Cats Of Ages Research Articles

Gastrointestinal linear foreign bodies in cats: A retrospective study of 12 cases

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies are common in animals and may present with various clinical manifestations depending on the location, severity, and duration of the obstruction. Linear foreign body (LFB) obstructions are more common in cats compared to dogs, and the foreign body causing the obstruction is usually thread or threaded needle. In our study, it was aimed to determine the radiography and the localization of the obstruction in the diagnosis of LFB in cats, to investigate the operative treatment options and their effects on the prognosis. The study material consisted of 12 cats of different breeds, ages, and genders, who were referred with the suspicion of foreign body with acute/chronic vomiting and anorexia. After the identification of the foreign body causing the obstruction, treatment was planned considering its localization, severity and duration of pathology. All foreign bodies were removed surgical procedures. The most common finding was the plication in the intestines. Four cats died in the postoperative period. As a result, early and rapid diagnosis in LFB positively affects the prognosis. Intestinal perforations caused by LFB and infection due to bacterial translocation are inevitable in delayed cases. Another issue to be considered is that in cats that show symptoms of gastrointestinal system origin, it is extremely important to carry out a detailed examination of the mouth. In addition, it is thought that trying to pull out the LFBs that protruding out from the anus increases the risk of perforation in the intestines.

Feline Herpesvirüs Tip-1 İle Enfekte Kedilerde Vitamin D Düzeyleri

In this study, it was aimed to measure vitamin D levels in Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 (FeHV-1) infected cats and thus to determine its relationship with the disease activity. The animal material of this study was composed of 20 cats of different breeds, ages and genders, which showed clinical symptoms of the disease and were diagnosed with Feline Herpesvirus infection by rapid test. The control group of the study consisted of 10 cats of different breeds, ages and genders, which were healthy according to the results of routine physical examination, laboratory works, which were brought for the purpose of vaccination, and which were determined to be Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 antigen negative with the rapid test. Blood samples were taken from cats in both groups and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels were determined by the fluorescent immunoassay method. The mean standard deviation values of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in FeHV-1 infected cats and healthy cats were found to be 33.30 and 64.70 ng/ml, respectively. FeHV-1 infected cats showed a significant decrease in serum vitamin D levels compared to healthy cats in the control group. As a result, vitamin D deficiency may have an effect on the formation of the disease.

A pilot study: Can calcaneus radiographic image be used to determine sex and breed in cats?

This study examined whether radiographic images measurements of the calcaneus in cats are determinative of sex and breed. For this purpose, radiographic images of 70 cats (37 male and 33 females) of different ages (from one to 18 years) and different breeds (41 mix‐breed, 18 Scottish Fold and 11 British Shorthair cats) without orthopaedic problems were used. Right tarsal joint radiographs of these orthopaedically healthy cats were taken. Four linear measurements and two angle values of the calcaneus were obtained from the radiographic images. The MANOVA result showed that the most determining factor between the three groups was the greatest width (p value = 0.001). Calcaneal body length, calcaneal greatest length and calcaneal shortest depth were higher in mix‐breed cats. Calcaneal tuber length was higher in Scottish Fold cats. The only statistically significant difference between Scottish Fold and British Shorthair was in the calcaneal tuber length (p value = 0.04). In the comparison made between the sexes regardless of species, the linear measurements in males were higher than in females. It was determined that these parameters are statistically significant in terms of sex differentiation in cats. Dorsal and plantar calcaneal angles are not sex determinants in cats. The effect of age on other measurements was analysed by correlation test. However, the effect of age on the measurements was not statistically significant. Mix‐breed cats were examined in four groups according to their colour (grey, black‐white, yellow, tri‐colour). No statistically significant difference was found between calcaneal measurements of cats with different skin colour genotypes. In this study, calcaneus measurements were both determinative between breeds and sexes in cats.

Chronic renal failure in aged cats changes in hematological parameters and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment in small veterinary clinics

The article presents the results of hematological studies in aged cats with chronic renal insufficiency. The aim is to study changes in hematological parameters in aged cats with chronic renal failure and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in small veterinary clinics. The studies were performed on sick animals belonging to private owners (n=24). A total of 66 samples of blood and blood serum were examined. Clinical and hematological studies were carried out according to methods generally accepted in veterinary practice.Unidirectional changes in the level of red blood indicators were revealed in aged cats, which is associated with the depletion of compensatory capabilities of the red bone marrow. In the blood serum of age-related patients, the content of nitrogenous products (total protein, urea, creatinine) was increased, indicating the fourth stage of renal dysfunction on the IRIS scale. Thus, in aged animals with chronic renal insufficiency syndrome, a decrease in the rate of hematopoiesis and glomerular filtration of the kidneys, a tendency to hepatopathy, osseopathy and changes in the elemental composition of the internal environment of the body were established. The treatment was carried out with the transfer to the Renal series feed and the improvement of the drinking regimeEtiotropic therapy included oral administration of sinulox at the rate of 12.5 mg / kg of body weight, twice a day, for 5- 7 days. Substitution treatment included intravenous administration of saline solution. Symptomatic treatment consisted of intramuscular administration of pyridoxine and cyancobalamin, oral use of the drug "bio-iron" in courses of 10 procedures.Two patients died. The 15 out of 22 cats showed an improvement in clinical indicators and an increase in body weight. The use of treatment of age-related patients with symptoms of stage IV chronic renal failure for 10 days allowed to stimulate appetite, improve diuresis and thirst, stop inflammatory processes in the body and support hematopoiesis, reduce the level of nitrogen-containing metabolites. But it is impossible to achieve a complete restoration of the functional activity of all organs.

Therapeutic efcacy of preparations in the form of a solution for external use based on imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen and moxidectin at nematodosis of dogs and cats

The purpose of the research is to study the therapeutic efcacy of drugs in the form of a solution for external use based on imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen and moxidectin against gastrointestinal nematodes and Diroflaria spp. microflaria in dogs and cats.Materials and methods. . The studies were carried out on the basis of VNIIP (fl. Federal State Budgetary Scientifc Institution FNTs VIEV RAS) on dogs and cats of different sex and age, body weight spontaneously infected with parasites. The diagnosis, as well as the effectiveness of the drugs, was confrmed in a complex manner based on the anamnestic and epizootological data, the clinical picture and laboratory research methods (detection of helminth eggs in the animal's feces using the Fülleborn method with subsequent differentiation, microscopy of animal blood smears to detect microflariae). To rule out infection of animals (dogs) with babesia, blood samples were taken and a laboratory analysis was performed to detect parasites (Babesia canis).Results and discussion. 100% effectiveness of Insacar Total C (for dogs) and Insacar Total K (for cats) has been established for nematodes of the gastrointestinal tract (toxocarosis, toxascariosis, uncinariosis, hookworm, trichuriosis) and diroflariosis (the initial stage of the disease). Side effects and complications after treatment of animals with drugs were not revealed

Molecular investigation of feline calicivirus in cats in Mosul city, Iraq

The study included 200 cats of different ages, genders, types of breeding, source, vaccination programs, and health status. They were examined clinically and traditionally and recorded clinical signs appearing on them, and swabs were collected from the eye's conjunctiva and the pharyngeal area. RNA was extracted from the swabs and then converted into a cDNA molecule to investigate viral nucleic acid from collected swabs. Then, the open reading template gene two was detected using the primer for this within the applied polymerase chain reaction technique. The Molecular method found the highest infection rate in the oropharyngeal compared with conjunctival swabs. It was found in the highest percentage of infection in the age group more than six months, and the rate of infection decreased with age and in cats outdoors management and imported ones. While nonvaccinated cats recorded the highest rate of infection with the feline calicivirus. In conclusion, feline calicivirus affected the cats in Mosul, Iraq.

Clinical and etiologically evaluation of cats with high-rise syndrome: assessment of 72 cases (A retrospective study)

Surgical problems observed in cats after falling from balconies or windows of buildings are significant, and this phenomenon of falling from a height is known as high-rise syndrome (HRS). The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate frequently encountered cases of cats falling from a height. Overall, 72 cats of different breeds, ages and sexes brought to XXX University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery, with complaints of falls from a height in 2019 were included. Falls from a height are more common during summer. Orthopaedic problems are common (58.33%), and femoral fractures (23.61%) constitute an important part of them. The affected cats were aged mostly under the 1 year. Furthermore, the survival rate of these cats was found to be 95.8%. In conclusion, the main purpose for the treatment of cats with HRS should be to stabilise their general condition and subsequently correct orthopaedic and/or soft tissue damage.

Aggressive behavior in cats exposed to trauma

Aggression is an important behavioral problem in cats. This issue can occur as a reaction when there is disease or pain in a normal cat. The aim of this study is to evaluate the behavior changes of cats exposed to trauma using behavior scoring system and demeanour scoring system. In this study consisted of 135 cats of different breeds, ages and genders with high rise syndrome and traffic accidents. These cats were given a detailed clinical and radiological examination. Demeanour scoring system, behavior tests, and visual analog scale were used to identify behavior changes and pain in cats. The findings from this study showed that cats exposed to trauma may experience behavioral changes or agression, and this may result from pain or stress from trauma. As a result, stress from trauma in cats can also lead to a change in behavior, a temporary aggressiveness.

Cat’s Liver Disease Detection with SGOT and SGPT Evaluation as a Gold Standard Diagnosis

SGOT and SGPT are two enzymes found in the liver in large amounts. Therefore, elevated levels of these two enzymes in the blood indicate liver disease. This study aims to identify liver disease in cats in Surabaya through the levels of SGOT and SGPT in the blood as the gold standard of diagnosis. Samples came from stray cats and domesticated cats of random age, breed, and sex. The blood samples collected were 62 samples, consisting of 33 domestic cats and 29 samples from stray cats. This study showed that from 33 samples of domesticated cats, 19 samples had higher than normal levels of SGOT, and from 29 samples of stray cats, 27 samples had higher than normal levels of SGOT. For SGPT levels, from 33 samples of domesticated cats, six samples had higher than normal levels of SGPT, and from 29 samples of stray cats, six samples had higher levels of SGPT than average. Data analysis used an independent sample t-test with SPSS for Windows with a signifi cance level of 0.05. The data analysis results showed no signifi cant diff erence, which means that the high levels of cat SGOT and SGPT enzymes did not signifi cantly aff ect the origin of the cat. Therefore, it can be concluded that high levels of SGOT and SGPT as the gold standard for detecting liver diseases can occur in all cats, including stray cats and domesticated cats.

How Effective Is the Birdsbesafe® Cat Collar at Reducing Bird Mortality by Domestic Cats?

Abstract The global decline of songbird populations is a well-recognized conservation issue. Domestic cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds each year in the United States alone—more than most other anthropogenic threats combined. As many pet owners are reluctant to keep their cats inside, collar-mounted antipredation devices for domestic cats may be an important conservation tool. We examined the effectiveness of the Birdsbesafe® collar cover (BCC), a sleeve of brightly patterned fabric worn over a typical breakaway collar. The BBC's designers intend for the collar's bright colors to alert potential prey to the cat's presence. By combining data from two studies in New York (2014 and 2019) and one in Florida (2019), all of which used similar methods, we tested the hypothesis that the BCC effectively reduces avian mortality caused by cats of different ages and sexes in different hunting environments. We tested 94 cats over a 12-wk period in New York in 2014 or 8-wk periods in Florida and New York in 2019 during the bird breeding seasons; cats alternated 2-wk periods with and without the collar. Across studies, we recovered 2.7 times fewer birds per cat with the BCC than without (P = 0.006). The BCC was more effective at a temperate latitude than a subtropical one (P = 0.047). There was no difference in the effectiveness of the BCC for cats of varying ages, sexes, or hunting environments. Our results suggest that the BCC could be one tool within a larger effort to decrease domestic cat predation of songbirds.

First genome-wide association study investigating blood pressure and renal traits in domestic cats

Hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common in ageing cats. In humans, blood pressure (BP) and renal function are complex heritable traits. We performed the first feline genome-wide association study (GWAS) of quantitative traits systolic BP and creatinine and binary outcomes HTN and CKD, testing 1022 domestic cats with a discovery, replication and meta-analysis design. No variants reached experimental significance level in the discovery stage for any phenotype. Follow up of the top 9 variants for creatinine and 5 for systolic BP, one SNP reached experimental-wide significance for association with creatinine in the combined meta-analysis (chrD1.10258177; P = 1.34 × 10–6). Exploratory genetic risk score (GRS) analyses were performed. Within the discovery sample, GRS of top SNPs from the BP and creatinine GWAS show strong association with HTN and CKD but did not validate in independent replication samples. A GRS including SNPs corresponding to human CKD genes was not significant in an independent subset of cats. Gene-set enrichment and pathway-based analysis (GSEA) was performed for both quantitative phenotypes, with 30 enriched pathways with creatinine. Our results support the utility of GWASs and GSEA for genetic discovery of complex traits in cats, with the caveat of our findings requiring validation.

The Serum and Fecal Metabolomic Profiles of Growing Kittens Treated with Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid or Doxycycline.

Simple SummaryThis study investigated the impact of antibiotic treatment οn the serum and fecal metabolome (the collection of all small molecules produced by the gut bacteria and the host) of young cats. Thirty 2-month-old cats with an upper respiratory tract infection were treated with either amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for 20 days or doxycycline for 28 days. In addition, another 15 control cats that did not receive antibiotics were included. Blood was collected on days 0 (before treatment), 20/28 (last day of treatment), and 300 (10 months after the end of treatment), while feces were collected on days 0, 20/28, 60, 120, and 300. Seven serum and fecal metabolites differed between cats treated with antibiotics and control cats at the end of treatment period. Ten months after treatment, no metabolites differed from healthy cats, suggesting that amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or doxycycline treatment only temporarily affects the abundance of the serum and fecal metabolome.The long-term impact of antibiotics on the serum and fecal metabolome of kittens has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the serum and fecal metabolome of kittens with an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) before, during, and after antibiotic treatment and compare it with that of healthy control cats. Thirty 2-month-old cats with a URTI were randomly assigned to receive either amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for 20 days or doxycycline for 28 days, and 15 cats of similar age were enrolled as controls. Fecal samples were collected on days 0, 20/28, 60, 120, and 300, while serum was collected on days 0, 20/28, and 300. Untargeted and targeted metabolomic analyses were performed on both serum and fecal samples. Seven metabolites differed significantly in antibiotic-treated cats compared to controls on day 20/28, with two differing on day 60, and two on day 120. Alterations in the pattern of serum amino acids, antioxidants, purines, and pyrimidines, as well as fecal bile acids, sterols, and fatty acids, were observed in antibiotic-treated groups that were not observed in control cats. However, the alterations caused by either amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or doxycycline of the fecal and serum metabolome were only temporary and were resolved by 10 months after their withdrawal.

Drug-Dosing Adjustment in Dogs and Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Simple SummaryAdjusting drug dosages in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be challenging in clinical practice due to the lack of specific indications in the current literature; moreover, the evaluation of renal function through the measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is unanimously considered as a requisite for most adjustment strategies, is often hard to perform in clinical settings. Therefore, the present review aims to provide practical guidelines for dosage adjustment in CKD patients through an overview of the available literature.Chronic kidney disease is a common kidney disorder in adult and aged dogs and cats; the management of associated complications and comorbidities generally requires a life-long medical treatment to ensure a good quality of life of affected patients. However, indications and the literature on drug dosing in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease are often lacking. The aim of this review is to revise the current literature on drug dosing in canine and feline patients with renal impairment, with a special focus on the most commonly used medications to manage chronic kidney disease and possible comorbidities.

Different Aβ43 deposition patterns in the brains of aged dogs, sea lions, and cats.

Cerebral amyloid β (Aβ) deposition is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There are several molecular species of Aβ, including Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ43, and the pathological roles of Aβ43 have attracted particular attention in recent years. Aβ43 is mainly deposited as senile plaques (SPs) in AD brains, and is known to be more amyloidogenic and neurotoxic than Aβ42 and Aβ40. Aβ40 and Aβ42 deposition have been demonstrated in several animal species, while Aβ43 deposition has not been studied in animals. The brains of sea lions, dogs, and cats exhibit unique age-related Aβ pathologies. In the present study, the deposition patterns of Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ43 were examined immunohistochemically in the brains of aged dogs (n=52), sea lions (n=5), and cats (n=17). In dogs, most cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) lesions and primitive SPs were positive for Aβ42, Aβ43, and Aβ40. However, diffuse SPs and capillary CAA lesions were negative for Aβ40. In sea lions, all SPs and most CAA lesions were positive for Aβ42, Aβ43, and Aβ40, while capillary CAA lesions were negative for Aβ40. In cats, Aβ42-immunopositive granular aggregates and arteriole and capillary CAA lesions were positive for Aβ43, but negative for Aβ40. Double-labelling immunohistochemistry revealed the co-localization of Aβ42 and Aβ43. These findings suggest that Aβ43 and Aβ42 are frequently deposited in the brains of Carnivora animals and may play an important role in Aβ pathology.

Occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis in cats from the Aegean region in Turkey

Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) is a vector-mediated zoonotic parasite that can cause significant cardiopulmonary problems in humans and animals. Although dogs are the main hosts of the parasite, in recent years, its importance has been increasing in cats, especially in endemic areas. This study aims to determine the occurrence of D. immitis infection in cats in the Aegean region, Turkey. The animal material of the study consisted of 200 cats of different breeds and ages (at least 1 year old) and both sexes. The cats were tested for D. immitis and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) antibodies and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) antigen with commercial immuno-chromatographic test kits. In addition, blood samples were examined for microfilariae using a direct blood smear technique and the modified Knott’s test. Out of 200 cats, one (0.5%) cat was seropositive for D. immitis, 15 (7.5%) cats were seropositive for FIV, and one (0.5%) cat was seropositive for FeLV. One cat seropositive for D. immitis was showing signs of active heartworm infection. All samples were found negative for microfilariae by direct blood examination and the modified Knott’s method. This study is the first report of the occurrence of D. immitis in the Aegean Region, with a seroprevalence of 0.5%. Also, it provides evidence that cats in the Aegean region are at risk of becoming infected with D. immitis.

The unrecognized potential of pet cats for studying aging and age-related diseases

Old cats develop chronic diseases similar to diseases in older people. One-fourth of American households own cats, and almost half are more than 7 years old. Cats share the same environment and are exposed to many of the same chemical stresses. In addition, genomic diversity and population stratification are similar to that occurring in people. With these comparative features, the aging cat represents a geroscience model to investigate the pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions for aging. However, cats are generally not recognized as a translational model for aging research mainly because of the lack of knowledge and appreciation within the scientific community. In addition, cat owners are not aware of any research programs designed to enhance healthy aging in their pets because none exist. Much work is needed to inform and educate the scientific community as well as cat owners about the power of aging cats as a transformative model to investigate aging and age-related diseases that will benefit both human and feline health.

Accidentally ingested textile foreign bodies, a cause of gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs and cats – a retrospective study

Gastrointestinal obstruction is a life-threatening condition that is usually caused by accidental ingestion of inedible objects, through play or food indiscretions. Ingested foreign objects generate the mechanical obstruction of the gastrointestinal segment, characterized by a relatively typical set of symptoms, depending on the location. The aim of this study was the clinical and imaging description of some cases of gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs and cats, caused by swallowing textile foreign bodies. The study included 12 dogs and 8 cats of different breeds and ages, belonging to both sexes, which showed clinical signs suggestive from a clinical-anamnestic point of view for gastrointestinal obstruction. These patients had symptoms with acute or chronic progressive evolution of the gastrointestinal tract, including restlessness, deviation, vomiting (single or repeated episodes), abdominal tenderness, constipation and tenesmus. The diagnosis was confirmed by radiographic examination, simple and with contrast medium, and ultrasound, completed in some situations with laparotomy. Ingested textile foreign bodies were represented by socks/stockings (5 dogs and 3 cats), underwear (3 dogs), rope (1 dog and 3 cats), carpet fragments (2 dog and 1 cat), toy fragments (1 dog and 1 cat), and they were located in the stomach (7/12; 58.33%, respectively 4/8; 50%), in the gastro-duodenal segment (2/12; 16.67%, respectively 3/8; 37.5%), in the jejunum (3/12; 25%, respectively 1/8; 12.5%) and in the colon (1/12; 8.33%, respectively 1/8; 12.5%). Gastrointestinal obstruction in pets, caused by accidental ingestion of textile foreign bodies, is a medical emergency and imaging examinations are the main diagnostic tool in the establishment of a subsequent therapy with maximum efficiency.

Clinicopathological Characteristics of Cats with Obstructive Lower Urinary Tract Disease in the Aydın Province (Turkey)

The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of cats with obstructive FLUTD in Aydin Province (Turkey) and the relationship of these features with short- (<36 hours) and long-term (≥36 hours) obstructions. A total of 27 adult cats of different breeds and ages with obstructive FLUTD were included in the study. Of these, 19 had short-term (Group 1), and 8 had long-term (Group 2) urethral obstruction history and clinical findings. Most of the cats with urethral obstruction were male, a mean age of 4.32±0.6 and cross-breed. Regarding the baseline characteristics, no obvious differences between the two groups. Besides localized symptoms such as dysuria, stranguria, oliguria/anuria, polysystemic findings such as dehydration, vomiting, and lethargy were statistically more frequent in the Group 2 cats compared to the Group 1. Pyuria, haematuria and proteinuria were the most common findings in the urinalysis. In cats with long-term obstruction (Group 2), azotemia and hyperkalemia were relatively severe and common. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that clinicopathological changes in cats with urethral obstruction are related to the duration of the obstruction. Considering the severity of both clinical findings and metabolic changes, emergency intervention in cats with urethral obstruction is of great importance.

Causes of Death in Stray Cat Colonies of Milan: A Five-Year Report.

Simple SummaryCats have been closely linked to humans for thousands of years. Nowadays, stray cats are frequently hosted in colonies, protected, and enrolled in programs of trap–neuter-–return to control population increase. Italian public veterinary services work in collaboration with voluntary colony caretakers and are responsible for neutering and monitoring the health of colony cats. This retrospective study, conducted by the Anatomical Pathology Unit of the Teaching Veterinary Hospital of Milan in collaboration with the public veterinary services, was undertaken because of the limited information available regarding causes of death of colony cats. The study reports on and statistically analyzes the causes of death of colony cats in the city of Milan as assessed by necropsy. Inflammatory processes including those consistent with the most relevant feline infectious diseases were most common in kittens and young cats. Trauma was more frequent in adult cats, while organ failure was the most common cause of death in aged cats. Considering the possible animal welfare issues deriving from colony cats, awareness of the most common causes of death and collaboration between university veterinary pathologists and public veterinary services represent an essential contribution to health monitoring of colony cats and can assist in the rapid detection of possible emerging animal welfare concerns.The presence of cats in urban environments has a long history. In Italy, stray cats are protected by national and regional laws, and programs of neutering and reintroduction to colonies are ongoing. Colony cats have been widely studied from a behavioral perspective, while surveys regarding their causes of death are limited, although they may provide relevant information related to public health and cat welfare. This retrospective study provides pathological descriptions and statistical analyses of the causes of death of 186 cats from 100 colonies in the city of Milan. Inflammatory processes represent the primary cause of death (37.7%) and include common feline infectious diseases such as feline panleukopenia (67.5%), particularly in kittens, and feline infectious peritonitis (32.5%), most common in adult cats. Trauma was found to be a common cause of death of young/adult cats (14%) with a generally good body condition, while severe parasitosis was less represented (2.6%). The death of old cats was statistically associated with organ failure (24.7%), particularly renal failure, and tumors (11.8%). Knowledge of the most common causes of death of colony cats could make an important contribution to the health monitoring of these cats and sanitary control of their habitats and provide information on possible related emerging animal welfare concerns.

Causes and Lesions of Fatal Pneumonia in Domestic Cats

Pneumonia in cats may cause severe lung injury and consequent death. We describe the post-mortem findings and aetiologies of naturally fatal pneumonia in 78 domestic cats, using gross and histopathological examinations, immunohistochemistry and microbiological techniques. Morphological patterns found were bronchopneumonia (27/78), interstitial (15/78), bronchointerstitial (13/78), granulomatous (8/78), aspiration (8/78) and pyogranulomatous (5/78) pneumonia, and pleuropneumonia (2/78). Bacterial pneumonia was identified as the most common cause (32/78), followed by viral (15/28 feline calicivirus, 10/28 felid alphaherpesvirus 1 and 3/28 both viruses), aspiration (8/78), fungal (5/78) and parasitic pneumonia (5/78). Co-infection with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus was found in 54 cats. Viral infections involved cats of all ages, indicating the importance of investigating viral causes in cats with respiratory diseases, including in adult and ageing cats.