Cat Urine Research Articles

Comparison of cat stone matrix and cat urine proteomes to human calcium oxalate stone matrix and urine proteomes.

Cat calcium oxalate monohydrate kidney stone matrix proteome showed great similarity to human calcium oxalate monohydrate stone matrix proteome, but inference of mechanistic similarity was limited by the absence of cat urine proteomic data. In this study, urine proteome distributions were measured by the same methods in 7 healthy cats for comparison to both the published human urine and cat calcium oxalate stone matrix proteomes to assess for similar enrichment patterns in both species. Furthermore, proteomic distributions were determined in cat struvite stone matrix to test for similarity to calcium oxalate monohydrate stone matrix and urine proteomes. Cat urine proteins demonstrated a similar distribution of abundance as a function of isoelectric points or net charge to human urine samples, and consequently the similarly altered patterns of protein distributions seen in calcium oxalate monohydrate stone matrix seen from both cat and human stones likely derives from the same preferential adsorption mechanism. Furthermore, the fact that protein abundance patterns seen in cat struvite stone matrix samples differ from both urine and calcium oxalate monohydrate stone matrix proteomes in systematic ways suggests that a combination of protein-protein and protein crystal interactions underly the formation of the crystal aggregates that comprise stones.

Establishing the Interrelations of the Laboratory Parameters in the Gut-Kidney Axis in Cats with Signs of Triple Phosphate Urolithiasis

Introduction. Efficient treatment of the feline urolithiasis much depends on the early diagnosis of the disease, however, the diagnostic algorithm of this type of pathology is extremely poor due to the various reasons, in particular, it does not take into account the interrelations in the gut-kidney axis. Analysis of the state of gastrointestinal tract functioning and the composition of the gut microbiota can improve the potential of diagnosing the urolithiasis, predict the risk, improve the prognosis and choose the correct treatment strategy. The aim of this publication is to establish the interrelations of the laboratory parameters in the gut-kidney axis in cats with struvite urolithiasis with the signs of cystolithiasis.Materials and Methods. The objects of the research were the outbred cats with the triple phosphate urolithiasis with the signs of cystolithiasis: 1st experimental group — females; 2nd experimental group — neutered males; the control group — clinically healthy animals of both sexes. The laboratory and clinical examinations of sick animals included: ultrasonography of abdominal organs; macroscopic and biochemical urine tests; microscopy of urine sediment and urine culture test without determination of antibiotic sensitivity; macroscopic, microscopic and simple chemical examinations of freshly excreted feces; bacteriological culture test of rectal flushes without determination of antibiotic sensitivity.Results. In the urine of cats of the experimental groups, under the activity of gram-negative microorganisms Escherichia coli (0.03±0.01×106 CFU (colony forming units) and 1.00±0.03×106 CFU) and gram-positive microorganisms Staphilococcus intermedius (1.05±0.07×106 CFU and 1.00±0.08×107 CFU) there were recorded within the microscope field of view: alkalization, development of hypersthenuria, proteinuria, hypercalciuria, hematuria, including microhematuria and leukocyturia, crystalluria. The results of coprological examinations in sick cats indicated the presence of stercobilin, well-digested muscle fibres, undigested and digested cellulose, extracellular and intracellular starch, as well as impurities of non-food origin (wool). The data of microbiological examinations of feces indicated the growth of Escherichia coli (1.00±0.05×105 CFU and 1.04±0.08×107 CFU). Along with the cystolytiasis, the acoustic shadowing of the gastrointestinal tract organs in the experimental animals revealed the hyperechogenicity of liver capsule and parenchyma and heterogeneity of the pattern.Discussion and Conclusion. The revealed character of the laboratory parameter changes in the experimental animals, such as the increase of protein and creatinine levels in urine and growth of Escherichia coli in feces, proved the existence of the pathogenetic relationship between the urogenital tract lesion caused by the gram-negative microorganisms and the gut microbiota in the gut-kidney axis. The results of our study of the sick animals’ urine indicated on the infection of the urogenital tract with the urease-producing microorganisms, which led to the alkalization of urine and formation of the infection struvite stones. Urolithiasis, in turn, had an impact on the gut microbiome due to the topographic proximity of the urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts: examination of feces in cats of the experimental group had confirmed the disorder of gastrointestinal tract functioning due to dysbiotic processes in the large intestine.

BIAŁKOMOCZ PSÓW I KOTÓW – WYBRANE ZAGADNIENIA Z FIZJOLOGII I PATOFIZJOLOGII NEREK

Protein in the urine of healthy dogs and cats is present in trace amounts. It can occur in larger quantities in the urine of sick animals, as well as during certain physiological conditions. Routinely, proteinuria is assessed using the urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC), which is a widely recognized prognostic indicator. Under normal conditions, its value is <0.2. Values ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 in cats and from 0.2 to 0.5 in dogs are considered upper limit of normal, whereas UPC values >0.4 in cats and >0.5 in dogs are indicative of proteinuria. When diagnosing the causes of proteinuria in dogs and cats, it is important to consider damage to the glomeruli, renal tubules, interstitial tissue, and progressive loss of nephrons. Protein fractions present in urine, which vary in molecular weight, are sensitive diagnostic indicators of kidney dysfunction. Increased excretion of high molecular weight proteins may indicate damage to the renal glomeruli, while loss of low molecular weight proteins may suggest dysfunction of the renal tubules. If proteinuria persists and/or does not resolve after treating the underlying disease, it is necessary to initiate treatment aimed at reducing proteinuria by >90% in cats and >50% in dogs. The most effective treatment method for reducing proteinuria, while also having nephroprotective and cardioprotective benefits, is the blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (at its different levels). It is also essential to implement a proper diet, particularly by restricting protein and sodium intake.

Determination of anti-Müllerian hormone levels in blood and urine in fertile cats

In recent years, blood anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels have been investigated in female animals to diagnose many conditions, such as the presence of ovarian tissue, follicle reserve, and granulosa cell tumors. Since blood collection is an invasive method, diagnosis with a non-invasive method is important in terms of practicality and animal welfare. This study aimed to investigate the presence of AMH in cat urine and determine whether a correlation exists between blood and urine AMH levels. In addition, it was aimed at revealing whether there was a change in blood and urine AMH levels according to ovarian follicle distribution. Twenty-seven healthy, fertile female cats in the follicular phase were included. Following blood and urine sample collection, a routine ovariohysterectomy was performed. Histological analysis of the removed ovarian tissue was used to determine ovarian follicle types. While both AMH and estrogen levels were determined in blood samples, only AMH levels were investigated in urine samples. Blood AMH levels averaged 10.61 ± 0.75 ng/mL (range: 5–16 ng/mL), while urine AMH levels averaged 5.67 ± 0.91 ng/mL (range: 0.2–13 ng/mL). While urinary AMH level was <1 ng/mL in 7 cats, urinary AMH was >1 ng/mL in all remaining cats. While the study demonstrated AMH excretion in urine, no correlation was found between blood and urine AMH values. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between blood AMH levels and serum estrogen levels (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that urinary AMH may be a product of proteolytic degradation, potentially leading to inaccurate estimations of ovarian activity based solely on urine AMH levels.

PERSIAN CAT WITH STAPHYLOCOCCUS SP. CYSTITIS

The vesica urinaria is inflamed in cystitis. The pH of the urine, the amount of food consumed, and bacterial infection are all factors that can contribute to infection and the production of uroliths. This article seeks to learn more about the procedures for diagnosing, managing, and treating feline cystitis problems. A male, black Persian cat with a body weight of 4.9 kg, two years old. With complaints of hematuria throughout the previous two days and complains of incontinence and inability to urinate with much volume. Urinary vesica wall thickening was discovered during ultrasound examination, along with urinary vesica crystals. Urinalysis, hematology testing, and urine culture were done. As a crystal breaker in the urinary vesica, ciprofloxacin dexamethasone and Batugin herbal medication were administered to the case animal. Change the cat diet and feed used for urinary care. One week after starting the therapy, the cat appeared in good health, peeing normally and without any signs of pain or blood. Based on macroscopic examination, the cat's urine was yellow and free of blood. The cat's urine was examined under a microscope, and no crystals were found. After seven days of medication, the case cat had positive effects. Smooth urination started, and there was no sign of stranguria, oliguria, or hematuria.

Исследование переносимости лекарственного препарата НЕФРОСПАС® на кошках

The article describes a tolerability study of the new drug Nephrospas, which contains telmisartan and excipients. The trial was conducted in cats with multiple daily administration at five times the therapeutic dose for 1 month (30 days).&#x0D; Two groups of animals were formed: experimental (10 cats) and control (7 cats). Animals of the experimental group were administered Nephrospas in a fivefold therapeutic dose of 0.5 ml/kg live weight of a cat orally during 30 days immediately after feeding. Animals of the control group were not administered the drug.&#x0D; &#x0D; Before the start of the experiment (day 0), on the 31st and 56th days of the experiment, weighing, thermometry, pulse and respiratory rates, blood pressure were determined, blood samples were taken for hematological studies (general clinical blood test, biochemical blood analysis), urine samples were taken for physical examination. chemical research.&#x0D; Based on the results of the conducted studies, it can be concluded that the drug Nephrospas is safe for cats when administered in excessive doses, as the use of the drug in a fivefold therapeutic dose does not adversely affect the general condition of animals, dynamics of body weight, blood pressure, does not change body temperature, morphological composition and biochemical parameters of blood, general clinical parameters of cat urine.

Semiochemicals from Domestic Cat Urine and Feces Reduce Use of Scratching Surfaces

Scratching is a natural behavior in cats but can cause damage to household furnishings. In this work, we sought to identify potential semiochemicals in the urine and feces of domestic cats that may modify cat scratching behavior. Sex differences among adult, intact cats were examined for volatile molecules in their urine (n = 7 females, 7 males) and feces (n = 8 females, 10 males) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Males had seven times more 3-Mercapto-3-Methyl Butanol (MMB, p &lt; 0.001) in the urine and 98% more butanoic acid (p = 0.02) in the feces than females. One mL of mineral oil without (i.e., control) or with MMB (0.1 µg/mL) and butanoic acid (100 µg/mL; i.e., treatment), which corresponds to the estimated biological amount in a single elimination from a male cat, were evaluated for their effectiveness in modifying the use of scratching devices by cats. Two identical cardboard standing scratchers, treated with either the control or the solution containing both semiochemicals delivered through a hanging cotton sock were placed side by side in a home/shelter environment. The preference test consisted of exposing individual cats (n = 28) to both scratchers for 20 min and recording the duration and frequency they interacted or scratched each scratcher. The semiochemical solution significantly decreased scratching time (21.19 ± 3.8 vs. 6.08 ± 3.8 s; p &lt; 0.001) and interaction time (31.54 ± 5.9 vs. 12.90 ± 5.9 s; p = 0.0001) and tended to reduce scratching frequency (1.49 ± 0.3 vs. 0.82 ± 0.3 times; p = 0.07) compared with the control solution. The male-representative solution of MMB and butanoic acid was aversive to cats and might have future applications in protecting furniture from the destructive scratching or in modifying behavior of domestic cats.

An exposure assessment of 27 quaternary ammonium compounds in pet dogs and cats from New York State, USA

Benzylalkyldimethylammonium (BACs), dialkyldimethylammonium (DDACs), and alkyltrimethylammonium compounds (ATMACs) are quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) used widely as biocides, disinfectants, and sanitizers. Owing to their toxicity, human exposure to this class of chemicals is a concern. Pet animals are sentinels of human exposure to several indoor environmental chemicals. For the first time, we measured 7 BACs, 6 DDACs, 6 ATMACs, and 8 metabolites of BACs in urine and feces of pet dogs and cats from New York State, USA. We found widespread occurrence of QACs in feces, with median concentration of ∑All (sum concentration of all 27 QAC analytes) at 9680 and 1260 ng/g dry weight (dw) in dog and cat feces, respectively. BACs were the most abundant compounds among the four types of QACs, accounting for 64 % and 57 % of ∑All in dog and cat feces, respectively, followed by DDACs (33 % and 34 %, respectively), ATMACs (4 % and 9 %, respectively), and BAC metabolites (0.2 % and 0.3 %, respectively). However, in urine, only ω-carboxylic acid metabolites of BACs were found at median concentrations at 2.08 and 0.28 ng/mL in dogs and cats, respectively. Samples collected from animal shelters contained elevated levels of QACs than those from homes of pet owners. A significant positive correlation was found among the four types of QACs analyzed, which suggested usage of these chemicals in combination as mixtures. Based on the concentrations measured in feces, and through a reverse dosimetry approach, the median cumulative daily intakes (CDIs) of QACs were estimated to be 49.4 and 4.75 µg/kg body weight (BW)/day for dogs and cats, respectively. This study provides first evidence that pet dogs and cats are exposed to QACs at significant levels that warrant further attention.

The Dirty Home

At what point should a child be taken away from their parents? In this work of philosophical short story fiction, Lydia Lowry has a problem, the government is going to take her child away and put her in foster care. However, they have a reason, Lydia’s trailer is a disaster; it’s practically a biohazard. Lydia goes to visit the narrator, an attorney, in the hopes that she can help her keep her child. The narrator, no fan of child protective services, gets a few friends to agree to head out to Lydia’s house to clean it and get the government off her back. When they arrive, they find a mobile home covered in cat urine and feces, no hot water, and a pile of trash four feet high in the front yard. After several hours of cleaning, the narrator and her friends get dizzy from the toxic fumes. They give up on cleaning, and leave. The narrator is able to convince Lydia the best course of action is to have her daughter move to California and live with their better-off relatives until she turns eighteen. It’s not exactly a classic success story, but the narrator tells herself, not every story is.

Reduction of urinary felinine in domestic cats with renal diseases leads to decreased catty odor.

Cats with progressive renal diseases often exhibit a weakened urinary odor, in contrast to normal cat urine which emits odorants with catty odor, such as 3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-mercapto-3-methylbutyl formate, 3-methyl-3-methylthio-1-butanol, and 3-methyl-3-(2-methyldisulfanyl)-1-butanol. Felinine, an amino acid, is a precursor of these odorants and metabolized from its precursor, 3-methylbutanol glutathione (MBG), via 3-methylbutanol-cysteinylglycine (MBCG). While previous studies have reported felinine excretion in normal cats, its levels in cats with renal diseases remain unclear. This study investigates the urinary excretion of felinine and its precursors in cats with renal diseases and explores whether changes in these metabolites are linked to reduced volatile felinine derivatives with catty odor. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry quantified urinary felinine, MBCG, and MBG in 40 normal cats and 66 cats with renal diseases (classified into mild, moderate, and severe renal diseases), revealing a significant decrease in urinary felinine levels in cats with advanced renal disease, while urinary MBG levels increased. The felinine-to-MBG ratio was significantly lower in cats with severe renal disease compared to normal cats and those with mild renal disease. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis further showed that the emission of felinine derivatives decreased markedly with renal disease progression. A significant correlation was found between urinary felinine excretion and its major derivative, 3-methyl-3-methylthio-1-butanol. These findings suggest that impaired felinine metabolism, likely due to reduced kidney enzyme activity, contributes to both diminished urinary felinine levels and reduced sulfurous odor in cats with renal diseases.

Immunoassay testing forbarbiturates using alternative matrices inpostmortem tissues from cats anddogs.

The barbiturate drug pentobarbital is commonly used by veterinarians for the euthanasia of domestic animals. During the veterinary forensic autopsy, it is sometimes necessary to determine whether the animal was chemically euthanized with pentobarbital. The use of a human immunochromatographic test for barbiturate screening utilizing dog or cat urine has been previously validated; however, the use of alternative matrices for this purpose is yet to be explored when urine is not available. Postmortem heart, liver, spleen, skeletal muscle, blood and/or urine samples from 20 dogs and 26 cats with a reported chemical euthanasia status were processed using two different methods, bead homogenization and sonication, and screened for barbiturates using a human immunochromatographic test. There was 100% agreement of the immunochromatographic test results using the sonication method with the reported euthanasia status of both dogs and cats. Using the bead homogenization method, agreement with the reported euthanasia status was 93.3% and 96.7% for dogs and cats, respectively, due to invalid test results from four dog and two cat samples. A subset of liver samples (10 canine and 10 feline) was analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and there was 100% agreement between the immunochromatographic test results and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results for both cats and dogs. Overall, our results support the use of a variety of alternative matrices for barbiturate screening in cats and dogs.

Comparisons of beta2-microglobulin, apolipoprotein A1, and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) detected in the serum and urine from individual cats

Detection of serum and urinary proteins is important for normal conditions, but comparison of individual serum and urine proteins is rarely performed. The aim of this study was to examine beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG), apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) in the serum and urine of cats with chronic kidney disease and lower urinary tract disease (LUTD), in addition to healthy cats. Serum and urine samples were analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by immunoblotting for beta2-MG, ApoA-I, IgG, and IgM. The molecular weight of serum beta2-MG was greater than the predicted molecular weight (11,472 Da), and different types of modified beta2-MGs were detected in the urine of healthy and diseased cats including original type in addition to grycocylated and partially digested types. Serum and urinary ApoA-I molecular weights were lower than the predicted molecular weight (28,943 Da), and high levels of urinary ApoA-I were detected in LUTD cats, although urinary ApoA-I was not detected in healthy cats. Under non-reducing conditions, H-chains of urinary IgM pentamers and IgG monomers were detected in healthy cats. These results suggest that urinary beta2-MG is modified in a different manner from serum beta2-MG, urinary ApoA-I is a potential marker of LUTD, and urinary IgM pentamer, IgG monomer, and their H-chains are found after glomerular filtration even in healthy conditions.

A mild stressor induces short-term anxiety and long-term phenotypic changes in trauma-related behavior in female rats.

Anxiety and anxiety-influenced disorders are sexually dimorphic with women being disproportionately affected compared to men. Given the increased prevalence in women and the documented differences in anxiety and trauma behavior between male and female rats this paper sought to examine the link between stress, anxiety, and fear learning and extinction in female rats. We tested the hypothesis that a mild stressor will induce short-and long-term increases in anxiety and produce long term effects on subsequent fear learning and extinction behavior. We induced anxiety in female Sprague- Dawley rats with a short (3 min) exposure to a ball of cat hair infused with 150 μl of cat urine (mild stressor) that elicits innate fear but does not cause fear conditioning. The control group was exposed to fake cat hair. Anxiety was assessed in the Light-Dark Open Field (LDOF) or Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) before, immediately after and 4 days after stimulus exposure. Two weeks later, all animals were subject to Contextual Fear Conditioning (CFC) in the Shock Arm of a Y-maze, blocked off from the rest of the maze. Memory and fear extinction (learning of safety) was assessed in the following four days by placing each rat in one of the Safe Arms and measuring avoidance extinction (time spent and number of entries in the Shock Arm). Cat hair exposure induced changes in anxiety-like behavior in the short-term that appeared resolved 4 days later. However, the cat-hair exposed rats had long-term (2 weeks) phenotypic changes expressed as altered exploratory behavior in an emotionally neutral novel place. Fear learning and extinction were not impaired. Yet, using avoidance extinction, we demonstrated that the phenotypic difference induced by the mild stressor could be documented and dissociated from learning and memory. These findings demonstrate that the history of stress, even mild stress, has subtle long-term effects on behavior even when short-term anxiety appears resolved.

8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and malondialdehyde in plasma and their association with disease severity in 20 cats with chronic kidney disease.

Oxidative stress is associated with the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of oxidative stress markers, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA), in the plasma and urine of cats with different stages of CKD. Plasma and urine samples were collected from cats with CKD that were referred to the Veterinary Medical Center of the University of Tokyo between April 2019 and October 2022. Plasma and urine samples were collected from healthy cats (n = 6 at most), cats with stage 2 CKD (n = 8) and stage 3-4 CKD (n = 12), and cats with idiopathic cystitis (disease control, n = 5). Plasma and urine concentrations of 8-OHdG and MDA were measured using ELISA and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay kits, respectively. The median plasma 8-OHdG concentrations were 0.156 ng/ml (<0.125-0.210 ng/ml) in the healthy group, <0.125 ng/ml (range <0.125 ng/ml) in the idiopathic cystitis group, 0.246 ng/ml (range 0.170-0.403 ng/ml) in cats with stage 2 CKD and 0.433 ng/ml (range 0.209-1.052 ng/ml) in cats with stage 3-4 CKD. Concentrations in stage 3-4 CKD were significantly higher than those in the healthy and disease control groups. Plasma MDA concentrations were low in the healthy and disease control groups and significantly higher in cats with stage 3-4 CKD. In every cat with CKD, plasma 8-OHdG and MDA concentrations were positively correlated with plasma creatinine concentrations (8-OHdG, rs = 0.68; MDA, rs = 0.67). Urinary 8-OHdG/urinary creatinine (u-CRE) and urinary MDA/u-CRE levels did not differ significantly between the groups; however, it was difficult to evaluate them because of the small sample size. This report shows that plasma 8-OHdG and MDA concentrations increase with the severity of feline CKD. These markers may be useful for assessing oxidative stress in cats with CKD.

27‐4: Development of a novel glass‐cell FAIMS olfactory sensor and measurements of complex odors

High‐Field Asymmetric Waveform Ion Mobility Spectrometry (FAIMS) utilizes the characteristics of nonlinear ion mobility at high electric fields to filter ions. We propose a novel glass‐cell FAIMS olfactory sensor that mimics the olfactory sense of living organisms by applying LCD mass production process technology. This olfactory sensor has a simple configuration consisting of an odor molecule ionization section and a glass‐cell FAIMS sensor, which is a pair of glass substrates with patterned electrodes. The ionized odor molecules pass through the glass‐cell FAIMS sensor, and the filtered ion molecules are detected. We have experimented with different odorous components, including fermented beverages (wine) and animal excrement (cat urine, stool), to create unique “odor fingerprints”.

Evaluation of a smartphone-based colorimetric method for urinalysis dipstick readings in cats.

The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performances of a smartphone-based colorimetric method (SBCM) for urinalysis with a semi-automated point-of-care (POC) analyser using standardised solutions and cat urine. Artificial solutions (negative and positive quality controls, and purposely designed artificial urine) and natural urine from 216 cats were used. Two urine reagent strips were simultaneously dipped in each sample. One dipstick was read by the SBCM and the other by the POC analyser at the same time. Results for pH, proteins, bilirubin, 'blood', glucose and ketones were considered. Overall agreement and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the SBCM were determined based on selected cut-offs. For the artificial solutions, 80 comparisons were obtained for each analyte and each expected concentration. The overall agreement (exactly the same result) between the two methods was 78.4%. SBCM sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 99.0%, 100% and 99.3%, respectively. The correlation between the two methods was almost perfect (Cohen's kappa coefficient = 0.9851). For natural urine samples, the overall agreement (including pH) was 68.6%. Using optimal cut-offs for the SBCM determined from the results of analysis of artificial solutions, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the SBCM were 100%, 76.02% and 80.5%, respectively. In this situation, the correlation between the two methods was moderate (Cohen's kappa coefficient = 0.5401). This was mostly due to a high rate of false-positive results for bilirubin (61.1%). With proper cut-off use (ie, considering positive or negative results) the SBCM evaluated here has a perfect sensitivity and appropriate diagnostic performances for proteins, 'blood', glucose and ketones. Based on these experimental data, this method appears suitable for dipstick urinalysis but positive results for bilirubin and proteins have to be confirmed.

Evaluation of haem dipstick pad, urine protein, urine pH and urine protein:creatinine ratio results as a marker of bacteriuria in dogs and cats with inactive urine sediment.

Evaluation of haem dipstick pad, urine protein, urine pH and urine protein:creatinine ratio results as a marker of bacteriuria in dogs and cats with inactive urine sediment. Cats and dogs with contemporaneous urine dipstick, microscopic sediment analysis and microbiological culture and sensitivity results over a four-year period (2016 to 2020) were retrospectively identified. Dogs and cats with active urine sediments (at least five erythrocytes and/or five leukocytes per high-power field) and/or spermaturia were excluded. Association between urine pH, haem dipstick result, protein dipstick result and urine protein:creatinine ratio with bacteriuria were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis. Likelihood ratios for bacteriuria were calculated at different diagnostic thresholds. A total of 668 and 169 dog and cat urine samples were included. Of these, 166 dogs (25%) had a positive urine culture, whilst only 29 cats (17%) had a positive urine culture. In dogs and cats, any positive haem dipstick result was significantly associated with bacteriuria, although only a ≥4+ haem positive result in dogs was associated with a small increase in the likelihood of a positive urine culture, and positive likelihood ratios did not support the use of haem dipstick results as a screening test for bacteriuria in cats. pH, urine protein:creatinine ratio and protein dipstick results were not associated with bacteriuria. Our findings provide proof of concept that haem dipstick pad results in dogs with inactive sediment and without spermaturia might be useful as a screening test for bacteriuria, although further studies are required to confirm these findings.

Prevalence and Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Dogs and Cats in South Korea.

Overall, 836 Escherichia coli isolates (695 isolates from dogs and 141 from cats) were recovered from the diarrhea, skin/ear, urine, and genitals of dogs and cats between 2018 and 2019. Cefovecin and enrofloxacin resistance were noted in 17.1% and 21.2% of E. coli isolates, respectively. The cefovecin and enrofloxacin resistance rates were higher in dog isolates (18.1% and 22.9%) compared with the rates in cat isolates (12.1%, 12.8%). Interestingly, resistance to both antimicrobials was noted in 10.8% (90/836) of the isolates, predominantly in isolates from dogs. blaCTX-M-14, blaCTX-M-15, and blaCMY-2 were the most frequent extended-spectrum β-lactamase/plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase (ESBL/AmpC)- gene types. The co-existence of blaCTX-M andblaCMY-2 was noted in six E. coli isolates from dogs. Sequencing analysis demonstrated that S83L and D87N in gyrA and S80I in parC were the most frequent point mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of the cefovecin and enrofloxacin-resistant isolates. A total of 11 isolates from dogs carried the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes (six aac(6')-Ib-cr, four qnrS, and one qnrB), while only two cat isolates carried the qnrS gene. Multilocus sequence typing of the cefovecin and enrofloxacin-resistant isolates revealed that sequence type (ST)131 E. coli carrying blaCTX-M-14 and blaCTX-M-15 genes and ST405 E. coli carrying blaCMY-2 gene were predominant among the isolated E. coli strains. The majority of the ESBL/AmpC-producing isolates displayed diverse pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles. This study demonstrated that third-generation cephalosporin- and fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli were widely distributed in companion animals. The detection of the pandemic ST131 clone carrying blaCTX-M-14/15 in companion animals presented a public health threat.

Risk Factors and Incidence of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) in Sahabat Satwa Genteng Animal Clinic

The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors and incidence of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) at the Sahabat Satwa Genteng clinic. A total of 36 samples were evaluated according to research procedures with diagnosis, data collection, urine sampling, dipstick and sediment examination methods, and Chi-square data analysis. The results showed that there was a association between gender, history of castration, and diet on the risk of FLUTD. Meanwhile, there was no association between age and the risk of FLUTD. Clinical signs that often occur in FLUTD disease initiate from stranguria, hematuria, dysuria, periuria, and polykisuria. The results of the dipstick examination founded that 86,1% of cats affected by FLUTD had a normal pH and 13,9% had an alkaline pH. The results of the specific gravity (SG) of cats with FLUTD have values below normal while the protein levels found in all cats suffering from FLUTD have values above normal. Stranguria was found in 69,4% of cats with FLUTD. Leukocytes were also found in all the urine of cats suffering from FLUTD. The most common results of sediment examination were struvite, calcium oxalate, and cystine crystals.

Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in Biological Fluids of Animals.

Since its first emergence in 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has continued to evolve genetically, jump species barriers, and expand its host range. There is growing evidence of interspecies transmission including infection of domestic animals and widespread circulation in wildlife. However, knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 stability in animal biological fluids and their role in transmission is still limited as previous studies focused on human biological fluids. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the SARS-CoV-2 stability in biological fluids from three animal species, cats, sheep and white-tailed deer (WTD). Saliva, feces, 10% fecal suspensions, and urine of cats, sheep, and WTD were mixed with a known concentration of virus and incubated under indoor and three different climatic conditions. Our results show that the virus was stable for up to 1 day in the saliva of cats, sheep, and WTD regardless of the environmental conditions. The virus remained infectious for up to 6 days in feces and 15 days in fecal suspension of WTD, whereas the virus was rather unstable in cat and sheep feces and fecal suspensions. We found the longest survival of SARS-CoV-2 in the urine of cats, sheep, and WTD. Furthermore, side-by-side comparison with different SARS-CoV-2 strains showed that the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of concern were less stable than the ancestral Wuhan-like strain in WTD fecal suspension. The results of our study provide valuable information for assessing the potential role of various animal biological fluids in SARS-CoV-2 transmission.