109 cats, J Vet Dent 25:166, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lewis JR, Okuda A, Shofer FS et al: Significant association between tooth extrusion and tooth resorption in domestic cats, J Vet Dent 25:86, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

DeLaurier A, Boyde A, Jackson B et al: Identifying early osteoclastic resorptive lesions in feline teeth: a model for understanding the origin of multiple idiopathic root resorption, J Periodontal Res 44:248, 2009.

One of the most common oral lesions in cats is osteoclastic tooth resorption, a destructive lesion that typically results in pain and tooth loss. The underlying cause of this dental lesion in cats is not well understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the origin and progression of early tooth resorption lesions in teeth with no clinical signs of disease. The surfaces of 138 teeth from 13 adult cats were analyzed using electron microscopy. At least one resorptive lesion was found in 53% of the teeth. Most cats (85%) had tooth lesions, and there was a significant association between increasing age and incidence of lesions. The most commonly affected teeth were the mandibular molars. Resorptive lesions were found at the cemento-enamel junction in 38% of teeth. Evidence of repair limited to the root surface was found in 23% of teeth. When lesions occurred at the cemento-enamel junction, there was no evidence of repair. The researchers conclude that resorptive lesions are common in feline teeth, even when no signs of disease are obvious. Lesions can be found anywhere on the tooth surface, but there seems to be absent or compromised repair mechanisms at the cemento-enamel junction. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Girard N, Servet E, Biourge V et al: Feline tooth resorption in a colony of 109 cats, J Vet Dent 25:166, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

Lewis JR, Okuda A, Shofer FS et al: Significant association between tooth extrusion and tooth resorption in domestic cats, J Vet Dent 25:86, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Read More

FeLV and FIV Affect Blood Values in Cats

Gleich S, Hartmann K: Hematology and serum biochemistry of feline immunodeficiency virus-infected and feline leukemia virus-infected cats, J Vet Intern Med 23:552, 2009.

Complete documentation of the hematologic and biochemical values in cats naturally infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) has been lacking. The authors performed a retrospective study of 3,780 client owned cats tested for FIV and FeLV. The objective was to report differences in laboratory values between FIV- or FeLV-infected and non-infected and between FIV- and FeLV-infected cats. Serum activity levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and serum concentration of glucose were significantly lower, while serum concentrations of total protein (TP) and gamma-globulins were significantly higher in FIV-positive cats compared with negative cats. Results indicated significantly lower PCV, hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC) and platelet counts (PLT) in FeLV-positive cats than FIV- infected and control cats. TP and creatinine concentrations were significantly lower in FeLV-infected cats than in non-infected. FeLV-infected cats were at high risk for the development of cytopenias and hematologic abnormalities are common. Clinicopathologic abnormalities are less frequent in FIV-infected cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Hofmann-Lehmann R, Holznagel E, Ossent P et al: Parameters of disease progression in long-term experimental feline retrovirus (feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus) infections: hematology, clinical chemistry, and lymphocyte subsets, Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 4:33, 1997.
>> Free, full text article

Levy JK, Scott HM, Lachtara JL et al: Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity, J Am Vet Med Assoc 228:371, 2006.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Gleich S, Hartmann K: Hematology and serum biochemistry of feline immunodeficiency virus-infected and feline leukemia virus-infected cats, J Vet Intern Med 23:552, 2009.

Complete documentation of the hematologic and biochemical values in cats naturally infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) has been lacking. The authors performed a retrospective study of 3,780 client owned cats tested for FIV and FeLV. The objective was to report differences in laboratory values between FIV- or FeLV-infected and non-infected and between FIV- and FeLV-infected cats. Serum activity levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and serum concentration of glucose were significantly lower, while serum concentrations of total protein (TP) and gamma-globulins were significantly higher in FIV-positive cats compared with negative cats. Results indicated significantly lower PCV, hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC) and platelet counts (PLT) in FeLV-positive cats than FIV- infected and control cats. TP and creatinine concentrations were significantly lower in FeLV-infected cats than in non-infected. FeLV-infected cats were at high risk for the development of cytopenias and hematologic abnormalities are common. Clinicopathologic abnormalities are less frequent in FIV-infected cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Hofmann-Lehmann R, Holznagel E, Ossent P et al: Parameters of disease progression in long-term experimental feline retrovirus (feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus) infections: hematology, clinical chemistry, and lymphocyte subsets, Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 4:33, 1997.
>> Free, full text article

Levy JK, Scott HM, Lachtara JL et al: Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity, J Am Vet Med Assoc 228:371, 2006.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Read More

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in African Lions

Roelke ME, Brown MA, Troyer JL et al: Pathological manifestations of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in wild African lions, Virology 390:1, 2009.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), an important pathogen of domestic cats, also infects other members of the Felidae family, including African lions. Lions have FIV seroprevalence levels of 10% in some populations, and different strains of the virus are known to circulate in much of Africa. It has been unclear whether this virus causes any disease in infected lions, or if it is a host-adapted virus that causes no disease. This study investigated lions in Botswana and Tanzania to determine if there were any clinical correlates with FIV infection. Sixty-four lions in Botswana parks, and 8 lions from the Serengeti Park in Tanzania were sampled. Virtually all FIV-infected animals had gingivitis and poor oral health. Many had papillomatous lesions on the underside of the tongue. Infected lions also had evidence of chronic inflammation. Dehydration was also more common among infected lions, though the underlying cause was not known, as most lived in swamplands with ample water. Anemia was also found more often in infected lions, as was poor coat condition, and lymphoid depletion. The investigators concluded that over time, FIV infections in free-ranging lions can lead to adverse clinical, immunological, and pathological outcomes in some individuals, and could have a detrimental impact on their survival, particularly in times of stress. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pecon-Slattery J, McCracken CL, Troyer JL, VandeWoude S, Roelke M, Sondgeroth K, Winterbach C, Winterbach H, O'Brien SJ. Genomic organization, sequence divergence, and recombination of feline immunodeficiency virus from lions in the wild. BMC Genomics. 2008 Feb 5;9:66.
>> Free, full text article

Brown EW, Yuhki N, Packer C et al: A lion lentivirus related to feline immunodeficiency virus: epidemiologic and phylogenetic aspects, J Virol 68:5953, 1994.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Roelke ME, Brown MA, Troyer JL et al: Pathological manifestations of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in wild African lions, Virology 390:1, 2009.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), an important pathogen of domestic cats, also infects other members of the Felidae family, including African lions. Lions have FIV seroprevalence levels of 10% in some populations, and different strains of the virus are known to circulate in much of Africa. It has been unclear whether this virus causes any disease in infected lions, or if it is a host-adapted virus that causes no disease. This study investigated lions in Botswana and Tanzania to determine if there were any clinical correlates with FIV infection. Sixty-four lions in Botswana parks, and 8 lions from the Serengeti Park in Tanzania were sampled. Virtually all FIV-infected animals had gingivitis and poor oral health. Many had papillomatous lesions on the underside of the tongue. Infected lions also had evidence of chronic inflammation. Dehydration was also more common among infected lions, though the underlying cause was not known, as most lived in swamplands with ample water. Anemia was also found more often in infected lions, as was poor coat condition, and lymphoid depletion. The investigators concluded that over time, FIV infections in free-ranging lions can lead to adverse clinical, immunological, and pathological outcomes in some individuals, and could have a detrimental impact on their survival, particularly in times of stress. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pecon-Slattery J, McCracken CL, Troyer JL, VandeWoude S, Roelke M, Sondgeroth K, Winterbach C, Winterbach H, O'Brien SJ. Genomic organization, sequence divergence, and recombination of feline immunodeficiency virus from lions in the wild. BMC Genomics. 2008 Feb 5;9:66.
>> Free, full text article

Brown EW, Yuhki N, Packer C et al: A lion lentivirus related to feline immunodeficiency virus: epidemiologic and phylogenetic aspects, J Virol 68:5953, 1994.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Read More

Weight Loss and Diet in Cats

Vasconcellos RS, Borges NC, Goncalves KN et al: Protein intake during weight loss influences the energy required for weight loss and maintenance in cats, J Nutr 139:855, 2009.

The effects of various nutrients, such as protein and carbohydrate, on weight loss in cats are controversial. In this study, performed at the Universidada Estadual Paulista, Sao Paolo, Brazil, the effects of two diets with different protein levels on weight loss and maintenance was assessed. The control group of obese cats received a diet containing 21 g crude protein on a metabolizable energy basis, and the high-protein group received a diet containing 28 g crude protein. All cats were fed the diet until safe, controlled weight loss of 20% was achieved. After weight loss, all cats were fed a diet containing 28 g crude protein and were monitored for 120 days. During the weight loss phase, the control group experienced a reduction in lean body mass, whereas the high-protein group did not. Overall, the high-protein diet allowed a higher energy intake to achieve weight loss than the control diet, thus reducing the severity of energy restriction required. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
German AJ, Holden S, Bissot T et al: Changes in body composition during weight loss in obese client-owned cats: loss of lean tissue mass correlates with overall percentage of weight lost, J Feline Med Surg 10:452, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

Villaverde C, Ramsey JJ, Green AS et al: Energy restriction results in a mass-adjusted decrease in energy expenditure in cats that is maintained after weight regain, J Nutr 138:856, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Vasconcellos RS, Borges NC, Goncalves KN et al: Protein intake during weight loss influences the energy required for weight loss and maintenance in cats, J Nutr 139:855, 2009.

The effects of various nutrients, such as protein and carbohydrate, on weight loss in cats are controversial. In this study, performed at the Universidada Estadual Paulista, Sao Paolo, Brazil, the effects of two diets with different protein levels on weight loss and maintenance was assessed. The control group of obese cats received a diet containing 21 g crude protein on a metabolizable energy basis, and the high-protein group received a diet containing 28 g crude protein. All cats were fed the diet until safe, controlled weight loss of 20% was achieved. After weight loss, all cats were fed a diet containing 28 g crude protein and were monitored for 120 days. During the weight loss phase, the control group experienced a reduction in lean body mass, whereas the high-protein group did not. Overall, the high-protein diet allowed a higher energy intake to achieve weight loss than the control diet, thus reducing the severity of energy restriction required. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
German AJ, Holden S, Bissot T et al: Changes in body composition during weight loss in obese client-owned cats: loss of lean tissue mass correlates with overall percentage of weight lost, J Feline Med Surg 10:452, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

Villaverde C, Ramsey JJ, Green AS et al: Energy restriction results in a mass-adjusted decrease in energy expenditure in cats that is maintained after weight regain, J Nutr 138:856, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Read More

Esophageal Stricture Treatment for Cats

Bissett SA, Davis J, Subler K et al: Risk factors and outcome of bougienage for treatment of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats: 28 cases (1995-2004), J Am Vet Med Assoc 235:844, 2009.

Benign esophageal strictures (BES) can be a difficult problem for owners and pets as they can be costly to treat and are associated with a poor prognosis. Up to 30% of the pets affected can only be fed liquid diets long term. The most common cause of BES reportedly is gastrointestinal reflux associated with general anesthesia. Esophageal bougienage is a process of dilation of the esophagus with mechanical dilators. BES in the past has been primarily treated with balloon dilators. The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes of esophageal bougienage to balloon dilation, considering that bougienage can be a more cost effective procedure. Eight cats with BES were evaluated as part of the study. Six of the 8 cats achieved a good outcome with bougienage, defined as a tolerance of solid food with regurgitation less than once a week. Cats with BES were most likely to have a recent history of general anesthesia, vomiting, or gastrointestinal tract trichobezoars (hairballs) than cats in a reference population. In 3 cats with BES, doxycycline induced esophagitis was the suspected cause of the disorder. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Glazer A, Walters P: Esophagitis and esophageal strictures., Comp Contin Edu Pract Vet 30:281, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

Leib M, Dinnel H, Ward D et al: Endoscopic balloon dilation of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats, J Vet Intern Med 15:547, 2001.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Bissett SA, Davis J, Subler K et al: Risk factors and outcome of bougienage for treatment of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats: 28 cases (1995-2004), J Am Vet Med Assoc 235:844, 2009.

Benign esophageal strictures (BES) can be a difficult problem for owners and pets as they can be costly to treat and are associated with a poor prognosis. Up to 30% of the pets affected can only be fed liquid diets long term. The most common cause of BES reportedly is gastrointestinal reflux associated with general anesthesia. Esophageal bougienage is a process of dilation of the esophagus with mechanical dilators. BES in the past has been primarily treated with balloon dilators. The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes of esophageal bougienage to balloon dilation, considering that bougienage can be a more cost effective procedure. Eight cats with BES were evaluated as part of the study. Six of the 8 cats achieved a good outcome with bougienage, defined as a tolerance of solid food with regurgitation less than once a week. Cats with BES were most likely to have a recent history of general anesthesia, vomiting, or gastrointestinal tract trichobezoars (hairballs) than cats in a reference population. In 3 cats with BES, doxycycline induced esophagitis was the suspected cause of the disorder. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Glazer A, Walters P: Esophagitis and esophageal strictures., Comp Contin Edu Pract Vet 30:281, 2008.
>> PubMed Abstract

Leib M, Dinnel H, Ward D et al: Endoscopic balloon dilation of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats, J Vet Intern Med 15:547, 2001.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Read More

Methicillin-resistant Staph infections in Cats

Faires MC, Tater KC, Weese JS: An investigation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in people and pets in the same household with an infected person or infected pet, J Am Vet Med Assoc 235:540, 2009.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen that has been identified in humans, as well as dogs and cats. MRSA from humans may cause infections in pets, and pets may be sources of MRSA for human infection. In order to lessen the risk of transmission of MRSA between humans and pets, a better understanding of the role, if any, of pet-to-human transmission is needed. This report describes an investigation of the prevalence of MRSA in people and their pets within the same household in which MRSA infection was known to exist, and to compare the isolates identified within a household. Households in which MRSA infection had been identified in a pet within the past month (part 1), as well as households in which one or more persons had experienced >1 MRSA infection within the past year (part 2) were included. Nasal specimens from humans and nasal and rectal swabs from pets were collected and cultured for MRSA. In households with MRSA, both humans and pets, including cats, were found to be infected, and the isolates were indistinguishable whether from humans or pets. This indicated that cross-species infection could occur, though the direction (human to pets or vice versa) was not known. The authors speculate that humans were the most likely source for the pets, rather than the reverse as the isolates were related to community-associated human strains. In addition, the affected pets were not in contact with other animals, and thus likely contracted the MRSA from their human owners. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Epstein JH, Price JT. The significant but understudied impact of pathogen
transmission from humans to animals. Mt Sinai J Med. 2009 Oct;76(5):448-55.
>> PubMed Abstract

Springer B, Orendi U, Much P, Höger G, Ruppitsch W, Krziwanek K, Metz-Gercek S, Mittermayer H. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a new zoonotic agent? Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2009;121(3-4):86-90.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Tweet with us

Faires MC, Tater KC, Weese JS: An investigation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in people and pets in the same household with an infected person or infected pet, J Am Vet Med Assoc 235:540, 2009.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen that has been identified in humans, as well as dogs and cats. MRSA from humans may cause infections in pets, and pets may be sources of MRSA for human infection. In order to lessen the risk of transmission of MRSA between humans and pets, a better understanding of the role, if any, of pet-to-human transmission is needed. This report describes an investigation of the prevalence of MRSA in people and their pets within the same household in which MRSA infection was known to exist, and to compare the isolates identified within a household. Households in which MRSA infection had been identified in a pet within the past month (part 1), as well as households in which one or more persons had experienced >1 MRSA infection within the past year (part 2) were included. Nasal specimens from humans and nasal and rectal swabs from pets were collected and cultured for MRSA. In households with MRSA, both humans and pets, including cats, were found to be infected, and the isolates were indistinguishable whether from humans or pets. This indicated that cross-species infection could occur, though the direction (human to pets or vice versa) was not known. The authors speculate that humans were the most likely source for the pets, rather than the reverse as the isolates were related to community-associated human strains. In addition, the affected pets were not in contact with other animals, and thus likely contracted the MRSA from their human owners. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Epstein JH, Price JT. The significant but understudied impact of pathogen
transmission from humans to animals. Mt Sinai J Med. 2009 Oct;76(5):448-55.
>> PubMed Abstract

Springer B, Orendi U, Much P, Höger G, Ruppitsch W, Krziwanek K, Metz-Gercek S, Mittermayer H. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a new zoonotic agent? Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2009;121(3-4):86-90.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Tweet with us

Read More

Feline Idiopathic Facial Dermatitis

Chung TH, Ryu MH, Kim DY et al: Topical tacrolimus (FK506) for the treatment of feline idiopathic facial dermatitis, Aust Vet J 87:417, 2009.

A severe form of pruritic facial dermatitis has been identified in Persian cats. Affected cats have dermatitis around the eyes, nose, and chin with a black waxy discharge. It has proven very difficult to manage in most cats, and the underlying cause is unknown. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug derived from a soil bacterium. In people, it has been used for treatment of dermatitis, especially eczema and vitiligo. Use of the drug in cats has not been well studied. This case report describes a 3-year-old neutered male Persian cat with chronic ulcerative facial dermatitis diagnosed in Seoul, South Korea. Initial treatment with antimicrobial drugs for secondary infections produced some improvement. The cat was then treated with 0.1% topical tacrolimus ointment. The authors state the patient has been managed effectively with this drug without adverse effects. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Fontaine J, Heimann M: Idiopathic facial dermatitis of the Persian cat: three cases controlled with cyclosporine, Veterinary Dermatology 15:64, 2004.
>> Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Tweet with us on Twitter

Chung TH, Ryu MH, Kim DY et al: Topical tacrolimus (FK506) for the treatment of feline idiopathic facial dermatitis, Aust Vet J 87:417, 2009.

A severe form of pruritic facial dermatitis has been identified in Persian cats. Affected cats have dermatitis around the eyes, nose, and chin with a black waxy discharge. It has proven very difficult to manage in most cats, and the underlying cause is unknown. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug derived from a soil bacterium. In people, it has been used for treatment of dermatitis, especially eczema and vitiligo. Use of the drug in cats has not been well studied. This case report describes a 3-year-old neutered male Persian cat with chronic ulcerative facial dermatitis diagnosed in Seoul, South Korea. Initial treatment with antimicrobial drugs for secondary infections produced some improvement. The cat was then treated with 0.1% topical tacrolimus ointment. The authors state the patient has been managed effectively with this drug without adverse effects. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Fontaine J, Heimann M: Idiopathic facial dermatitis of the Persian cat: three cases controlled with cyclosporine, Veterinary Dermatology 15:64, 2004.
>> Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Tweet with us on Twitter

Read More