Feline Population Research Articles

Molecular epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile in companion animals: Genetic overlap with human strains and public health concerns.

The changing epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile reflects a well-established and intricate community transmission network. With rising numbers of reported community-acquired infections, recent studies tried to identify the role played by non-human reservoirs in the pathogen's transmission chain. This study aimed at describing the C. difficile strains circulating in canine and feline populations, and to evaluate their genetic overlap with human strains to assess the possibility of interspecies transmission. Fecal samples from dogs (n = 335) and cats (n = 140) were collected from two populations (group A and group B) in Portugal. C. difficile isolates were characterized for toxigenic profile and PCR-ribotyping. The presence of genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance was assessed in all phenotypically resistant isolates. To evaluate the genetic overlap between companion animals and human isolates from Portugal, RT106 (n = 42) and RT014/020 (n = 41) strains from both sources were subjected to whole genome sequencing and integrated with previously sequenced RT106 (n = 43) and RT014/020 (n = 142) genomes from different countries. The genetic overlap was assessed based on core-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) using a threshold of 2 SNP. The overall positivity rate for C. difficile was 26% (76/292) in group A and 18.6% (34/183) in group B. Toxigenic strains accounted for 50% (38/76) and 52.9% (18/34) of animal carriage rates, respectively. The most prevalent ribotypes (RT) were the toxigenic RT106 and RT014/020, and the non-toxigenic RT010 and RT009. Antimicrobial resistance was found for clindamycin (27.9%), metronidazole (17.1%) and moxifloxacin (12.4%), associated with the presence of the ermB gene, the pCD-METRO plasmid and point mutations in the gyrA gene, respectively. Both RT106 and RT014/020 genetic analysis revealed several clusters integrating isolates from animal and human sources, supporting the possibility of clonal interspecies transmission or a shared environmental contamination source. This study shows that companion animals may constitute a source of infection of toxigenic and antimicrobial resistant human associated C. difficile isolates. Additionally, it contributes with important data on the genetic proximity between C. difficile isolates from both sources, adding new information to guide future work on the role of animal reservoirs in the establishment of community associated transmission networks and alerting for potential public health risk.

Prevalence, haematological, biochemical abnormalities and clinical syndromes of FeLV and FeLV/FIV co-infection among cat population in Moscow and the Moscow region, Russia

The aims of this retrospective study were to determine the prevalence of FeLV and co-infection with FeLV and FIV among feline population of Moscow and the Moscow region, Russia, to determine the risk factors associated with the disease and to describe the clinical syndromes, haematological and biochemical abnormalities in infected cats. The prevalence of FeLV and FeLV+FIV co-infection was investigated among 11,807 cats living in Moscow and the Moscow region using PCR, ELISA and ICT methods. The overall prevalence of FeLV among household domestic cats was 12.8%. FeLV was most commonly detected in male mixed-breed cats and the cats with free outdoor access. Ninety cases of co-infection with FeLV and FIV (0.76% of the cat population) were also detected. The most common clinical signs seen in infected cats were those associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Anaemia was a common haematological abnormality in infected cats. The results of biochemical assays were nonspecific and associated with inflammatory processes in infected cats. The risk factors associated with FeLV infection were sex, breed, age, contacts with other cats and a history of outdoor access. The results presented in the study indicated a high prevalence of FeLV and a low prevalence of FeLV+FIV co-infection in cats living in Moscow and the Moscow region, Russia.

Chronic clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease associate with gut and respiratory microbiomes in a cohort of domestic felines.

Feline upper respiratory tract disease (FURTD), often caused by infections etiologies, is a multifactorial syndrome affecting feline populations worldwide. Because of its highly transmissible nature, infectious FURTD is most prevalent anywhere cats are housed in groups such as animal shelters, and is associated with negative consequences such as decreasing adoption rates, intensifying care costs, and increasing euthanasia rates. Understanding the etiology and pathophysiology of FURTD is thus essential to best mitigate the negative consequences of this disease. Clinical signs of FURTD include acute respiratory disease, with a small fraction of cats developing chronic sequelae. It is thought that nasal mucosal microbiome changes play an active role in the development of acute clinical signs, but it remains unknown if the microbiome may play a role in the development and progression of chronic clinical disease. To address the knowledge gap surrounding how microbiomes link to chronic FURTD, we asked if microbial community structure of upper respiratory and gut microbiomes differed between cats with chronic FURTD signs and clinically normal cats. We selected 8 households with at least one cat exhibiting chronic clinical FURTD, and simultaneously collected samples from cohabitating clinically normal cats. Microbial community structure was assessed via 16S rDNA sequencing of both gut and nasal microbiome communities. Using a previously described ecophylogenetic method, we identified 136 and 89 microbial features within gut and nasal microbiomes respectively that significantly associated with presence of active FURTD clinical signs in cats with a history of chronic signs. Overall, we find that nasal and gut microbial community members associate with the presence of chronic clinical course, but more research is needed to confirm our observations.

Do Blood Phenotypes of Feline AB Blood Group System Affect the SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Serostatus in Cats?

Cats are susceptible to coronavirus infections, including infection by human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). In human ABO system blood groups, alloantibodies can play a direct role in resistance to infectious diseases. Individuals with the AB blood type were over-represented in the SARS-CoV-2 infection group. Blood type AB individuals lack both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, and therefore lack the protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection given by these antibodies. Starting from this knowledge, this pilot preliminary study evaluated a possible association between feline blood phenotypes A, B, and AB and serostatus for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats. We also investigated selected risk or protective factors associated with seropositivity for this coronavirus. A feline population of 215 cats was analysed for AB group system blood phenotypes and antibodies against the nucleocapsid (N-protein) SARS-CoV-2 antigen using a double antigen ELISA. SARS-CoV-2 seropositive samples were confirmed using a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Origin (stray colony/shelter/owned cat), breed (DSH/non DSH), gender (male/female), reproductive status (neutered/intact), age class (kitten/young adult/mature adult/senior), retroviruses status (seropositive/seronegative), and blood phenotype (A, B, and AB) were evaluated as protective or risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Seropositivity for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein was recorded in eight cats, but only four of these tested positive with sVNT. Of these four SARS-CoV-2 seropositive cats, three were blood phenotype A and one was phenotype AB. Young adult age (1-6 years), FeLV seropositivity and blood type AB were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity according to a univariate analysis, but only blood type AB (p = 0.0344, OR = 15.4, 95%CI: 1.22-194.39) and FeLV seropositivity (p = 0.0444, OR = 13.2, 95%CI: 1.06-163.63) were significant associated risk factors according to a logistic regression. Blood phenotype AB might be associated with seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This could be due, as in people, to the protective effect of naturally occurring alloantibodies to blood type antigens which are lacking in type AB cats. The results of this pilot study should be considered very preliminary, and we suggest the need for further research to assess this potential relationship.

Use of an extrapolation method to estimate the population of cats and dogs living at homes in Mexico in 2022

Cats and dogs have a very close relationship with humans. Currently, the overpopulation of these species in various countries worldwide has been identified as a severe public health problem. To establish effective programs for population control, it is necessary to estimate the number of cats and dogs. To our knowledge, there are no studies that assess the number of canine and feline population by state in Mexico. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the canine and feline population living at homes using official information reported by the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics [Instituto Nacional de Estadística Geografía e Informática] through a constant-share model, a ratio extrapolation method. The estimated dog population living at homes was 42 625 010 dogs and 7 346 925 cats (at least 5.8 times less than the number of dogs). By 2022, the Mexico's estimated human:dog ratio was 2.4:1, and the human:cat ratio 17.6:1. The Estado de México had more than six million dogs and 962 177 cats. Colima had the smallest estimated dog population (245 489), and Baja California Sur the smallest estimated cat population (slightly over 30 000). Health authorities and veterinary practitioners should promote responsible ownership to increase veterinary care and control the birth of dogs and cats.

The ultrasonographic appearance of renal medullary striations and their association with renal disease and renal histopathology in domestic cats.

Medullary striations (MS) have been anecdotally observed on ultrasound of feline kidneys; however, their significance is unknown. Aims of this retrospective, case control, pilot study were to describe the appearance, prevalence, and clinicopathological correlates of MS in a referral feline population. Still images from 1247 feline abdominal ultrasound studies performed between 2011 and 2021 were reviewed. Cats with MS were identified and compared with age-matched controls. Serum urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, and calcium-phosphate-product, plus urine specific gravity, urine protein: creatinine ratio (UPC), prevalence of active sediment (defined as>5red (RBC) or white blood cells (WBC) per high-power field) and prevalence of positive urine culture were compared between MS and control groups using the Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's Exact test. Data are presented as median [range]. 27 cats were identified as having MS, giving a prevalence of 2.2% with a significantly higher proportion being seen in males (P =0.018). Medullary striation cats had significantly higher UPC values than controls (0.46 [0.16-7.57] vs. 0.16 [0.07-2.27]; P=0.006). Cats with MS were more likely to have active urinary sediments (39%vs 8%, P=0.023), but no difference in prevalence of positive urinary cultures was observed between groups. There was no significant difference in other parameters between MS and control cats. Renal histopathology performed in three MS cats revealed focal regions of linear medullary fibrosis. Medullary striations are associated with proteinuria and urinary tract inflammation in cats, which may reflect renal tubular dysfunction and/or inflammation. Hence identification might allow for earlier detection of renal pathology.

Применение Фоспренила в составе комплексной терапии хронической коронавирусной инфекции кошек, осложненной токсоплазмозом

Feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) infects enterocytes and causes inflammation of the intestinal mucosa in young cats, resulting in diarrhea. In adult cats the infection is usually asymptomatic, but the constant circulation of FECV in the feline population increases the likelihood of mutation, as a result of which about 5-10% of infected cats develop a virulent strain of the virus that causes usually lethal feline infectious peritonitis – FIP. The purpose of this study was to study the effectiveness of Phosprenyl (PP), an immunomodulator with antiviral activity (active substance - polyprenyl phosphate), in the treatment of chronic coronavirus infection of cats, partially complicated by toxoplasmosis.
 A total of 117 cats were under observation, 10 of which also had toxoplasmosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by the determination of antibodies by the methods of IHA and ELISA, as well as by ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs. Prescribed treatment: Phosprenyl per os, 1 ml , twice a day, course 2-4 months; Gamavit daily, s/c, course 10 days, with a repeated course after 3 weeks; 3-4 times. As symptomatic therapy, drugs were used primarily to improve the condition of the stool, with toxoplasmosis - Fansidar. At the end of treatment symptoms of gastrointestinal tract damage disappeared in all the patients. If before the start of therapy, the majority of patients demonstrated changes characteristic of anemia (a significant decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin levels), then after 2-4 months, the indices of erythropoiesis completely normalized. In patients with coronavirus infection complicated by toxoplasmosis, anemia was detected by CBC test, as well as an increase in the number of neutrophils. In the biochemical profile of these patients: increased activity of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was found as well as hyperbilirubinemia, which indicates greater liver damage and a decrease in its detoxification function during the course of the disease caused simultaneously by coronavirus and toxoplasmas. At the end of therapy, these indices also returned to normal. 
 Thus, the use of Phosprenyl for 2-4 months reduces the duration of the disease of coronavirus infection in cats (including cases complicated by toxoplasmosis), prevents its exacerbation and possible fatal outcome. Long-term use of PP in cats with a chronic form of coronavirus infection is recommended.

Evaluation of Association between Blood Phenotypes A, B and AB and Feline Coronavirus Infection in Cats.

Cats are susceptible to feline coronavirus (FCoV), a highly contagious virus with fecal–oral transmission. In people, susceptibility to coronavirus infection, such as SARS-CoV infection, has been associated with the ABO blood group, with individuals with blood group O having significantly lower risk of SARS-CoV infection. This study evaluated a possible association between feline blood group phenotypes A, B and AB and serostatus for antibodies against FCoV. We also investigated risk or protective factors associated with seropositivity for FCoV in the investigated population. Feline populations were surveyed for AB group system blood types and for presence of antibodies against FCoV. Blood phenotype, origin, breed, gender, reproductive status and age of cats were evaluated as protective or risk factors for coronavirus infection. No blood type was associated with FCoV seropositivity, for which being a colony stray cat (p = 0.0002, OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.14–0.54) or a domestic shorthair cat (p = 0.0075, OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.09–0.69) were protective factors. Based on results of this study, feline blood phenotypes A, B or AB do not seem to predispose cats to seropositivity for FCoV. Future studies on other feline blood types and other infections could clarify whether feline blood types could play a role in predisposing to, or protecting against, feline infections.

Prevalence of bacteriuria in cats with neurogenic bladder

Urinary tract infections are defined as the adherence, multiplication, and persistence of an infectious agent within the urogenital system, causing an associated inflammatory response and clinical signs; instead, the presence of bacteria in urine as determined by positive bacterial culture (PUC) from a properly collected urine specimen, in the absence of clinical signs, is defined subclinical bacteriuria. Limited information on the prevalence of PUC in spinal cord injury cats affected by neurogenic bladder (NB) is available. On contrary, in NB dogs and humans the prevalence of bacteriuria is well documented. Moreover, whilein humans information about bacteriemia associated with NB is already available, this aspect has never been studied in NB cats. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of PUC in cats with NB, compared toanimals affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and healthy cats. Furthermore, the prevalence of bacteriemia in cats with NB was evaluated. Fifty-one cats met the inclusion criteria: 12 cats were affected by NB, 22 had CKD and 17 were healthy. The prevalence of PUC was 58.33% and 18% in NB and CKD cat populations, respectively. All blood cultures were negative. The incomplete bladder emptying and the decreased resistance in the bladder wall could be considered predisposing elements to PUC in the NB feline population. The results of this study highlight, for the first time, an high prevalence of PUC in cats affected by NB, which was not found to be associated with bacteriemia.

Feline obesity causes hematological and biochemical changes and oxidative stress - a pilot study.

Obesity, an extremely important factor in feline clinical practice, is estimated to affect up to one third of the feline population. Moreover, it can trigger chronic inflammation, which could predispose to oxidative stress by increasing reactive oxygen species, thereby generating potentially irreversible cellular damage. This study analyzed hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress profiles at various degrees of feline obesity. Forty-five cats were selected and divided into three groups: control (n = 17), overweight (n = 13) and obese (n = 15), after clinical and laboratory evaluation and body condition score. Biochemical and oxidative stress analyses were performed using a photocolorimeter and hematological analyses were performed in a veterinary cell counter. Obese cats showed increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), HDL cholesterol and triglycerides and decreased activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) than control cats, although within the reference ranges for the species. As for oxidative stress, obese cats showed higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC), by the inhibition of 2,2'-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzthiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid (ABTS), inhibition of ABTS associated with horseradish peroxidase (ABTS + HRP), cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods, while overweight cats had a higher TAC-ABTS + HRP and TAC-FRAP than control cats. We conclude that the conditions of natural obesity and overweight in the feline species alter its hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Companion Animals: Prospective Serological Survey and Risk Factor Analysis in France

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for COVID-19 in people, has been detected in companion animals on rare occasions. A limited number of large-scale studies have investigated the exposure of companion animals to SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this prospective study was to estimate seroprevalence in privately owned dogs and cats presented in veterinary clinics in different French regions and to test the hypothesis that the occurrence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household and close contact with the owner would increase the chances of the animals being seropositive. One hundred and sixty-five dogs and 143 cats were blood-sampled between March 2020 and December 2021. Neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 8.4% of cats (12/143) and 5.4% of dogs (9/165). Seven animals (three dogs and four cats) were seropositive in the absence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household. Despite not being statistically significant (chi-square test, p-value = 0.55), our data may suggest that the occurrence of an episode of COVID-19 in the household could increase the risk of animal seropositivity (odds ratio = 1.38; 95% confidence interval = 0.55–3.77). This survey indirectly shows that SARS-CoV-2 circulates in canine and feline populations, but its circulation appears to be too low for pets to act as a significant viral reservoir.

Prevalence and characteristics of ocular diseases in Sphynx cats: A retrospective assessment (2012-2021) and comparison with non-Sphynx cats.

To describe the prevalence of ocular diseases in Sphynx cats, and compare disease characteristics with other feline breeds. Medical records of Sphynx cats presented to an ophthalmology referral center between 1/2012 and 4/2021 were examined. Cats of other breeds examined during the same period served as controls. One hundred ten Sphynx cats were examined during the study period, diagnosed with corneal sequestrum (n= 42 cats), lower eyelid entropion (n= 25), presumed herpetic keratoconjunctivitis (n= 19), conjunctivitis (n= 7), corneal ulcers (n= 6), nasolacrimal duct atresia/obstruction (n= 6), corneal dystrophy (n= 3), eosinophilic keratitis (n= 2), uveitis (n= 2), non-ulcerative keratitis (n= 1), and cataract (n= 1). Corneal sequestrum was significantly more common in Sphynx versus non-Sphynx cats (odds ratio=8.0, 95% CI=5.3-12.2, p< .001), and age of diagnosis was significantly younger in Sphynx cats (2.0± 1.5 years vs. 5.9± 4.0 years, p< .001). Corneal sequestrum recurrence was noted in 19.4% Sphynx eyes and 6.4% non-Sphynx eyes undergoing surgery (p= .015). Lower eyelid entropion-most often bilateral (80%)-was significantly more common in Sphynx versus non-Sphynx cats (odds ratio=4.1, 95% CI=2.3-7.1, p< .001), and age of diagnosis was significantly younger in Sphynx cats (0.9± 1.4 years vs. 3.5± 3.3 years, p< .005). Corneal sequestrum and entropion were overrepresented and diagnosed at an earlier age in Sphynx cats when compared with the general feline population. Given the high prevalence, early age of onset, and relatively high recurrence of corneal sequestrum in Sphynx cats, further studies are warranted to better understand etiopathogenesis and preferred therapies.

ITS1 amplicon sequencing of feline gut mycobiome of Malaysian local breeds using Nanopore Flongle.

The gut mycobiome exhibits major influence on the gastrointestinal health and disease but received less attention due to low abundance. This study characterizes the fungal community and compares the microbial diversity between indoor and outdoor cats. Genomic DNA was extracted and sequenced by targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) region using Flongle flow cell on MinION™ sequencing platform. Results show the phylum Ascomycota and genus Peniophorella were numerous in indoor cats, whereas the Basidiomycota and Pichia were abundant in outdoor cats. Peniophorella formed the core mycobiome in both feline populations. Furthermore, alpha (p value = 0.0207) and beta diversities (p value = 0.009) results showed significant differences between the two groups. Overall, indoor cats have greater amounts of Peniophorella, whereas outdoor cats have higher Trichosporon and unclassified Sordariaceae. The study also suggests that keeping a cat indoors or left as a stray will affect their respective gut mycobiome.

Infection and seroprevalence of Borrelia persica in domestic cats and dogs in Israel

BackgroundRelapsing fever borreliosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, inflicting recurrent episodes of fever and spirochetemia in humans. Borrelia persica, the causative agent of relapsing fever in Israel, is prevalent over a broad geographic area that extends from India to Egypt. It is transmitted by the soft tick Ornithodoros tholozani and causes disease in humans as well as domestic cats and dogs. The goal of this study was to survey domestic dogs and cats in Israel for infection with B. persica.MethodsBlood, sera and demographic and clinical data were collected from dogs and cats brought for veterinary care in central Israel. PCR followed by DNA sequencing was used to detect B. persica DNA in blood samples, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies reactive with B. persica antigens in sera from the same animals. This is the first serological survey of B. persica in dogs and the first survey for antibodies reactive with a relapsing fever Borrelia sp. in cats globally.ResultsFour of the 208 dogs (1.9%) and three of 103 cats (2.9%) sampled were positive by PCR for B. persica DNA, and 24 dogs (11.5%) and 18 cats (17.5%) were seropositive for B. persica antigen by ELISA. The ratio between PCR-positivity and seropositivity in both the dog and cat populations was 1:6. All four PCR-positive dogs and two of three PCR-positive cats were seronegative, suggesting a probable recent infection. Thrombocytopenia showed significant association with seropositivity in dogs (P = 0.003). In cats, anemia had a significant association with seropositivity (P = 0.0001), and thrombocytopenia was associated with the combined prevalence of seropositivity or PCR-positivity (P = 0.022).ConclusionsBorrelia persica infection is more prevalent and widespread in domestic canine and feline populations in Israel than previously thought. Dogs and cats may play a role as reservoirs and sentinels for human infection. Precautions should be taken to prevent transfusion-transmitted infection between blood donor and recipient animals.Graphic

Haematological and biochemical reference intervals in healthy Ragdoll cats.

Breed-specific reference intervals (RIs) may be necessary to avoid misinterpretation of laboratory results. The main aim of this study was to establish haematobiochemical RIs for Ragdoll cats. Forty-two clinically healthy adult (0.8-10 years old) Ragdoll cats (Ragdoll population [RP]) and 60 non-Ragdoll cats as the control population (CP) were prospectively enrolled. Results of haematology, biochemistry and total thyroxine (TT4) were used to determine both Ragdoll-specific and general feline population RIs for each variable using Reference Value Advisor software according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. For each analyte, RIs of the RP were calculated and compared with those obtained from the CP. Haematocrit, haemoglobin, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, reticulocyte absolute count, platelet count and lymphocyte absolute number were statistically different from the CP. Biochemistry RIs revealed a statistical difference in creatinine kinase (CK), total protein, urea, creatinine, glucose, total calcium and iron. Haematobiochemical RIs of the general feline population must be used with caution in Ragdoll cats when it comes to iron and glucose concentrations, CK activity and absolute lymphocyte number. For these parameters, the use of breed-specific RIs is suggested. The docile and more relaxed nature of this breed may explain these differences and further investigations are necessary to better understand the results. Furthermore, investigations are needed to evaluate the possible benefits of breed-specific urea RIs.

RVA in Pet, Sheltered, and Stray Dogs and Cats in Brazil

Rotaviruses species A (RVA) are etiological agents of diarrhoea and are considered zoonotic viruses; yet the epidemiology of RVA among pet animals is largely unknown. RVA was detected in 38 of 308 faecal samples (12.3%) from pet, sheltered, or stray dogs and cats in 2 municipalities of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The results indicated that these viruses are common in canine and feline populations and underscore the importance of improved monitoring of common pathogens in companion animals, with increased awareness of the potential for interspecies transmission events.

Dietary choline in gonadectomized kittens improved food intake and body composition but not satiety, serum lipids, or energy expenditure.

Gonadectomy is a major risk factor for feline obesity. The lipotropic effects of choline have demonstrated benefits for growth and carcass composition in livestock. The consumption of supplemental choline on body weight (BW), body composition, lipid metabolism, energy expenditure (EE), and serum satiety hormones were evaluated in 15 gonadectomized male kittens. Kittens were offered a base diet formulated for growth (3310mg choline/kg dry matter [DM]) to daily energy requirements (DER) over an 11-week acclimation. Post-gonadectomy, kittens were assigned to a base diet (CONTROL, n = 7) or choline group (base diet with additional choline at 300mg/kg BW0.75 as a top dress) (CHOLINE, n = 8). For 12-weeks post-neuter, kittens were offered three times their DER over three meals to mimic ad libitum feeding. At week -1 and 12, body composition was assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), 24-hour indirect calorimetry was performed for EE and respiratory quotients (RQ), and fasted serum samples were analyzed for lipid compounds and satiety hormones. Daily food intake (FI) and weekly BW were measured. Data was analyzed as a repeated measures of variance (ANCOVA) using the GLIMMIX procedure with time and group as fixed effects. CHOLINE had lower mean daily FI and lower rates of BW accretion (P<0.05) in contrast to CONTROL. All absolute body composition data increased over time for both groups, with lower increases in total tissue mass (P = 0.031) and fat mass (P = 0.005) in CHOLINE. Serum satiety hormones and lipid compounds did not differ (P>0.05) between groups, but both groups experienced a decrease in low-density lipoproteins and increase in high-density lipoproteins (P<0.05). Primary substrate utilization showed lipid use when fasted and use of protein or mixed macronutrients in the fed state. Fed state EE decreased post-gonadectomy (P = 0.004), however, CHOLINE did not affect total EE or RQ. These results suggest that supplemental dietary choline reduces FI, BW, and fat mass and may help to reduce the propensity of weight gain and subsequent obesity in gonadectomized feline populations.

An Update on Feline Calicivirus.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is one of the most common viral pathogens in domestic cats worldwide. The first report of FCV dates back to 1957, when FCV was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of cats in New Zealand. Subsequent reports recognised FCV as a cause of respiratory disease in cats, and at present, feline practitioners worldwide are daily confronted with cats suffering from suspected FCV. The highly mutagenic nature of FCV and its high genetic plasticity enable the virus to successfully survive in the feline population, and pose a special challenge as regards the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of FCV-induced disease. Upper respiratory tract disease has been considered a common clinical sign of FCV infection. A study from Switzerland demonstrated that oral ulcerations, salivation and gingivitis-stomatitis were more commonly associated with FCV infection than upper respiratory tract disease, and less than half of the cats suspected to have FCV infection were found to be FCV-positive. Furthermore, a study investigating FCV isolates from Switzerland found some evidence that the genetic background of cats might influence their susceptibility to FCV infection. This review article provides a comprehensive summary of the FCV literature, and integrates the results of recent research on FCV's genetic characteristics, the cellular and humoral immunity evoked by FCV vaccination and infection, the diagnosis of FCV, FCV prevention/vaccination, the risk factors associated with FCV, and the hygienic measures necessary in FCV-contaminated areas. After each section, the key points are summarised, and relevant information is outlined to help feline practitioners in FCV diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (FHCM)

Abstract The feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of many cardiac diseases known in domestic animals, and it is especially frequent in cats of all ages. HCM is the most common heart disease in cats, affecting almost 15 % of the feline population. The Maine Coon and the Ragdoll breeds of domestic cats are shown to have a special gene that is responsible for the appearance of HCM in these breeds. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be detected by: echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), radiography, genetic testing, and a test including N- terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The most frequently used method used for clinical purposes is echocardiography. Patients with HCM will most of the time not have any clinical signs of the disease, which makes it difficult for the owner to detect that there is something wrong with their cat. Some cats, on the other hand, will get heart arrhythmias which can cause sudden death. There are several prognosis-worsening findings that may occur due to the hypertrophy of the ventricles. These include: Feline Arterial Thromboembolism (FATE), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), and the Dynamic Obstruction of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (DOLVOT). The prognosis for HCM depends on the stage of the disease. In some cats, they are well-tolerated and are associated with normal life expectancy, but in other cats they can result in congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism or sudden death.

Antibody frequency for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. in domiciliated and stray cats from Araguaína, Tocantins, Eastern Amazonia

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. are protozoa that have a significant impact on animal health due to the diseases they cause in domestic and wild animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of antibodies against T. gondii and Neospora spp. in cats from northern Brazil. Serum samples were collected from 180 cats in the municipality of Araguaína, Tocantins and used to evaluate the presence of anti-T. gondii and anti-Neospora spp. antibodies using the indirect fluorescent antibody test, with a cutoff of 1:64 and 1:25, respectively. The association between infection and individual animal characteristics (age, sex, origin, breed, and clinical signs) was tested using univariate analysis, followed by multivariate logistic regression. We found that 48.3% (87/180) of the animals had anti-T. gondii (95% CI: 40.8%–55.90%) and 3.9% (7/180) had anti-Neospora spp. (95% CI: 1.6%–7.8%) antibodies. There was no association between age, sex, breed origin, clinical signs, and seropositivity for T. gondii. Cats of defined breeds were more likely to be infected by Neospora spp. (OR = 10.7). Therefore, we found a high rate of seropositivity for T. gondii and a high rate of occurrence of Neospora infections in cats from the Araguaína region. The exposure of the feline population to the studied coccidia indicates the need to monitor the feline population for these infections and underscores the importance of effective sanitary measures against such pathogens.