New FIV Test Developed

Levy, J. K., P. C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "Differentiation of feline immunodeficiency virus vaccination, infection, or vaccination and infection in cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 330-4.


Diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is complicated by the fact that no commercially available tests can differentiate between naturally infected cats and cats that have been vaccinated against FIV. After vaccination, cats produce antibodies that to date have been indistinguishable from those induced by natural infection. A discriminant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed that detects antibodies against formalin-treated FIV whole virus and untreated transmembrane peptide. In this study, blood samples from 73 uninfected and unvaccinated cats, 89 uninfected FIV-vaccinated cats, 99 unvaccinated FIV-infected cats, and 3 FIV-infected and vaccinated cats were tested. The discriminate ELISA correctly identified all uninfected cats, giving a specificity of 100%. Of the FIV-infected cats, 99 were correctly identified, giving a sensitivity of 97.1%. Other than virus isolation, which is not widely available and is time-consuming and expensive, this discriminate ELISA is the most reliable test for diagnosis of FIV. When this test becomes available at referral diagnostic laboratories, a new strategy for FIV testing would be to use the existing patient-side antibody assay as a screening test, and confirm positive results with the discriminant ELISA.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Kusuhara, H., T. Hohdatsu, et al. (2007). "Serological differentiation of FIV-infected cats from dual-subtype feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine (Fel-O-Vax FIV) inoculated cats." Vet Microbiol 120(3-4): 217-25.
>> PubMed abstract


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Hemangiosarcoma in Cats

Johannes, C. M., C. J. Henry, et al. (2007). "Hemangiosarcoma in cats: 53 cases (1992-2002)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(12): 1851-6.

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer arising from blood vessels and is considered rare in cats. Traditionally, feline hemangiosarcoma is classified as either dermal or visceral, with no distinction between cutaneous and subcutaneous dermal tumors. The purpose of this study was to characterize feline hemangiosarcoma and determine the signalment, clinical signs, biological behavior, treatment outcomes, and prognostic indicators associated with this type of tumor. In a retrospective case series, data from 53 cats with hemangiosarcoma was evaluated. Cutaneous and subcutaneous locations were more common than abdominal and thoracic locations. In 47 of the cats, surgery was the primary treatment. Tumor-free surgical margins were associated with longer survival times and were more likely to be obtained in cutaneous than subcutaneous tumors. Local recurrence was experienced in 6 of the 12 cats with subcutaneous tumors for which follow-up was available. Metastic disease was experienced by several cats. Of the 21 known deaths or euthanasias, 18 were directly related to the tumor. Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma was more aggressive than the cutaneous form, and it was more likely to recur locally and result in death or euthanasia. Visceral hemangiosarcoma is associated with a grave prognosis.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Culp, W. T., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2008). "Feline visceral hemangiosarcoma." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 148-52.
>> PubMed abstract

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The Best Age to Spay and Neuter

Kustritz, M. V. (2007). "Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(11): 1665-75.

Spaying female cats and castrating male cats, also called gonadectomy, are among the most commonly performed surgeries in veterinary medicine. Increasingly, both pet owners and veterinarians are questioning the best age to perform gonadectomy. Most veterinarians in the U.S. recommend gonadectomy for cats and dogs between 6 and 9 months of age. However, there is no scientific evidence to document that this is the optimal age. In fact, the age for gonadectomy of cats and dogs has varied tremendously over time and by geographic location. This article is a review of the scientific evidence on optimal ages for gonadectomy.
>> Free full text article available

Related articles:
Howe, L. M. (2006). "Surgical methods of contraception and sterilization." Theriogenology 66(3): 500-9.
>> PubMed abstract

Olson, P., M. Kustritz, et al. (2001). "Early-age neutering of dogs and cats in the United States (a review)." J Reprod Fertil Suppl 57: 223-232.
>> PubMed abstract

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Pinch-Induced Restraint for Cats

Pozza, M. E., J. L. Stella, et al. (2008). "Pinch-induced behavioral inhibition ('clipnosis') in domestic cats." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 82-7.


There has been much interest in using mechanical inhibition for gentle restraint of rabbits, rodents, mice and guinea pigs. In these species, immobility is induced using neck clips or inversion. Although it has not received much interest, there have been reports of immobilizing cats by placing clips along the dorsal midline or neck for short procedures such as blood sampling. The authors have coined the term "pinch-induced behavioral inhibition" (PIBI) or "clipnosis" to describe this method of restraint. In this project, the effectiveness of PIBI was evaluated in 13 healthy cats and 18 cats with idiopathic cystitis (IC) using standard two-inch binder clips from a stationery store. In the first month of the study, 92% of the healthy cats and 100% of the cats with IC responded positively to clipping. The physiological response to clipping was similar to that of scruffing a cat - miosis, ventroflexion of the back, curling the tail under the abdomen. While clips can be placed anywhere along the dorsal midline, the authors recommend the dorsum of the neck as the most effective location. No cat exhibited behavior that could be interpreted as a fear or pain response. The researchers concluded that PIBI can be a safe and effective method of gentle restraint for various routine veterinary procedures, such as blood sampling, vaccinations, and nail trimming.
>> PubMed abstract


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Bartonella and Uveitis in Cats

Fontenelle, J. P., C. C. Powell, et al. (2008). "Prevalence of serum antibodies against Bartonella species in the serum of cats with or without uveitis." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 41-6.

Anterior uveitis in cats has various causes, such as trauma, immune-mediated disease, and infectious agents. Bartonella henselae has been associated with chronic uveitis in people, and has been suggested as a cause for uveitis in some cats, although the number of proven cases is actually small. Cats are the main reservoir for B. henselae, although transmission of the infection is via fleas, ticks and other biting insects. Bartonella is the most common cause of cat scratch disease in humans. The objective of this study was to compare Bartonella seroprevalence and titers in cats with uveitis, cats with non-ocular disease, and healthy cats. The data was controlled for age and risk of flea exposure based on state of origin. Results showed no difference in seroprevalence rates or magnitude of titer between cats with uveitis and cats with non-ocular diseases. Healthy cats were more likely to be seropositive than cats with uveitis. The data from this study suggests that serum antibody tests alone cannot be used to diagnose Bartonella-associated uveitis in the cat.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Lappin, M., D. Kordick, et al. (2000). "Bartonella spp antibodies and DNA in aqueous humour of cats." J Fel Med Surg 2(1): 61-68.
>> PubMed abstract

Centers for Disease Control - Healthy Pets, Healthy People:
Cat scratch disease

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Biochemical Markers for Feline Heart Disease

Connolly, D. J., R. J. Soares Magalhaes, et al. (2008). "Circulating natriuretic peptides in cats with heart disease." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 96-105.with heart disease." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 96-105.

Natriuretic peptides are hormones produced by cardiac muscle cells, and include atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). These hormones are released in response to stretching of the atria (ANP) and ventricles (BNP), and are responsible for regulation of body fluids and blood pressure. The forms of these hormones measured in circulation are NT-proANP and NT-proBNP. In human medicine, these biochemical markers are used as patient-side tests for the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac disease. In people with HCM, NT-proBNP is increased and correlates with severity of disease. Increased concentrations of BNP have been reported in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and congestive heart failure (CHF). In this study, serum NT-proANP and NT-proBNP levels were measured in 28 healthy control cats and 50 cats with heart disease. Of the 50 cats with heart disease, 33 were in CHF while the remaining 17 were not. The study found that both markers were able to distinguish cats with heart disease from normal cats, but NT-proBNP was able to distinguish cats without CHF from normal cats. With further investigation, it may be possible to use NT-proBNP as a screening test for heart disease in cats. Any cats with positive test results should be evaluated with a more specific test, such as echocardiography, for false positives are possible.

>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:

MacLean, H. N., J. A. Abbott, et al. (2006). "N-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide immunoreactivity in plasma of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." J Vet Intern Med 20(2): 284-9.

>> PubMed abstract

Winn funded research

Biondo, A. W., E. J. Ehrhart, et al. (2003). "Immunohistochemistry of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides in control cats and cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy." Vet Pathol 40(5): 501-6.

>> PubMed abstract

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Pradofloxacin For Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Disease

Hartmann, A. D., C. R. Helps, et al. (2008). "Efficacy of pradofloxacin in cats with feline upper respiratory tract disease due to Chlamydophila felis or Mycoplasma infections." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 44-52.

Two of the pathogens implicated in feline upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) are Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma. Typical treatment for these pathogens has been doxycycline or enrofloxacin. Both drugs are associated with adverse effects. This study investigated the efficacy of a novel fluoroquinolone, pradofloxacin, for treatment of these pathogens. In this placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, 39 cats with clinical signs of URTD were divided into 2 treatment groups. One group was treated with pradofloxacin and the other group was treated with doxycycline; both groups were treated for 42 days. Clinical scores were evaluated as response to treatment. The presence of C. felis and Mycoplasma was determined by PCR analysis of conjunctival swabs. Before treatment, C. felis was detected in 23 cats, and Mycoplasma was detected in 20 cats. Both groups of cats responded to treatment with a marked improvement in clinical signs within 1 week. Complete elimination of Mycoplasma was achieved in both groups of cats. However, while all cats receiving doxycycline eliminated C. felis, 4 cats treated with pradofloxacin remained PCR-positive.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hartmann, A., R. Krebber, et al. (2008). "Pharmacokinetics of pradofloxacin and doxycycline in serum, saliva, and tear fluid of cats after oral administration." J Vet Pharmacol Ther 31(2): 87-94.
>> PubMed abstract

Litster, A., S. Moss, et al. (2007). "Clinical efficacy and palatability of pradofloxacin 2.5% oral suspension for the treatment of bacterial lower urinary tract infections in cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 990-5.
>> PubMed abstract

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Acute Kidney Failure in Cats

Worwag, S. and C. E. Langston (2008). "Acute intrinsic renal failure in cats: 32 cases (1997-2004)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(5): 728-32.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is the sudden onset of impaired renal function with associated inability to regulate fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. The prognosis for ARF in dogs and humans is generally poor, with mortality rates of 50-60%. Very limited data has been available on the characteristics of cats with ARF. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographics, clinicopathologic findings and outcome of cats with ARF. In a retrospective case series, the records of 32 cats with ARF were examined. Causes of ARF included nephrotoxins (e.g., drugs, lily toxicity) and ischemia, among others. Increases in serum potassium were associated with decreased chance of survival. Other negative prognostic indicators were low serum albumin or bicarbonate concentration at initial diagnosis. Of the 32 cases, 17 cats (53%) survived but 9 cats had persistent azotemia. The results of this study indicate that survival rates of cats with ARF are similar to rates in dogs and that about half of surviving cats have persistent renal damage.
>> PubMed abstract


Related blog posts:
Lily toxicity in a cat

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Feeding Practices of Cat Owners

Laflamme, D. P., S. K. Abood, et al. (2008). "Pet feeding practices of dog and cat owners in the United States and Australia." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(5): 687-94.

The objective of this large telephone survey was to determine what and how dog and cat owners feed their pets. A random selection of pet owners were surveyed in multiple U.S. locations and 1 location in Australia. Over 1100 respondents provided data on feeding practices for 635 dogs and 469 cats. Over 98% of cat owners fed commercial food for at least one-half of the nutritional intake. In addition, 29% of cats received at least one-half of their diet from commercial canned foods, and 13% of cats were fed non-commercial foods as part of their main diet. Veterinarians were cited as the most common source of information on pet care and nutrition, but 16% of cat owners cited the internet and other media sources as their primary source of information.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Michel, K. E. (2006). "Unconventional diets for dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 36(6): 1269-81, vi-vii.
>> PubMed abstract

Wakefield, L., F. Shofer, et al. (2006). "Evaluation of cats fed vegetarian diets and attitudes of their caregivers." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 229(1): 70-73.
>> PubMed abstract

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Prognosis for Cats with Urethral Obstruction

Gerber, B., S. Eichenberger, et al. (2008). "Guarded long-term prognosis in male cats with urethral obstruction." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 16-23.


This study, from the University of Zurich, evaluated 45 male cats with urethral obstruction or lower urinary tract signs due to urethral obstruction. Follow-up information from telephone interviews was available for 39 cats. Of the 22 cats with idiopathic urethral obstruction, 36% re-obstructed after a range of 3-728 days (median 17 days). Of the 10 cats with urolithiasis, 30% re-obstructed and of the 7 cats with urethral plugs, 43% re-obstructed. Most cats (51%) experienced recurrent signs of lower urinary tract disease, including obstruction. The most common reason for euthanasia was recurrent obstruction and was the end result for 21% of the cases.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Gerber, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2005). "Evaluation of clinical signs and causes of lower urinary tract disease in European cats." J Small Anim Pract 46(12): 571-7.
>> PubMed abstract


Houston, D., A. Moore, et al. (2003). "Feline urethral plugs and bladder uroliths: a review of 5484 submissions 1998-2003." Can Vet J 44: 974-977.
>> PubMed abstract


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Pericardial Effusion in Cats

Davidson, B. J., A. C. Paling, et al. (2008). "Disease association and clinical assessment of feline pericardial effusion." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 44(1): 5-9.

Records of 83 cats with pericardial effusion diagnosed at Washington State University and the University of California (Davis) were reviewed to determine the main causes and clinical significance. The most common causes were hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with congestive heart failure, cancer, and systemic infection. Most affected cats also had pleural effusion or pulmonary edema and signs of respiratory disease. Pericardial effusion is infrequent in cats, but is associated with serious cardiac and non-cardiac disease when it occurs and so warrants careful investigation.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hall, D. J., F. Shofer, et al. (2007). "Pericardial effusion in cats: a retrospective study of clinical findings and outcome in 146 cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 1002-7.
>> PubMed abstract

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Hemoplasma in Cats (formerly Hemobartonella)

Sykes, J. E., J. C. Terry, et al. (2008). "Prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(3): 372-9.

Three species of hemoplasmas are known to infect cats, the most well known of which is Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly Hemobartonella felis). M. haemofelis is associated with hemolytic anemia in some infected cats. Two other hemoplasmas, M. haemominutum and M. turicensis, are less commonly associated with clinical disease. In this study, 310 blood samples that had been submitted to a commercial laboratory because the cats had anemia and/or they were suspected of having hemoplasmosis were evaluated with species-specific PCR assays. The prevalences were 23.2% for M. haemominutum, 4.8% for M. haemofelis, and 6.5% for M. turicensis. Male cats were more likely to be infected with hemoplasmas, and FeLV and FIV were strongly associated with M. haemofelis infection. The results of this study show that these hemoplasmas occur commonly in cats in the United States.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Willi, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2007). "From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: Molecular methods provide new insights." Vet Microbiol 125(3-4): 197-209.
>> PubMed abstract

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ProMeris(R) for Flea Control in Cats

Dryden, M., P. Payne, et al. (2008). "Efficacy of a topically applied spot-on formulation of a novel insecticide, metaflumizone, applied to cats against a flea strain (KS1) with documented reduced susceptibility to various insecticides." Vet Parasitol 151(1): 74-9.


Metaflumizone (ProMeris, Fort Dodge Animal Health) is a new spot-on flea control product available for both dogs and cats. In this study, metaflumizone was evaluated for its efficacy against a strain of fleas known to have some resistance to other insecticides. Three groups of cats were utilized: eight adult domestic shorthair cats were treated with metaflumizone, eight cats were treated with fipronil/methoprene (Frontline Plus, Merial), and eight cats served as untreated controls. Each cat was infested with fleas on a pre-determined schedule and flea-combed at intervals. Treatment with metaflumizone provided at least 99.3% efficacy for 3 weeks post-treatment; then 97.4% at 4 weeks, 91.4% at 5 weeks, and 86.2% at 6 weeks. Fipronil/methoprene provided 99.6% efficacy at 1 week post-treatment; then 97.6% at 2 weeks, declining to 13.1% efficacy at 6 weeks. The reduction in flea numbers was significantly greater for metaflumizone than for fipronil from 3 to 6 weeks post-treatment.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Heaney, K. and R. G. Lindahl (2007). "Safety of a topically applied metaflumizone spot-on formulation for flea control in cats and kittens." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 233-8.
>> PubMed abstract


Holzmer, S., J. A. Hair, et al. (2007). "Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone for the control of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on cats." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 219-24.
>> PubMed abstract


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Treatment of Feline Herpesvirus with Cidofovir

Fontenelle, J. P., C. C. Powell, et al. (2008). "Effect of topical ophthalmic application of cidofovir on experimentally induced primary ocular feline herpesvirus-1 infection in cats." Am J Vet Res 69(2): 289-93.

The efficacy of twice-daily topical application of 0.5% cidofovir in cats with experimentally induced ocular feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) infection was evaluated in this project. Twelve cats were infected with an FHV-1 field strain and divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received 1 drop of cidofovir solution in both eyes twice daily for 2 weeks, starting on day 4. The control group received 1 drop of the same solution but without cidofovir. The cats were evaluated with a standard scoring system for 24 days. Ocular viral shedding was assessed with PCR every 3 days. During the treatment period, the clinical scores and amount of viral shedding were significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group. No systemic or local adverse effects were seen in the cats treated with cidofovir, and all cats were monitored for at least 1 year following the end of the project. Cidofovir may represent an effective new treatment for FHV-1 with the added benefits of causing less local irritation than currently available topical treatments, and requiring less frequent administration.
>> PubMed abstract

For further reading:
van der Meulen, K., B. Garre, et al. (2006). "In vitro comparison of antiviral drugs against feline herpesvirus 1." BMC Vet Res 2: 13.
>> Free full text article

Sandmeyer, L. S., C. B. Keller, et al. (2005). "Effects of cidofovir on cell death and replication of feline herpesvirus-1 in cultured feline corneal epithelial cells." Am J Vet Res 66(2): 217-22.
>> PubMed abstract

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Quality of FeLV & FIV Tests

Hartmann, K., P. Griessmayr, et al. (2007). "Quality of different in-clinic test systems for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus infection." J Feline Med Surg 9(6): 439-45.


There are many commerical kits available for in-clinic diagnosis of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). This study evaluated seven FIV and eight FeLV test kits. The researchers tested 536 serum samples from randomly selected cats. Positive FIV tests were confirmed with Western blot and positive FeLV tests were confirmed by virus isolation. Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values of eact test were determined. All test kits performed well, with the exception of one kit that produced unacceptable numbers of invalid test results and results that are difficult to interpret. Positive test results should always be confirmed, especially in a healthy cat from a low-risk environment.
>> PubMed abstract


Current retroviral testing guidelines from the American Assoc. of Feline Practitioners


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Outcome of Cats with Lymphoma

Kiselow, M. A., K. M. Rassnick, et al. (2008). "Outcome of cats with low-grade lymphocytic lymphoma: 41 cases (1995-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(3): 405-10.

This retrospective case series looked at 41 cats with confirmed lymphoma of various organs treated with prednisone and chlorambucil. Common clinical signs included vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and diarrhea. The majority of cats tested had low serum cobalamin levels. Most cats (68%) had lymphoma confined to the gastrointestinal tract. A complete response to treatment was achieved in 58% of cats, and 39% achieved a partial response. Overall median survival time was 704 days. This study shows that most cats diagnosed with lymphocytic lymphoma will respond to treatment with prednisone and chlorambucil.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hadden, A. G., S. M. Cotter, et al. (2008). "Efficacy and Toxicosis of VELCAP-C Treatment of Lymphoma in Cats." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 153-7.
>> PubMed abstract

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Liver Function and Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Berent, A. C., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2007). Liver function in cats with hyperthyroidism before and after 131I therapy. J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1217-23.

Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disease of senior cats, and many patients have changes in liver enzymes and other markers of liver function at the time of diagnosis. The clinical significance of these markers of liver damage is unknown. In this study, the liver function of 19 cats with naturally occurring hyperthyroidism was evaluated before and after I-131 therapy. The majority of the cats (15/19) had significant increases in at least one liver enzyme, yet functional testing was normal. All hyperthyroid cats had normal livers on ultrasound examination. All cats responded to treatment with I-131 and all changes in liver enzymes returned to normal. This study supports the conclusion that investigation for liver disease is unnecessary in most cats with hyperthyroidism.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Archer, F. J. and S. M. Taylor (1996). Alkaline phosphatase bone isoenzyme and osteocalcin in the serum of hyperthyroid cats. Can Vet J 37(12): 735-9.
[Free full text article]

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Efficacy of Transdermal Atenolol for Cats

Macgregor, J. M., J. E. Rush, et al. (2008). "Comparison of pharmacodynamic variables following oral versus transdermal administration of atenolol to healthy cats." Am J Vet Res 69(1): 39-44.

Atenolol is often prescribed for cats with certain types of heart disease, most notably some forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The drug is typically prescribed as 1/4 of a 25 mg tablet every 12 hours. Long term daily administration of oral medication may be very difficult for some owners to achieve. In recent years, there has been great interest in transdermal formulations of medication for cats. Few studies have reported on the efficacy of transdermal gel medications for cats, and of those that have been published the results are not always promising. In this project, atenolol was administered to 7 healthy cats, either orally or as a transdermal gel. Blood levels of atenolol were tested to determine efficacy of the route of administration. The difference between the two routes of administration was significant, with transdermal atenolol providing lower and inconsistent blood levels compared to oral administration.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Helms, S. R. (2007). "Treatment of feline hypertension with transdermal amlodipine: a pilot study." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 43(3): 149-156.

Lecuyer, M., S. Prini, et al. (2006). "Clinical efficacy and safety of transdermal methimazole in the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism." Can Vet J 47(2): 131-5. [Free full text article]

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Feline Interferon as a Treatment for FIP

Ritz, S., H. Egberink, et al. (2007). "Effect of feline interferon-omega on the survival time and quality of life of cats with feline infectious peritonitis." J Vet Intern Med 21(6): 1193-7.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a devastating disease of young cats with no known effective treatment. Feline interferon-omega (Virbagen Omega, Virbac) has been used in Europe and other parts of the world to treat FIP, but its efficacy is unknown. The drug is currently not available in North America. This study evaluated the efficacy of feline interferon-omega on the survival time and quality of life in 37 privately owned cats with naturally occurring FIP. The study was designed as a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. There was no statistical difference in the survival time or other variables in cats receiving feline interferon-omega compared to cats receiving placebo.
>> PubMed abstract

Winn Feline Foundation funds 3 new studies on FIP in 2008

Bria Fund for FIP Research

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Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats

Winn funded research

Janeczko, S., D. Atwater, et al. (2008). "The relationship of mucosal bacteria to duodenal histopathology, cytokine mRNA, and clinical disease activity in cats with inflammatory bowel disease." Vet Microbiol 128(1-2): 178-93.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for a group of poorly understood gastrointestinal (GI) diseases of cats. Cats with IBD have uncontrolled intestinal inflammation but the inciting causes are poorly understood. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship of intestinal mucosal bacteria to inflammation and clinical signs in cats with IBD. Biopsies of the duodenum were obtained from 27 cats: 17 cats sampled as part of diagnostic investigation for GI disease, and 10 control cats. The number of Enterobacteriaceae was higher in cats with clinical signs of GI disease than healthy cats. Total numbers of mucosal bacteria were associated with changes in mucosal architecture and the degree of inflammation. The results of this study suggest that mucosal bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and Clostridium are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD in cats.

>> PubMed Abstract

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