Cats Of Ages Research Articles

Prevalence of Leishmania infantum in felines from Heraklion region, Crete

Greece is recognized as an endemic region for various species of Leishmania, a genus of parasitic protozoa transmitted through the bites of infected female sandflies. This indicates that the country serves as a natural reservoir for this parasite, infecting both humans and animals. This study focuses on Heraklion, Crete, one of Greece's largest cities, where there is currently no available data on the prevalence of leishmaniosis in the feline population. While cases of canine leishmaniosis have been documented in various parts of the island, there have been no reported cases of feline leishmaniosis in Heraklion. This study primarily investigates the prevalence of leishmaniosis in cats as a means of detection in this species in Heraklion. To accomplish this, between 2018 – 2023, EDTA-blood samples and conjunctival swab samples were collected from a total of 253 feral cats. The cats were divided into two groups, depending on the location they lived (i.e., areas out of the city center or close to/in the city center): the initial group consisted of 112 cats, while the latter group comprised 141 cats. Both groups encompassed cats of various ages, habitats, and both genders. The samples were stored at -18 °C and analyzed with TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR for the presence of Leishmania infantum DNA.Out of the cat population included in the study, 15 were tested positive for FeL (5.93%). Despite the lower prevalence of leishmaniosis compared to dogs, it should be taken into account, especially for differential diagnosis. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that confirms the presence of FeL in felines in Heraklion.

Measures of spatial memory, peripheral inflammation and negative emotional state predict social-cognitive skills in healthy aging cats

Aging is a complex, multidimensional process. Normative aging is typically accompanied by declines in several cognitive domains, including memory and social cognition. As aging progresses, the often-overlooked early manifestations of cognitive decline can advance, leading to an inability to adapt to new situations and environments. Potential mechanisms influencing cognitive decline remain elusive, but, among other mechanisms, inflammaging, an age-related increase in the chronic production of pro-inflammatory mediators, and emotional stress are implicated. Cognitive function in cats is under-researched, with no studies on the link between potential risk factors and cognitive signs in aging subjects. Understanding this link is essential as it may facilitate the early identification of cognitive decline and encourage preventative, individualized interventions. We carried out a citizen science study to investigate, for the first time, the relationship between cognitive functions, stress, and the inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 in 44 healthy, privately owned pet cats (7–14 years of age), who underwent standardized testing in their home environment. A task was employed to test spatial memory, requiring the cat to recall the location of a food-baited container. An unsolvable task was used to assess cats' social cognition and cognitive flexibility by measuring how they used referential communication (i.e., gaze alternation between the apparatus and the caregivers) compared to their persistence in trying to obtain food which was out of reach. Generalized linear regression analysis, conducted while adjusting for demographic factors and stress behaviors, revealed: 1) a predictive positive relationship connecting spatial memory and the use of social referencing with the caregiver (more gaze alternation) in the unsolvable task, highlighting the importance of the interplay between cognitive domains in sustaining complex behaviors, and 2) a reduced engagement in social referencing toward caregivers (less gaze alternation) in the presence of higher serum levels of IL-1β in the unsolvable task, especially as cats get older. A cat’s social cognitive performance was also negatively predicted by stress-related behaviors, which is not surprising given that cats are sentient creatures whose everyday behavior is also influenced by emotional states. These findings provide new insights into the crosstalk between different cognitive domains during aging and the potential contributions of emotions and inflammation to cognitive changes in healthy aging cats. Further research using this multidimensional approach will help explore these mechanisms of cognitive aging and potential markers for early detection of cognitive changes in older cats, which is critical for timely interventions.

Toxicological evaluation of combination products containing imidacloprid, moxidectin and pyriproxyfen

The purpose of the research is to investigate subacute cutaneous toxicity in rats, allergenic properties in guinea pigs and tolerance of increased doses of drugs based on imidacloprid, moxidectin and pyriproxyfen by dogs and cats of different age groups.Materials and methods. Toxicological studies (subacute cutaneous toxicity, study of allergenic properties) were conducted in the vivarium of the All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Protection, a branch of the Federal Scientific Center for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of the Russian Academy of Sciences, on male rats and guinea pigs. Experiments on the tolerance of drugs by target animal species (dogs, cats) were conducted in the Podolsk department of the All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Protection. The choice of doses, frequency and methods of administration of the studied drugs were determined in accordance with the Guidelines for Experimental (Preclinical) Study of New Pharmacological Substances. All doses were calculated for the drug taking into account the density (1.08 g/cm3).Results and discussion. When studying the acute cutaneous toxicity of the drug on rats, LD50 exceeded the maximum possible dose of 10 000 mg/kg (hazard class 4 according to GOST 12.1.007-76). In a subacute experiment on rats, it was established that doses of 1000 and 500 mg/kg are ineffective (safe), the threshold and toxic doses could not be established. These drugs, when treating animals 8 times with an interval of 3 days in a three- and five-fold increase in the maximum therapeutic dose during the experimental period, did not have a negative effect on the general condition of the animals, their physiological status and behavior; no statistically significant changes in the morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood, physicochemical parameters of urine were noted in animals from the experimental groups compared to the control. However, in one adult dog from the second experimental group, which was used a five-fold increase in the maximum therapeutic dose of the drug, depression was noted on the 20th day of the experiment. The physiological state of the animal returned to normal within 24 hours voluntarily without the use of symptomatic therapy.

Video-based compilation of acute pain behaviours in cats.

The aim of this work was to create a video-based compilation of acute pain behaviours in cats as an open-access online resource for training of veterinary health professionals. A database comprising 60 h of video recordings of cats was used. Videos were previously recorded after ethical approval and written client consent forms, and involved cats with different types (eg, medical, surgical, trauma, orofacial) and degrees (eg, from no pain to severe pain) of acute pain, before and after surgery or the administration of analgesia. The database included videos of cats of different coat colours, ages, sex and breeds. Video selection was based on a published ethogram of acute pain behaviours in cats. Videos were selected by one observer (SM) according to their definition and quality, followed by a second round of screening by two observers (SM and PVS). Video editing included a standardised template (ie, watermark and titles). A total of 24 videos (mean length 33 ± 17 s) with each acute pain-related behaviour described in the ethogram were uploaded to an open-access online video-sharing platform (http://www.youtube.com/@Steagalllaboratory) with an individual hyperlink. Videos were provided with a short description of the behaviour for the public. This video-based compilation may promote better training of veterinary health professionals on acute pain assessment while improving feline health and welfare and the understanding of cat behaviours.

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.

Gastrointestinal parasites of owned cats in three districts of Central Ethiopia: Prevalence and risk factors

This present, cross-sectional study investigated gastrointestinal parasites in owned cats was carried out across Bishoftu, Dukem, and Addis Ababa city and towns in Central Ethiopia from February 2022 to April 2023. The primary objectives were to estimate the prevalence and assess the risk factors associated with these parasites. A total of 213 faecal samples were collected and processed using flotation and McMaster techniques. An overall prevalence of 34.7% (74/213) of gastrointestinal parasites was recorded in the examined cats. The cats harboured nematode (14.6%), cestode (12.7%), and protozoan (5.6%) parasites in single (32.9%) and mixed (1.9%) species. Specifically, Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Giardia spp., and Physaloptera spp. were the more frequently identified parasites, with prevalences of 9.4%, 8.9%, 3.8%, 2.8%, and 2.8%, respectively. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among cats of different sexes, ages, and feeding conditions. Thus, higher prevalence rates were observed in females (49.1%, OR = 2.3), young cats (70%, OR = 4.7), and those consuming uncooked food (40.5%, OR = 3.6). Faecal consistency also showed a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) with the presence of gastrointestinal parasites. However, no significant differences were noted in the prevalence among cats of different housing conditions, seasons, or agro-ecological zones. Cats sharing shelter with families had the highest prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (52.2%). In conclusion, this study uncovered a notably high occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in cats in the surveyed regions, emphasizing the imperative of adopting a One Health strategy to address the zoonotic parasites found in cats, which pose significant public health risks.

Influence of Clinical Aspects and Genetic Factors on Feline HCM Severity and Development.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is associated with thickening of the left ventricular wall, is one of the most common heart pathologies in cats. This disease has a hereditary etiology and is primarily related to mutations in the MYBPC3 and MYH7 genes. This study aims to determine the effect of the presence of heterozygosity or homozygosity for the p. A31P mutation (c.91G>C) in the MYBPC3 gene in cats (Maine Coon) of different ages referring to the HCM severity and development, and to compare echocardiographic data and various clinical aspects for the most objective detection of disease in cats of different breeds. The incidence of HCM was 59% of the 103 cases of heart disease in cats in this study. In 23 cats diagnosed with HCM, cats heterozygous for the mutation accounted for 34%, and homozygous cats accounted for 26%. Cats homozygous for this mutation had moderate to severe HCM, suggesting an association with high penetrance of HCM and a significant risk of cardiac death in this group. The penetrance of the heterozygous type was lower than that of the homozygous genotype. This study also indicates that HCM has some age-related penetrance. The disease did not occur in the study group of cats aged up to 1 year, whereas at the age of 7 and older, the percentage of animals diagnosed with HCM was the highest and amounted to 44.3% of the total number of studied cats with HCM.

Glycine supplementation can partially restore oxidative stress-associated glutathione deficiency in ageing cats.

Intracellular levels of glutathione, the major mammalian antioxidant, are reported to decline with age in several species. To understand whether ageing affects circulating glutathione levels in cats, blood was sampled from two age groups, < 3 years and > 9 years. Further, to determine whether dietary supplementation with glutathione precursor glycine (GLY) affects glutathione concentrations in senior cats (> 8 years), a series of free GLY inclusion level dry diets were fed. Subsequently, a 16-week GLY feeding study was conducted in senior cats (> 7 years), measuring glutathione, and markers of oxidative stress. Whole blood and erythrocyte total, oxidised and reduced glutathione levels were significantly decreased in senior cats, compared with their younger counterparts (P ≤ 0·02). The inclusion level study identified 1·5 % free GLY for the subsequent dry diet feeding study. Significant increases in erythrocyte total and reduced glutathione were observed between senior cats fed supplemented and control diets at 4 weeks (P ≤ 0·03; maximum difference of 1·23 µM). Oxidative stress markers were also significantly different between groups at 8 (P = 0·004; difference of 0·68 nG/ml in 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) and 12 weeks (P ≤ 0·049; maximum difference of 0·62 nG/mG Cr in F2-isoprostane PGF2α). Senior cats have lower circulating glutathione levels compared with younger cats. Feeding senior cats a complete and balanced dry diet supplemented with 1·5 % free GLY for 12 weeks elevated initial erythrocyte glutathione and altered markers of oxidative stress. Dietary supplementation with free GLY provides a potential opportunity to restore age-associated reduction in glutathione in cats.

A Retrospective Study on Pelvic Fractures in Cats and Dogs (2020-2022)

Pelvic fractures occur in many traumas in cats and dogs. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the treatment (conservative and operative) and its results together in cats and dogs diagnosed with pelvic fracture. The study material consisted of 223 pelvic fractures (15 acetabulum, 40 ischi, 68 ilium, 38 pubis and 62 sacroiliac separation) detected in 27 dogs and 75 cats of different ages, breeds and genders between 2020-2022. Pelvic fracture was diagnosed with clinical and radiological examination. It was treated conservatively and operatively (using iliosacral screw, iliosacral pin, locking plate, cerclage, acetabular C plate). It was observed that cases with pelvic fractures were mostly caused by falling from a height in cats and traffic accidents in dogs. It was also observed that there could be a single fracture in the pelvis as well as multiple fractures. A total of 73 cases were operated. In 55 of the fractures, iliosacral screw, 1 iliosacral pin, 45 locked plate, 9 cerclage application, 10 acetabular C plate and 1 excision arthroplasty were applied. Conservative treatment was applied to 29 cases. No complications were observed in the controls performed in the operated patients. It was concluded that good results were obtained in stabilization with screws in cases of sacroiliac separation, and the use of locking plates in ilium fractures and the use of acetebular C plate in acetabulum fractures could lead to a more comfortable and comfortable postoperative period.

Value of repeated health screening in 259 apparently healthy mature adult and senior cats followed for 2 years.

Although regular health screening is recommended, long-term follow-up data in healthy aged cats are lacking. Determine the most common conditions in a large group of apparently healthy older cats and which diseases are manifested within 2 years in cats confirmed to be healthy based on extensive health screening. Client-owned cats. Prospective study. Thorough history, physical examination, blood tests, and urinalysis were performed in 259 apparently healthy mature adult (7-10 years) and senior (>10 years) cats. Semi-annual follow-up examinations were performed in 201 confirmed healthy cats. At baseline, 21% of apparently healthy cats were not considered healthy but were diagnosed with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) ≥ stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD; 7.7%) or hyperthyroidism (4.6%), among other disorders. Disease occurred significantly more frequently in senior cats compared with mature adult cats. In addition, 40% cats were overweight, 35% had moderate to severe dental disease, and 22% had abnormal cardiac auscultation findings. Within 2 years, 28% of mature adult and 54% of senior cats that were confirmed healthy at inclusion developed new diseases, most commonly IRIS ≥ stage 2 CKD (cumulative incidence, 13.4%), hyperthyroidism (8.5%), chronic enteropathy, hepatopathy or pancreatitis (7.5%), or neoplasia (7%). The high prevalence and 2-year incidence of physical examination abnormalities and systemic diseases in apparently healthy older cats argue for regular health screening in cats ≥7 years of age. Although more common in senior cats, occult disease also occurs in mature adult cats, and owners should be informed accordingly.

Evaluation of efficacy of a drug based on fipronil, ivermectin, and pyriproxyfen against ecto- and endoparasitic invasions of dogs and cats

Ecto- and endoparasitic invasions of dogs and cats are treated using drugs based on fipronil, ivermectin, and pyriproxyfen. That is why our objective was performing a field study to measure the efficacy of a complex drug with different mechanisms of the actions of its active agents against ecto- and endoparastitic invasions of dogs and cats using the spot-on application method. The paper presents data of the efficiency of the complex drug PerFect TRIO, antiparasitic drops for spot-on use against ecto- and endoparasitic invasions of dogs and cats of different breeds, ages, sexes, and body mass. Parasitological study of dogs found parasitism by the fleas Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans with the invasion intensity ranging 108 to 132 ectoparasite insects per animal, the average invasion intensity being 121.1 ± 3.17 ectoparasite insects per animal; Trichodectidae species such as Trichodectes canis, with the invasion intensity ranging 25 to 32 ectoparasite insects per 100 cm² of the body surface, averaging 28.6 ± 1.00 ectoparasite insects per 100 cm² of the body surface; and Trombidiformes such as Сheyletiella yasguri, the intensity being 24 to 41 ectoparasite mites per animal, the average intensity being 33.9 ± 2.52 mites per animal. According to the results of parasitological studies of cats, their bodies were parasitized by the fleas Ctenocephalides felis and Pulex irritans, with the invasion intensity ranging 58 to 80 ectoparasite insects per animal, with the average intensity of 67.7 ± 2.84 ectoparasite insects per animal, Trichodectidae species such as Felicola subrostratus with the invasion intensity of 17 to 26 ectoparasite insects per 100 cm² of the animal’s body surface, averaging 21.3 ± 1.38 ectoparasite insects per 100 cm² of the body surface; the ear mite Otodectes cynotis with the intensity ranging 4 to 9 mites per animal, the average intensity being 6.1 ± 0.7 mites per animal; and the endoparasite – the digestive-tract nematode Uncinaria stenocephala, with the invasion intensity (ІІ) of 28 to 41 eggs in one gram of feces (ЕGF), averaging 34.3 ± 2.06 ЕGF. In our study, local spot-on application of the tested drug PerFect TRIO, antiparasitic drops for dogs and cats, produced notable effects on wingless ectoparasite insects and acarians of the dogs. Therefore, the efficiency of the drug against Siphonaptera infestation of the dogs equaled 92.9% on the 8th h and 100% on the 24th and 72nd h; against Trichodectidae infestation, it was 91.5% effective on the first day and 100% on the second and seventh; against cheyletiellosis, it was 81.9% effective on the seventh day and 100% on days 14 and 21. As with the cats, parasitological studies found that the efficacy of the recommended doses of the tested drug against spontaneous Siphonaptera infestation was 92.0% on the 8th h and 100% on the 24th and 72nd h; against Felicola infestation, it was 90.6% effective on the first day and 100% on the second and seventh day; against otodectosis, the drug produced 81.4% efficacy on the 7th day and 100% on the 14th and 21st days; and against hookworm disease, the efficacy was 100% on days 7 and 14. Our field trials demonstrated that the tested antiparasitic drops for cats and dogs are easy-to-use, were well received by the animals regardless of breed, age, sex, body mass, and had no toxic impact on them, providing a broad range of treatment against ecto- and endoparasites of cats and dogs.

Evaluation of distal femur fractures in cats by hybrid external fixator

In this study, clinical and radiological findings obtained from the treatment of distal femur fractures in cats with hybrid external fixator were evaluated. A total of 10 cats of different ages, breeds and genders with clinically diagnosed femur fractures were used as research material. In the study, hybrid external fixators consisting of circular and linear fixators were used as osteosynthesis material. Closed reduction and external fixation methods were used in 2 cases diagnosed with closed fractures, while limited open reduction and external fixation methods were used in 8 cases diagnosed with open fractures or excessive dislocations. In the radiological examination findings, it was determined that fracture consolidation started on the post-operative 7th day in 9 cases and on the 10th day in 1 case, respectively. Fracture healing was completed in 4 weeks in 2 cases, in 5 weeks in 2 cases, and in 6 weeks in 6 cases (osseous callus was detected). Fixators were removed one week after healing was completed in all patients. In the study, soft tissue complications such as edema in the extremities in 3 cases, mild pin infection in 3 cases and open wounds in 4 cases were determined. However, it was observed that these complications did not adversely affect the recovery time. As a result, with the data obtained from the study, it was concluded that the distal femur fractures in cats of the age and weight scales examined in the study can be successfully treated with the hybrid external fixator system.

Nutrition and Aging in Dogs and Cats.

Aging is often associated with chronic inflammation and declining health. Both veterinarians and owners of aging dogs and cats are interested in nutritional solutions and strategies to prevent signs of age-related disease, increase longevity, and improve quality of life. Physiological decreases in muscle mass, decreased immunity, and a decrease in sense acuity are some of the changes often seen in otherwise healthy senior pets; however, there may also be an increase in risk for pathologies such as renal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neoplastic diseases. Aging may also lead to cognitive decline and even cognitive dysfunction. Some nutritional strategies that may be helpful with the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases include supplementation with ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant nutrients that can help modulate inflammation and benefit osteoarthritis, renal disease, cancer, and more. Supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides shows promise in the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction as these may be metabolized to ketone bodies that are utilized as analternative energy source for the central nervous system. Additionally, a high intake of dietary phosphorus in soluble and bioavailable forms can lead to renal disease, which is of greater concern in senior pets. There are no published guidelines for nutritional requirements specific to senior pets and as a result, products marketed for senior dogs and cats are highly variable.

Kedilerde Karşılaşılan Göz Hastalıklarının Değerlendirilmesi: Retrospektif Bir Çalışma (2020-2023)

The eye is a sensory organ sensitive to external factors, infections, and metabolic disorders, and eye diseases have a very important place among surgical diseases. This study aimed to report the distribution of eye diseases encountered in cats brought to Dicle University Veterinary Faculty Hospital in the last 4 years (2020-2023) and to contribute to veterinary practice. The study material consisted of 291 cats of different ages, genders and breeds diagnosed with eye disease, brought to Dicle University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital between January 2020 and September 2023. Following the history of the cats, a detailed eye examination was performed and the diagnosed eye problem was recorded. In the cats included in the study, conjunctivitis (21.15%), keratitis (19.59%), corneal ulcer (14.09%), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (9.62%), glaucoma (3.44%), uveitis (4.12%), iris staphyloma (4.12%), symblepharon (3.78%), panophthalmitis (3.44%), corneal necrosis (3.09%), nictitans protrusion into the membrane (1.72%), chemosis (1.72%), entropion (1.37%), cataract (1.03%), hypopion (0.69%), proptosis (0.34%), local retinal detachment (0.34%) and dermoid cyst (0.34%) were seen. As a result, conjunctiva and corneal diseases were commonly encountered in cats. In order to prevent visual impairment, it is important not to neglect routine eye examinations and to diagnose and treat diseases early.

Investigation of ghrelin and leptin value in obese and non-Obese cats

Obesity is the deterioration of metabolic and physiological functions due to excessive accumulation of fat in the body. The main medical concern of obesity, an increasingly common problem in domestic cats, is that it is associated with many diseases that accompany abnormal fat deposition. Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones involved in energy balance. Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone while leptin is an anorexigenic hormone. There is still not enough information about these two hormones and there is very little research investigating their connection with obesity. The animal material of this study consists of cats of different breeds, ages and genders, which were brought to clinically healthy routine controls and were healthy according to the results of physical examination, hemogram and blood biochemistry. In this study, 20 cats were evaluated with the body fat measurement system in cats. Those with body fat ratio above 30% were considered obese (n=10), those below 30% were considered as the control group (n=10). Leptin and ghrelin values were measured by ELISA method and their relations with each other were evaluated. Serum leptin (p=0.05) and ghrelin (p=0.001) values were determined in cats in both groups, and statistically significant differences were observed. As a result, it was determined that leptin and ghrelin hormones play an important role in obese cats and are related to each other.

Long-term safety of dietary salt: A 5-year ProspEctive rAndomized bliNded and controlled stUdy in healThy aged cats (PEANUT study).

High-salt diets promote urine dilution and decrease urolithiasis risk. Prospectively evaluate the safety of chronic high dietary salt intake (randomized controlled trial). Twenty research colony neutered, healthy aged cats (11.5 years [10.0-11.6], median [interquartile range]). Healthy cats were randomized to control or high-salt dry diets (sodium: 1.02 ± 0.16 [mean, SD] and 3.26 ± 0.30 g/Mcal metabolizable energy [ME], respectively; chloride: 2.26 ± 0.33 and 5.71 ± 0.28 g/Mcal ME, respectively), fed for up to 60 months. Assessments included CBC, plasma biochemistry, urinalysis, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood pressure, renal and cardiac (conventional Doppler and 2-dimensional color tissue Doppler) imaging, annually. Cats that died or were euthanized underwent necropsy. Diet effects over time were evaluated with linear mixed models. Follow-up duration (median [Interquartile range]) was similar between the control (38.7 months [28.6-48.2]) and high-salt group (51.4 months [45.7-59.0]). Diet had no significant effect on changes in GFR, blood pressure, plasma creatinine concentration, end-diastolic left ventricular (LV) wall thicknesses, LV internal diameters, LV systolic function, left atrial size, or systolic and diastolic Doppler variables. One control cat developed hypertension. One high-salt group cat developed persistent azotemia. Serial plasma biochemistry and urine specific gravity suggested early chronic kidney disease in 4 nonazotemic cats (2 per group), consistent with necropsy findings. In healthy aged cats, a commercial veterinary diet containing 3.26 ± 0.30 g/Mcal ME sodium was safe with regard to renal and cardiac function for up to 5 years.

PSIX-10 Influence of Graded Levels of Microbially Enhanced Protein on Nutrient Digestibility of Extruded Cat Foods

Abstract Pet food ingredients that bring extra nutrition and health benefits are much better accepted than being simply an economic choice by the manufacturer. Microbially enhanced protein (MEP) from soybeans is a fermented ingredient that is believed to promote nutrient utilization. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing levels of MEP on nutrient digestibility of extruded cat food. Four extruded dietary treatments differing by level of MEP in exchange for soybean meal (15%; SBM) at 5, 10 and 15% (5MEP, 10MEP and 15MEP, respectively) were randomly assigned to 12 individually housed adult domestic shorthair cats (6 castrated males and 6 spayed females) of similar age (0.9 ± 0.23 months) and body weight (4.35 ± 0.87). The study was designed as a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square with 9-day adaptation followed by 5-day total fecal collection for each period. Data were analyzed using a mixed model through SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with treatment as a fixed effect and square (i.e., replicate), period, and cat(square) as random effects. Treatment means were separated by Tukey’s test. The 15MEP increased fecal moisture content (P&amp;lt;0.05) while 5MEP and 10MEP made no difference compared with SBM. No differences were observed for food intake, fecal dry matter output, fecal score, fecal pH or apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein or gross energy for MEPs compared with SBM. However, crude fat digestibility of cats fed 5MEP was lower (P&amp;lt;0.05) than cats fed with10MEP and 15MEP but not different from cats fed with SBM. These results suggest that MEP did not have adverse effects on nutrient digestibility when added to extruded diets at up to 15% in healthy adult cats.

Immunohistochemical analysis of renal oxidative damage in senior and geriatric cats with chronic kidney disease

Oxidative stress is a well-known cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, renal oxidative damage in azotaemic and non-azotaemic aged cats with naturally occurring CKD was investigated using immunohistochemistry for 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) as markers of oxidative tissue damage. Kidneys were obtained from aged (>10 years old) azotaemic (n = 13) and non-azotaemic (n = 7) cats. Immunoreactivity for 8-OHdG was found in the nuclei of glomeruli, proximal and distal tubules, loops of Henle and collecting ducts, whereas 4-HNE-positive signals were detected in the cytoplasm of distal nephrons in azotaemic and non-azotaemic cats. Quantitative analysis did not identify any significant differences between the azotaemic and non-azotaemic groups for any of the parameters examined. These results indicate that renal oxidative damage occurs in the kidneys of aged cats with CKD, regardless of whether they are azotaemic or non-azotaemic, emphasizing the importance of oxidative stress during early-stage CKD in senior and geriatric cats.

Diagnostic Performances of Clinical and Hematological Parameters in Cats Naturally Infected with Feline PanleukopeniaVirus

Feline panleukopenia (FP) virus, which is closely related to canine parvovirus, is a fatal viral disease that affects mitotically active tissues such as intestinal cells, lymphoid tissue and bone marrow in cats of all ages and causes a wide variety of clinical findings. Despite its high incidence, there is still a need for studies on the effectiveness of demographic, routine clinical and hemogram data on the diagnosis of FP, which has not been investigated as much as canine parvoviral infection. The Panleukopenia Group of the study consisted of 50 naturally infected cats with panleukopenia, and the Control Group consisted of 10 healthy cats of similar age and body weight. Information on sex, age, body weight, breed and origin of all cats was recorded. Venous blood samples were obtained from the cats eligible for inclusion in the study, and the diagnostic efficacy of clinical examination findings and demographic data along with hemogram parameters were investigated. Most of the Panleukopenia Group cats were indoor and were bought from a breeder. The most prominent clinical finding of the diseased cats was loss of appetite. This was followed by dehydration, stagnation, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and ocular discharge. In clinical examination, respiratory rate, pulse and body temperature values were higher in the Panleukopenia Group (p&lt; 0.017). As a result of hemogram analysis, it was determined that WBC, lymphocyte, monocytes, granulocytes, RBC, Hct, RDW, Hb and THR levels were lower in the Panleukopenia Group (p&lt; 0.040). As a result of the ROC analysis, it was determined that from clinical examination parameters, respiratory rate had excellent, pulse and body temperature had good; from hemogram parameters, WBC and granulocyte had outstanding, lymphocyte and RDW had excellent, monocytes, Hct and THR had good, RBC and Hb had acceptable diagnostic performances. As a result, it was concluded that demographic data and clinical findings along with abnormal leukograms such as leukopenia, lymphopenia and granulocytopenia and abnormal hemogram patterns such as anemia and thrombocytopenia may be helpful in the diagnosis of FP in triage and in cases where antibodies bind to viral epitopes resulting in false negatives.

Feline Lymphoma: Patient Characteristics and Response Outcome of the COP-Protocol in Cats with Malignant Lymphoma in The Netherlands.

Feline lymphoma is currently less commonly associated with retrovirus infections as the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). This is thought to have caused a shift in the distribution of anatomical subtypes and eventually have led to poorer treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this change was also notable in the Netherlands, a country historically known for its low prevalence of FeLV and FIV, and to determine its consequences on treatment response. A 10-year cohort of 174 cats with large cell lymphoma (110 treated) were included and compared to historical data from previously published reports in the Netherlands. Of the 90 cats screened, only one tested positive for FeLV and three for FIV. The most current cohort had an increased age (median 8.7 years) and fever Siamese cats (6.3%) compared to previous reports, with alimentary (24.5%) and nasopharyngeal lymphoma (22.7%) being the most common subtypes. Sixty-six of the one hundred and ten cats (60%) went into complete remission, (CR) resulting in a median disease-free period (DFP) of 763 days, with nasopharyngeal and mediastinal having the longest DFP. The median overall survival time was 274 days with an estimated 1-year survival of 41.3% and a 2-year survival of 34.6%, respectively. Patient characteristics of cats with malignant lymphoma in the Netherlands have changed over the years, but this cannot be explained by differences in FeLV/FIV prevalence. Although the overall response rate to therapy did not change over time, for some lymphoma subtypes, longer DFPs were observed compared to 30 years ago.