Cats Of Different Breeds Research Articles

Light whole genome sequence for SNP discovery across domestic cat breeds.

BackgroundThe domestic cat has offered enormous genomic potential in the veterinary description of over 250 hereditary disease models as well as the occurrence of several deadly feline viruses (feline leukemia virus -- FeLV, feline coronavirus -- FECV, feline immunodeficiency virus - FIV) that are homologues to human scourges (cancer, SARS, and AIDS respectively). However, to realize this bio-medical potential, a high density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) map is required in order to accomplish disease and phenotype association discovery.DescriptionTo remedy this, we generated 3,178,297 paired fosmid-end Sanger sequence reads from seven cats, and combined these data with the publicly available 2X cat whole genome sequence. All sequence reads were assembled together to form a 3X whole genome assembly allowing the discovery of over three million SNPs. To reduce potential false positive SNPs due to the low coverage assembly, a low upper-limit was placed on sequence coverage and a high lower-limit on the quality of the discrepant bases at a potential variant site. In all domestic cats of different breeds: female Abyssinian, female American shorthair, male Cornish Rex, female European Burmese, female Persian, female Siamese, a male Ragdoll and a female African wildcat were sequenced lightly. We report a total of 964 k common SNPs suitable for a domestic cat SNP genotyping array and an additional 900 k SNPs detected between African wildcat and domestic cats breeds. An empirical sampling of 94 discovered SNPs were tested in the sequenced cats resulting in a SNP validation rate of 99%.ConclusionsThese data provide a large collection of mapped feline SNPs across the cat genome that will allow for the development of SNP genotyping platforms for mapping feline diseases.

Histopathological evaluation of most frequent liver diseases in cats

Histological analysis was performed on the liver of 27 cats of different breeds, age and sex, autopsied at the Department of Pathological Morphology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Belgrade, and findings showed lymphoplasmocytic cholangiohepatitis, different degrees of fibrosis, passive hyperemia, fatty changes, cholestase, and neoplasms. The mentioned entities occurred very rarely as individual morphological manifestations, because the liver has different functions so that one morphological change often causes others to follow. Thus, for example, fibrosis was often followed by intrahepatic cholestase. Histopathological evaluation of liver disease is important not only in the autopsied samples, but also in diagnostics of liver diseases, in samples obtained by biopsy, which is important for making a precise diagnosis. The interpretation of the established histological changes in the liver requires close cooperation between clinicians and pathologists, because the final diagnosis is made on the grounds of morphological, biochemical and clinical findings.

Quantification of endogenous and exogenous feline leukemia virus sequences by real-time PCR assays

Endogenous retroviruses are integrated in the genome of most vertebrates. They represent footprints of ancient retroviral infection and are vertically transmitted from parents to their offspring. In the genome of all domestic cats, sequences closely related to exogenous FeLV known as endogenous feline leukemia virus (enFeLV), are present. enFeLV are incapable of giving rise to infectious virus particles. However, transcription and translation of enFeLV have been demonstrated in tissues of healthy cats and in feline cell lines. The presence of enFeLV- env has been shown in specific embryonic tissues and adult thymic cells. In addition, the enFeLV- env region recombines with FeLV subgroup A giving rise to an infectious FeLV-B virus. enFeLV envelope protein, FeLIX (FeLV infectivity X-essory protein) is also involved in mediating FeLV-T infection. In order to test the hypothesis that the enFeLV loads play a role in exogenous FeLV-A infection and pathogenesis, quantitative real-time PCR and RT-PCR assays were developed. An assay, specific to U3 region of all different subtypes of exogenous FeLV, was designed and applied to quantify exogenous FeLV proviral or viral load in cats, while three real-time PCR assays were designed to quantify U3 and env enFeLV loads (two within U3 amplifying different sequences; one within env). enFeLV loads were investigated in blood samples derived from Swiss privately owned domestic cats, specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats and European wildcats ( Felis silvestris silvestris). Significant differences in enFeLV loads were observed between privately owned cats and SPF cats as well as among SPF cats originating from different catteries and among domestic cats of different breeds. When privately owned cats were compared, FeLV-infected cats had higher loads than uninfected cats. In addition, wildcats had higher enFeLV loads than domestic cats. In conclusion, the quantitative real-time PCR assays described herein are important prerequisites to quantify enFeLV proviral loads in felids and thus are important tools to investigate the role of enFeLV loads in FeLV infection.

A validation of 10 feline reference genes for gene expression measurements in snap-frozen tissues

For a proper determination of relative mRNA expression levels with real-time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) internal standards, such as the expression of reference genes, are of utmost importance. For cats, in contrast to dogs, no validation of reference genes has been published. Our goal was to evaluate frequently used reference genes for the analysis of relative mRNA levels from feline tissues in a SYBR Green-based Q-PCR protocol. First, primers were optimized on mRNA-derived cDNA from liver and kidney tissues of randomly chosen (healthy and diseased) cats. Then, the expression variation and stability of each reference gene within a specific tissue was determined. Dental roots and crowns, heart (left ventricle), renal, liver, lung, and mammary gland tissues from 3 to 11 cats of different breeds, sexes, ages, and disease status were included in this study. Averaging relative stabilities over these six tissues revealed the usefulness of each tested gene as reference gene. In order to compensate for the expression variation of a reference gene within a specific tissue, as much as six reference genes (e.g. RPL17, RPL30, RPS7, YWHAZ, and HPRT) were required to obtain highly reliable data in cat tissues. The optimal set of reference genes depended on the tissue analyzed and should, ideally, be selected and evaluated at the start of each experimental condition. A comparison with a similar evaluation in dogs revealed three issues: (i) most ribosomal genes are suitable in both species; (ii) good non-ribosomal reference genes differ; (iii) more feline than canine reference genes are required for proper analysis.

Prevalence of Malassezia spp. yeasts in feline nail folds: a cytological and mycological study

Malassezia spp. yeasts are commensal organisms of mammal and avian skin, but little is known about their presence on the skin of healthy cats. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of Malassezia spp. yeasts in feline nail folds and to identify the different species. Forty-six cats of different breeds were evaluated by cytological examination, and Malassezia spp. yeasts were seen in 61% of them. Yeasts were found in 100% of Devon Rex cats [mean 8.63/oil immersion field (high-power field - HPF)]. Conversely, only 42% of cats of other breeds (domestic short-haired and Persian) were positive (mean 0.59/HPF). Twenty-one cats of different breeds were subsequently evaluated by fungal culture. Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated from 52%, M. furfur from 38%, and M. sympodialis from 9.5% of the cats. More than one species was observed in eight of 21 cats, six of which were Devon Rex. Malassezia spp. yeasts are common inhabitants of feline nail folds, especially in Devon Rex cats, and the presence of a high number of yeasts on cytology correlates with the clinical observation of brown, greasy material in the nail folds. M. pachydermatis and two lipid-dependent species were isolated from both Devon Rex cats and cats of other breeds.

Copy number polymorphism of endogenous feline leukemia virus-like sequences

In the cat genome, endogenous feline leukemia virus (enFeLV) exists as multiple, nearly full-length proviral sequences. Even though no infectious virus is produced from enFeLV sequences, transcription and translation have been demonstrated in tissues of healthy cats and in feline cell lines. To test the hypothesis that the enFeLV loads play a role in exogenous FeLV-A infection and pathogenesis, we designed three real-time PCR assays to quantify U3 and env enFeLV loads (two within U3 amplifying different sequences; one within env). Applying these assays, we investigated the loads in blood samples derived from Swiss privately owned domestic cats, specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats and European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris). Significant differences in enFeLV loads were observed between privately owned cats and SPF cats as well as among SPF cats originating from different catteries and among domestic cats of different breeds. Within privately owned cats, FeLV-infected cats had higher loads than uninfected cats. In addition, higher enFeLV loads were found in wildcats compared to domestic cats. The assays described herein are important prerequisites to quantify enFeLV loads and thus to investigate the influence of enFeLV loads on the course of FeLV infection.

Systolic and Diastolic Myocardial Dysfunction in Cats with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or Systemic Hypertension

Background:Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and chronic systemic hypertension (SHT) can both lead to left‐ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in cats. Assessment of LVH‐associated myocardial dysfunction could provide new insights in the understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases.Hypothesis:Quantification of left‐ventricular free‐wall (LVFW) motion using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) could permit differentiation of feline HCM from SHT‐related LVH (LVH‐SHT).Animals:A total of 108 cats of different breeds were enrolled in this study: 35 cats with HCM, 17 with concentric LVH and SHT, and 56 healthy cats as a control group.Methods:All cats were examined by conventional echocardiography and 2‐dimensional color TDI.Results:Radial and longitudinal diastolic LVFW velocities were similarly altered in cats with HCM and LVH‐SHT, compared to controls. Systolic velocities were also lower in the groups with hypertrophy than in the controls, for longitudinal but not radial motion. To determine whether these diastolic and systolic alterations could also be observed in cats without LVFW hypertrophy, we performed a subgroup analysis in cats with a normal M‐mode examination, that is, with only a localized subaortic interventricular septum hypertrophy. A significant radial and longitudinal diastolic dysfunction was still observed in both the HCM and LVH‐SHT groups compared to controls, and systolic dysfunction was detected in the longitudinal motion.Conclusions: LVFW motion is similarly altered in cats with HCM and LVH‐SHT. This dysfunction occurs independently of the presence of myocardial hypertrophy, demonstrating that TDI is capable of detecting systolic and diastolic segmental functional changes in nonhypertrophied wall segments in cats with HCM and SHT.

Systolic and Diastolic Myocardial Dysfunction in Cats With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or Systemic Hypertension

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and chronic systemic hypertension (SHT) can both lead to left-ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in cats. Assessment of LVH-associated myocardial dysfunction could provide new insights in the understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases. Quantification of left-ventricular free-wall (LVFW) motion using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) could permit differentiation of feline HCM from SHT-related LVH (LVH-SHT). A total of 108 cats of different breeds were enrolled in this study: 35 cats with HCM, 17 with concentric LVH and SHT, and 56 healthy cats as a control group. All cats were examined by conventional echocardiography and 2-dimensional color TDI. Radial and longitudinal diastolic LVFW velocities were similarly altered in cats with HCM and LVH-SHT, compared to controls. Systolic velocities were also lower in the groups with hypertrophy than in the controls, for longitudinal but not radial motion. To determine whether these diastolic and systolic alterations could also be observed in cats without LVFW hypertrophy, we performed a subgroup analysis in cats with a normal M-mode examination, that is, with only a localized subaortic interventricular septum hypertrophy. A significant radial and longitudinal diastolic dysfunction was still observed in both the HCM and LVH-SHT groups compared to controls, and systolic dysfunction was detected in the longitudinal motion. LVFW motion is similarly altered in cats with HCM and LVH-SHT. This dysfunction occurs independently of the presence of myocardial hypertrophy, demonstrating that TDI is capable of detecting systolic and diastolic segmental functional changes in nonhypertrophied wall segments in cats with HCM and SHT.

Efficacy of fipronil in the treatment of feline cheyletiellosis

The purpose of the present study was to confirm the efficacy of 10% (w/v) fipronil spot-on (Frontline ® spot-on for cats) in the treatment of feline cheyletiellosis under field conditions. A total of 16 cats of different breeds, sexes, 4 months to 14 years of age and weighing 0.5–6 kg were treated with a single topical application of 10% (w/v) fipronil spot-on according to label directions. The animals were naturally infested with Cheyletiella mites and housed in their normal environment throughout the study. Animals were selected based on clinical signs and infestation was confirmed by demonstration of mites. Mite counts and a clinical assessment of mite infestations (i.e. skin lesions and/or scales) were performed on days 0 and approximately days 14 and 28. Individual counts on day 0 ranged from 1 to 40 mites on individual animals. No mites were detected on cats treated with 10% (w/v) fipronil spot-on (Frontline ® spot-on for cats) at both post-treatment evaluations. Typical skin lesions and/or scales were present in all animals pre-treatment. In 56% of the cats, the lesions resolved within 14 days after treatment. At the final assessment, 75% cats were free of lesions. Two cats that still had clinical signs on day 28 were suspected of having allergic reactions to food or environmental allergens. The lesions on the remaining two cats could not be related to a specific cause. The efficacy of fipronil in elimination of mites was 100% on each occasion when compared to the pre-treatment count. The results of this study demonstrated that fipronil in a topical formulation is highly effective (100%) for the elimination of an existing Cheyletiella mite infestation under field conditions following a single topical application in cats.

Plasma Renin Activity and Plasma Concentrations of Aldosterone, Cortisol, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, and α‐Melanocyte‐ Stimulating Hormone in Healthy Cats

A pathogenetic role of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system has been implicated in cats in both systemic arterial hypertension and hypokalemic myopathy. Yet, measurement of plasma aldosterone concentrations (PACs) and plasma renin activity (PRA) has not unequivocally pointed to hyperaldosteronism as a cause of these conditions. To obtain appropriate reference ranges, this study included a large number (130) of healthy house cats of different breeds without a history of recent illness and plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine below the upper limit of the respective reference ranges. In addition, the pituitary‐adrenocortical axis was studied by measuring plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), and cortisol. Reference ranges for PACs (110–540 pmol/L; 40–195 pg/mL), PRA (60–630 fmol/L/s; 0.3‐3 ng/mL/h), and the aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) (0.3‐3.8) were very similar to those established in the same laboratory for humans in a supine position. No breed differences were found. The ARRs in neutered cats were significantly higher than in intact cats, primarily because of low PRA in neutered cats. The ARRs of cats a 5 years of age were significantly higher than those of cats < 5 years of age. The plasma concentrations of ACTH, α‐MSH, and cortisol did not correlate significantly with PAC Thus, although blood sampling was performed in cats in nonstandardized positions and was associated with a wide variation of stress responses, the references ranges of PAC, PRA, and ARR were similar to the relatively narrow limits established for humans under standardized conditions. The effects of neutering and aging on PRA and ARR warrant further investigation.

Plasma Renin Activity and Plasma Concentrations of Aldosterone, Cortisol, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, and α-Melanocyte–Stimulating Hormone in Healthy Cats

A pathogenetic role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been implicated in cats in both systemic arterial hypertension and hypokalemic myopathy. Yet, measurement of plasma aldosterone concentrations (PACs) and plasma renin activity (PRA) has not unequivocally pointed to hyperaldosteronism as a cause of these conditions. To obtain appropriate reference ranges, this study included a large number (130) of healthy house cats of different breeds without a history of recent illness and plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine below the upper limit of the respective reference ranges. In addition, the pituitary-adrenocortical axis was studied by measuring plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), and cortisol. Reference ranges for PACs (110-540 pmol/L; 40-195 pg/mL), PRA (60-630 fmol/L/s; 0.3-3 ng/mL/h), and the aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) (0.3-3.8) were very similar to those established in the same laboratory for humans in a supine position. No breed differences were found. The ARRs in neutered cats were significantly higher than in intact cats, primarily because of low PRA in neutered cats. The ARRs of cats > or = 5 years of age were significantly higher than those of cats < 5 years of age. The plasma concentrations of ACTH, alpha-MSH, and cortisol did not correlate significantly with PAC. Thus, although blood sampling was performed in cats in nonstandardized positions and was associated with a wide variation of stress responses, the references ranges of PAC, PRA, and ARR were similar to the relatively narrow limits established for humans under standardized conditions. The effects of neutering and aging on PRA and ARR warrant further investigation.

Pyometra in Queens - Changes in Haemato-Biochemical Parameters

Background: Pyometra is a bacterial and hormone-induced reproductive disease that occurs in the post-estrus luteal phase in intact queens. Pyometra is more common in the diestrus period due to the high progesterone concentration (in queens that mated, spontaneously ovulated, or were induced to ovulate). However, it can also be seen due to the use of exogenous hormones such as progesterone for the suppression of estrus. More research is needed in cases of pyometra in queens, as well as in bitches. Because, considering that the pathogenesis and characteristics of feline pyometra is similar to bitches, studies on pyometra-affected bitches are taken as reference in studies and applications on queens. From this point of view, the aims of this study were to reveal the changes in complete blood count, blood gas, and serum biochemistry parameters in feline pyometra cases and to determine the correlation between the mentioned parameters. Materials, Methods &amp; Results: In the study, a total of 25 female cats of different breeds were used, between the ages of 6 months and 7 years, 15 were diagnosed with pyometra, and 10 healthy. Anamnesis, clinical findings, and ultrasonographic examinations were used in the diagnosis of pyometra. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed on queens brought to the clinic with complaints such as anorexia, polydipsia, polyuria, abdominal tension, and fever. The control group (n =10) consisted of queens that were introduced to the clinic and were reproductively healthy. Before any treatment in queens with pyometra and the control group, 1 mL blood samples were taken from v. cephalica to evaluate complete blood count, blood gases and serum biochemistry parameters. In complete WBC, Lym, Mon, Gra, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH and PLT parameters and, blood gas parameters such as pH, pCO2, pO2, sO2, Na, K, Cl, lactate, glucose, HCO3, and BE were also evaluated in taken blood samples. Biochemical parameters BUN, creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP, amylase, T.BIL, D.BIL, P, CHOL, TG, LDH, TP, CPK, ALP, Ca, GGT were measured in serum samples. After examination and laboratory analysis, ovariohysterectomy was performed on queens as a treatment. Granulocyte, WBC, HCT and MCH levels of the pyometra group were higher (P &lt; 0.05) and Lym levels were lower (P &lt; 0.05) compared to the control group. According to these results, pH, HCO3, and BE were lower (P &lt; 0.05) in queens with pyometra than those in the control group, while Na and lactate parameters were higher (P &lt; 0.05). According to the results of biochemical analysis, it was determined that BUN, creatinine levels, GGT, and LDH enzyme activities were found to be higher in the pyometra group compared to the control group, while the Ca level was found to be low (P &lt; 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between BUN and creatinine and LDH, WBC, granulocyte, HCT, and lactate, and a negative correlation between lymphocytes, pH, and BE in the correlation analysis performed on queens with pyometra and control group. However, a positive correlation was observed between creatinine and LDH and HCT, and a negative correlation between lymphocyte, pH and BE. Discussion: There is not enough information about pyometra in queens. As a result, it was determined that there were significant changes in complete blood count, blood gases and serum biochemical parameters in queens with pyometra in this study. These changes were generally thought to be related to dehydration and sepsis or endotoxemia. In addition, it was evaluated that prerenal azotemia occurring in pyometra affected queens may cause renal dysfunction. For this reason, it is thought that the results obtained in the presented study may contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of pyometra cases in queens. Keywords: female cats, blood gas analysis, complete blood count, correlation, serum biochemistry.