Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is the most important respiratory nematode of domestic cats. Effective control options are crucial to protect health and welfare of cats and to reduce the spread of ...aelurostrongylosis in both enzootic and free regions. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a spot-on formulation containing 280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus, MSD) in the prevention of aelurostrongylosis in cats under field conditions. One hundred and fifty-two cats from Italy, Hungary and Bulgaria, were randomly divided in two groups, one treated with Bravecto® Plus on Study Days (SDs) 0 and 84 (74 cats, IVP Group) and one left untreated (78 cats, control group). Faecal samples were collected from all animals on SDs 42 ± 4, 84, 126 ± 4 and 168 ± 4 and subjected to the Baermann’s technique and species-specific PCR for A. abstrusus. Each cat was subjected to a clinical examination on SDs 0, 84 and 168 ± 4 to check health condition and possible adverse events. The results of the faecal analysis were statistically analyzed for treatment group differences in the percentage of cats negative to the Baermann’s test and PCR and percentage of reduction of fecal larvae counts as the primary and secondary efficacy criteria, respectively. The percentage of negative cats was higher in the IVP group compared to the control group and the percentage of reduction of fecal larvae counts in the IVP group compared to the control group was 100%. These results show that two administrations of Bravecto Plus® spot-on 12 weeks apart were safe and effective in the prevention of aelurostrongylosis for a period of almost 6 months.
•The nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus causes a major respiratory disease in cats.•Chemopreventative approaches are advocated in enzootic areas.•Bravecto ® Plus, MSD, containing 280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin, was useful to prevent aelurostrongylosis.•Chemoprophylaxis is an effective strategy to prevent cat aelurostrongylosis.
Feline pyothorax caused by tooth aspiration Brown, A.; Watton, T.; Frykfors von Hekkel, A. K.
Journal of small animal practice,
20/May , Letnik:
65, Številka:
5
Journal Article
Objectives
Naturally occurring tumours in domestic cats are less common than in dogs and represent the leading cause of death among older animals. The main objective of this study was to analyse a ...large data set of histologically diagnosed tumours to highlight the most common World Health Organization (WHO) tumour histotypes, the effect of age and sex, and the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) topographical site predilections of feline breed-specific tumours.
Methods
A total of 680 feline tumours diagnosed in European Shorthair cats by three veterinary diagnostic laboratories located in central Italy from 2013 to 2019 were collected. Data on age, sex and topography of lesions were recorded. Samples were morphologically and topographically coded using the WHO and the ICD-O-3 classification system.
Results
Skin and soft tissue neoplasms comprised 55.9% of all tumours, followed by mammary gland (11%), alimentary tract (7.9%), oral cavity and tongue (7.3%), nasal cavity and middle ear (6%), lymph node (3.1%), bone (1.8%) and liver/intrahepatic bile duct (1.3%) tumours. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), sarcoma, lymphoma and basal cell tumours were the most diagnosed neoplasms. Malignant tumours were 82.9% of the total and the topographical sites mainly involved were skin (C44), connective/subcutaneous/other soft tissues (C49), mammary gland (C50), small intestine (C17), nasal cavity and middle ear (C30), and gum (C03).
Conclusions and relevance
This study aimed to provide an in-depth evaluation of spontaneous feline tumours in the European Shorthair cat breed. Results identify SCC as the most commonly represented skin neoplasm. It is likely that the analysed feline population, living in southern latitudes, was more subject to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, explaining the discrepancy with previous studies in which SCC was less represented.
The best method for maintaining dander levels will be utilized for future cat allergen exposure studies. Samples were obtained at 3 locations in the chamber using portable air samplers (Gillian 5000) ...with glass fiber filters (Millipore), flow rate 4 L/min.
The health of the skin and coat of a cat is connected to the behavioral health of the animal. Stressed animals can cause lesions to their skin and coat such as alopecia, ulcers, and self-mutilation. ...On the other hand, localized or systemic health problems can cause stress, or pain, and therefore can increase overgrooming and poor skin health. When treating overgrooming and related skin lesions, all the physical and behavioral causes must be addressed through a multimodal approach.
The novel domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), a member of the Hepadnaviridae, was first detected in Australia and has recently been identified in more countries. In this study, we explored the DCH ...genome using next-generation sequencing of a plasma sample from a cat with a fever of unknown cause. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed the virus to be relatively genetically distant from the first reported DCH in Australia, showing 89% homology. Then we conducted an epidemiological survey by PCR of plasma samples collected from 203 cats that visited a veterinary hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Two of the 203 surveyed cats a were positive for DCH. One of the two positive cases had elevated liver enzymes of unknown etiology, and the other had hepatocellular adenoma. Our study indicated that DCH infection was observed in domestic cats in the Tokyo area of Japan as well as other reported areas in the world. Further investigations are needed to define the clinical importance of DCH.
Objectives
The aims of this study were to describe the clinical picture and progression in cats with alpha-chloralose (AC) intoxication and to determine if treatment with intravenous (IV) lipid ...emulsion (ILE) influenced either the serum concentration of AC or the clinical signs.
Methods
Cats with suspected AC poisoning admitted to a university small animal hospital were included. The cats were randomised into two groups: one receiving 20% ILE at a dose of 300 mg/kg as a 2 min bolus, followed by a 1500 mg/kg continuous rate infusion over 30 mins (IL+ group) and the other receiving IV fluid therapy with Ringer’s acetate (IL− group). Serum samples were drawn at 0, 2, 12 and 24 h after admission. Samples were tested for AC with a novel validated, quantitative, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Vital and predefined clinical signs were noted at the times of sampling and patients were scored using a previously described intoxication severity score. Telephone interviews were conducted after discharge to assess outcome.
Results
A total of 25 cats were enrolled: 13 cats in the IL+ group and 12 in the IL− group. The most common clinical signs at presentation were tremor (n = 22, 88.0%), cranial nerve deficits (n = 20, 80.0%) and bradycardia (n = 19, 76.0%). No significant difference in AC concentration or change in intoxication score over time was found between the IL+ and IL− groups at any time point (P >0.05). All cats recovered within 72 h.
Conclusions and relevance
ILE did not have any effect on the AC serum concentration or clinical signs in AC-poisoned cats. All cats survived until follow-up. In cats with an acute onset of the described neurological signs, AC intoxication is an important differential diagnosis with an excellent prognosis.
There's So Much More to Cats Scherk, Margie
The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice,
07/2020, Letnik:
50, Številka:
4
Journal Article
To understand veterinarian and cat owner perspectives on antimicrobial use in cats, reasons for prescribing cefovecin, and barriers to improving antimicrobial stewardship, including veterinarian and ...cat owner perspectives of giving oral medication to cats.
21 New York veterinarians and 600 cat owners across the US.
Cat owners were surveyed about their preferences for and experiences in giving oral medications to cats and their experiences with antimicrobials specifically. Veterinarians were interviewed about antimicrobial use decisions in cats, benefits and drawbacks of cefovecin, and their perspectives on antimicrobial resistance.
Many veterinarians reported feeling pressure to prescribe antimicrobials, while 41% of cat owners reported requesting antimicrobials. Although veterinarians are aware of the downsides of prescribing cefovecin, many prescribed cefovecin in situations where an antimicrobial was not needed or cefovecin may not have been the best choice. Veterinarians thought that 20% of cat owners could not give oral medications, but < 10% of cat owners had a cat that was impossible to medicate.
The disconnect between veterinarians' assessment of and cat owners' reported abilities in administering oral medication may contribute to cefovecin use. Demonstrating for cat owners how to give oral medication may help improve compliance and reduce the use of parenteral long-acting formulations. Structural and educational interventions are needed to address other contributors to inappropriate antimicrobial use. This research provides the specific considerations about barriers and motivations for cat owners and veterinarians that are required to guide strategic, tailored interventions for both audiences to advance stewardship.
The domestic cat (
Felis silvestris catus
) has shared an intertwined existence with humans for thousands of years, living on our city streets and in our homes. Yet, little scientific research has ...focused on the cognition of the domestic cat, especially in comparison with human’s other companion, the domestic dog (
Canis lupus familiaris
). This review surveys the current status of several areas of cat cognition research including perception, object permanence, memory, physical causality, quantity and time discrimination, cats’ sensitivity to human cues, vocal recognition and communication, attachment bonds, personality, and cognitive health. Although interest in cat cognition is growing, we still have a long way to go until we have an inclusive body of research on the subject. Therefore, this review also identifies areas where future research must be conducted. In addition to the scientific value of future work in this area, future research on cat cognition could have an important influence on the management and welfare of pet and free-roaming cats, leading to improved human–cat interactions.