Adult Cats Research Articles

Radiomorphometric analysis of the metapodial bones in the Scottish fold cats.

Scottish Fold cats (Felis catus, Linnaeus 1758) are one of the most well-known and popular cat breeds in the world, characterized by their folded ears attached to the head. Very frequently, cats fall prey of different trauma and accidents that can cause bone fractures especially in the metapodial bones. The method of radiometry is used in veterinary practice to visualize and measure different parts of the animal skeleton. The aim of this study was to assess the linear parameters derived from radiographic images of the metacarpals and metatarsals in Scottish Fold cats and additionally detecting potential sexual dimorphism. Radiographic images of 24 adult Scottish Fold cats (12 male and 12 females) of different ages and weights were analysed. Six linear measurements of the metapodial bones were evaluated to investigate any differences between the sexes. The linear radiometric measurements of the five metacarpals (MC1-5) and the four metatarsals (MT2-5) bones were larger in male metapodial bones than that of female cats. The maximum length (Ml) of the MC1 and MC2 was statistically different between sex, respectively, (p = 0.001) and (p = 0.05). The others metacarpal bones were different in mostly all linear parameters but not statistically significant. The most significant differences between sexes were observed in the parameter of width proximal end (Wp) of MC1-3 (p = 0.001) and MC4 (p = 0.05). More statistical different was MT2 and less MT3. The linear parameter of Bd of the MT4 was the most different statistically between sex (p = 0.001). The results of the study will be useful in function of comparative anatomy, in veterinary clinical practice, in zoo archaeology and in the veterinary forensic investigation.

Comparative Histological study of Adrenal Gland at pre and post maturation stage in locally domestic Cats

Object of this study was to describe the histological composition of the adrenal gland in immature and adult local domestic cats. Twenty four healthy cats, as twelve immature aged 2-3 months and twelve adult aged 11-12 months were used. Post euthanized of all cats, their abdominal dissected, identified their adrenal glands and taken carefully. Proper specimens for histological assessment from glands were obtained and after fixation and processing routinely, thin sections prepared and stained. Histological results illustrated, in both ages of the cat, a connective tissue capsule encircled the gland. Two zones of tissues were represent the gland parenchyma including medullary region that hold chromaffin cells, and outer cortex which composed of glomerular, fasciculate, and reticular zones, which contain cells that differ in shape and arrangement. According to data analysis that related to measurements of basic structures of gland, it was revealed that significant differences in most them between the left and right gland as well as between both ages of cats. In conclusion, the study confirmed that the adrenal gland in immature cats showed a distinguish in formation of all basic structure of the gland despite the difference in the thickness of those structure from that of adult cats.

Razão proteína:creatinina urinária em filhotes felinos em crescimento: nova visão

This study aimed to evaluate the urinary excretion of protein employing the urine protein:creatinine ratio in growing health kittens and included twelve clinically healthy multi-mixed-breed kittens, seven males and five females from three different litters. Urine collections started when the kittens completed the fourth week of life. The study followed a controlled longitudinal experimental model, with 14 repeated measures, one per week. A total of 168 urine samples from 12 healthy growing kittens were analyzed. UPC ratio median value was 0.56 (confidence interval 0.51 - 0.62), revealing urinary protein excretion more remarkable than is expected for healthy adult cats. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA results indicated no statistically significant differences in urine protein:creatinine ratio values concerning the kittens’ ages and genders. Additionally, there was a striking fluctuation of urine protein: creatinine ratio values for all kittens over the 14 weeks (coefficient of variation 53.3%). Urine protein:creatinine ratio of healthy growing kittens changes unexpectedly, and most values reach magnitudes considered pathological for adult cats, suggesting a clinically irrelevant condition. Since the fluctuation of the UPC is not related to age (from the fourth to the seventeenth week of age), to interpret of UPC of growing kittens, in practice or research, it is mandatory to repeat the measures, at least three times, at one week apart, to discharge pathologic event.

Dead space volumes in cats and dogs with small body mass ventilated with a fixed tidal volume

ObjectiveTo compare the portion of tidal volume (VT) ventilating dead space volumes in nonbrachycephalic cats and dogs with small body mass receiving volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) with a fixed VT. Study designProspective, experimental study. AnimalsA group of eight healthy adult cats and dogs [ideal body weight (IBW): 3.0 ± 0.5 and 3.8 ± 1.1 kg, respectively]. MethodsAnesthetized cats and dogs received VCV with a 12 mL kg–1 VT (inspiratory pause ≥ 0.5 seconds). Respiratory rate (fR) was adjusted to maintain normocapnia. Airway dead space (VDaw) and alveolar tidal volume (VTalv) were measured by volumetric capnography. Physiological dead space (VDphys) and VDphys/VT ratio were calculated using the Bohr–Enghoff method. Data recorded before surgery were compared by an unpaired t-test or Mann–Whitney U test (p < 0.05 considered significant). ResultsThe IBW (p = 0.07), PaCO2 (p = 0.40) and expired VT [VT(exp)] (p = 0.77) did not differ significantly between species. The VDaw (mL kg–1) was lower in cats (3.7 ± 0.4) than in dogs (7.7 ± 0.9) (p < 0.0001). The VTalv (mL kg–1) was larger in cats (8.3 ± 0.7) than in dogs (4.3 ± 0.7) (p < 0.0001). Cats presented a smaller VDphys/VT ratio (0.33 ± 0.03) and VDphys (4.0 ± 0.3 mL kg–1) than dogs (VDphys/VT: 0.60 ± 0.09; VDphys: 7.2 ± 1.4 mL kg–1) (p < 0.0001). The fR and minute ventilation (VT(exp) × fR) were lower in cats than in dogs (p = 0.048 and p = 0.038, respectively). Conclusions and clinical relevanceA fixed VT results in more effective ventilation in cats than in dogs with small body mass because of species-specific differences in and VDaw and VDphys. Because of the smaller VDaw and VDphys in cats than in dogs, a lower fR is required to maintain normocapnia in cats.

Influence of mineral source and inclusion levels of iron, copper, and zinc on the oxidative stability of extruded cat food

This study aimed to compare inorganic sources (sulfates) and chelated organic sources (proteinates) of minerals on the oxidative stability and shelf-life of extruded cat food. Five complete foods were formulated, including a negative control without supplementation of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), or zinc (Zn). The other formulations were obtained by supplementing the negative control formulation with these microminerals in organic or inorganic form at one (1x) or two (2x) times the FEDIAF (2021) requirement level for adult cats. The effects of supplementation on oxidative stability and shelf-life were determined before and after extrusion and during the 365-day storage period. The levels of fatty acids and synthetic antioxidants (BHA and BHT) were significantly lower after extrusion (P < 0.05). While inorganic and organic mineral sources did not differ, the negative control retained higher levels of fatty acids and synthetic antioxidants compared to mineral sources and levels. After extrusion, saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were reduced by 22.82% ± 1.8%, 22.91% ± 1.9%, and 19.32% ± 2.5%, respectively, with no mineral source and level effects. The Concentrations of synthetic antioxidants were significantly lower after extrusion, with a retention of 49.72% in the negative control and 35.09% ± 1.23% in the other treatments. Storage studies showed that fatty acids declined over time without significant treatment differences (P > 0.05). As expected, the most evident change was that of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Synthetic antioxidant levels also lowered during storage, with significant differences among treatments (P < 0.05). The highest losses were observed in formulations supplemented with inorganic sources. These differences affected peroxide value, which was influenced by both supplementation level and source. At the end of 365 days of shelf life, the peroxide value in foods supplemented with inorganic minerals was 92.3% (1×) and 49.7% (2×) greater than in foods with the same level of organic minerals. The negative control formulation had the lowest peroxide value among all treatments. From this data, we can conclude that the source of the microelements Fe, Cu, and Zn does not influence the oxidative stability of cat food during the extrusion process; however, the inorganic sources (e.g., sulfates) favor the oxidation during storage, which may be attenuated using less reactive, organic trace mineral sources, such as proteinates.

Visual training after central retinal loss limits structural white matter degradation: an MRI study

BackgroundMacular degeneration of the eye is a common cause of blindness and affects 8% of the worldwide human population. In adult cats with bilateral lesions of the central retina, we explored the possibility that motion perception training can limit the associated degradation of the visual system. We evaluated how visual training affects behavioral performance and white matter structure. Recently, we proposed (Kozak et al. in Transl Vis Sci Technol 10:9, 2021) a new motion-acuity test for low vision patients, enabling full visual field functional assessment through simultaneous perception of shape and motion. Here, we integrated this test as the last step of a 10-week motion-perception training.ResultsCats were divided into three groups: retinal-lesioned only and two trained groups, retinal-lesioned trained and control trained. The behavioral data revealed that trained cats with retinal lesions were superior in motion tasks, even when the difficulty relied only on acuity. 7 T-MRI scanning was done before and after lesioning at 5 different timepoints, followed by Fixel-Based and Fractional Anisotropy Analysis. In cats with retinal lesions, training resulted in a more localized and reduced percentage decrease in Fixel-Based Analysis metrics in the dLGN, caudate nucleus and hippocampus compared to untrained cats. In motion-sensitive area V5/PMLS, the significant decreases in fiber density were equally strong in retinal-lesioned untrained and trained cats, up to 40% in both groups. The only cortical area with Fractional Anisotropy values not affected by central retinal loss was area V5/PMLS. In other visual ROIs, the Fractional Anisotropy values increased over time in the untrained retinal lesioned group, whereas they decreased in the retinal lesioned trained group and remained at a similar level as in trained controls.ConclusionsOverall, our MRI results showed a stabilizing effect of motion training applied soon after central retinal loss induction on white matter structure. We propose that introducing early motion-acuity training for low vision patients, aimed at the intact and active retinal peripheries, may facilitate brain plasticity processes toward better vision.

Tag! You’re Home! Reunification of Pet Cats with their Owners Using a Community Engagement Approach

Reunification of lost pets with their owners is a key function of municipal animal shelters but reported Return to Owner (RTO) rates are as low as 3% for cats. In contrast, the percentage of recovered pet cats found within their own neighborhoods has been reported as high as 66-75%. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of an innovative program designed to reunite cats with their owners by returning them to their neighborhoods without intake to the shelter. Loudoun County Animal Services, a municipal open-admission animal shelter with an annual intake of 2,300 animals (46% cats), created the Tag!You’re Home! Program (TYHP) on the assumption of positive intent by finders of free-roaming cats. The TYHP engages finders to return un-microchipped healthy social adult cats to their neighborhood after being furnished with a tag and collar with the shelter's contact information. Finders are advised to place the cat back where it was found and not provide food. If the cat is still present after 5 days (mandated stray period) and an owner has not called the shelter, the finder can bring the cat back for intake. Between 7/1/2022 and 12/31/2023, 499 stray cats were admitted to the shelter, 273 of which were adults, and 32 cats were enrolled in the TYHP as an alternative to intake. Of these 32 cats, 10 (31%) were confirmed RTO via owner contact, 10 (31%) did not require additional services (not brought back by finder), 6 (19%) were brought back by the finder after 5 days for intake, 4 (13%) were kept by the finder, and 2 (6%) were rehomed by the finder. Of the 6 cats brought back to the shelter, 1 had an outcome of RTO through the shelter, and 5 had an outcome of adoption. Of the 493 stray cats (267 adults) admitted to the shelter that were not first enrolled in the TYHP, 79 (74 adults) had an outcome of RTO, resulting in a 16% overall RTO rate and 28% adult RTO rate. The most common outcome subtypes for cats RTOed through the shelter were owner called (20%) and microchip (48%). Cats RTOed through the shelter were found a median of 0.4 km (IQR 0.1-1.7), or approximately 4 city blocks, from home. Over 80% of cats enrolled in the TYHP did not require intake to the shelter, and over 30% had a confirmed RTO outcome through the TYHP. While this was very similar to the 28% adult RTO rate reported during the same period for adult cats with intake to the shelter, the TYHP provided a valuable tool to RTO cats without microchips and reduced shelter intake of adult stray cats by 10%.

The Increasing Adoption Potential of Undersocialized Cats and Kittens: Blessing or Curse?

The most appropriate management strategy for a cat entering a shelter environment varies based on many factors. Perhaps the most important of these is the cat's level of socialization to people. For unsocialized/poorly socialized cats, pathways such as TNR or alternative placement are typically considered more appropriate for their quality of life. This is particularly true for older cats, outside of the socialization phase. However, as supply of cats have declined and rates of pet ownership have increased, there is increasing pressure for shelters to find homes for cats with socialization histories that would not have been deemed adoptable previously, and adopters are more willing to adopt poorly socialized cats. There has been no investigation of the well-being of poorly socialized cats in their adoptive homes or the experience of these adopters. Adopters of 57 adult cats identified as undersocialized and 155 control cats (not suspected of being undersocialized) were surveyed about their cat’s behaviour and their own satisfaction. Control cats were rated as less fearful, more affectionate, more likely to engage when approached (by either a stranger or their adopter), and more likely to enjoy petting (by either a stranger or their adopter) than undesocialized cats. Owners of control cats also reported greater satisfaction and were more likely to state that their cat would be happier in a home environment than regularly fed outdoors. Adopters of 134 kittens identified as undersocialized and 591 control kittens (not suspected of being undersocialized) were surveyed about their kitten’s behaviour and their own satisfaction. In this survey, control kittens were rated as less fearful, and more likely to engage when approached by a stranger or enjoy a stranger petting them, but there was no difference in ratings of affection, relationship with their owner (either by engaging when approached or enjoyment of petting), adopter satisfaction, or what environment the adopter states the kitten would be happier. Results suggest that although it is becoming more possible to place undersocialized cats in homes, these environments may not be in the best interests of the cats’ or adopters’ quality-of-life. Results for undersocialized kittens suggest that while they may still be prone to fear, particularly towards strangers, both the kitten and the owners have good quality-of-life and satisfaction post-adoption.

Comparison of serum SDMA and creatinine as a biomarker for the detection of meloxicam-induced kidney injury in cats.

Serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and creatinine are commonly used biomarkers of renal function in cats. We hypothesize that the serum analytes creatinine and SDMA are equally effective at detecting impaired renal function caused by meloxicam-induced renal injury in cats. Our primary objective was to compare serum concentrations of SDMA and creatinine in cats before, during, and after induction of renal injury from repeated dosages of meloxicam in the context of a small pilot study. This follow-up study results from data collected in a well-controlled study that included 12 healthy female adult purpose-bred cats. Cats in the treatment group received meloxicam 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC) every 24 h for 31 days. Cats in the control group received saline (0.1 mL SC). Renal injury was defined as the presence of tubular damage, basement membrane damage, and/or interstitial inflammation in histological sections of kidney tissue. Serum creatinine and SDMA concentration were measured every 4 days. In the control group, no cats developed renal azotemia. In the treatment group, four out of six cats developed elevated serum creatinine and histopathological evidence of renal injury. Three of these cats developed an elevation in serum SDMA. The time to the development of renal azotemia using serum creatinine or SDMA was not significantly different (p > 0.05). In this pilot study, there was no evidence that serum SDMA was superior to serum creatinine at detecting impaired renal function caused by meloxicam-induced renal injury in cats.

Morphological evaluation of adult domestic cat testicular biopsy after vitrification.

Testicular biopsies (9 mm3) from domestic cats (n = 10) submitted to orchiectomy were submitted to equilibrium vitrification in the presence of ethylene glycol (EG) alone or combined with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as intracellular cryoprotectants, and sucrose or trehalose as extracellular cryoprotectants. The samples were vitrified with 40% EG or 20% EG + 20% DMSO, plus 0.1 M or 0.5 M of sucrose or trehalose. The study was divided into Step 1 and Step 2. In Step 1, intratubular cells (spermatogonia, spermatids, spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells) were quantified and classified as intact or degenerated (pyknotic and/or vacuolated cells). Cryodamage of seminiferous cords was determined by spermatogonia and Sertoli cell scoring of nuclei alterations, tubular basement membrane detachment, epithelium shrinkage, and tubular measures (total area, epithelium area, larger and smaller diameter, and height of the epithelium). In Step 2, Hoechst 33342 stain and propidium iodide (PI) fluorescent stain were used to assess the cell viability of the four best experimental groups in Step 1. The effect of treatments on all analyses was accessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Fisher's post hoc test at P < 0.05 significance was considered. In Step 1, the mean percentage of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells morphological integrity did not show a difference when using both sugars at different concentrations, but their morphology was more affected when DMSO was used. EG use associated with 0.1 M of sucrose or trehalose positively affected spermatocyte and spermatid morphology, respectively. The larger diameter and epithelium height of seminiferous tubules were increased using DMSO plus 0.5 M sucrose and DMSO plus 0.1 M trehalose. The changes in spermatogonial/Sertoli nucleoli visualization were best scored in the EG groups, while the nuclei condensation was lower with sucrose. The basement membrane was satisfactorily preserved with 0.1 M sucrose. In Step 2, the percentage of cell viability was higher when EG plus 0.1 M sucrose was used. Therefore, DMSO's negative effect on the vitrification of testicular biopsies of adult domestic cats was evident. The EG plus 0.1 M of sucrose or trehalose associations are the most suitable CPAs to preserve the testicular histology structure of adult domestic cats in vitrification.

Evaluation of fecal sample collection methods for feline gut microbiome profiling: fecal loop vs. litter box.

Microbial population structures within fecal samples are vital for disease screening, diagnosis, and gut microbiome research. The two primary methods for collecting feline fecal samples are: (1) using a fecal loop, which retrieves a rectal sample using a small, looped instrument, and (2) using the litter box, which collects stool directly from the litter. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different research objectives. Whole-genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing were performed on the gut microbiomes of fecal samples collected using these two methods from 10 adult cats housed in the same research facility. We evaluated the influence of collection methods on feline microbiome analysis, particularly their impact on DNA extraction, metagenomic sequencing yield, microbial composition, and diversity in subsequent gut microbiome analyses. Interestingly, fecal sample collection using a fecal loop resulted in a lower yield of microbial DNA compared to the litterbox method (p = 0.004). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the proportion of host contamination (p = 0.106), virus contamination (p = 0.232), relative taxonomy abundance of top five phyla (Padj > 0.638), or the number of microbial genes covered (p = 0.770). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in alpha-diversity, beta-diversity, the number of taxa identified at each taxonomic level, and the relative abundance of taxonomic units. These two sample collection methods do not affect microbial population structures within fecal samples and collecting fecal samples directly from the litterbox within 6 hours after defecation can be considered a reliable approach for microbiome research.

Characterizing the blood microbiota in healthy and febrile domestic cats via 16s rRNA sequencing

This study aimed to evaluate the blood bacterial microbiota in healthy and febrile cats. High-quality sequencing reads from the 16S rRNA gene variable region V3-V4 were obtained from genomic blood DNA belonging to 145 healthy cats, and 140 febrile cats. Comparisons between the blood microbiota of healthy and febrile cats revealed dominant presence of Actinobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. Upon lower taxonomic levels, the bacterial composition was significantly different between healthy and febrile cats. The families Faecalibacterium and Kineothrix (Firmicutes), and Phyllobacterium (Proteobacteria) experienced increased abundance in febrile samples. Whereas Thioprofundum (Proteobacteria) demonstrated a significant decrease in abundance in febrile. The bacterial composition and beta diversity within febrile cats was different according to the affected body system (Oral/GI, systemic, skin, and respiratory) at both family and genus levels. Sex and age were not significant factors affecting the blood microbiota of febrile cats nor healthy ones. Age was different between young adult and mature adult healthy cats. Alpha diversity was unaffected by any factors. Overall, the findings suggest that age, health status and nature of disease are significant factors affecting blood microbiota diversity and composition in cats, but sex is not.

Fatty acid composition and biophysical characteristics of the cell membrane of feline spermatozoa

Sperm membrane composition and biophysical characteristics play a pivotal role in many physiological processes (i.e. sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and fusion with the oocyte) as well as in semen processing (e.g. cryopreservation). The aim of this study was to characterize the fatty acid content and biophysical characteristics (anisotropy, generalized polarization) of the cell membrane of domestic cat spermatozoa. Semen was collected from 34 adult male cats by urethral catheterization. After a basic semen evaluation, the fatty acid content of some of the samples (n = 11) was evaluated by gas chromatography. Samples from other individuals (n = 23) were subjected to biophysical analysis: membrane anisotropy (which is inversely proportional to membrane fluidity) and generalized polarization (describing lipid order); both measured by fluorimetry at three temperature points: 38 °C, 25 °C and 5 °C. Spermatozoa from some samples (n = 10) were cryopreserved in TRIS egg yolk-glycerol extender and underwent the same biophysical analysis after thawing. Most fatty acids in feline spermatozoa were saturated (69.76 ± 24.45%), whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content was relatively low (6.12 ± 5.80%). Lowering the temperature caused a significant decrease in membrane fluidity and an increase in generalized polarization in fresh spermatozoa, and these effects were even more pronounced following cryopreservation. Anisotropy at 38 °C in fresh samples showed strong positive correlations with viability and motility parameters after thawing. In summary, feline spermatozoa are characterized by a very low PUFA content and a low ratio of unsaturated:saturated fatty acids, which may contribute to low oxidative stress. Cryopreservation alters the structure of the sperm membrane, increasing the fluidity of the hydrophobic portion of the bilayer and the lipid order in the hydrophilic portion. Because lower membrane fluidity in fresh semen was linked with better viability and motility after cryopreservation, this parameter may be considered an important factor in determination of sperm cryoresistance.

Age-dependent changes in plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D may complicate vitamin D status assessment of immature cats.

Vitamin D deficiency and excess in clinically presented cats conventionally is diagnosed by comparison of patient plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH)D) concentration with plasma reference intervals determined in healthy adult cats. For immature cats, validity of this vitamin D status assessment method is uncertain. The overall objective was determination of whether plasma concentration of 25 (OH) D and other vitamin D metabolites in immature cats markedly change with developmental age as has been reported in other species. Four male and 4 female domestic short-hair kittens from weaning were continuously presented a single nutritionally adequate growth-diet. Concentrations of 25 (OH) D and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25 (OH)2D), and calcitriol were quantified in plasma of jugular venous blood collected at 12, 15, 18, and 21 weeks and 1 year of age. Plasma was liquid and solid-phase extracted and fractionation by normal-phase HPLC, and 25 (OH) D and 24,25 OH)2D quantified by reverse-phase HPLC-UV and calcitriol by RIA. Plasma 3-epi-25 (OH) D and 25 (OH) D concentrations increased (p < 0.001) with age so that by study end the concentrations rose by 1-and 2-fold, respectively. Concentrations of 3-epi-25 (OH) D relative to 25 (OH) D were 30% at 12 weeks and 20% at 1 year. Between ages 12 and 21 weeks, rises in 25 (OH) D concentration were positively correlated with body weight gains (ρ = 0.952, p < 0.001) and 24,25 (OH)2D concentrations were consistently greater than 25 (OH) D concentrations (p < 0.001). At 1 year of age, concentrations of 24,25 (OH)2D declined below those of 25 (OH) D and 3-epi-24,25 (OH)2D consistency occurred in low concentrations. Vitamin D2 metabolites and sex differences in metabolite concentrations were not observed. Reliance on quantification of plasma 25 (OH) D concentration for vitamin D status assessment in kittens may be confounded by developmental changes in 25 (OH) D independent of vitamin D intake. High 24,25 (OH)2D concentration and occurrence of 3-epi-25 (OH) D in plasma additionally may interfere with the quantification.

Lagochilascaris minor (Nematoda, Ascarididae) em gato de vivência comunitária em praça pública na cidade de Porto Alegre, sul do Brasil - relato de caso

Lagochilascaris minor (Family Ascarididae) is a zoonotic and chronic parasite. The definitive hosts are domestic and wild felines, human and dogs, and the intermediate hosts are rodents. The lesions appear in the formo f a pseudocysts, nodule or abscess and when fistulated, they drain serosupurulent material containing eggs, larvae and adult helminths. The present report describes the diagnosis of this parasitosis in a castrated adult cat, living in a community in a public square for Five years, with progressive weight loss and skin lesions. The fecal parasitological examination (FPE) detected L. minor eggs. The epidemiology and treatment of this neglected parasitic disease are discussed.

Reference intervals for bone marrow cells in juvenile and young adult cats bone marrow cytology.

The current bone marrow (BM) reference intervals (RI) are based on a limited number of cats. Age-related changes in BM variables might be important,possibly affecting the interpretation of the results. Establish BM cytologic reference intervals (RIs) and association of age and sex on these findings, in healthy juvenile and young adult cats. BM aspirates of cats deemed healthy based on history and clinical, CBC, serum chemistry findings, and negative retrovirus serology were obtained and examined cytologically. The examination included a 1000-nucleated differential cell count and cell morphologic assessment. RIs were calculated using parametric, robust, and nonparametric methods. The cytologic findings were examined for associations with sex and age. The study included 40 cats (females, 22 [55%]; males, 18 [45%]) with a median age of 1.5 years (range 0.5-5). Most calculated RIs were similar to those previously reported. BM plasma cell and monocyte counts were weakly and positively correlated with age (rs, .312 and .373, respectively; P < .05). Metarubricytes were higher infemales (mean, 25.1%; SD, 6.0%) than males (mean, 21.2%; SD, 6.0%; P < .05). The BM differential cell counts determined in this study can serve as RIs for cats aged 0.5-5 years.

Functional mapping of the lower urinary tract by epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord in decerebrated cat model

Several neurologic diseases including spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis are accompanied by disturbances of the lower urinary tract functions. Clinical data indicates that chronic spinal cord stimulation can improve not only motor function but also ability to store urine and control micturition. Decoding the spinal mechanisms that regulate the functioning of detrusor (Detr) and external urethral sphincter (EUS) muscles is essential for effective neuromodulation therapy in patients with disturbances of micturition. In the present work we performed a mapping of Detr and EUS activity by applying epidural electrical stimulation (EES) at different levels of the spinal cord in decerebrated cat model. The study was performed in 5 adult male cats, evoked potentials were generated by EES aiming to recruit various spinal pathways responsible for LUT and hindlimbs control. Recruitment of Detr occurred mainly with stimulation of the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spinal cord (T13-L1 spinal segments). Responses in the EUS, in general, occurred with stimulation of all the studied sites of the spinal cord, however, a pronounced specificity was noted for the lower lumbar/upper sacral sections (L7-S1 spinal segments). These features were confirmed by comparing the normalized values of the slope angles used to approximate the recruitment curve data by the linear regression method. Thus, these findings are in accordance with our previous data obtained in rats and could be used for development of novel site-specific neuromodulation therapeutic approaches.

The Effect of a Subsequent Dose of Dexmedetomidine or Other Sedatives following an Initial Dose of Dexmedetomidine on Sedation and Quality of Recovery in Cats: Part I.

Dexmedetomidine is an a2-agonist commonly used in veterinary practice. Occasionally, the administered dose of dexmedetomidine may result in insufficient sedation, and an additional dose or drug may be required. The sedative effects of seven different drugs administered at subsequent time points after an initial, insufficient dose of dexmedetomidine were evaluated. Seven adult cats participated in this crossover, blind, randomised study. The groups consisted of two consecutive doses of dexmedetomidine (15 + 10 μg/kg) (DD) or a dose of dexmedetomidine (15 μg/kg) followed by either NS 0.9% (DC-control group), tramadol 2 mg/kg (DT), butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg (DBT), buprenorphine 20 μg/kg (DBP), ketamine 2 mg/kg (DK), or midazolam 0.1 mg/kg (DM). Sedation was evaluated using the Grint sedation scale. In all groups, atipamezole was administered at the end of the evaluation, and recovery was assessed using the Lozano and Sams recovery scales. The DC and DM groups exhibited minimal sedative effects. The maximum sedative effect was observed in the DD and DK groups, while sedation in the DD and DK groups was significantly higher compared to the DC group. Recovery in all groups was uneventful, except in the DM group, where it was prolonged and difficult, although no statistically significant difference was detected. Therefore, insufficient sedation with dexmedetomidine can be enhanced by a subsequent dose of dexmedetomidine, ketamine, or butorphanol, whereas the addition of midazolam reduces sedation and prolongs recovery.

Characterization and potential lipid-lowering effects of lactic acid bacteria isolated from cats.

This study aimed to study the characterization and the potential lipid-lowering effects of new isolated lactic acid bacteria from the feces of healthy adult cats. We collected 85 cat fecal samples, isolated, screening lactic acid bacteria strains from samples, and investigated their in vitro and in vivo biological properties. A total of 221 lactic acid bacteria strains were isolated from 85 cat fecal samples. Sixteen strains with calcium dissolution rings greater than 1 mm were identified and selected for further characterization. Three lactic acid bacteria strains, Lactobacillus plantarum L-27-2, Pediococcus lactis L-14-1, and Enterococcus faecium, were identified as showing the most promising rates of cholesterol degradation (greater than 20%) and bacteriostatic radius (over 15 mm). These three strains exhibited robust growth and adherence to epithelial cells, along with adaptability to low pH (greater than 70%) and high bile salt conditions (greater than 60%), and remarkable cholesterol degradation and anti-pathogen activity. Sixteen mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) from 4 to 8 weeks of age, while a control group of the same size received a normal diet (ND). At 8 weeks of age, serum, feces and adipose tissue were collected. The results showed that, compared with mice fed an HFD diet alone, all mice fed an HFD diet plus lactic acid bacteria could decrease weight gain. P < 0.05 and the pathological changes of adipose tissue were alleviated. In addition, mice fed L-14-1 and F203 showed abdominal fat accumulation decreased (P < 0.05). Mice fed L-27-2 showed serum and liver triglyceride (TG) decreased (P < 0.05) and mice fed F203 showed serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased (P < 0.01). mice fed L-27-2 and L-14-1 showed inflammatory cytokines (IL-6) was decreased (P < 0.01) Analysis of the fecal microbiota of mice fed these three lactic acid bacteria strains revealed alterations in the gut microbial community. There were common changes in intestinal microbes in mice fed these three lactic acid bacteria: (1) Bacteroides decreased; (2) Myxococcus increased; (3) Lachnoclostridium decreased. The microbes mentioned are all part of the core intestinal flora. This study provided three potential lactic acid bacteria for alleviating animal obesity and inflammation.

Black soldier fly larvae meal in an extruded food: effects on nutritional quality and health parameters in healthy adult cats

Abstract We aimed to evaluate the effects of including black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL) meal in a dry extruded food on nutritional quality and some health aspects in healthy adult cats. Two dry extruded foods with either poultry meal (control) or 37.5% BSFL meal were fed to eight (3.8-5.2 kg BW; 2.3-y.o.) cats in a cross-over design with two 28-day periods. Food acceptance was recorded throughout the study and samples were collected during the last 7 days of each period for assessment of apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, faecal consistency, fermentation products and microbiota, and blood biochemistry and haematology. Foods were well-accepted and faeces were well-formed with optimal consistency scores. Digestibility values for dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen and gross energy were considered high for the BSFL meal-based food but lower than for the control food (). Unexpectedly, inclusion of BSFL meal had a profound impact on the intestinal microbial activity and composition as illustrated by increased faecal short-chain fatty acids () and biogenic amines concentrations () and reduced bacterial diversity () and shifts in multiple genera (e.g. more Bifidobacterium) in the faeces (). Minor changes in haematology and serum biochemistry parameters were found and deemed not clinically relevant. Overall, this study showed that a BSFL meal-based extruded dry food is readily accepted by healthy adult cats, yields optimal faecal consistency, had suitable nutrient digestibilities and can support their health when fed for 28 days with new leads for impact on feline gut health.