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Cats: Health, Disease and Physiology
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Kitten mortality in the United Kingdom: a retrospective analysis
of 274 histopathological examinations (1986 to 2000)
Study of 274 kitten deaths in the UK between 1986 and 2000
source: T.A.Cave et al
Veterinary Record vol 151 no 17,October 26 2002
starts p497, 5 pages long
A retrospective study has examined the deaths of 274 kittens from the UK.
Private homes accounted for 211 of the kittens, and 56 kittens came from shelters,
while a further seven kittens were of unknown origin. Pedigrees accounted
for 56% of the sample, and this high proportion may be because owners were
keener to find out why the kitten had died.
Infectious diseases were found to have affected 55% of the kittens, with
viral infections accounting for 71% of infections. Feline parvovirus (FPV)
accounted for 25% of the total deaths. Feline herpesvirus and calcivirus were
the most important viral infections for neonatal and pre-weaning kittens,
while 17 postweaning kittens died from feline infectious peritonitis.
The median age at death of rescue shelter kittens was 49 days compared to
56 days for kittens from private homes. Shelter kittens were also more likely
to have suffered from FPV. Pedigree kittens were more likely to have come
from private homes rather than shelters, and their median age at death was
56 days compared with 42 days for non-pedigree kittens. Little difference
was found between age at death of male and female kittens.
There was no diagnosis for 33% of the total, and lack of diagnosis was more
likely if only a sample of tissue was submitted, rather than the kitten's
whole carcass.
More research is needed on how common FPV is in shelters. Measures to control
infection can reduce kitten mortality in shelters.
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Urinary tract infections in small animals: therapeutic options
and management of problem cases
Treating problem UTIs in cats and dogs
source: Mark Dunning and Jo Stonehewer
In Practice vol 24 no 9, October 2002
starts p 518, 7 pages long
The main way of treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats and dogs
is to use conventional antimicrobials, especially injections followed by oral
treatments. The article provides a detailed discussion of selection of antibiotics
and recommended amounts. Cephalexin or amoxycillin may be useful, but culture
and sensitivity is indicated, and this should always be the case where infection
recurs. The therapy should always be completed, even if the cat or dog appears
to have recovered.
Underlying causes have to be investigated if the infection recurs or does
not respond to antimicrobials. Low dose antibacterials may help if an underlying
cause cannot be found. Infections may recur for a number of reasons, such
as drug resistance, too low a dosage, factors that affect how the cat or dog
absorbs the drug, or deep-seated infections. Novel therapies include oestrogen
replacement therapy (which can help women), prophylactic Lactobacillus administration
(effective in mice), and regular consumption of cranberry juice, which is
effective in reducing infections in some humans, though there is only anecdotal
evidence that it may be effective in veterinary species.
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Essentials of nutrition in dogs and cats with gastrointestinal
disease
Dietary therapy for cats and dogs with gastrointestinal
problems
source: Marge Chandler
In Practice vol 24 no 9, October 2002
starts p528, 5 pages long
Diet is important for cats and dogs with gastrointestinal problems, and sometimes
dietary therapy is enough to solve the problem.
Protein deficiencies can be caused by protein not being absorbed properly,
and poor quality protein fed to pets. Effects of protein deficiency include
weight loss, weakness, and decreased immune function, as well as lower levels
of nutrient absorption, and a higher risk of overgrowth of bacteria in the
small intestine. Protein sources should be highly digestible if pets suffer
from intestinal problems. The average protein digestibility for commercial
pets foods is from 78% to 81%, while pets with gastric disease should have
a diet with protein digestibility of 87% minimum.
Proteins account for almost all food allergens, and the common allergens
vary according to which protein sources are most commonly used in a particular
country. Pets with food sensitivity may have gastrointestinal problems, or
skin disease, or both. The pet can be fed a protein source not previously
eaten. Pets with inflammatory bowel disease may benefit from being fed one
novel protein just after treatment has been started., then a different novel
protein once the intestinal inflammation has eased, since the pet may develop
sensitivity to the initial protein.
White rice and cottage cheese is very digestible and unlikely to trigger
allergic responses. The pet should be given twice as much rice as cottage
cheese. Cats may refuse to eat cottage cheese, so boiled minced chicken could
be used, so long as the cat has not previously eaten much chicken. Fish, rabbit,
lamb or tofu can also be used, so long as the pet has not eaten the particular
protein for at least six months. There are also special commercial pet foods
which use hydrolysed protein sources for pets with allergies. Glutamine is
an amino acid that pets may need if stressed, and it seems to be more effective
if fed as an intact protein, rather than hydrolysed.
Cats and dogs are less likely to be sensitive to carbohydrates, though they
should be fed gluten-free, highly digestible carbohydrate sources if they
suffer from small intestine and stomach problems. Gluten sensitivity has been
noted in Irish setters as well as in some other dog breeds, and in cats. Affected
pets may suffer from gas, diarrhoea, and overgrowth of intestinal bacteria.
Boiled rice is commonly used, and barley and corn may be tried. Tapioca and
potatoes tend not to be digested as well, especially if not cooked properly.
Cats with intestinal disease may have trouble digesting carbohydrates. Extruded
dry food for dogs tends to be very digestible. Milk and yoghurt can trigger
diarrhoea, since they contain more lactose than cottage cheese, and older
dogs in particular may have trouble digesting lactose. Tapioca, bananas and
raw potato contain resistant starches that may cause problems since they are
not fully digested.
Elimination diets using easily digestible novel proteins and carbohydrates
can be used to test for food sensitivities. The pet is started on one novel
protein and one carbohydrate source, with small amounts of previously fed
foods added to see if any of these trigger problems. Skin problems caused
by food sensitivity tend to take longer to clear up than gastrointestinal
problems. Elimination diets should be used with care, since they are not complete,
so they are unsuitable for immature pets, and should not be fed for long periods
without supplements. Ingredients in commercial foods other than proteins and
carbohydrates, such as preservatives, may cause problems for some cats and
dogs.
Fibre may provide some benefits such as maintaining colonic motility, but
is not recommended for pets with small intestine problems since it may damage
small intestines that are inflamed. Diets with more fibre are also less digestible,
and pancreatic enzyme activity is impaired by fibre.
Fats have a high calorie content, so slow gastric emptying. Pets with gastrointestinal
problems may not digest fats well, and this can cause diarrhoea. Dogs with
gastrointestinal disease should have between 12% and 15% dry matter basis
fat levels, while cats should have between 15% and 22%. omega-3 fatty acids,
found in fish oil and some plant oils like canola and flaxseed oil, may benefit
some cats and dogs with intestinal problems.
Vitamin loss may result from diarrhoea, which leads to water-soluble vitamins
being excreted at a higher rate, while pets that have problems absorbing fats
may suffer from deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins. Cats need high levels
of B vitamins, so are especially at risk. Vomiting and anorexia are among
signs of thiamine deficiency in cats. Supplements can be given in intravenous
fluids. Vitamin E may help pets with gastrointestinal problems, given at between
10 and 100 iu/kg per day, though prothrombin activity may be impaired if doses
of vitamin E are too high. Cats may also suffer from potassium deficiency.
Most pets with gastrointestinal problems should have highly digestible, frequent,
small meals with novel or hydrolysed proteins, gluten free carbohydrates,
moderate fat restriction, and increased levels of water-soluble vitamins.
Pets with colonic disease may also benefit from fibre increases.
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Haemorrhagic fever, oedema and high mortality associated
with FCV infection
Concern about feline calcivirus infection outbreaks in
the US
source: A.D. Radford et al
Veterinary Record Vol 151 no 5, August 3 2002 p155
There is concern about outbreaks of feline calcivirus in the US, where a
new strain affecting both kittens and adults has led to mortality rates often
reaching 50%. Affected cats show a range of symptoms, including pyrexia (90%),
paw and facial oedema (50%) and upper respiratory tract infection (50%). Infection
can be spread by humans and contaminated instruments and cages as well as
by contact between cats. Many cats succumbing to these infections had been
given all their vaccinations. Quarantine and other measures have helped to
limit outbreaks. It takes from between two to four weeks for cats to cease
shedding this virus from the time they are infected. The infection appears
to be confined to the US, but anecdotal evidence suggests a possible case
in the UK. This virulent strain of virus could be the result of a mutation,
so may appear outside the US. UK vets suspecting that cats have this type
of infection should contact A.D. Radford and team at Liverpool University,
where specialist facilities are available for molecular typing and virus isolation.
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Retrospective study of 46 cases of feline haemobartonellosis
in Israel and their relationships with FeLV and FIV infections
Study of cats with feline infectious anaemia
source: S. Harrus et al
Veterinary Record vol 151 no 3 July 20 2002
starts p82, 4 pages long
Feline haemobartonellosis is also called feline infectious anaemia. It is
thought to be the main cause of feline haemolytic anaemia, and is caused by
Haemobartonella felis, which may be mycoplasmal, though it was first thought
of as rickettsial. There are large and small forms of H felis, and the organism
may be transmitted by fleas. This study describes 46 cases, and compares cats
which also suffered from feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukamia
(FeLV) with cats that did not have these additional infections.
The sample comprised 23 intact males, 9 castrated males, 11 intact females
and 3 spayed females. Free roaming cats accounted for 85% of the sample, or
39 cats, and seven were indoor cats. Their ages ranged from two months to
12 years, though 75% were 2.5 years or younger. 34 cats were tested for FeLV,
with 13 positive, and 37 were tested for FIV with eight positive, while two
were positive for both FeLV and FIV. This study found that younger cats, and
intact males are more likely to suffer from feline haemobartonellosis, which
fits with previous research.
The main clinical signs were lethargy, tachypnoea, depression, anorexia,
emaciation, dehydration, splenomegaly, icterus, pale mucus membranes, and
flea infestations. Tachypnoea has not been discussed in most reports of previous
research on H Felis, but was found in 73% of these cats. The main haematological
findings were anaemia and leucocytosis. Key biochemical abnormalities found
were that activites of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) alanine aminotransferase
(ALT) were high for most of the cats tested for this. This could be linked
to hepatic hypoxia as a result of anaemia. Some of the cats found to be anorexic
(65%) may have suffered from hepatic lipidosis, accounting for the high activity
levels.
There were significantly lower body temperatures in cats suffering from both
FeLV and H felis infections, possibly because of circulatory collapse and
acidosis from compromised blood perfusion. There have been reported of fever
resulting from co-infections, but cats in this study may have been at more
advanced stages of illness, with temperatures dropping when they were moribund.
Anaemia was also more serious in cats with both infections. FIV infected cats
did not show significant differences from cats without co-infections.
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Prevalence of feline leukaemia virus and antibodies
to feline immunodeficiency virus and feline coronavirus in stray cats sent to
an RSPCA hospital
UK survey of prevalence of diseases among stray cats
source: A. Muirden
Veterinary Record vol 150 no 20, may 18 2002
starts p621, 5 pages long
Tests for feline coronavirus (FCoV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)and feline
immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were carried out on 517 stray cats at an RPSCA
centre in Birmingham, England. 22.4% of cats tested had antibodies to FCoV,
3.5% had antibodies to FeLV, and 10.4% had antibodies to FIV.
Feral and semi-feral cats were more likely to test positive for FCoV, as
were cats older than two years of age. Cats with non-traumatic illness were
more likely to test positive for FeLV and FIV than traumatised or healthy
cats. Semi-feral and feral cats were also more likely to test positive for
FIV, as were older cats, and males, both entire and neutered, though no correlation
was found between tameness, age and sex, and testing positive for FeLV.
FcoV is spread through faeces, and stray cats may be at risk through using
several territories. FeLV appears to be spread through social contact such
as grooming, whereas FIV is linked to fighting, and in this study, with neglected
or old injuries. Previous studies have found links between tumours, gingivitis
and FeLV, and between abscesses and severe oral disease and FIV.
This study should provide useful data for authorities dealing with stray
cats, many of which may need to be rehomed.
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Cat jab
Vaccine approved in US for feline AIDS
source: New Scientist April 6 2002 p23
The US Department of Agriculture has approved a vaccine to protect cats from
feline AIDS. The vaccine was developed at Florida University’s College
of Veterinary Medicine, by Janet Yamamoto, and uses two strains of FIV virus
that have been inactivated. Cats can obtain some 60% protection for a year.
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Diet and skin disease in dogs and cats
Research on diets and supplements to control skin disease
in cats and dogs
source: Tim D.G. Watson
Journal of Nutrition vol 128 no 12, Dec 1998
starts p 2783S, 7 pages long
Skin disease can be linked to diet in dogs and cats, for example if they
cannot absorb nutrients in their food due to illness, or because the food
has not been stored properly or is poorly formulated. Symptoms linked to nutritional
deficiencies can include hair loss and greasy skin, and there may be infections.
Dogs and cats need essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, and they
may also need polyunsaturated acids (PUFA). Some low quality dry food, or
poorly stored food may be deficient. The effects of deficiency may occur after
two to three months, and food supplements can bring an improvement after three
to eight weeks. A mix of fish oil and vegetable oil can help, though it is
better to feed a veterinary supplement with zinc, vitamin E and essential
fatty acids, or better quality pet food. Supplements can help with other skin
conditions, such as flea allergies.
Protein deficiencies are not often found in cats and dogs, though young animals,
and those that are nursing or pregnant may suffer such deficiencies. Zinc
deficiency can be linked to skin trouble such as hair loss and crusts, which
may become infected. High calcium levels in diet may affect zinc absorption,
and cheap dry foods based on cereals and soya, can cause problems. Vitamin
A deficiency is linked to skin trouble, but cases are rare, and too much vitamin
A is toxic. Vitamin E deficiency can affect cats fed oily fish, and more vitamin
E is needed as PUFA intake increases. Vitamin B deficiency can also be linked
to skin problems, and brewers yeast, or other supplements that provide the
whole B group can remedy this.
Designing experiments to understand links between diet and skin problems
is not easy. The background diet is important, as well as any supplements
given. The ratio of (n-6) to (n-3) fatty acids may be important, and restricting
protein sources may also be a factor. Marine fish oil does, however, appear
to be beneficial for dogs with skin trouble, and the absolute amount of fish
oil appears to be more important than the ratio to other components of diet.
Sensitivity to diet may be linked to skin disease, but this is rare, and
skin disease tends to have a number of causes. Elimination diets fed for a
minimum three weeks can be used to test for sensitivity to certain foods.
The animal is first fed a diet that excludes foods it has already eaten, and
is then fed ingredients from its former diet to see if a reaction occurs.
Dairy and beef proteins, eggs, gluten and lactose may all trigger allergic
responses in some animals. Home-prepared elimination diets may be better than
commercial food, when diagnosing food allergies.
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Cat HIV jumps species
Macaques infected with FIV
source: Alison Motluk
New Scientist August 25 2001 p8
Researchers from Calgary University, Canada, have infected macaque monkeys
with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Blood was taken from the macaques,
and then injected back into them after being infected with FIV. The macaques
suffered a drop in CD4 immune cells, and lost weight. One macaque that initially
recovered fell ill again following injection with tetanus toxoid, which sets
of latent infections. Usage of FIV and other lentiviruses in gene therapy
should be reconsidered, the researchers argue.
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Advances in dietary management of obesity in dogs and
cats
Different effects of diet changes in cats and dogs
source: Richard F Butterwick and Amanda J Hawthorne
Journal of Nutrition vol 128 no 12, December 1998
starts p2771S, 5 pages long
The reasons why animals are obese are not always clear, and there may be
breed dispositions in dogs, but the direct cause is a higher intake of energy
than is being spent. Activity levels are also important, and activity levels
for dogs can vary greatly.
A survey of border collies has found that most pet collies exercise for less
than three hours a day. Recommendations for the calorie intake of dogs may
be excessive, given the evidence of this survey on the food intake and exercise
levels of collies. If these recommendations are too high, they will contribute
to obesity.
Cats subjected to rapid weight loss may lose too much lean tissue. They lose
weight faster if they are only allowed to eat 45% of their maintenance diet
at the desired body weight, but loss of lean tissue is faster than if they
are only restricted to 60% of the diet they should have at their desired weight.
Dogs appear to lose less lean tissue on high fibre diets, according to one
study, but not enough is known about how dogs use fibre, and how far it may
contribute to energy intake.
A high fibre diet does not appear to cause dogs to eat less due to feeling
full. It may be better to assess whether diets for companion animals undergoing
slimming programmes are nutritionally adequate, rather than focus on fibre
as a slimming aid, since evidence for high fibre diets being effective slimming
aids is doubtful, and more research is needed.
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The effect of diet on lower urinary tract disease in
cats
Diet and feline lower urinary tract disease
source: Peter J. Markwell et al
Journal of Nutrition vol 128 no 12, Dec 1998
starts p2753S, 5 pages long
Diet is linked to feline lower urinary tract disease in a number of ways,
since diet affects the volume and acidity of urine, and how concentrated it
is. Research has tended to focus on acidity levels, and concentration, as
a way of dealing with uroliths. Uroliths may be of different types, however,
and what is appropriate for treating cats with struvite uriliths is not appropriate
for calcium oxalate uroliths. Cats may also not suffer from uroliths at all,
and the cause of their lower urinary tract problems may be unknown.
Increasing the volume of urine can help in tackling uroliths, and can help
prevent crystals from forming. Research indicates that increasing the moisture
content of feline diets can more than halve the rate at which cats suffer
from recurrences of lower urinary tract problems, where the cause of the problem
is not clear. Other factors, like urine proteins, may affect the formation
of crystals, and more research is needed.
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Vaccination and fibrosarcomas in cats
Risks of fibrosarcomas from vaccinating are less than
risks of not vaccinating cats
source: Veterinary Record vol 148 no16, April 21 2001 p493
Jane Dobson from Cambridge University’s Department of Clinical Veterinary
Medicine, has reviewed literature on links between vaccination and fibrosarcomas
in cats. She presented her report to the 2001 BSAVA Congress. She noted that
there was a study in California which found cats vaccinated against rabies
to be more likely to suffer from fibrosarcomas that were often larger and
more aggressive, and affecting younger cats, than traditional fibrosarcomas.
Sarcomas also seem more likely to occur if a cat is always vaccinated in the
same spot, possibly because the injection site could become affected by chronic
inflammation.
There is evidence for some sort of link between vaccinating and fibrosarcomes,
but no actual proof. The development of cancers probably involve a number
of factors, she argues. Reported cases in the UK that fit a diagnosis of fibrosarcomas
induced by vaccination are rare. Cats are exposed to greater health risks
if they are not vaccinated, compared to the risk of their developing a tumour.
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Poxvirus infection in the domestic cat: clinical, histopathological,
virological and epidemiological studies
Poxvirus in European cats, and risks to humans
source: N. Nowotny et al
The European Journal of Companion Animal Practice vol 7 no 1 April 1997
starts p19, 8 pages long
Two cases of poxvirus were found in Austrian cats, and humans who had been
in contact with the cats were also tested. The humans were free of infection,
and this included a child who had not received smallpox vaccination.
Cats can catch poxvirus from hunting rodents, and 200 serum samples of cats
were also tested for orthopoxvirus antibodies in this study, with a 4% positive
result, though all the cats were clinically healthy. No sample tested positive
for parapoxvirus. Meanwhile two further cats were found to have poxvirus.
Poxvirus was first reported in domestic cats in the UK in 1978, with 150
cases subsequently reported in Europe, most of them in the UK. Humans have
been infected, with one fatality, involving a man whose immune system was
already compromised. Symptoms in cats and humans are localised lesions, which
spread if untreated. Cats do not usually die from the disease, though they
may suffer complications due to additional infections, like pneumonia. Glucocorticoids
are not recommended as a treatment, since they are immunosuppressive.
Orthopoxvirus has accounted for all recorded cases, except for one case of
parapoxvirus in the UK. There are around 50 million cats in Europe, and only
eight cases of humans being infected have been recorded, so the risk to humans
appears slim. Vets should still warn owners that there are risks, especially
to people with deficient immune systems.
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Kidney disease in Persian cats
Persian cats at risk from kidney disease
source: Feline Advisory Bureau vol 38 no 1 2000
Starts p29, 3 pages long
PKD affects from 35% to 40% of Persian cats, according to large-scale studies
in Norway, Sweden and the US, and the UK figure could be some 25%. This disease
is caused by a genetic defect which is passed on to kittens of both sexes,
and they can be affected even if just one parent has the faulty gene. Kittens
inheriting the gene from both parents are not likely to survive to birth.
It is very important to assess whether cats are affected, before they breed,
but the condition does not show up on tests such as palpation, and urine and
blood analyses, until it is advanced. Ultrasound scanning can, however, detect
the kidney cysts characteristic of PKD. There is a 98% accuracy level for
ultrasound tests on cats of 10 months and older. Gene-marker tests may also
become available.
Affected cats go on to develop the disease, and no way has been found to
prevent this, but the resulting kidney failure can then be treated by diet,
though it cannot be cured. Cats can be fed low protein diets, and problems
arising from kidney failure, such as anaemia, can be treated.
Prevention is important, and involves identifying affected cats. There may
be a case for breeding from an affected cat, if its line is especially valuable.
Some half the kittens will be affected from a mating with a cat that does
not have PKD. There is concern that Persians will be affected by increased
in-breeding if only PKD-negative cats are used for breeding.
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For a brighter smile
Teeth cleaning for cats
source: Your Cat February 1999
starts p24, 2 pages long
Gum and tooth problems occur in eight out of ten cats over the age of three,
and this can lead to bad breath, pain and lost teeth. Good dental hygiene
should start during kittenhood, as an older cat is unlikely to take to having
its teeth cleaned. This could start with the application of gentle pressure
around the teeth and gums, progressing to the use of cat toothpaste, accustoming
the cat to the flavour of the paste slowly.
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Take cover
Cat health insurance
source: Your Cat March 1999
starts p72, 4 pages long
Pet owners are being persuaded to take out health insurance on their pets
and there are many policies offering basic cover to individual packages taking
into account location, age and breeding. Insurance does not cover for routine
preventative care or dental treatment, although some budgeting schemes will
help to spread the costs.
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Grooming and control of fleas in cats
Comparison of grooming behaviour and flea infestation
of cats with and without Elizabethan collars
source: Robert A. Eckstein, Benjamin L. Hart
Applied Animal Behaviour Science 68 (2000)
starts p141, 10 pages long
Two experiments have been carried out on cats to assess the importance of
oral grooming as a method of flea control. In the first experiment, eighteen
long-haired cats were studied in a household plagued by fleas. Nine cats wore
Elizabethan collars which did not allow them to groom effectively. These cats
were compared with nine control cats, with flea samples taken once a week.
After three weeks, the cats with Elizabethan collars were found to have more
fleas than the control cats. In the second experiment, cats were videotaped
in a flea-infested household, and their behaviour was compared with cats in
a flea-free location. The cats in the flea-infested household spent more time
grooming. These two experiments show that cats may groom more when there are
fleas in their environment, and that grooming is a method for cats to remove
fleas.
Cats have cornified spines on their tongues, which can help to remove ectoparasites
like fleas. Cats also use scratch grooming techniques to reach their heads
and necks. Fleas removed from cats by grooming apparently do not survive longer
than one or two days. Grooming may, thus, reduce numbers of fleas in the household,
and there was a reduction in adult flea numbers in the environment where the
control group lived. This drop in numbers of fleas in the environment may
help explain why the control group had fewer fleas than the cats wearing collars.
Though oral grooming brings a benefit in terms of effective flea reduction,
one problem that can arise when cats remove fleas by oral grooming is that
fleas can infect cats with tapeworms.
The cats in the flea-infested household in the second experiment, tended
to groom more frequently rather than for longer periods. Increased frequency
of grooming bouts may mean that the cats’ central timing mechanism was
accelerated by flea saliva. This fits in with a view of grooming as pre-programmed,
rather than stimulus-driven, since longer periods of grooming would be expected
with a stimulus-driven model of grooming.
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Feline uveitis: a clinical and serological study of
44 cases
French study suggests link between feline uveitis and
Toxoplasma
Source: M. Roze
The European Journal of Companion Animal Practice Vol IX (2) October 1999
Starts p 149, 8 pages long
A study of 44 cats suffering from feline uveitis suggests links between this
condition and Toxoplasma Gondii. The cats underwent both ophthalmologic examination,
and had serological tests for Toxoplasma Gondii, FeLV and FIV. Anterior uveitis
was found in 79.5% of the cases, the most common symptoms being low intra
ocular pressure, and aqueous flare. Posterior uveitis was diagnosed in 22.7%
of the cases. Cataracts were found in nine cases, lens luxation was found
in eight cases, and glaucoma in seven cases.
Changes affecting the iris were noted in 34 cats. The iris often becomes darker
as a result of uveitis. The anterior chamber was cloudy in 27 cats.
Feline uveitis can have a number of causes, such as tumours, traumas, hypertension,
parasitic, bacterial and viral agents, and multiple myeloma, but the precise
cause of a particular case of uveitis is usually unknown. Vets may not always
carry out serological tests, due to the costs involved for the cat owner.
The cats in this study were aged between 2.5 months and 16-years-old, with
those whose uveitis was caused by tumours or trauma excluded from the study.
The average age of the group as a whole was 9.4 years, rising to 13.1 years
for spayed females, 10.8 years for neutered males, 9.5 for entire females,
and falling to 3.5 years for entire males. There were 20 neutered males, 14
spayed females, five entire males and five entire females in the study.
A positive serology was found in 25 cats for toxoplasmosis, while six were
FIV positive, five being positive both to FIV and toxoplasmosis. Four cats
were FeLV positive, with two also positive for toxoplasmosis. The toxoplasma
positive cats had an average age of 10.3 years.
Timing of tests is important in establishing a clear link between toxoplasmosis
and uveitis, but toxoplasmosis does appear to be responsible for some cases.
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Feline high-rise syndrome in the greater Metropolitan
area of Copenhagen: a four year retrospective study
Study of Danish cats that have fallen out of windows
Source: A Flagstad, J. Arnbjerg and S.E. Jensen
The European Journal of Companion Animal Practice vol IX (2) October 1999
Starts p 165, 7 pages long
A Danish study of 281 cats which had fallen out of windows was carried out
between 1993 and 1996. The cats had been brought to Copenhagen’s Small
Animal Hospital. Most of these cats were aged between one-year-old and three-years-old.
Male cats accounted for 157 cats, or 55.9% of the sample, and 70 of the males
were neutered (44.5%). Female cats accounted for 121 cats, or 43.0%, 23 of
which were neutered. In three cases, the sex of the cat was unknown. Domestic
shorthaired cats accounted for 261 of the cases, and Persians for 14 cats.
The injuries the cats suffered were generally more severe, the greater the
distance of the fall, though few apartments are more than 6 floors high in
Copenhagen. Three cats died before arriving, with a further 20 cats later
euthanased. Common injuries included Dyspnoea and lung involvement, and orthopaedic
injuries. There were no injuries found for 10% of the cats, most of which
had fallen from first or second floors rather than higher up.
Mild dyspnoea can be treated by providing oxygen, and the mask can simply
be put near the cat, to avoid stress. Oxygen cages can also be used. Painkillers
such as butorphanol can be provided. Cats can be left to calm down for some
10 to 15 minutes, so that they are less stressed when intravenous catheters
are placed, or other treatments are carried out.
Cats tend to right themselves when they fall, and land on all four paws,
bending their legs, which distributes the impact force, and then the breast
and abdomen hit the ground. All cats that have fallen from windows should
be checked for thoracic injury, and have radiographs taken.
Cats were more likely to fall from open windows when it was warm. Owners
should use grating or screens to prevent their cats from falling from open
windows.
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Feline infectious anaemia
Symptoms of feline infectious anaemia, treatment and prevention
source: Feline Advisory Bureau Journal vol 38:3 July 2000
starts p93, 2 pages long
Feline infectious anaemia (FIA) is caused by Haemobartonella felis (H felis), a bacterial parasite which damages red blood cells. Young male cats, and those sick from other diseases such as FIV are especially vulnerable, and the disease is thought to be transmitted through fighting and fleas, as well as from queens to their kittens. Urine and saliva are not thought to be infectious, but cats can catch FIA from infected blood, either from blood transfusions, or from biting infected cats. Humans cannot catch FIA.
Affected cats tend to show loss of appetite, pale gums, tiredness and depression. Diagnosis is not easy because levels of bacteria vary in waves. Some infected cats are carriers and show no symptoms, and anaemic cats are usually able to produce new red cells. FIA can be treated with antibiotics such as Doxycycline, which may be used together with corticosteroids to prevent red cell destruction. Blood transfusions may be needed if anaemia is severe. Rehydration therapy and help with feeding may also be needed. Cats may still carry FIA for life, despite treatment with antibiotics, and only appear ill at times of stress. Preventive measures include controlling fleas, and reducing aggression between cats, as well as ensuring that blood used in transfusions is FIA-free.
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Hazards at home
Poisoning risks to cats from household products
source: Alexander Campbell, from Veterinary Poisons Information Service
Feline Advisory Bureau Journal vol 38(3), July 2000 p73
Cats are at risk from household products, which can be divided into three categories: disinfectants, petroleum distillate products, and low-toxicity household products. Disinfectants can cause inflamed skin, hair loss, and severe damage to the eyes. They can be absorbed if the skin is broken. Cats may groom themselves and suffer from mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhoea, salivation, and appetite loss. Severe cases of poisoning can lead to respiratory problems, coughing, depression, and pyrexia. Affected cats need prompt treatment, and should be washed, with a collar fitted so they are unable to groom themselves. Vomiting should not be encouraged, since foam can enter the lungs. Water or saline should be used to irrigate the cat's eyes, if they have been affected, and the eyes should be checked for damage to the cornea.
Petroleum distillate products include turpentine substitute. They are irritants, and can lead to depression of the central nervous system (CNS), as well as pneumonia. Cats may suffer similar symptoms to those caused by disinfectant poisoning, and in addition may suffer from tremors, tachycardia, weakness, and abdominal tenderness. Cats that inhale these products may suffer respiratory problems, cyanosis, fever, and CNS depression. Hand degreasers or non-solvent detergents may be needed to wash the cat, which should again wear a collar. They should also be under observation at a vet's in case of serious exposure, due to respiratory risks. Cats that eat some other products, such as putty, nappy rash creams, and wax candles, may simply suffer from mild gastrointestinal problems.
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Raising your blood pressure
Measuring the blood pressure of cats
source: Kit Sturgess
Feline Advisory Bureau vol 38, 1 2000 p18
Elderly cats may suffer from hypertension, but there are problems in assessing normal blood pressure, and how blood pressure can be measured in cats. A cat's blood pressure is likely to increase at the vet's, especially if it has to wait in the same room as a dog. Blood pressure also rises after the cat has been physically examined by the vet. There is great variation in how much these factors affect cats. The conclusions drawn from research are that cats need ten minutes to settle after they arrive, and that the first procedure, prior to the vet carrying out a physical examination, should be measuring the cat's blood pressure.
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Dietary news for cats
Diet for cats with kidney disease
source: Kit Sturgess
Feline Advisory Bureau vol 38, 1 p18
There is still too little knowledge about what cats with kidney problems should eat, and many recommendations come from work on species other than cats. Some changes, such as protein restrictions are needed, but the required protein level is unclear. Not all kidney diseases are the same, and cats are also genetically diverse. Cats may lack appetite when they are first ill, and low-protein diets may not appeal to them They should eat something, since this is better than their breaking down body protein. Appetite stimulators can bring benefits.
Hill's have launched a food for cats that have renal insufficiency but do not have raised urea and creatinine. The idea is that 'at risk' cases should have this diet, since it is not easy to measure renal insufficiency in cats, for practical reasons. 'At risk' cats include those that have suffered contact with renal toxins. Some breeds, such as Burmese, Siamese, and Russian Blue are also seen as 'at risk, though it is unclear why this should be the case in Britain. Features of the new product include moderate protein restriction and slightly higher energy levels. Older cats may do better on a 'geriatric' diet that is less specific and which is geared to declining intestinal function, shown to be a characteristic of older cats.
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The itchy cat
Causes of and treatments for non-flea itchiness in cats
source: Ian Mason
Feline Advisory Bureau vol 38, 2 2000
starts p52, 2 pages long
Cats used to suffer itchiness mainly due to fleas, but this has changed as flea control has improved, and attention has now focused on other causes. Cats may show that they itch by excessive grooming causing hair loss. Hair loss in dogs and humans is nearly always linked to hormonal problems, but cats rarely get hormonal skin problems. Cats may also have a type of greasy dandruff, or lesions that can appear to eat away their upper lips, or they may suffer from reddened exuding patchs on their trunks. Fleas can cause these problems, but they can also be caused by other factors, such as food or other allergies, mites, insect bites, or bacterial infections. Itching could be linked to food additives, and a change in diet may help, especially to home-cooked food. Antihistamines may help with allergies, and anitbiotics with bacterial infections.
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