Normal Cats Research Articles

Effects of topical instillation of 0.1% diclofenac sodium, 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine, and 0.03% flurbiprofen sodium on corneal sensitivity in ophthalmologically normal cats.

To investigate the effects of short-term and prolonged topical instillation of 0.1% diclofenac sodium, 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine, and 0.03% flurbiprofen sodium on corneal sensitivity (CS) in ophthalmologically normal cats. 12 healthy adult domestic shorthair cats. In the first of 2 study phases, each cat received 0.1% diclofenac sodium, 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine, 0.03% flurbiprofen sodium, and saline (0.9% NaCl; control) solutions (1 drop [0.05 mL]/eye, q 5 min for 5 treatments) in a randomized order with a 2-day washout period between treatments. For each cat, an esthesiometer was used to measure CS before treatment initiation (baseline) and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after the last dose. There was a 2-day washout period between phases. The second phase was similar to the first, except each treatment was administered at a dosage of 1 drop/eye, twice daily for 5 days and CS was measured before treatment initiation and at 15 minutes and 24 and 48 hours after the last dose. The Friedman test was used to evaluate change in CS over time. None of the 4 treatments had a significant effect on CS over time in either study phase. Results indicated that neither short-term nor prolonged topical instillation of 3 NSAID ophthalmic solutions had any effect on the CS of healthy cats. Given potential differences in cyclooxygenase expression between healthy and diseased eyes, further investigation of the effects of topical NSAID instillation in the eyes of cats with ocular surface inflammation is warranted.

Stabilization of Talocalcaneal Luxation with a Dorsal 1.0 mm Compression Plate in Four Cats

AbstractThe objective of this case series was to report the surgical technique, complications, and long-term outcome of feline talocalcaneal luxation stabilized with a dorsally applied two-hole, 1.0 mm compression plate. It is a retrospective study of four cats that underwent surgical stabilization of talocalcaneal luxation with a dorsally applied two-hole, 1.0 mm compression plate between 2013 and 2019. Medical history and diagnostic imaging (radiographs ± computed tomography scans) were reviewed. The owners of three of the four cats were contacted with a follow-up questionnaire based on the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index to assess long-term outcome. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. All three owner questionnaires were returned and Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index scores of 0, 1, and 4 were recorded out of a maximum score of 83 (normal cat range is −18 to 4; cats with degenerative joint disease range from 11 to 66). Quality of life was rated by the owners as excellent (⅔) or good (⅓). All cats returned to full activity. Stabilization of feline talocalcaneal luxation with a dorsally applied two-hole, 1.0 mm compression plate was technically straightforward, easily accessible, and a relatively low-cost treatment option which carries a low risk of complications and an excellent prognosis.

Evaluation of platelet function in cats with and without kidney disease: a pilot study.

The aims of this study were to determine if stable chronic kidney disease (CKD) cats and uremic crisis cats have altered platelet function, and to determine the prevalence of positive fecal occult blood in CKD cats. Platelet function in normal cats, clinically stable International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 2-4 CKD cats and CKD cats experiencing a uremic crisis were evaluated using impedance aggregometry. Area under the curve (AUC) at 6 mins was calculated for saline, adenosine diphosphate (AUCADP) and arachidonic acid (AUCASPI). The AUC in addition to hematocrit, platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) were compared between groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post-hoc analysis. Guaiac fecal occult blood tests were performed on fecal samples and results were compared between groups using a χ2 for trend test. AUCADP (P = 0.04) and AUCASPI (P = 0.05) were significantly higher in uremic crisis cats compared with normal cats at 6 mins. Hematocrit was significantly higher in normal cats when compared with IRIS stage 3 and 4 (P = 0.002) and uremic crisis (P = 0.0008) cats, with no difference among groups for platelet count or MPV. The proportion of cats with positive fecal occult blood samples was significantly different between groups (P = 0.0017); 50% uremic crisis cats, 33% IRIS stage 3 and 4 cats, and 10% IRIS stage 2 cats were positive, while no normal cats were positive. The proportion of cats with platelet clumping was significantly different between groups (P = 0.03). Platelet hyper-reactivity may be occurring in CKD cats experiencing a uremic crisis. The etiology of positive fecal occult blood samples in CKD cats is unclear and did not appear to be related to decreased platelet function as measured in this study and requires further investigation.

Anatomical, Histological and Doppler Findings of the Uteroovarian Flow Pattern in Non-Pregnant and Pregnant Adult Egyptian Domes-tic Cats (Felis domestica)

The present study was carried out on pregnant and non-pregnant sexually adult Egyptian domestic queens to investigate the morphology of ovaries, uterus and Doppler findings to their arterial blood flow. The experimental group composed of eighteen (n= 18) female cats (3–6 years old) and four tomcats used for the mating method (6–9 years old). Four animals from total number were used for dissection, histological preparation and latex injection. The ovary and uterus were supplied by ovarian artery and uterine one, these arteries varied between pregnant and non-pregnant cats and Doppler concerns these findings. Doppler velocities increased reach a highest value of mating day and then decreased in both uterine artery and also a branch of the ovarian artery reached to the entire uterus, in addition to the flow rate and volume increased markedly on the mating day. Both Doppler velocities and Doppler indices are measured in pregnant cats till day 30 of pregnancy in normal pregnant cats (Day 0 = day of mating), as the two Doppler velocities increased linearly till reached a maximum values of day 30, while two Doppler indices decreased linearly from day 0 till day 30, in addition to blood flow rate and volume increased similar to blood velocities. In conclusion: complete examination with anatomical, histological and Doppler findings in uteroovarian vascularization waveform is essential to differentiate between non-pregnant and pregnant adult domestic cats in order to facilitate early diagnosis of any abnormalities in the feline genital tract and to predict the vascularity status.

Serum thyroxine and thyrotropin concentrations decrease with severity of nonthyroidal illness in cats and predict 30-day survival outcome.

BackgroundIn cats, nonthyroidal illness affects serum thyroid hormone concentrations. Serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations commonly decrease, whereas free T4 (fT4) concentrations vary unpredictably. Limited information exists regarding effects on serum thyrotropin (thyroid‐stimulating hormone [TSH]) concentrations in cats with nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS).ObjectivesTo characterize alterations in thyroid function that develop in cats with NTIS and to correlate these alterations with severity and outcome of the nonthyroidal illness.AnimalsTwo hundred and twenty‐two cats with NTIS and 380 clinically normal cats of similar age and sex.MethodsProspective, cross‐sectional study. All cats had serum T4, T3, free T4, and TSH concentrations measured. Cats were grouped based on illness severity and 30‐day survival.ResultsCats with NTIS had lower serum T4 and T3 concentrations than did normal cats (P < .001). Serum fT4 and TSH concentrations did not differ between groups. Serum T4, T3, and fT4 concentrations progressively decreased with increasing disease severity (P < .001). The 56 cats that died had lower T4, T3, and TSH concentrations than did the 166 survivors, with no difference in fT4 concentration. Multivariable logistic regression modeling indicated that serum T4 and TSH concentrations both predicted survival (P < .02).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCats with NTIS commonly develop low serum T4, T3, and TSH concentrations, the prevalence and extent of which increases with disease severity. Clinicians should consider evaluating thyroid function in cats with severe NTIS, because doing so could help determine probability of successful treatment responses before investing considerable time, effort, and finances in addressing the underlying disease.

Assessment of left atrial function in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by using two- dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography

BackgroundLeft atrial (LA) function plays an important role in diastolic dysfunction in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is a technique for assessing LA function. This study aimed to evaluate the LA function in HCM cats compared to normal cats, using 2D-STE.ResultsSeventeen client-owned cats affected with HCM and twenty healthy control cats were studied. Conventional echocardiographic and 2D-STE variables were measured and compared between groups (control and HCM groups). Variability of the peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) displayed good reproducibility with 4.7% intra-observer and 14% inter-observer repeatability. The mean value of PALS in the HCM group (13.16 ± 8.64) was lower than that in the control group (28.54 ± 10.31) (P < 0.001). PALS was lowest in the LA roof region. The atrial longitudinal strains of septal and lateral regions were significantly lower in the HCM group than in the normal group. The PALS correlated with the percentage of the LA fractional shortening (LA-FS) (r = 0.538, P = 0.001), the percentage of the LA ejection fraction (LA-EF) (r = 0.797, P < 0.001), and the LA fractional area change (FAC) (r = 0.746, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPALS is a feasible and reproducible method to evaluate the LA function in cats affected with HCM.

Effects of systemic administrations of medetomidine and xylazine on ex vivo platelet aggregation in clinically normal cats

Effects of systemic administrations of medetomidine and xylazine on ex vivo platelet aggregation in clinically normal cats

Assessment of the cutaneous trunci reflex in neurologically healthy cats.

The aim of this study was to perform the cutaneous trunci reflex (CTR) in neurologically normal cats using two different instruments and determine how body condition score (BCS), body circumference, age, sex and instrument type may affect this reflex. Sixty-five cats without evidence of neurologic disease were prospectively enrolled. Cats were randomly assigned to have the reflex tested first using a pair of hemostatic forceps or the integrated Babinski tip of an MDF Babinski Buck Reflex Hammer. After 30 mins, the reflex was retested using the other instrument. Data collected included the reflex presence, reflex caudal border, reflex intensity (weak, moderate, strong) and reflex symmetry (unilateral or bilateral). The influence of BCS, body circumference, age and sex on these variables was statistically evaluated along with effect of the instrument used. The CTR was elicited bilaterally in 52 (80%) cats and unilaterally in 64 (98%) cats. In two cats, the CTR was only able to be elicited using the Buck Reflex Hammer, while in four cats, the CTR was only able to be elicited using hemostatic forceps. Body circumference, BCS, age and sex had no effect on the presence, caudal border, intensity or symmetry of the CTR, regardless of the instrument used. No difference in the bilateral presence of the CTR was noted based on the instrument used first (P = 0.53). When assessing the influence of the instrument on reflex presence, caudal border, intensity and symmetry, the hemostatic forceps elicited the reflex further caudally (P = 0.02) and usually bilaterally (P = 0.02). The CTR could be elicited in the majority of cats with both instruments. However, hemostatic forceps elicited a reflex more caudally and bilaterally symmetrical than the Buck Reflex Hammer.

Assay validation and determination of in vitro binding of mefloquine to plasma proteins from clinically normal and FIP-affected cats.

The antimalarial agent mefloquine is currently being investigated for its potential to inhibit feline coronavirus and feline calicivirus infections. A simple, high pressure liquid chromatography assay was developed to detect mefloquine plasma concentrations in feline plasma. The assay's lower limit of quantification was 250 ng/mL. The mean ± standard deviation intra- and inter-day precision expressed as coefficients of variation were 6.83 ± 1.75 and 5.33 ± 1.37%, respectively, whereas intra- and inter-day accuracy expressed as a percentage of the bias were 11.40 ± 3.73 and 10.59 ± 3.88%, respectively. Accordingly, this validated assay should prove valuable for future in vivo clinical trials of mefloquine as an antiviral agent against feline coronavirus and feline calicivirus. However, the proportion of mefloquine binding to feline plasma proteins has not been reported. The proportion of drug bound to plasma protein binding is an important concept when developing drug dosing regimens. As cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) demonstrate altered concentrations of plasma proteins, the proportion of mefloquine binding to plasma proteins in both clinically normal cats and FIP-affected cats was also investigated. An in vitro method using rapid equilibrium dialysis demonstrated that mefloquine was highly plasma protein bound in both populations (on average > 99%).

Vitamin D status in cats with cardiomyopathy.

BackgroundLow vitamin D concentrations have been associated with advanced heart disease and poorer outcomes in people and dogs. Vitamin D status typically is assessed by serum 25(OH)D concentration. However, cats also produce notable amounts of a C‐3 epimer of 25(OH)D (3‐epi).Hypothesis/ObjectivesDetermine if vitamin D status, estimated by 25(OH)D3 alone or combined with 3‐epi (summation vitD), is lower in cats with cardiomyopathy (CM) compared to clinically normal (N) cats and if indicators of disease severity are associated with vitamin D status.AnimalsPrivately owned cats, 44 with CM and 56 N.MethodsCross‐sectional observational study using clinical and echocardiographic findings, diet history, and serum 25(OH)D3 and 3‐epi measurements.ResultsCat age was negatively related to vitamin D status. Summation vitD was lower in CM cats (median = 47.1 ng/mL) compared to N cats (median = 58.65 ng/mL) both before (P = .03) and after (P = .04) accounting for age. However, 25(OH)D3 became nonsignificant between CM and N cats after age was included. Summation vitD was related positively to survival time and fractional shortening (FS), but negatively to left atrial enlargement (LAE) severity, both before and after accounting for age. For 25(OH)D3 alone, only survival time and FS remained significant after including age.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWe report 25(OH)D3 and 3‐epi concentrations in CM and N cats. Age had an important (negative) relationship to vitamin D status. After accounting for age, summation vitD was lower in CM cats. Vitamin D status was related positively to survival time and FS, but negatively to LAE severity.

Pharmacokinetic Profile of Oral Administration of Mefloquine to Clinically Normal Cats: A Preliminary In-Vivo Study of a Potential Treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

Simple SummaryIn searching for antiviral agents against feline coronaviruses and feline caliciviruses, mefloquine, a human anti-malarial drug, has been demonstrated to reduce viral load of feline coronaviruses and feline calicivirus in infected cells. In this study, mefloquine was administered orally to seven clinically healthy cats twice weekly for four doses and mefloquine concentrations in blood were measured to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile—the movement of drug in the body. The maximum blood concentration of mefloquine was 2.71 ug/mL and was reached 15 h after a single oral dose was administered. Mefloquine side effects included vomiting following administration without food in some cats, and mild increases in symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), an early kidney biomarker. This study provides valuable information on mefloquine’s profile in cats as an introductory step towards investigating it as a potential treatment for feline coronavirus and feline calicivirus infection in cats. The pharmacokinetic profile of mefloquine was investigated as a preliminary study towards a potential treatment for feline coronavirus infections (such as feline infectious peritonitis) or feline calicivirus infections. Mefloquine was administered at 62.5 mg orally to seven clinically healthy cats twice weekly for four doses and mefloquine plasma concentrations over 336 h were measured using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The peak plasma concentration (Cmax) after a single oral dose of mefloquine was 2.71 ug/mL and time to reach Cmax (Tmax) was 15 h. The elimination half-life was 224 h. The plasma concentration reached a higher level at 4.06 ug/mL when mefloquine was administered with food. Adverse effects of dosing included vomiting following administration without food in some cats. Mild increases in serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), but not creatinine, concentrations were observed. Mefloquine may provide a safe effective treatment for feline coronavirus and feline calicivirus infections in cats.

Good Inter- and Intra-Observer Reliability for Assessment of Radiographic Femoral and Tibial Frontal and Sagittal Planes Joints Angles in Normal Cats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-observer reliability of plain digital radiographs for assessing normal feline femoral and tibial joint reference angles in the sagittal and frontal planes. This was a cadaveric radiographic anatomical study. that involved 20 short-haired domestic adult cats. Sagittal and frontal plane tibial and femoral joint angles of 40 limbs were measured twice by three observers with different levels of experience. Inter- and intraobserver reliability was determined by the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). An ICC > 0.75 was considered high correlation, 0.74 > ICC > 0.60 good correlation, 0.59 > ICC > 0.4 fair correlation and an ICC < 0.40 poor correlation. Mean ± standard deviation angles were anatomic lateral proximal femoral angle (aLPFA) 110.6 ± 3.6; anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) 91.9 ± 2.1; mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle; mLPFA (mLPFA) 107.3 ± 3.6; mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) 95.5 ± 1.7; femoral neck anteversion (FNA) 121.9 ± 4.1; anatomical caudal proximal femoral angle (aCPFA) 156.1 ± 3.9; anatomical caudal distal femoral angle (aCDFA) 101.4 ± 1.4; mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA) 93.5 ± 1.2; mechanical medial distal tibial angle (mMDTA) 100.5 ± 2.3; mechanical cranial proximal tibial angle (mCrPTA) 113.1 ± 3.2; tibial plateau angle (TPA) 23.1 ± 3.2; mechanical cranial proximal tibial angle (mCrDTA) 86.7 ± 3.1.The intra-observer ICC indicated high correlation for 70% or more of the measurements. The inter-observer agreement among observers was high. These results show that the radiographic method for measuring femoral and tibial joint angles was good or high, except for FNA and mCrDTA. This study provides some radiographic anatomical and mechanical joint angles of the femurs and tibias of normal domestic short-haired cats. We found good reliability for both intra- and interobserver measurements.

Hepatocyte Ploidy in Cats with and without Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer related death in humans, yet it is an uncommon neoplasm in the domestic cat. The difference in prevalence and etiology between these two species is unexplained. Recent work in mice has shown that hepatocyte polyploidy (&gt; 2n) is protective against the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Further, human hepatocarcinogenesis is associated with a reduction in hepatocyte ploidy. Hepatocyte ploidy in the domestic cat has not been previously evaluated. Our research objective is to establish a baseline for hepatocellular chromosome number in normal cats and cats with HCC. We hypothesize that hepatocyte ploidy is significantly different in cats with or without HCC. Samples were selected from archival cases at both Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University (Tufts SVM) and Louisiana State University, Louisiana Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory (LSU LADDL). Seven confirmed feline HCC cases and seven age and sex matched normal control cases were selected following review by a veterinary anatomical pathologists (IL). Using Hoechst H33342, a nuclear stain that stoichiometrically binds to the minor groove of DNA, fluorescence intensity was measured to determine hepatocellular ploidy. Neoplastic, peri‐tumoral, and normal hepatocytes were analyzed. There was statistical differences between the distribution of intensities between normal to peri‐tumoral, normal to neoplastic, and neoplastic to peri‐tumoral hepatocytes (p&lt;0.0001). In addition, there is a significant difference between the number of 2N vs. 4N cells in normal and peri‐tumoral (p&lt;0.0001) and neoplastic (p&lt;0.0001) cells, and peri‐tumoral to neoplastic (p=0.002). There is no statistical difference in the number of multinucleated cells between groups. Normal feline liver has a greater number of 4N cells than neoplastic samples. This difference may contribute to development or be a cellular response to HCC development.Support or Funding InformationLouisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine Summer Scholars Program; Kenneth F. Burns Trust

Mensuration of the rabbit pituitary gland from computed tomography.

The aim of this retrospective reference interval observational study was to determine the mensuration of the pituitary gland (hypophysis cerebri) by analyzing CT studies in rabbits without clinical evidence of pituitary disease or central neurologic signs. Though diseases of the rabbit pituitary gland are uncommon, the pituitary gland is essential in regulation of the rabbit's endocrine system, as in other species. Currently, there are minimal published studies that detail the rabbit head anatomy on cross-sectional imaging, and even less specifically examining the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland was measured by one observer at a single time point from transverse and reconstructed sagittal CT images in a soft-tissue algorithm in 62 rabbits for a total of 66 rabbit head CT studies. The rabbits ranged from 0.84 to 14 years in age (mean±SD: 5.46±3.05 years) and 0.92 to 4.95kg in weight (2.21±0.83kg). Linear pituitary measurements were performed using electronic calipers. The mean ± SD pituitary height was 4.22 ± 0.57mm, width was 4.48 ± 0.71mm, and length was 6.02 ± 0.70mm. The pituitary gland height-to-brain area ratio was 1.10 ± 0.16mm-1 , which is much higher than the values reported in normal dogs and cats. The age, weight, and sex of the rabbits were not found to have a significant impact on pituitary gland mensuration. These measurements could be useful as a reference range for future rabbit head CT studies and to rule out pituitary enlargement or disease when evaluating rabbit pituitary glands.

Renal expression and urinary excretion of liver-type fatty acid-binding protein in cats with renal disease.

BackgroundLiver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP) is a biomarker for early detection of renal disease in humans. Liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein is cytotoxic oxidation products secreted from proximal tubules under ischemia and oxidative stress.ObjectiveTo examine renal expression and quantify urinary excretion of L‐FABP in catswith renal disease.AnimalsOne hundred and thirty‐four client‐owned cats including 34 cats with serum creatinine (sCre) values >1.6 mg/dL and 10 other cats that died in clinics.MethodsTissue expressions of L‐FABP were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Urinary L‐FABP (uL‐FABP) and serum L‐FABP (sL‐FABP) levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Anti‐liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein antibody immunostained renal sections.ResultsFeline kidneys express L‐FABP. Strong L‐FABP signals were observed in the lumens of proximal tubular cells in 5 cats with high uL‐FABP excretion, but not in 5 cats with low uL‐FABP excretion. In 9 normal cats, uL‐FABP index was <1.2 μg/g urinary creatinine (uCre). High uL‐FABP indexes (>10.0 μg/g uCre) were detected in 7 of 100 cats with low sCre (<1.6 mg/dL) and 18 of 44 cats with high sCre (>1.6 mg/dL). There was a weak correlation between L‐FABP index and sCre, serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and these correlation coefficients were increased by analyzing only data of cats with sCre >1.6 mg/dL. There was a weak correlation between u L‐FABP index and sL‐FABP in all tested cats, but not in cats with high sCre.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study demonstrates correlations between L‐FABP and current renal biomarkers for chronic kidney disease in cats, such as sCre and SDMA. Liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein may be a potential biomarker to predict early pathophysiological events in feline kidneys.

Leptospiral shedding and seropositivity in shelter dogs in the Cumberland Gap Region of Southeastern Appalachia.

BackgroundLeptospirosis, caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., is a zoonotic infection that affects humans, dogs and many other mammalian species. Virtually any mammalian species can act as asymptomatic reservoir, characterized by chronic renal carriage and shedding of a host-adapted leptospiral serovar. Environmental contamination by chronic shedders results in acquisition of infection by humans and susceptible animals.MethodsIn this study, we investigated if clinically normal shelter dogs and cats harbor leptospires in their kidneys by screening urine samples for the presence of leptospiral DNA by a TaqMan based-quantitative PCR (qPCR) that targets pathogen-associated lipl32 gene. To identify the infecting leptospiral species, a fragment of leptospiral rpoB gene was PCR amplified and sequenced. Additionally, we measured Leptospira-specific serum antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), a gold standard in leptospiral serology.ResultsA total of 269 shelter animals (219 dogs and 50 cats) from seven shelters located in the tri-state area of western Virginia, eastern Tennessee, and southeastern Kentucky were included in this study. All cats tested negative by both qPCR and MAT. Of the 219 dogs tested in the study, 26/198 (13.1%, 95% CI: 8.4–17.8%) were positive for leptospiral DNA in urine by qPCR and 38/211 (18.0%, 95% CI: 12.8–23.2%) were seropositive by MAT. Twelve dogs were positive for both qPCR and MAT. Fourteen dogs were positive by qPCR but not by MAT. Additionally, leptospiral rpoB gene sequencing from a sub-set of qPCR-positive urine samples (n = 21) revealed L. interrogans to be the leptospiral species shed by dogs.ConclusionsThese findings have significant implications regarding animal and public health in the Cumberland Gap Region and possibly outside where these animals may be adopted.

Prevalence and risk factors of feline lower urinary tract disease in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common problem in cats. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence, clinical signs, and causes of FLUTD and the risk factors for FLUTD. The medical records of 3486 cats visiting Chiang Mai University Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) between November 2016 and October 2017 were reviewed. An age-matched case-control study was performed to determine the risk factors for FLUTD by comparing 78 cats with FLUTD and 78 clinically normal age-matched cats. For each animal, potential risk data were obtained from medical records and cat owner interviews; these were analysed for associations with FLUTD. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratios and to adjust for expected confounding factors. The prevalence of FLUTD in cats visiting the Chiang Mai University Veterinary Teaching Hospital was 2.2%. The most common clinical signs identified were urethral obstruction (55.1%) and haematuria (23.1%). The most common diagnoses were feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) (57.7%) and urolithiasis (struvite) (18%). The multivariable logistic regression analysis results indicated that FLUTD was most likely to be diagnosed in castrated male cats. FIC and urolithiasis were the most common diagnoses in cats with FLUTD, and male sex and castration increased the risk of FLUTD.

Topology and expressed repertoire of the Felis catus T cell receptor loci

BackgroundThe domestic cat (Felis catus) is an important companion animal and is used as a large animal model for human disease. However, the comprehensive study of adaptive immunity in this species is hampered by the lack of data on lymphocyte antigen receptor genes and usage. The objectives of this study were to annotate the feline T cell receptor (TR) loci and to characterize the expressed repertoire in lymphoid organs of normal cats using high-throughput sequencing.ResultsThe Felis catus TRG locus contains 30 genes: 12 TRGV, 12 TRGJ and 6 TRGC, the TRB locus contains 48 genes: 33 TRBV, 2 TRBD, 11 TRBJ, 2 TRBC, the TRD locus contains 19 genes: 11 TRDV, 2 TRDD, 5 TRDJ, 1 TRDC, and the TRA locus contains 127 genes: 62 TRAV, 64 TRAJ, 1 TRAC. Functional feline V genes form monophyletic clades with their orthologs, and clustering of multimember subgroups frequently occurs in V genes located at the 5′ end of TR loci. Recombination signal (RS) sequences of the heptamer and nonamer of functional V and J genes are highly conserved. Analysis of the TRG expressed repertoire showed preferential intra-cassette over inter-cassette rearrangements and dominant usage of the TRGV2–1 and TRGJ1–2 genes. The usage of TRBV genes showed minor bias but TRBJ genes of the second J-C-cluster were more commonly rearranged than TRBJ genes of the first cluster. The TRA/TRD V genes almost exclusively rearranged to J genes within their locus. The TRAV/TRAJ gene usage was relatively balanced while the TRD repertoire was dominated by TRDJ3.ConclusionsThis is the first description of all TR loci in the cat. The genomic organization of feline TR loci was similar to that of previously described jawed vertebrates (gnathostomata) and is compatible with the birth-and-death model of evolution. The large-scale characterization of feline TR genes provides comprehensive baseline data on immune repertoires in healthy cats and will facilitate the development of improved reagents for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative diseases in cats. In addition, these data might benefit studies using cats as a large animal model for human disease.

Feline pancreatic ducts are consistently identified on CT and more likely to be dilated in the body of pancreas in cats with elevated feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity.

Feline pancreatitis is a challenge to diagnose and no previously published study has described the CT characteristics of the pancreatic duct (PD) in cats. The current prospective analytical study was performed to identify and describe the CT characteristics of the PD in normal cats and to compare that to those cats with an elevated feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI). Contrast-enhanced CT was performed in 16 normal cats and 13 cats with an elevated fPLI. Two ACVR-certified radiologists blinded to the fPLI status assessed whether or not the PD could be identified, contrast phase during which the PD was most conspicuous, and PD shape in the body, right and left lobes. A second-year radiology resident blinded to the fPLI status measured maximum PD diameter and PD:parenchyma. The PD was identified in 84 of 87 pancreatic segments, which was most conspicuous in the portal phase in 28 of 29 cats. The PD shape was tubular (48/84), tapered (34/84), or beaded (2/84) with no significant difference (P=1.0 to .1615) between groups. Mean maximal PD diameters of normal cats were 1.5-1.7mm, which was significantly larger in the body of the pancreas in cats with an elevated fPLI (2.4mm, P=.0313). Mean PD:parenchyma was not significantly different between groups (P=.2001 to .949). In conclusion, the feline PD can be consistently identified on CT, for which the portal phase is preferred. Cats with an elevated fPLI are more likely to exhibit dilation of the PD in the body of the pancreas on CT.

Pharmacokinetics and distribution of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin following a single intrathecal dose to cats.

2‐Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) is an experimental therapy for Niemann‐Pick disease type C (NPC) that reduced neuronal cholesterol and ganglioside storage, reduced Purkinje cell death, and increased lifespan in npc1−/− mice and NPC1 cats. In this study, tissue distribution was investigated in normal cats that received a single 120‐mg dose of [14C]‐HP‐β‐CD (approximately 200 μCi/cat) via the cerebellomedullary cistern (CBMC) and lumbar cistern. One cat was euthanized at each of various time points up to 24 hours postdose for subsequent processing and quantitative whole‐body autoradiographic analysis. HP‐β‐CD‐derived radioactivity absorbed from the CBMC was widely distributed to cat tissues; most tissues were observed to have reached their highest concentration at 1 hour postdose. HP‐β‐CD‐derived radioactivity penetrated into the deeper parts of the central nervous system with the highest concentration at 4 hours (403 μg Eq/g or 0.28 mM) and remained high (49.7 μg Eq/g or 0.03 mM) at 24 hours. The relatively long half‐life (11‐30 hours) in cerebral ventricles and the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain and spinal cord might contribute to the efficacy of HP‐β‐CD in NPC1 cats. Other tissues with high concentrations of radioactivity were nasal turbinates, pituitary gland, and urinary bladder, while relatively low concentrations were observed in blood and bile.