Respiratory Disease In Cats Research Articles

Does Every Strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Attack the Same? Results of a Study of the Prevalence of Virulence Factors of Strains Obtained from Different Animal Species in Northeastern Poland

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen that causes infections in animals and humans, with veterinary implications including ear infections in dogs, respiratory diseases in cats, and mastitis in ruminants. In humans, it causes severe hospital-acquired infections, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. This study aimed to identify and assess the prevalence of specific virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Methods: We analyzed 98 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from various animal samples (dogs, cats, ruminants, fowl) from northeastern Poland in 2019–2022 for virulence-related genes (toxA, exoU, exoT, exoS, lasB, plcN, plcH, pldA, aprA, gacA, algD, pelA, endA, and oprF) by PCR and assessed biofilm formation at 48 and 72 h. Genomic diversity was assessed by ERIC-PCR. Results: The obtained results showed that all strains harbored the pelA gene (100%), while the lowest prevalence was found for pldA (24%) and exoU (36%). Regardless of the animal species, strong biofilm forming ability was prevalent among the strains after both 48 h (75%) and 72 h (74%). We obtained as many as 87 different genotyping profiles, where the dominant one was profile ERIC-48, observed in four strains. Conclusions: No correlation was found between presence or absence of determined genes and the nature of infection. Similarly, no correlation was found between biofilm-forming genes and biofilm strength. The high genetic diversity indicates challenges for effective prevention, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and research.

MANEJO DO HERPES-VÍRUS FELINO: MEDICINA DE ABRIGO

Infection by feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is one of the main respiratory diseases in cats, often associated with other pathogens. The virus, which has double-stranded DNA and is sensitive to disinfectants and adverse conditions, proliferates in high-density environments, such as shelters, where stress compromises the immunity of the felines. Transmission mainly occurs through contact with secretions from infected cats, leading to inflammation and cellular necrosis. Clinical symptoms vary depending on the viral load, route of exposure, and the cat's immune status. After an incubation period of 2 to 6 days, symptoms such as depression, sneezing, fever, and loss of appetite appear, followed by nasal and ocular discharge, which may progress to secondary bacterial infection. In severe cases, especially in young or debilitated cats, viral pneumonia may occur. Diagnosis of the feline respiratory complex (FRC) involves clinical and laboratory tests, such as PCR and X-rays, and screening of new cats is fundamental for controlling the infection. Clinical management focuses on stress reduction, hydration, nebulization, and nutritional support. Treatment includes antivirals to reduce viral replication, as well as antibiotics for secondary infections. Vaccination with live attenuated virus, starting at nine weeks of age, is crucial, although it does not provide full protection. Measures such as quarantine, isolation, and disinfection are essential to control the spread of FHV-1. Collaboration between shelters, veterinarians, and animal protection organizations is vital for implementing effective measures and ensuring the welfare of cats, recognizing the importance of early detection and proper management.

Retrospective study of 540 cats with respiratory diseases in Japan (2003-2020).

Few epidemiological studies on respiratory medicine and the relationship between clinical signs and various respiratory diseases in cats have been reported. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence and breed predisposition to feline respiratory diseases in Japan and determine the association between clinical signs, duration and type of respiratory diseases. The medical records of cats with feline respiratory diseases were examined to obtain information on age, sex, breed, final diagnosis, clinical signs and duration. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate breed predispositions. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests were used to assess the duration of clinical signs. This study included 540 cats with 615 respiratory diagnoses. The American Shorthair breed was predisposed to bronchopneumonia (BP; OR: 5.0) and pulmonary tumour (PT; OR: 3.6), while the Russian Blue breed exhibited a predisposition to inflammatory lower airway diseases (OR: 3.4), BP (OR: 6.1) and interstitial lung diseases (OR: 11.1). Similarly, the Scottish Fold breed displayed predisposition to PTs (OR: 5.8). The duration of clinical signs among nasal diseases, nasopharyngeal diseases and lower tracheal/bronchial and pulmonary diseases differed significantly (p = 0.001, p = 0.012, p < 0.0001, respectively). The results suggest that some popular breeds in Japan are predisposed to feline respiratory diseases, especially the American Shorthair, Russian Blue and Scottish Fold breeds. The characteristics of occurrence, clinical signs and duration of each disease will aid in diagnosing, treating, preventing and elucidating the pathophysiology of feline respiratory disease.

Development and validation of multiplex one-step qPCR/RT-qPCR assays for simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 and pathogens associated with feline respiratory disease complex.

Feline respiratory disease complex (FRDC) is caused by a wide range of viral and bacterial pathogens. Both Influenza A virus (IAV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) also induce respiratory diseases in cats. Two one-step multiplex qPCR/RT-qPCR assays were developed and validated: FRA_1 (Feline respiratory assay 1) for the detection of four viral targets and FRA_2 for the detection of three bacteria associated with FRDC. Both multiplex assays demonstrated high specificity, efficiency (93.51%-107.8%), linearity (> 0.998), analytical sensitivity (≤ 15 genome copies/μl), repeatability (coefficient of variation [CV] < 5%), and reproducibility (CV < 6%). Among the 63 clinical specimens collected from FRDC-suspected cats, 92.1% were positive for at least one pathogen and co-infection was detected in 57.1% of samples. Mycoplasma felis (61.9%) was the most found pathogen, followed by feline herpesvirus-1 (30.2%), Chlamydia felis (28.7%) and feline calicivirus (27.0%). SARS-CoV-2 was detected in two specimens. In summary, this new panel of qPCR/RT-qPCR assays constitutes a useful and reliable tool for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 and viral and bacterial pathogens associated with FRDC in cats.

Expert System for Diagnosing Respiratory Diseases in Cats

Cats are the most common pet in Indonesia with a cat ownership rate of 47% (Rakuten Insight, 2021). Cat owners need to know and recognize the signs and symptoms of the diseases that often occur in cats, especially respiratory problems and diseases. Although vaccines in cats can significantly reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases, they do not eliminate infectious disease pathogens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to adjust health consultations that could reduce the transmission of COVID-19, which is the contactless method. In animal health, there is an online consultation through the WhatsApp platform between veterinarians and cat owners. Cat owners manually type every symptom experienced by the cat. However, there are several shortcomings in the online consultation, including that the symptoms described by the cat owner are unclear, so the diagnosis data is lacking and the consultation fee is quite expensive. Based on the problems that have been mentioned, the purpose of this study is to create an expert system for diagnosing respiratory diseases in cats using the Certainty Factor method. The result of this study is the availability of an expert system that can be used to diagnose respiratory diseases in cats.

The CDE region of feline Calicivirus VP1 protein is a potential candidate subunit vaccine

BackgroundFeline calicivirus (FCV) infection causes severe upper respiratory disease in cats, but there are no effective vaccines available for preventing FCV infection. Subunit vaccines have the advantages of safety, low cost and excellent immunogenicity, but no FCV subunit vaccine is currently available. The CDE protein is the dominant neutralizing epitope region of the main antigenic structural protein of FCV, VP1. Therefore, this study evaluated the effectiveness of the CDE region as a truncated FCV VP1 protein in preventing FCV infection to provide a strategy for developing potential FCV subunit vaccines.ResultsThrough the prediction of FCV VP1 epitopes, we found that the E region is the dominant neutralizing epitope region. By analysing the spatial structure of VP1 protein, 13 amino acid sites in the CD and E regions were found to form hydrogen bonding interactions. The results show the presence of these interaction forces supports the E region, helping improve the stability and expression level of the soluble E protein. Therefore, we selected the CDE protein as the immunogen for the immunization of felines. After immunization with the CDE protein, we found significant stimulation of IgG, IgA and neutralizing antibody production in serum and swab samples, and the cytokine TNF-α levels and the numbers of CD4+ T lymphocytes were increased. Moreover, a viral challenge trial indicated that the protection generated by the CDE subunit vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of disease in animals.ConclusionsFor the first time, we studied the efficacy of the CDE protein, which is the dominant neutralizing epitope region of the FCV VP1 protein, in preventing FCV infection. We revealed that the CDE protein can significantly activate humoral, mucosal and cellular immunity, and the resulting protective effect can significantly reduce the incidence of animal disease. The CDE region of the FCV capsid is easy to produce and has high stability and excellent immunogenicity, which makes it a candidate for low-cost vaccines.

Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) enters the cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is an enveloped dsDNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family and is considered one of the two primary viral etiological factors of feline upper respiratory tract disease. In this study, we investigated the entry of FHV-1 into host cells using two models: the AK-D cell line and primary feline skin fibroblasts (FSFs). We employed confocal microscopy, siRNA silencing, and selective inhibitors of various entry pathways. Our observations revealed that the virus enters cells via pH and dynamin-dependent endocytosis, as the infection was significantly inhibited by NH4Cl, bafilomycin A1, dynasore, and mitmab. Additionally, genistein, nystatin, and filipin treatments, siRNA knock-down of caveolin-1, as well as FHV-1 and caveolin-1 colocalization suggest the involvement of caveolin-mediated endocytosis during the entry process. siRNA knock-down of clathrin heavy chain and analysis of virus particle colocalization with clathrin indicated that clathrin-mediated endocytosis also takes part in the primary cells. This is the first study to systematically examine FHV-1 entry into host cells, and for the first time, we describe FHV-1 replication in AK-D and FSFs. IMPORTANCE Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) is one of the most prevalent viruses in cats, causing feline viral rhinotracheitis, which is responsible for over half of viral upper respiratory diseases in cats and can lead to ocular lesions resulting in loss of sight. Although the available vaccine reduces the severity of the disease, it does not prevent infection or limit virus shedding. Despite the clinical relevance, the entry mechanisms of FHV-1 have not been thoroughly studied. Considering the limitations of commonly used models based on immortalized cells, we sought to verify our findings using primary feline skin fibroblasts, the natural target for infection in cats.

Adenocarcinoma acinar pulmonar primário em gato: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Among the diseases that cause dyspnea in felines, primary pulmonary neoplasia is rare and tends to affect senile cats. This study reports the case of a seven teen year old FeLV infected cat who was diagnosed acinar adenocarcinoma of the lung and kidney metastasis. It presented prostration and anorexia and was hospitalized with dyspnea and pleural effusion. Chest radiography indicated increased radiopacity in the cranial portion of the right hemithorax, compatible with presence of intrathoracic mass and the cytologic analysis of pleural effusion suggested feline infectious peritonitis. The animal died two days after, and the definitive diagnosis was concluded after necropsy and histopathological examination. Pulmonary adenocarcinoma should be included with differential diagnosis of respiratory diseases in cats, especially the elderly.

Improvement of the scheme of preventive and treatment measures for associated respiratory infections in cats

The aim of the research was to study the etiological structure of associated infectious rhinotracheitis in cats. It has been established that infectious rhinotracheitis is registered among cats in association with infectious diseases of bacterial aetiology.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The research was conducted based on a private veterinary clinic in the city of Kharkiv in 2021–2023. A total of 48 cats with signs of respiratory tract damage were examined in the clinic. Samples for laboratory diagnosis were obtained by oropharyngeal swab and transnasal lavage. To confirm the laboratory diagnosis of infectious rhinotracheitis in cats, we used the PCR method (using the Rynovir test system), as well as rapid IXA tests (FHV Ag) manufactured by ASAN PHARM (China) or ZRbio (China). To detect specific antibodies, the method of serological (retrospective) ELISA diagnostics was used using the immunoComb Feline VacciCheck device-free ELISA test system manufactured by Biogal, Israel. Bacteriological studies were carried out according to well-known methods using special nutrient media for the selection and identification of associated bacterial microflora. The sensitivity of selected dominant cultures of bacteria to antibiotics was determined by diffusion in agar using discs containing antibiotics.&#x0D; Results. It was investigated that Bordetella bronchiseptica was determined as the dominant pathogen in the bacterial association – 52.0 %. Isolated cultures of Bordetella bronchiseptica were sensitive to cefamycin. The proposed science-based scheme for the treatment of infectious rhinotracheitis in association with feline bordetelliosis ensures high therapeutic efficiency.&#x0D; Conclusions. For the treatment of infectious respiratory diseases in cats, it is necessary to carry out individual complex etiotropic, pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy. Homoeopathic therapy relieves the symptoms of the disease, promotes faster recovery, and is an addition to the main methods of treatment. The main specific measure of disease prevention is timely vaccination (inoculation), the effectiveness of which, according to our research, ranges from 71 % to 100 %.

Safety and immunogenicity of a TK/ gI/gE gene-deleted feline herpesvirus-1 mutant constructed via CRISPR/Cas9 in feline

Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is the aetiological agent of feline viral rhinotracheitis, which accounts for approximately 50 % of all viral upper respiratory diseases in cats. Commercially available modified live vaccines containing FHV-1 are generally safe and effective, but these FHV-1 vaccines retain full virulence genes and can establish latency and reactivate to cause infectious rhinotracheitis in vaccine recipients, raising safety concerns. To address this shortcoming, we constructed a novel TK/gI/gE -gene-deleted recombinant FHV-1 (WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE) through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination. The growth kinetics of WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE were slightly delayed compared to those of the parent strain WH2020. Recombinant FHV-1 had severely impaired pathogenicity in cats. Felines immunized with WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE produced high levels of gB-specific antibodies, neutralizing antibodies and IFN-β. Additionally, WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE provided greater protection against challenge with FHV-1 field strain WH2020 than did the commercial modified live vaccine. After challenge, the cats vaccinated with WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE showed significantly fewer clinical signs, pathological changes, viral shedding, and viral loads in the lung and trigeminal ganglia than those vaccinated with the commercial vaccine or unvaccinated. Our results suggest that WH2020-ΔTK/gI/gE is a promising candidate as a safer and more efficacious live FHV-1 vaccine, with a decreased risk of vaccine-related complications, and could inform the design of other herpesvirus vaccines.

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) Are Copurified with Feline Calicivirus, yet EV-Enriched Fractions Remain Infectious.

ABSTRACTFeline calicivirus (FCV) is a major cause of upper respiratory disease in cats and is often used as a model for human norovirus, making it of great veterinary and human medical importance. However, questions remain regarding the route of entry of FCV in vivo. Increasing work has shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be active in viral infectivity, yet there is no work examining the role of EVs in FCV infection. Here, we begin to address this knowledge gap by characterizing EVs produced by a feline mammary epithelial cell line (FMEC). We have confirmed that EVs are produced by infected and mock-infected FMECs and that both virions and EVs are coisolated with standard methods of virus purification. We also show that they can be enriched differentially by continuous iodixanol density gradient. EVs were enriched at a density of 1.10 g/mL confirmed by tetraspanin expression, size profile, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Maximum enrichment of FCV at a density of 1.18 g/mL was confirmed by titration, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (q-RT PCR), and TEM. However, infectious virus was recovered from nearly all samples. When used to infect in vitro epithelium, both EV-rich and virus-rich fractions had the same levels of infectiousness as determined by percentage of wells infected or titer achieved postinfection. These findings highlight the importance of coisolates during viral purification, showing that EVs may represent a parallel route of entry that has previously been overlooked. Additional experiments are necessary to explore the role of EVs in FCV infection.IMPORTANCE Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common cause of upper respiratory infection in cats. Both healthy and infected cells produce small particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are nanoparticles that act as messengers between cells and can be hijacked during viral infection. Historically, the role of EVs in viral infection has been overlooked, and subsequently no group has studied the role of EVs in FCV infection. We hypothesized that EVs may play a role in FCV infection. Here, we show that EVs are copurified with FCV when collecting virus. To study their individual effects, we successfully enrich for viral particles and EVs separately by taking advantage of their different densities. Our initial studies show that EV-enriched versus virus-enriched fractions are equally able to infect cells in culture. These findings highlight the need to both consider the purity of virus after purification and to further study EVs’ role in natural FCV infection.

Isolation and identification of cryptococcus neoformans from local cats in Baghdad province

This study provides a brief review of approaches fordetection of fungi that cause pulmonary infection in cats. The 40 samples was taken randomlyfromlocal Iraqi cats in Baghdad provinceto detection of fungal infection that cause respiratory disease in cats, especially Cryptococcus neoformans that considered one of the most important pathogens cause respiratory symptoms in cats, the studied and isolated during the period of October 2021 to march 2022. Samples were taken from infected cats in veterinary clinic in Baghdad province; all samples were cultured on Saboroud Dextrose Agar, Bird Seed Agar and Cryptococcus Differential Agar for Cryptococcus spp. isolation and identification. The results showed that 40 swaps taken from the pharynx of infected cats, included: Cryptococcus neoformans 12 (30.0%), Aspergillus fumigatus 2 (5.0%), Penicillium spp. 6 (15.0%), Aspergillus niger 3 (7.5%), Dimatiaceous spp. 1 (2.5%), Fusarium spp. 1 (2.5%), Rhizopus spp. 2 (5.0%), Candida spp. 3 (7.5%), Aspergillus spp. 10 (25.0%)and the presence of infection in female (60%) more than male (40%). These findings indicate that there may be a risk for animal exposure to pulmonary fungal disease due to inhalation of fungal spores, contaminated environment, hormonal disturbance in female, viral infection that cause of immune deficiency.

Retrospective evaluation of carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin levels in dogs and cats with respiratory disease

To evaluate carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and methemoglobin (MetHb) levels in dogs and cats with respiratory disease in the ICU. Retrospective study. University veterinary teaching hospital. The ICU census was searched for dogs (n=466) and cats (n=97) hospitalized within the ICU between January 2016 and January 2019 in whom blood gas with co-oximetry was performed. Dogs and cats were stratified into those with primary respiratory and nonrespiratory categories; the underlying cause of the disease was also noted. Venous blood gas, co-oximeter, PaO2 /FiO2 (PF ratio), physical examination findings, and outcome were recorded. The median COHb and MetHb in dogs hospitalized in the ICU were 2.6% (0.1%-5.6%) and 1.1% (0.1%-2.9%), respectively. The median COHb and MetHb in cats hospitalized in the ICU were 2.2% (0.1%-5.4%) and 1.0% (0%-2.1%), respectively. Dogs with respiratory disease had a higher COHb than dogs without respiratory disease (median, 2.7% [range, 0.3%-5.0%] vs. 2.5% [0.1%-5.6%]; P=0.0148). COHb was positively associated with survival in cats (median, 2.2% [range, 0.1%-5.4%] vs. 1.9% [0.1%-3.9%]; P=0.0433). Both COHb and MetHb were higher in septic dogs than in nonseptic dogs (median COHb, 2.8% [range 0.3%-4.5%] vs. 2.6% [0.1%-5.6%]; P=0.02 and median MetHb, 1.1% [0.1%-2.9%] vs. 1.1% [0.1%-2.4%]; P=0.01, respectively). There may be a positive association between COHb and respiratory disease in dogs; prospective studies are needed to evaluate this further. No association between COHb and respiratory disease in cats or MetHb and respiratory disease in either species was detected. Additional prospective studies are needed to determine whether COHb and MetHb are biomarkers for sepsis in dogs and whether COHb is an indicator of mortality in cats.

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.

Establishment and application of ERA-LFD method for rapid detection of feline calicivirus.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) has a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome, and it is responsible for many infectious respiratory diseases in cats. In addition, more worryingly, highly virulent strains of FCV can cause high mortality in felines. Therefore, a rapid and reliable diagnosis tool plays an important role in controlling the outbreak of FCV. In this study, enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA) assay combined with lateral flow dipstick (LFD) was developed for the detection of FCV, targeting a relatively conversed position of FCV-ORF1. The results showed that the optimal reaction condition was at 40°C for 30min. ERA-LFD method was highly sensitive with the detection limit as low as 3.2 TCID50 of FCV RNA per reaction. The specificity analysis demonstrated nocross-reactivity with felineparvovirus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV) and felineinfectiousperitonitisvirus (FIPV). ERA-LFD was highly repeatable and reproducible, with theintra-assayandinter-assay coefficientsofvariationfor this method both less than 7%. The general test showed that all the recombinant plasmids with known mutant sites and FCV strains with different mutant sites stored in our laboratory were all detected by this method. Of the 23 samples, 14 samples were tested positive for FCV by ERA-LFD and RT-qPCR, respectively. In summary, ERA-LFD assay was a fast, accurate and convenient diagnosis tool for the detection of FCV. KEY POINTS: • The detection principle of ERA-LFD was introduced. • Almost all the currently known FCV strains can be detected. • ERA-LFD is easy to operate and can be used for field detection.

CPD article: Felid lungworms: from complete strangers to major parasites

The parasitic nematodes Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior and Capillaria aerophila affect the respiratory system of cats and are a primary cause of respiratory disease in cats in many countries. While they have been underestimated for a long time, in recent years academics and veterinarians have become more aware of their importance, and now felid lungworms are recognised as primary agents of respiratory disease. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment, and efficacious prevention methods are a priority in feline clinical practice. Recent data have unveiled many features of diseases caused by these nematodes, and this article reviews and discusses practical and clinical knowledge, as well as recent updates on clinical management of aelurostrongylosis, troglostrongylosis and capillariosis in cats.

Reversibility of clinical and computed tomographic lesions mimicking pulmonary fibrosis in a young cat

BackgroundIn humans with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), specific thoracic computed tomographic (CT) features in the correct clinical context may be used in lieu of histologic examination. Cats develop an IPF-like condition with similar features to humans. As few cats have invasive lung biopsies, CT has appeal as a surrogate diagnostic, showing features consistent with architectural remodeling supporting “end-stage lung”.Case presentationA 1-year-old female spayed Domestic Shorthair cat presenting with progressive respiratory clinical signs and thoracic CT changes (reticular pattern, parenchymal bands, subpleural interstitial thickening, pleural fissure thickening, subpleural lines and regions of increased attenuation with traction bronchiectasis and architectural distortion) consistent with reports of IPF was given a grave prognosis for long-term survival. The cat was treated with prednisolone, fenbendazole, pradofloxacin and clindamycin. Five months later, while still receiving an anti-inflammatory dose of prednisolone, the cat was re-evaluated with owner-reported absent respiratory clinical signs. Thoracic CT demonstrated resolution of lung patterns consistent with fibrosis.ConclusionsFibrotic lung disease is irreversible. Despite this cat having compatible progressive respiratory signs and associated lung patterns on thoracic CT scan, these abnormalities resolved with non-specific therapy and time, negating the possibility of IPF. While the cause of the distinct CT lesions that ultimately resolved was not determined, infection was suspected. Experimental Toxocara cati infection shows overlapping CT features as this cat and is considered a treatable disease. Improvement of CT lesions months after experimental heartworm-associated respiratory disease in cats has been documented. Reversibility of lesions suggests inflammation rather than fibrosis was the cause of the thoracic CT lesions. This cat serves as a lesson that although thoracic CT has been advocated as a surrogate for histopathology in people with IPF, additional studies in cats are needed to integrate CT findings with signalment, other clinicopathologic features and therapeutic response before providing a diagnosis or prognosis of fibrotic lung disease.

Evaluation of Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Findings in Cats With Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Comparison to Cats With Feline Bronchial Disease.

The cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a cause of lower respiratory tract disease worldwide. Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are important tools for diagnosing respiratory diseases in cats. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the usefulness of bronchoscopy and BAL in the diagnosis of A. abstrusus. Findings from bronchoscopic examination and BAL of 24 naturally infected cats were evaluated and compared with those of 12 cats with idiopathic Feline Bronchial Diseases (FBDs). Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney or Fisher's exact tests. No significant bronchoscopic differences were detected between cats with aelurostrongylosis and FBDs in bronchial mucus, nodular lesions, and airway collapse. On the other hand, airway hyperemia, epithelial irregularities, and bronchial stenosis were observed more frequently in cats affected by FBDs than aelurostrongylosis, while bronchiectasis was found only in cats infected by A. abstrusus. Neutrophilic, eosinophilic, lymphocytic, and mixed inflammation were recorded in both groups. Bacteria or bacterial DNA was identified regardless of the presence or absence of A. abstrusus with no significant differences between groups. Larvae of A. abstrusus were cytologically detected in 5 of the 24 cats (20.8%) with aelurostrongylosis. These results indicate that, although some findings on bronchoscopic examination (i.e., bronchiectasis) can be described more frequently in cats infected by A. abstrusus, bronchial alterations and cytological findings in aelurostrongylosis are not specific unless larvae are observed and overlap with those of other feline airway diseases.

Feline asthma and chronic bronchitis - an overview of diagnostics and therapy

Feline asthma and feline chronic bronchitis are considered the most common chronic lower respiratory diseases in cats and are frequently referred to by the term chronic bronchial diseases. In feline asthma, a hypersensitivity reaction type I is suspected. For chronic bronchitis, the aetiology remains largely unknown. Affected cats may suffer from coughing, dyspnoea, and increased respiratory sounds. Both conditions are currently defined by the cytological cell pattern in the bronchoalveolar lavage and may differ in ethology, treatment, and clinical course. For diagnosis, other underlying conditions must be ruled out, in combination with the evidence for non-bacterial, eosinophilic or neutrophilic airway inflammation. In addition to the established therapy with oral or inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, the article also presents newer therapeutic and diagnostic options.

Association between indoor air pollution and respiratory disease in companion dogs and cats.

BackgroundIndoor air pollution (IAP) leads to important respiratory morbidity and mortality in humans. Companion dogs and cats share the same household environment with their owners and are exposed to IAP.HypothesisPets with respiratory disease are more commonly exposed to indoor air pollutants in their homes and to worse air quality than pets without respiratory disease.AnimalsThree hundred and forty‐eight animals (230 dogs and 118 cats) were recruited.MethodsDogs and cats attending the National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital were prospectively enrolled over a 12‐month period. Questionnaires were collected from pet owners regarding the status of signs of respiratory problem of animals and air pollutants in their homes. Clinical assessment was performed by veterinarians on all animals included in the case‐control study and the presence/absence of respiratory disease and diagnoses were recorded. Individual exposure to particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) was estimated in the domestic microenvironment of the animals.ResultsDogs with respiratory disease were more commonly exposed to incense burning than control dogs (30 versus 13%, P = .045), but household PM2.5 level was not different between dogs with and without respiratory disease [median 30.8 μg/m3, range 10.8‐214.2 versus median 38.2 μg/m3, range 5.4‐69.4, P = .57]. Signalment factors (age, body weight, and body condition score) instead of IAP factors were associated with respiratory disease in dogs using multivariable logistic regression. In contrast, household PM2.5 level was significantly higher in cats with respiratory disease than in control cats [median 38.6 μg/m3, range 17.8‐131.2 versus median 27.4 μg/m3, range 15.4‐70.0, P = .017]. Cats living in households with PM2.5 > 35 μg/m3 were more likely to have respiratory disease than those living in households with acceptable levels of PM2.5 (OR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.12‐15.27, P = .03).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe link between IAP and respiratory disease in dogs is complicated. An unacceptable level of household PM2.5 (>35 μg/m3) is significantly associated with respiratory disease in cats. The effect of IAP on the respiratory health of companion animals warrants further attention.