Healthy Adult Cats Research Articles

Evaluating the leukogram in the dog and cat

Leukogram, an important part of complete blood count, includes the total count, absolute differential counts and leukocyte morphology. For a valid interpretation of the leukogram, proper blood sampling and post-sampling handling is considered a prerequisite. Total leukocyte counts in the clinically healthy adult dog and cat usually range from 6000 to 17000 /μΐ and from 5500 to 19500 /μΐ, respectively. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and rarely basophils are the leukocytes recognized in the peripheral blood of these animal species. Leukocytosis and leukopenia may reflect pathological or physiologic responses to various endogenous or exogenous factors. Morphologic leukocyte changes may indicate an underlying inflammatory process (i.e. toxic changes), congenital and/or hereditary hematological abnormalities (i.e. Pelger-Hüet anomaly, Chediak-Higashi syndrome) and immune-mediated (i.e. systemic lupus erythematus) or neoplastic (i.e. lymphoid/myeloid leukemias) diseases. Detection of canine distemper virus inclusion bodies, Ehrlichia sp. morulae, Hepatozoon canis gamonts etc. in the cytoplasm of the various types of leukocytes is the most objective way to diagnose the relevant infectious diseases in the domestic carnivores.

Using Free Adoptions to Reduce Crowding and Euthanasia at Cat Shelters: An Australian Case Study.

Simple SummaryWaiving adoption fees to encourage adoptions and reduce euthanasias of healthy adult cats in crowded shelters is controversial because of concerns that people attracted to free adoptions may be less responsible owners. An extremely busy kitten season in 2015 left no shelter or foster vacancies for incoming cats at Western Australia’s largest cat shelter. Instead of euthanasing healthy cats, the shelter held a three day adoption-drive where cats ≥1 year were free. Public response to the event was extremely high (weekly adoptions increased >5-fold). Post-adoption surveys were carried out and results compared with surveys of cat adopters who paid normal-fees during non-promotional periods. No differences were found between free and normal-fee adopter demographics, cat demographics, cat fate post-adoption, incidence of medical and behavioural issues, and likelihood of attaching collars, registering with local councils or allowing cats to roam freely. Mixed-media promotion of the adoption-drive attracted more first-time adopters compared with normal-fee adopters. Overall, we found no evidence for adverse outcomes associated with free adoptions. Animal shelters should not be dissuaded from occasional free adoption-drives during overflow periods.Many healthy adult cats are euthanised annually in shelters, and novel approaches are required to reduce euthanasia rates. Waiving adoption fees is one such approach. However, concerns that less responsible owners will be attracted to free events persist among welfare groups. We evaluated evidence for differences in cat fate, health, and adherence to husbandry legislation via a case-study of a free adoption-drive for cats ≥1 year at a Western Australian shelter. Post-adoption outcomes were compared between free adopters and a control group of normal-fee adopters. The free adoption-drive rehomed 137 cats, increasing average weekly adoptions by 533%. First-time adopters were a significantly larger portion of the free cohort, as a result of mixed-media promotions. Both adopter groups selected cats of similar age; sex and pelage. Post-adoption, both groups retained >90% cats, reporting near identical incidences of medical and behavioural problems. Adopters did not differ in legislative compliance regarding fitting collars, registering cats, or allowing cats to roam. The shelter reported satisfaction with the adoption-drive, because in addition to relieving crowding of healthy adults, adoption of full-fee kittens increased 381%. Overall, we found no evidence for adverse outcomes associated with free adoptions. Shelters should not be dissuaded from occasional free adoption-drives during overflow periods.

Evaluation of an intramuscular butorphanol and alfaxalone protocol for feline blood donation: a pilot study.

Objectives The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of an intramuscular (IM) sedation protocol with butorphanol and alfaxalone in cats undergoing blood donation. We hypothesized that this drug combination would provide sufficient sedation to perform phlebotomy without causing hypotension or significant changes in heart rate. Methods Six purpose-bred, healthy adult cats were sedated using IM butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg) and alfaxalone (2-3 mg/kg). Pulse and Doppler blood pressure (BP) were recorded at baseline, after sedation and immediately following phlebotomy. Once laterally recumbent, 12 ml/kg blood was collected from the jugular vein. Sedation scores, duration of lateral recumbency and the ability to successfully perform phlebotomy were recorded. Results There was no significant change in heart rate post-sedation (median 190 beats per min [bpm], range 160-224 bpm) or post-phlebotomy (median 200 bpm, range 180-220 bpm) compared with baseline values (median 200 bpm, range 180-220 bpm) ( P = 0.395). A statistically significant change in BP was detected ( P = 0.029), attributed to a difference between post-sedation (median 113.3 mmHg, range 110.7-130.0) and baseline (median 133.3 mmHg, range 130.0-183.3) measurements. Hypotension was not observed in any cat. Collection of at least 80% of the target volume was achieved in 5/6 cats, although all were adequately sedated to allow jugular venous phlebotomy. Median recumbency time was 53 mins (range 43-83 mins). Phlebotomy duration lasted a median of 13 mins (range 5-21 mins). Conclusions and relevance The administration of IM alfaxalone and butorphanol provided sufficient restraint for blood donation without causing hypotension or significant changes in heart rate before or after phlebotomy.

Hemodynamic effects of low-dose atipamezole in isoflurane-anesthetized cats receiving an infusion of dexmedetomidine.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of low-dose atipamezole administered intravenously to isoflurane-anesthetized cats receiving dexmedetomidine. We hypothesized that atipamezole would increase heart rate (HR) and reduce arterial blood pressure in isoflurane-anesthetized cats receiving dexmedetomidine. Methods Six healthy adult domestic shorthair cats were anesthetized with isoflurane and instrumented for direct arterial pressures and cardiac output (CO) measurements. The cats received a target-controlled infusion of dexmedetomidine (target plasma concentration 10 ng/ml) for 30 mins before administration of atipamezole. Two sequential doses of atipamezole (15 and 30 μg/kg IV) were administered at least 20 mins apart, during dexmedetomidine administration. The effects of dexmedetomidine and each dose of atipamezole on HR, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), CO and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were documented. Results Dexmedetomidine reduced the HR by 22%, increased MAP by 78% (both P ⩽0.01), decreased CO by 48% and increased SVR by 58% (both P ⩽0.0003). Administration of atipamezole 15 and 30 μg/kg intravenously increased HR by 8% ( P = 0.006) and 4% ( P = 0.1), respectively. MAP decreased by 39% and 47%, respectively (both P ⩽0.004). Atipamezole 30 μg/kg returned CO and SVR to baseline values. Conclusions and relevance Low doses of atipamezole (15 and 30 μg/kg) administered intravenously to anesthetized cats decreased arterial blood pressure with only marginal increases in HR. Atipamezole 30 μg/kg restored CO and SVR to baseline values before dexmedetomidine administration.

Pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide and 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide in cats after oral, intravenous, and intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide

OBJECTIVE To characterize pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide and 4-hydoxycyclophosphamide (4-OHCP) in the plasma of healthy cats after oral, IV, and IP administration of cyclophosphamide. ANIMALS 6 healthy adult cats. PROCEDURES Cats were randomly assigned to receive cyclophosphamide (200 mg/m2) via each of 3 routes of administration (oral, IV, and IP); there was a 30-day washout period between successive treatments. Plasma samples were obtained at various time points for up to 8 hours after administration. Samples were treated with semicarbazide hydrochloride to trap the 4-OHCP in stable form, which allowed for cyclophosphamide and trapped 4-OHCP to be simultaneously measured by use of tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from drug concentration-versus-time data for both cyclophosphamide and 4-OHCP. RESULTS Cyclophosphamide was tolerated well regardless of route of administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters for 4-OHCP were similar after oral, IV, and IP administration. Area under the concentration-time curve for cyclophosphamide was lower after oral administration than after IV or IP administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cyclophosphamide can be administered interchangeably to cats as oral, IV, and IP formulations, which should provide benefits with regard to cost and ease of administration to certain feline patients.

Diet effect on short- and long-term glycaemic response in adult healthy cats.

In the paper the short- and long-term glycaemic response after 4 diet programmes was evaluated. Each diet programme was alternatively administered to 6 healthy cats for 30 days. At the end of each period cats were weighed and underwent blood sampling for glucose and fructosamine determination. Glycaemia was measured every 2 hours for 24 hours using an automated glucometer. Very high protein level and low starch (VHP÷LS) and high protein and moderate starch level (HP÷LS) diets showed glucose (Mean and Peak) and fructosamine values signi cantly lower compared to the moderate protein and high starch diets (MP/HS). It is likely that these results are due to the contemporary e ect of the following nutritional characteristics: protein level, protein/starch ratio and dietary bre. All these parameters were higher in VHP/LS and HP/MS diets. These preliminary results suggest that the use of diets with high protein/starch ratio and soluble bre levels favours the carbohydrate metabolism of healthy cats.

Effect of a high phosphorus diet on indicators of renal health in cats.

Objectives High phosphorus intake may further impair renal health in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The hypothesis that a high phosphorus (HP) diet might be nephrotoxic for healthy animals was tested in cats, a species with a high incidence of naturally occurring CKD. Methods Thirteen healthy adult cats were fed a phosphorus excess diet (about five times maintenance requirements), and this HP group was compared with cats on a balanced control diet (CON). The trial lasted for 29 days (10 days of faeces and urine collection). Endogenous creatinine clearance was determined towards the end of the trial. Fresh urine was tested for glucose and proteins. Results Glucosuria and microalbuminuria were observed exclusively in the HP group in 9/13 cats. Creatinine clearance was significantly decreased after feeding HP. In the HP group phosphorus was highly available (apparent digestibility around 60%). Renal phosphorus excretion was significantly increased in the HP group (115 mg/kg body weight/d vs 16 mg/kg body weight/d in the CON group). Conclusions and relevance The intake of a diet with an excessive content of highly available phosphorus may have adverse effects on parameters of kidney function in healthy cats.

Hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine, with and without MK-467, following intramuscular administration in cats anesthetized with isoflurane

ObjectiveTo characterize the hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine, with or without MK-467, following intramuscular (IM) administration in cats. Study designRandomized, crossover, experimental study. AnimalsSix healthy adult male castrated purpose-bred cats. MethodsCats were anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen and instrumented. Cats were administered dexmedetomidine (25 μg kg−1), with (DM) or without (D) MK-467 (600 μg kg−1), IM in the epaxial muscles. Cardiovascular variables, respiratory variables, temperature, and arterial and mixed-venous pH, blood gases and electrolytes were measured prior to drug administration and at various time points for 6 hours thereafter, during anesthesia with isoflurane. Additional variables were calculated from the measurements, using standard equations. Results were analyzed with a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, followed by Dunnett’s and paired t tests where appropriate. ResultsDexmedetomidine resulted in a significant decrease in cardiac index (CI) and significant increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI). The addition of MK-467 failed to prevent most of the early cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine, but the duration of systemic vasoconstriction was shorter and CI did not decrease. The lowest and highest post-treatment values in each treatment were 0.1 ± 0.03 and 0.13 ± 0.03 L minute−1 BW−0.67 (D) versus 0.14 ± 0.01 and 0.19 ± 0.03 L minute−1 BW−0.67 (DM) for CI, 87 ± 13 and 181 ± 21 mmHg (D) versus 70 ± 11 and 153 ± 18 mmHg (DM) for MAP and 58,948 ± 17,754 and 119,432 ± 40,423 dynes second cm−5 BW−0.67 (D) versus 25,870 ± 3782 and 76,498 ± 17,258 dynes second cm−5 BW−0.67 (DM) for SVRI, respectively. Conclusion and clinical relevanceIM coadministration of MK-467 and dexmedetomidine in isoflurane-anesthetized cats shortened dexmedetomidine-induced cardiovascular effects. This drug combination may be useful in cats in which longer-lasting hypertension and hemodynamic depression is of concern.

Pharmacokinetics of grapiprant, a selective EP4 prostaglandin PGE2 receptor antagonist, after 2 mg/kg oral and i.v. administrations in cats.

Drugs that provide effective analgesia in cats are limited. The aim of the study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of grapiprant after 2mg/kg administration via p.o. and i.v. routes in cats. Six healthy adult cats were used according to an open, single-dose, two-treatment, two-period, randomized cross-over design. Cats were assigned to two treatment groups and administered with 2mg/kg of grapiprant (pure powder) through p.o. and i.v. administration. Blood samples were collected at preassigned times and analysed by a validated HPLC method. After both administrations, grapiprant concentrations were detectable in plasma for up to 24hr in five of six animals. The critical parameters including clearance (173.2mlhr-1 kg-1 , range 120-326mlhr-1 kg-1 ) and volume of distribution (918ml/kg, range 611-1608ml/kg) were calculated from the i.v. group. The mean oral F% was low (39.6% range 31.5%-45.2%). If the assumption that the minimal effective concentration in dogs (164ng/ml) applies in cats too, grapiprant orally administered at 2mg/kg might be effective for 10hr. Further studies are necessary to establish the minimal effective concentration in this animal species.

Pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine, MK-467 and their combination following intramuscular administration in male cats

ObjectiveTo characterize the pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine, MK-467 and their combination following intramuscular (IM) administration to cats. Study designProspective randomized crossover experimental study. AnimalsA total of eight healthy adult male castrated cats aged 1–2 years. MethodsCats were administered dexmedetomidine (25 μg kg–1) IM (treatment D25IM) or intravenously (IV; treatment D25IV); MK-467 (600 μg kg–1) IM (treatment MK600IM) or IV (treatment MK600IV); or dexmedetomidine (25 μg kg–1) IM with 300, 600 or 1200 μg kg–1 MK-467 IM (treatments D25MK300IM, D25MK600IM and D25MK1200IM). D25MK600IM was the only combination treatment analyzed. Blood samples were obtained prior to drug administration and at various times for 5 hours (D25IV) or 8 hours (all other treatments) thereafter. Plasma dexmedetomidine and MK-467 concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Compartment models were fitted to the time–concentration data. ResultsA one-compartment model best fitted the time–plasma dexmedetomidine concentration data in cats administered D25IM, and the time–plasma MK-467 concentration data in cats administered MK600IM and D25MK600IM. A two-compartment model best fitted the time–plasma dexmedetomidine concentration data in cats administered D25IV and D25MK600IM, and the time–plasma MK-467 concentration data in cats administered MK600IV. Median (range) area under the time–concentration curve, absorption rate half-life, maximum concentration, time to maximum concentration and terminal half-life for dexmedetomidine in D25IM and D25MK600IM were 1129 (792–1890) and 924 (596–1649) ng minute mL–1, 4.4 (0.4–15.7) and 2.3 (0.2–8.0) minutes, 10.2 (4.8–16.9) and 17.8 (15.8–73.5) ng mL–1, 17.8 (2.6–44.9) and 5.2 (1.2–15.1) minutes and 62 (52–139) and 50 (31–125) minutes, respectively. Rate of absorption but not systemic exposure was significantly influenced by treatment. No significant differences were observed in MK-467 pharmacokinetic parameters in MK600IM and D25MK600IM. Conclusions and clinical relevanceMK-467 significantly influenced the disposition of dexmedetomidine, whereas dexmedetomidine did not significantly affect the disposition of MK-467 when the drugs were coadministered IM.

Sciatic and femoral nerve blockade using bupivacaine alone, or in combination with dexmedetomidine or buprenorphine in cats

The aim of this study was to determine the onset and offset of antinociception after sciatic (ScN) and femoral (FN) nerve blocks. Six healthy adult cats (4.8±1.3years; 4.3±0.4 kg) were...

Comparison of the brainstem auditory evoked responses during sevoflurane or alfaxalone anaesthesia in adult cats

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of general anaesthesia using sevoflurane or alfaxalone on the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test in adult healthy cats. Study designProspective, clinical, ‘blinded’, crossover study. AnimalsTen feral adult healthy cats. MethodsPremedication consisted of dexmedetomidine (0.01 mg kg–1) intramuscularly (IM). The first general anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane (treatment S) for physical examination, BAER test, complete blood tests, thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound. The second general anaesthesia was induced with alfaxalone (treatment A) IM (2 mg kg–1) and maintained with alfaxalone (10 mg kg–1 hour–1) for the BAER test, followed by neutering surgery.The BAER recordings were compared for differences in latencies, amplitudes and waveform morphology. Data were analysed using Student's t test and Wilcoxon rank test for paired samples for parametric and non-parametric data, respectively. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsGeneral anaesthesia was uneventful; normal BAER comprising five peaks could be identified in both treatments. Mean ± SD latencies were 1.05 ± 0.09, 1.83 ± 0.11, 2.52 ± 0.19, 3.43 ± 0.17 and 4.39 ± 0.15 ms and 1.03 ± 0.04, 1.81 ± 0.73, 2.53 ± 0.15, 3.37 ± 0.13 and 4.33 ± 0.13 ms in treatments S and A, respectively. Median (interquartile range) amplitudes were 2.83 (0.67), 1.27 (0.41), 0.30 (0.40), 1.05 (0.82), 0.61 (0.38) microvolts and 2.84 (1.21), 1.49 (1.18), 0.26 (0.32), 0.91 (0.50) and 0.92 (0.64) microvolts in treatments S and A, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in mean latencies or median amplitudes between both the anaesthetics. Conclusions and clinical relevanceThis study demonstrates that there were no statistically significant differences between both the anaesthetics on the BAER test in adult healthy cats. Moreover, two possible anaesthetic protocols are described for cats undergoing this electrodiagnostic test.

Safety of oral and intravenous mycophenolate mofetil in healthy cats.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical effects of intravenous (IV) and oral mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in healthy cats. Methods A total of 24 healthy adult cats weighing >3.5 kg were either given IV MMF (over a 2 h infusion) or oral MMF. The dosages used were as follows: 5 mg/kg IV once (n = 2), 10 mg/kg q12h IV for 1 day (n = 1), 20 mg/kg q12h IV for 1 day (n = 6) and 10 mg/kg q12h IV for 3 days (n = 5). Blood was collected from each cat at intervals of up to 12 h from the last dose for analysis purposes. Oral MMF was given at 10 mg/kg q12h for 7 days (n = 3), 15 mg/kg q12h for 7 days (n = 3) and 15 mg/kg q8h for 7 days (n = 4). Results Side effects to MMF were minimal. There was no anorexia or vomiting noted in any of the cats during or after IV medication administration. Only 4/14 cats had diarrhea from 12-48 h after IV administration. There was hyporexia in 1/10 cats given oral MMF and no vomiting noted. In 5/10 cats given oral MMF, there was diarrhea between days 2 and 7 of the study. Conclusions and relevance Cats tolerate MMF at an IV dose of 10 mg/kg q12h for 3 days and an oral dose ⩽15 mg/kg q12h for up to 7 days. There seems to be a dose-dependent incidence of gastrointestinal side effects. MMF may be a useful alternative immunosuppressant to be considered for use in some cats.

Palatability, digestibility, and metabolizable energy of dietary glycerol in adult cats.

Glycerol is a humectant, which reduces water activity when added to the diet. This property seems to offer dietary benefits, specifically in high-moisture diets for cats, where some humectants cannot be used. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, glycerol is generally recognized as sustenance safe (GRAS). It is suggested that cats are able to metabolize glycerol and use it as an energy source without compromising health. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the following characteristics of glycerol in the diet for cats: 1) a preference test, 2) digestibility, ME, and fecal and urinary characteristics, and 3) postprandial plasma glycemia. Twelve healthy adult female cats were randomly distributed among 4 treatments consisting of a basal diet (4,090 kcal ME/kg DM, 32% CP, 11% fat, 2.3% crude fiber, and 7.0% ash) and 3 diets with varying percentages of glycerol, made by replacing the basal diet with 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0% purified glycerol (99.5%). The inclusion of glycerol proportionally reduced ( < 0.05) water activity in the diets. The preference test was conducted by observing the contrast between the basal diet and the 5.0% and 10% glycerol diets. Cats did not show a preference for any diet in particular ( > 0.05). The digestibility assays showed that increasing dietary glycerol levels did not affect food intake or the apparent total tract digestibility of macronutrients and energy ( > 0.05). The inclusion of glycerol in the diets did not alter the stool moisture, fecal score, or urine volume. However, glycerol was detected in urine when it was incorporated into the diet at 10%. Glycemia increased up to 900 min following the first meal after the fasting period with no difference between treatments, even when the means were adjusted for food intake. The blood glucose area under the curve also showed no significant difference between treatments ( > 0.05). Cats accepted glycerol under the conditions of the study, and its nutritional value was determined as it has been done for other species. The ME of glycerol for adult cats was estimated to be 3,185 kcal/kg DM. Supplementing the diets of the cats with 10% glycerol may exceed their capacity to metabolize glycerol, possibly leading to urinary excretions.

Impact of Dietary Protein Concentration and Quality on Immune Function of Cats.

Protein levels and quality in cat food can vary significantly and might affect immune function in various ways. In the present study, 3 diets with a low protein quality (LQ) and 3 diets with a high protein quality (HQ) were offered to 10 healthy adult cats for 6 weeks each, using a randomized cross-over design. The LQ and HQ diets differed in the collagen content and had low (36.7% and 36.2%), medium (45.0% and 43.3%) and high (56.1% and 54.9%) protein levels. At the end of each feeding period, blood was collected for phenotyping of leukocyte subsets, lymphocyte proliferation assay and cytokine measurements, phagocytosis assay and differential blood count. The results demonstrated no group differences for numbers of CD4+CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4-CD8+, MHCII+, CD21+, SWC3+ and CD14+ cells in the blood of the cats. Proliferative activity of lymphocytes when stimulated with pokeweed mitogen, Concanavalin A and Phytohemagglutinin, M form did not differ depending on the dietary protein concentration and quality. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma in the supernatant of the proliferation assay were also not affected by the dietary treatment. Blood monocyte phagocytic activity was higher (P = 0.048) and cell numbers of eosinophilic granulocytes in the blood were lower (P = 0.047) when cats were fed the low protein diets. In conclusion, only a few differences in feline immune cell populations and activity depending on dietary protein supply could be detected. However, the observed increase of eosinophilic granulocytes by a higher protein intake indicates an activation of immunological mechanisms and requires further investigation.

Thermal antinociception following oral administration of tapentadol in conscious cats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the onset, magnitude and duration of thermal antinociception after oral administration of two doses of tapentadol in cats. Study designProspective, randomized, blinded, experimental study. AnimalsSix healthy adult cats weighing 4.4 ± 0.4 kg. MethodsSkin temperature (ST) and thermal threshold (TT) were evaluated using a wireless TT device up to 12 hours after treatment. Treatments included placebo (PBO, 50 mg dextrose anhydrase orally), buprenorphine (BUP, 0.02 mg kg−1) administered intramuscularly, low-dose tapentadol (LowTAP, 25 mg orally; mean 5.7 mg kg−1) and high-dose tapentadol (HighTAP, 50 mg orally; mean 11.4 mg kg−1) in a blinded crossover design with 7 day intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using anova with appropriate post hoc test (p ≤ 0.05). ResultsSalivation was observed immediately following 11 out of 12 treatments with tapentadol. The ST was significantly increased at various time points in the opioid treatments. Hyperthermia (≥ 39.5 °C) was not observed. Baseline TT was 45.4 ± 1.4 °C for all treatments. Maximum TT values were 48.8 ± 4.8 °C at 1 hour in LowTAP, 48.5 ± 3.0 °C at 2 hours in HighTAP and 50.2 ± 5.3 °C at 1 hour in BUP. TT significantly increased after LowTAP at 1 hour, after HighTAP at 1–2 hours, and after BUP at 1–2 hours compared with baseline values. TTs were significantly increased in BUP at 1–2 hours compared with PBO. Conclusion and clinical relevanceOral administration of tapentadol increased ST and TT in cats. The durations of thermal antinociception were similar between HighTAP and BUP, both of which were twice as long as that in LowTAP. Studies of different formulations may be necessary before tapentadol can be accepted into feline practice.

Evaluation of nutritional characteristics of commercial canned cat diets

To evaluate commercial complete canned cat foods according to their composition, labeling and nutritional characteristics. A total of 21 commercial complete canned compound feeds for adult cats were analyzed for crude nutrients, minerals, vitamins, selected amino acids and taurine. The analyzed parameters were compared to the internal set of standards of the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). The energy content was calculated and compared with the labeled recommendations regarding the amounts of diet that should be fed. Analyzed nutrients were compared with the labeled nutrients according to the regulations of the EU food and feed law (directive EU regulation 767/2009). In many cases, the labeled feeding protocols did not match the calculated daily energy requirements. In eight complete foods, the recommended daily feed amounts were underestimated and four recommendations exceeded energy requirements of adult cats. In 12 complete foods, the calcium and phosphorus contents were threefold higher than the respective requirement. In 16 of 21 complete foods, substantial discrepancies were observed between the recommendations and the analyzed trace elements. In particular, selenium contents exceeded the selenium requirement more than threefold. The vitamin, arginine and taurine contents showed no significant discrepancies to the recommendations. With respect to the labeled nutrients, there were only minor deviations from the regulations of the European law. In general, healthy adult cats are adequately supplied with energy and nutrients when feeding commercial canned complete diets for cats. In cases of body weight loss or gain, the labelled feed amounts should be questioned. The high phosphorus contents are an issue of concern, because a high phosphorus intake can potentially increase the risk for urinary stones and particularly for older cats the risk for renal insufficiency. Furthermore, it is recommended to decrease the high selenium levels by the reduction of selenium-rich feed materials such as offal.

Evaluation of an in vitro fibre fermentation method using feline faecal inocula: inter-individual variation.

The present study aimed to evaluate the inter-individual variability in fermentation of standard fibrous substrates by faecal inocula from ten healthy adult female cats. Substrates were citrus pectin (CP), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), guar gum (GG), sugar beet pulp (SBP) and wheat middlings (WM). Each substrate was incubated with faecal inoculum from each cat. Gas production was measured continuously during the 48 h incubation and SCFA and organic matter disappearance (only SBP and WM) after incubation. Out of ten cats, nine produced faeces on the days of inoculum preparation. The substrates contrasted in terms of fermentation parameters measured. The inter-individual variability was in general lower for the more simple and pure substrates (CP, FOS, GG) than for the more complex substrates containing mixtures of fibres (SBP, WM). Furthermore, for total SCFA and gas produced, inter-individual variability was lower than for proportions of butyrate and of branched-chain fatty acids and for the parameters of gas production kinetics. It is concluded that the variability in in vitro fermentation parameters is associated with the complexity of fibrous substrates. The presented data are instrumental for the calculation of number of faecal donors required for precise in vitro characterisation of the fermentability of dietary fibres. In addition, the number of faecal donors should be adjusted to the specific fermentation parameter(s) of interest.

Cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine, with or without MK-467, following intravenous administration in cats

ObjectiveTo characterize the cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine, with or without MK-467, following intravenous (IV) administration in cats. Study designProspective Latin square experimental study. AnimalsSix healthy adult purpose-bred cats. MethodsCats were anesthetized with desflurane in oxygen for instrumentation with a carotid artery catheter and a thermodilution catheter in the pulmonary artery. One hour after discontinuation of desflurane, cats were administered dexmedetomidine (25 μg kg–1), MK-467 (600 μg kg–1), or dexmedetomidine (25 μg kg–1) and MK-467 (600 μg kg–1). All treatments were administered IV as a bolus. Cardiovascular variables were measured prior to drug administration and for 8 hours thereafter. Only data from the dexmedetomidine and dexmedetomidine–MK-467 treatments were analyzed. ResultsDexmedetomidine produced significant decreases in heart rate, cardiac index and right ventricular stroke work index, and significant increases in arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure and systemic vascular resistance index. Dexmedetomidine combined with MK-467 resulted in significant but transient decrease in blood pressure and right ventricular stroke work index. Conclusion and clinical relevanceFollowing IV co-administration, MK-467 effectively attenuated dexmedetomidine-induced cardiovascular effects in cats. The drug combination resulted in transient reduction in arterial blood pressure, without causing hypotension.

Plasma bupivacaine concentrations following orbital injections in cats

ObjectiveTo determine plasma bupivacaine concentrations after retrobulbar or peribulbar injection of bupivacaine in cats. Study designRandomized, crossover, experimental trial with a 2 week washout period. AnimalsSix adult healthy cats, aged 1–2 years, weighing 4.6 ± 0.7 kg. MethodsCats were sedated by intramuscular injection of dexmedetomidine (36–56 μg kg−1) and were administered a retrobulbar injection of bupivacaine (0.75 mL, 0.5%; 3.75 mg) and iopamidol (0.25 mL), or a peribulbar injection of bupivacaine (1.5 mL, 0.5%; 7.5 mg), iopamidol (0.5 mL) and 0.9% saline (1 mL) via a dorsomedial approach. Blood (2 mL) was collected before and at 5, 10, 15, 22, 30, 45, 60, 120, 240 and 480 minutes after bupivacaine injection. Atipamezole was administered approximately 30 minutes after bupivacaine injection. Plasma bupivacaine and 3-hydroxybupivacaine concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Bupivacaine maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and time to Cmax (Tmax) were determined from the data. ResultsThe bupivacaine median (range) Cmax and Tmax were 1.4 (0.9–2.5) μg mL−1 and 17 (4–60) minutes, and 1.7 (1.0–2.4) μg mL−1, and 28 (8–49) minutes, for retrobulbar and peribulbar injections, respectively. In both treatments the 3-hydroxybupivacaine peak concentration was 0.05–0.21 μg mL−1. Conclusions and clinical relevanceIn healthy cats, at doses up to 2 mg kg−1, bupivacaine peak plasma concentrations were approximately half that reported to cause arrhythmias or convulsive electroencephalogram (EEG) activity in cats, and about one-sixth of that required to produce hypotension.