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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Aglepristone for Feline Mammary Hyperplasia

Jurka, P. and A. Max (2009). "Treatment of fibroadenomatosis in 14 cats with aglespristone - changes in blood parameters and follow-up." Vet Record 165(22): 657-660.

Mammary hyperplasia (also called fibroadenomatosis or fibroadenomatous hyperplasia) is a benign inflammatory condition commonly seen in young cycling queens. It may also be seen in pregnant queens, and in male or female cats treated with progestins. The hyperplasia can be severe, leading to tissue necrosis, ulceration and infection. The etiology is suspected to be an exaggerated response to natural progesterone or synthetic progestins, but the disease is also rarely reported in sterilized male or female cats with no history of progestin therapy. In spayed queens, ovarian remnant syndrome may be the initiating cause. Many drug therapies have been tried, but the current drug of choice is the progesterone receptor blocker aglepristone (Alizine®, Virbac). Widely available in many countries around the world, it is not available in North America. The drug is also used for pregnancy termination and treatment of cystic endometrial hyperplasia/pyometra complex. The researchers, based in Warsaw, diagnosed 14 female cats with mammary hyperplasia and treated them with aglepristone. The cats were followed up for 12 months after the end of treatment. On average, complete clinical remission of the mammary hyperplasia was achieved 3.9 weeks after initiation of treatment. If the cat had been previously treated with a progestin, a longer treatment period with aglepristone was recommended. After treatment, six queens were bred and four successfully produced at least one litter of kittens. This research confirms the safety and efficacy of aglepristone for treatment of mammary hyperplasia in cats. [SL]
>> Journal Abstract

Related articles:
Gorlinger, S., H. S. Kooistra, et al. (2002). "Treatment of fibroadenomatous hyperplasia in cats with aglepristone." J Vet Intern Med 16(6): 710-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

Nak, D., Y. Nak, et al. (2009). "Follow-up examinations after medical treatment of pyometra in cats with the progesterone-antagonist aglepristone." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(6): 499-502.
>> Pubmed Abstract

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Jurka, P. and A. Max (2009). "Treatment of fibroadenomatosis in 14 cats with aglespristone - changes in blood parameters and follow-up." Vet Record 165(22): 657-660.

Mammary hyperplasia (also called fibroadenomatosis or fibroadenomatous hyperplasia) is a benign inflammatory condition commonly seen in young cycling queens. It may also be seen in pregnant queens, and in male or female cats treated with progestins. The hyperplasia can be severe, leading to tissue necrosis, ulceration and infection. The etiology is suspected to be an exaggerated response to natural progesterone or synthetic progestins, but the disease is also rarely reported in sterilized male or female cats with no history of progestin therapy. In spayed queens, ovarian remnant syndrome may be the initiating cause. Many drug therapies have been tried, but the current drug of choice is the progesterone receptor blocker aglepristone (Alizine®, Virbac). Widely available in many countries around the world, it is not available in North America. The drug is also used for pregnancy termination and treatment of cystic endometrial hyperplasia/pyometra complex. The researchers, based in Warsaw, diagnosed 14 female cats with mammary hyperplasia and treated them with aglepristone. The cats were followed up for 12 months after the end of treatment. On average, complete clinical remission of the mammary hyperplasia was achieved 3.9 weeks after initiation of treatment. If the cat had been previously treated with a progestin, a longer treatment period with aglepristone was recommended. After treatment, six queens were bred and four successfully produced at least one litter of kittens. This research confirms the safety and efficacy of aglepristone for treatment of mammary hyperplasia in cats. [SL]
>> Journal Abstract

Related articles:
Gorlinger, S., H. S. Kooistra, et al. (2002). "Treatment of fibroadenomatous hyperplasia in cats with aglepristone." J Vet Intern Med 16(6): 710-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

Nak, D., Y. Nak, et al. (2009). "Follow-up examinations after medical treatment of pyometra in cats with the progesterone-antagonist aglepristone." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(6): 499-502.
>> Pubmed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Monday, November 30, 2009

Lysine for Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Disease

Drazenovich, T. L., A. J. Fascetti, et al. (2009). "Effects of dietary lysine supplementation on upper respiratory and ocular disease and detection of infectious organisms in cats within an animal shelter." Am J Vet Res 70(11): 1391-400.

Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a common cause of respiratory infections in cats housed in shelter situations. Cats latently infected with feline herpesvirus are important sources of the virus for cats that are susceptible to infection. Medications that interfere with latency establishment or reactivation of latent infections would be extremely useful, especially in rescue facilities, where animals are often highly stressed, and have variable vaccination history and immune status. Lysine has shown promise in mediating antiviral effects in cats. These researchers investigated the usefulness of dietary supplementation with lysine for cats in shelters to decrease incidence of infection and detection of FHV shedding. Using 261 adult cats, basal diets (control group) and diets supplemented with lysine (treated group) were fed for four weeks. Unexpectedly, they found that treated cats were actually more likely to manifest severe disease than untreated controls at certain time points in the study (week 4). In addition, FHV was detected more commonly in treated cats (found in week 2 only). A confounding factor was that cats in both groups were also allowed access to commercial diets when hospitalized for illness in addition to the control and test diets. The researchers concluded that continuous dietary supplementation with lysine did not successfully control respiratory disease in a shelter situation, and is not an optimal use of funds in rescue facilities. Bolus treatment of cats with lysine may provide better plasma lysine levels than continuous dietary supplementation, and may provide more beneficial effects.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Maggs, D. J., J. E. Sykes, et al. (2007). "Effects of dietary lysine supplementation in cats with enzootic upper respiratory disease." J Feline Med Surg 9(2): 97-108.
>> PubMed Abstract

Rees, T. M. and J. L. Lubinski (2008). "Oral supplementation with L-lysine did not prevent upper respiratory infection in a shelter population of cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(5): 510-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Drazenovich, T. L., A. J. Fascetti, et al. (2009). "Effects of dietary lysine supplementation on upper respiratory and ocular disease and detection of infectious organisms in cats within an animal shelter." Am J Vet Res 70(11): 1391-400.

Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a common cause of respiratory infections in cats housed in shelter situations. Cats latently infected with feline herpesvirus are important sources of the virus for cats that are susceptible to infection. Medications that interfere with latency establishment or reactivation of latent infections would be extremely useful, especially in rescue facilities, where animals are often highly stressed, and have variable vaccination history and immune status. Lysine has shown promise in mediating antiviral effects in cats. These researchers investigated the usefulness of dietary supplementation with lysine for cats in shelters to decrease incidence of infection and detection of FHV shedding. Using 261 adult cats, basal diets (control group) and diets supplemented with lysine (treated group) were fed for four weeks. Unexpectedly, they found that treated cats were actually more likely to manifest severe disease than untreated controls at certain time points in the study (week 4). In addition, FHV was detected more commonly in treated cats (found in week 2 only). A confounding factor was that cats in both groups were also allowed access to commercial diets when hospitalized for illness in addition to the control and test diets. The researchers concluded that continuous dietary supplementation with lysine did not successfully control respiratory disease in a shelter situation, and is not an optimal use of funds in rescue facilities. Bolus treatment of cats with lysine may provide better plasma lysine levels than continuous dietary supplementation, and may provide more beneficial effects.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Maggs, D. J., J. E. Sykes, et al. (2007). "Effects of dietary lysine supplementation in cats with enzootic upper respiratory disease." J Feline Med Surg 9(2): 97-108.
>> PubMed Abstract

Rees, T. M. and J. L. Lubinski (2008). "Oral supplementation with L-lysine did not prevent upper respiratory infection in a shelter population of cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(5): 510-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Thursday, November 26, 2009

Taurine and Commerical Cat Diets

Heinze CR, Larsen JA, Kass PH et al: Plasma amino acid and whole blood taurine concentrations in cats eating commercially prepared diets, Am J Vet Res 70:1374, 2009.

The purpose of this study was to establish comprehensive reference ranges for plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations in healthy adult cats eating commercial diets. Additionally, the researchers wanted to study the relationships of age, gender, body weight, body condition score (BCS), dietary protein concentration, and dietary ingredients with plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations. Samples were taken and a complete health and diet history were obtained from 120 healthy adult cats. The study population consisted of cats belonging to students and faculty as well as a lesser number of university-owned cats housed in colony facilities. The investigators hypothesized that there would be associations between plasma amino acid concentrations and dietary protein concentrations and ingredients. The study did provide data on plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations for a large population of adult cats fed commercial diets. Whole body taurine concentration is considered to be a more accurate measure of taurine status than plasma taurine concentration in cats and reflects the skeletal muscle concentrations more accurately. Gender and neuter status had an affect on plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations where age, body weight, and BCS did not. Dietary protein concentration and dietary ingredients were not directly associated with plasma amino acid or whole blood taurine concentrations in this study. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Wakefield L, Shofer F, Michel K: Evaluation of cats fed vegetarian diets and attitudes of their caregivers, J Amer Vet Med Assoc 229:70, 2006.
>> PubMed Abstract

Zaghini G, Biagi G: Nutritional peculiarities and diet palatability in the cat, Vet Res Commun 29 Suppl 2:39, 2005.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Heinze CR, Larsen JA, Kass PH et al: Plasma amino acid and whole blood taurine concentrations in cats eating commercially prepared diets, Am J Vet Res 70:1374, 2009.

The purpose of this study was to establish comprehensive reference ranges for plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations in healthy adult cats eating commercial diets. Additionally, the researchers wanted to study the relationships of age, gender, body weight, body condition score (BCS), dietary protein concentration, and dietary ingredients with plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations. Samples were taken and a complete health and diet history were obtained from 120 healthy adult cats. The study population consisted of cats belonging to students and faculty as well as a lesser number of university-owned cats housed in colony facilities. The investigators hypothesized that there would be associations between plasma amino acid concentrations and dietary protein concentrations and ingredients. The study did provide data on plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations for a large population of adult cats fed commercial diets. Whole body taurine concentration is considered to be a more accurate measure of taurine status than plasma taurine concentration in cats and reflects the skeletal muscle concentrations more accurately. Gender and neuter status had an affect on plasma amino acid and whole body taurine concentrations where age, body weight, and BCS did not. Dietary protein concentration and dietary ingredients were not directly associated with plasma amino acid or whole blood taurine concentrations in this study. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Wakefield L, Shofer F, Michel K: Evaluation of cats fed vegetarian diets and attitudes of their caregivers, J Amer Vet Med Assoc 229:70, 2006.
>> PubMed Abstract

Zaghini G, Biagi G: Nutritional peculiarities and diet palatability in the cat, Vet Res Commun 29 Suppl 2:39, 2005.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Monday, November 23, 2009

Latent Feline Herpesvirus Infection

Richter M, Schudel L, Tobler K et al: Clinical, virological, and immunological parameters associated with superinfection of latently with FeHV-1 infected cats, Vet Microbiol 138:205, 2009.

Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a common respiratory and ocular pathogen of cats. It may be associated with recurrent ocular disease, even in vaccinated cats. These investigators examined the role of superinfecting FHV strains in recurrent disease. To do this, they genetically engineered a FHV strain to fluoresce, so that it could be distinguished from wild type strains of the virus. It was used to superinfect nine cats that were latently infected with a wild type strain of FHV. Active infection of the mutant virus in the inoculated cats was documented, but reactivation of the latent wild type strain did not occur. Following infection, no change in the clinical condition of the cats occurred. A rise in antibody titer and increased interferon production were noted. Thus, superinfection did induce an immune response, but was not associated with reactivation of latent virus. The authors concluded that vaccination of latently infected cats does not lead to reactivation of the latent virus, nor clinical disease. Sixteen months after superinfection, the cats were temporarily immunosuppressed, and assessed for reactivation of FHV. Mild signs were observed in all cats. Interestingly, only the wild type virus was identified; there was no evidence of mutant virus reactivation. Thus, it was not clear that the mutant virus was able to establish latency. The clinical disease observed was due to the reactivation of the latent wild type strain. The researchers continue to investigate the usefulness of this mutant marker virus to establish the pathogenesis of recurrent FHV disease. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weigler BJ, Babineau CA, Sherry B et al: High sensitivity polymerase chain reaction assay for active and latent feline herpesvirus-1 infections in domestic cats, Vet Rec 140:335, 1997.
>> PubMed Abstract

Thiry E, Addie D, Belak S et al: Feline herpesvirus infection. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management, J Feline Med Surg 11:547, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Richter M, Schudel L, Tobler K et al: Clinical, virological, and immunological parameters associated with superinfection of latently with FeHV-1 infected cats, Vet Microbiol 138:205, 2009.

Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a common respiratory and ocular pathogen of cats. It may be associated with recurrent ocular disease, even in vaccinated cats. These investigators examined the role of superinfecting FHV strains in recurrent disease. To do this, they genetically engineered a FHV strain to fluoresce, so that it could be distinguished from wild type strains of the virus. It was used to superinfect nine cats that were latently infected with a wild type strain of FHV. Active infection of the mutant virus in the inoculated cats was documented, but reactivation of the latent wild type strain did not occur. Following infection, no change in the clinical condition of the cats occurred. A rise in antibody titer and increased interferon production were noted. Thus, superinfection did induce an immune response, but was not associated with reactivation of latent virus. The authors concluded that vaccination of latently infected cats does not lead to reactivation of the latent virus, nor clinical disease. Sixteen months after superinfection, the cats were temporarily immunosuppressed, and assessed for reactivation of FHV. Mild signs were observed in all cats. Interestingly, only the wild type virus was identified; there was no evidence of mutant virus reactivation. Thus, it was not clear that the mutant virus was able to establish latency. The clinical disease observed was due to the reactivation of the latent wild type strain. The researchers continue to investigate the usefulness of this mutant marker virus to establish the pathogenesis of recurrent FHV disease. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Weigler BJ, Babineau CA, Sherry B et al: High sensitivity polymerase chain reaction assay for active and latent feline herpesvirus-1 infections in domestic cats, Vet Rec 140:335, 1997.
>> PubMed Abstract

Thiry E, Addie D, Belak S et al: Feline herpesvirus infection. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management, J Feline Med Surg 11:547, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Thursday, November 19, 2009

Stability of Tritrichomonas foetus

Hale S, Norris JM, Slapeta J: Prolonged resilience of Tritrichomonas foetus in cat faeces at ambient temperature, Vet Parasitol 166:60, 2009.

This study, from the University of Sydney, Australia, was designed to investigate two culture methods for Tritrichomonas foetus, and to evaluate the effect of sample storage time on diagnostic utility. The two culture methods evaluated were InPouch TF-Feline (Bio-Med Diagnostics) and Modified Diamond's Medium. Two batches of normal cat feces were spiked with T. foetus prior to being stored either at room temperature or refrigerated. At different time points, small samples were taken from the original batches and tested in the culture systems. Both culture systems performed well. The accumulative sensitivity was found to be 83% and 100% for the InPouch TF-Feline and Modified Diamond's Medium respectively over a 6 hour period. The researchers were able to successfully culture T. foetus from feces that had been stored at room temperature for 24 hours. This finding may indicate that the environmental resilience of the organism may be more robust than previously thought, and that transmission may not be limited to close contact between cats. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Tolbert MK, Gookin J: Tritrichomonas foetus: A New Agent of Feline Diarrhea, Compend Contin Educ Vet 31:374, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

Stockdale HD, Givens MD, Dykstra CC et al: Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats, Vet Parasitol 160:13, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Hale S, Norris JM, Slapeta J: Prolonged resilience of Tritrichomonas foetus in cat faeces at ambient temperature, Vet Parasitol 166:60, 2009.

This study, from the University of Sydney, Australia, was designed to investigate two culture methods for Tritrichomonas foetus, and to evaluate the effect of sample storage time on diagnostic utility. The two culture methods evaluated were InPouch TF-Feline (Bio-Med Diagnostics) and Modified Diamond's Medium. Two batches of normal cat feces were spiked with T. foetus prior to being stored either at room temperature or refrigerated. At different time points, small samples were taken from the original batches and tested in the culture systems. Both culture systems performed well. The accumulative sensitivity was found to be 83% and 100% for the InPouch TF-Feline and Modified Diamond's Medium respectively over a 6 hour period. The researchers were able to successfully culture T. foetus from feces that had been stored at room temperature for 24 hours. This finding may indicate that the environmental resilience of the organism may be more robust than previously thought, and that transmission may not be limited to close contact between cats. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Tolbert MK, Gookin J: Tritrichomonas foetus: A New Agent of Feline Diarrhea, Compend Contin Educ Vet 31:374, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

Stockdale HD, Givens MD, Dykstra CC et al: Tritrichomonas foetus infections in surveyed pet cats, Vet Parasitol 160:13, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Monday, November 16, 2009

Dexmedetomidine for Sedation & Analgesia in Cats

Slingsby, L.S., P.M. Taylor, and T. Monroe, Thermal antinociception after dexmedetomidine administration in cats: a comparison between intramuscular and oral transmucosal administration. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(10): p. 829-34.

Dexmedetomidine belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. It has authorization for use as a sedative and premedication in dogs and cats in the United States and Europe (Dexdormitor; Pfizer, UK). The administration of dexmedetomidine causes dose dependent sedation and analgesia that may be reversed by the antagonist atipamezole (Antisedan; Pfizer, UK). In this randomized cross-over study of 12 cats, dexmedetomidine was administered either intramuscularly (IM) or oral transmucosally (OTM) at a dose of 40mcg/kg. Almost all the cats in this study vomited after dexmedetomidine administration. Cats were not fasted overnight prior to administration and this result would suggest fasting beforehand would be good practice. The OTM route provided equally good sedation and reduction in sensitivity to pain as the same dose administered IM. The researchers conclude that the OTM route of administration is a useful alternative to the IM route when administering dexmedetomidine to healthy cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Granholm, M., et al., Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine or medetomidine in cats and their reversal with atipamezole. Vet Anaesth Analg, 2006. 33(4): p. 214-23.
>> PubMed Abstract

Selmi, A., G. Mendes, and e. al, Evaluation of the sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of dexmedetomidine, dexmedetomidine-butorphanol, and dexmedetomidine-ketamine in cats. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2003. 222(1): p. 37-41.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Slingsby, L.S., P.M. Taylor, and T. Monroe, Thermal antinociception after dexmedetomidine administration in cats: a comparison between intramuscular and oral transmucosal administration. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(10): p. 829-34.

Dexmedetomidine belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. It has authorization for use as a sedative and premedication in dogs and cats in the United States and Europe (Dexdormitor; Pfizer, UK). The administration of dexmedetomidine causes dose dependent sedation and analgesia that may be reversed by the antagonist atipamezole (Antisedan; Pfizer, UK). In this randomized cross-over study of 12 cats, dexmedetomidine was administered either intramuscularly (IM) or oral transmucosally (OTM) at a dose of 40mcg/kg. Almost all the cats in this study vomited after dexmedetomidine administration. Cats were not fasted overnight prior to administration and this result would suggest fasting beforehand would be good practice. The OTM route provided equally good sedation and reduction in sensitivity to pain as the same dose administered IM. The researchers conclude that the OTM route of administration is a useful alternative to the IM route when administering dexmedetomidine to healthy cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Granholm, M., et al., Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine or medetomidine in cats and their reversal with atipamezole. Vet Anaesth Analg, 2006. 33(4): p. 214-23.
>> PubMed Abstract

Selmi, A., G. Mendes, and e. al, Evaluation of the sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of dexmedetomidine, dexmedetomidine-butorphanol, and dexmedetomidine-ketamine in cats. J Amer Vet Med Assoc, 2003. 222(1): p. 37-41.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Thursday, November 12, 2009

Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in Shelters

Dinnage, J.D., J.M. Scarlett, and J.R. Richards, Descriptive epidemiology of feline upper respiratory tract disease in an animal shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(10): p. 816-25.

Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a common disease in cats and can spread quickly among cats residing in animal shelters. These infections cause suffering, consume vital personnel and financial resources, and limit adoptions. In a large urban shelter in the northeast United States, 531 kittens, 701 litters, and 2,203 adult cats were observed during their stays on a daily basis over a period of 50 weeks for signs of URTD. The median lengths of stay for adult cats and kittens were 5 and 4 days, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the cats exhibited signs of infectious respiratory disease. Regardless of age group, the probability of developing URTD rose steadily with increasing time spent in the shelter. The probability of exhibiting signs remained low until day 6 and then rose steadily to where by day 14, the cumulative probabilities had risen to 84% (litters), 86% (individual kittens), and 80% (adult cats). In different categories, adult cats over 11 years of age had a significantly higher risk of URTD than younger cats. Neutered males cats had higher rates of URTD than spayed females, and purebred cats were at higher risk than ones of mixed breeding. Strays were more likely to have URTD than owner-surrendered cats. The study documented the strong association between the length of the residence in a shelter and the risk of developing URTD. The results suggest shelters should focus efforts and programs at minimizing the length of time cats spend in a shelter. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Zicola, A., et al., Feline herpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus infections in a heterogeneous cat population of a rescue shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

Edwards, D.S., et al., Risk factors for time to diagnosis of feline upper respiratory tract disease in UK animal adoption shelters. Prev Vet Med, 2008. 87(3-4): p. 327-39.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Dinnage, J.D., J.M. Scarlett, and J.R. Richards, Descriptive epidemiology of feline upper respiratory tract disease in an animal shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009. 11(10): p. 816-25.

Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a common disease in cats and can spread quickly among cats residing in animal shelters. These infections cause suffering, consume vital personnel and financial resources, and limit adoptions. In a large urban shelter in the northeast United States, 531 kittens, 701 litters, and 2,203 adult cats were observed during their stays on a daily basis over a period of 50 weeks for signs of URTD. The median lengths of stay for adult cats and kittens were 5 and 4 days, respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the cats exhibited signs of infectious respiratory disease. Regardless of age group, the probability of developing URTD rose steadily with increasing time spent in the shelter. The probability of exhibiting signs remained low until day 6 and then rose steadily to where by day 14, the cumulative probabilities had risen to 84% (litters), 86% (individual kittens), and 80% (adult cats). In different categories, adult cats over 11 years of age had a significantly higher risk of URTD than younger cats. Neutered males cats had higher rates of URTD than spayed females, and purebred cats were at higher risk than ones of mixed breeding. Strays were more likely to have URTD than owner-surrendered cats. The study documented the strong association between the length of the residence in a shelter and the risk of developing URTD. The results suggest shelters should focus efforts and programs at minimizing the length of time cats spend in a shelter. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Zicola, A., et al., Feline herpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus infections in a heterogeneous cat population of a rescue shelter. J Feline Med Surg, 2009.
>> PubMed Abstract

Edwards, D.S., et al., Risk factors for time to diagnosis of feline upper respiratory tract disease in UK animal adoption shelters. Prev Vet Med, 2008. 87(3-4): p. 327-39.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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