Control of Postoperative Pain in Cats

Benito-de-la-Vibora, J., B. D. Lascelles, et al. (2008). "Efficacy of tolfenamic acid and meloxicam in the control of postoperative pain following ovariohysterectomy in the cat." Vet Anaesth Analg.

This prospective, randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled study was performed at the University of Madrid, Spain to evaluate the effect of two non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (tolfenamic acid and meloxicam) on control of post-operative pain in cats. Sixty-nine client owned cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were enrolled in the study. The cats were given a dose of either tolfenamic acid (Tolfedine, Vetoquinol), meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim/Merial), or placebo pre-operatively and again post-operatively. Pain and wound sensitivity were assessed using standardized scales for up to 25 hours post-operatively. The meloxicam group was less painful than controls at 6 and 22 hours post-operatively; both treatment groups were less painful than controls at 25 hours. The number of cats requiring rescue analgesia did not differ between the groups. Cats receiving tolfenamic acid or meloxicam had decreased wound sensitivity compared to controls at all time points. The researchers conclude that both tolfenamic acid and meloxicam provide a similar analgesic effect for up to 24 hours post-operatively.
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Related articles:
Lascelles, B. D., M. H. Court, et al. (2007). "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in cats: a review." Vet Anaesth Analg 34(4): 228-50.
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Slingsby, L. and A. Waterman-Pearson (2000). "Postoperative analgesia in the cat after ovariohysterectomy by use of carprofen, ketoprofen, meloxicam or tolfenamic acid." J Small Anim Pract 41(10): 447-450.
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Diagnosis of FIP

Winn funded research

Kennedy, M. A., M. Abd-Eldaim, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of antibodies against feline coronavirus 7b protein for diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis in cats." American Journal of Veterinary Research 69(9): 1179-1182.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a lethal, complex, and clinically important disease of cats caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoV occurs in two biotypes: one that is virulent and causes FIP, and one that is nonvirulent. FIP occurs in an effusive form characterized by pleural effusion or ascites, as well as a granulomatous form that may affect several organs. No consistent genetic difference has been identified that can distinguish all virulent from nonvirulent FCoVs. As a result, antemortem diagnosis of FIP is difficult because no test that is specific and sensitive for the FIP virus is available. It has been suggested that the product of the 7b gene is a virulence factor. If expression of the 7b protein consistently leads to FIP, cats infected with virulent FCoV would be expected to have measurable antibodies against this protein, whereas cats infected with the nonvirulent FCoV would not. This would allow differentiation of cats infected with virulent FCoV from those infected with a nonvirulent strain. The purpose of this study was to determine specific antibody concentrations against the 7b protein in cats with FIP or other diseases and healthy cats. Serum samples from 95 cats submitted for various diagnostic tests as well as 20 samples from specific pathogen free cats used as negative controls were tested for antibodies against the 7b protein. Serum from cats with FIP had antibodies against the 7b protein. However, some healthy cats, as well as cats with other diseases, were seropositive for the 7b protein. The researchers conclude that seropositivity for the 7b protein is not specific for the FCoV virulent biotype or a diagnosis of FIP.
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Related articles:
Hartmann, K., C. Binder, et al. (2003). "Comparison of different tests to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis." J Vet Intern Med 17(6): 781-90.
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Contaminated Cat Food

Cianciolo, R. E., K. Bischoff, et al. (2008). "Clinicopathologic, histologic, and toxicologic findings in 70 cats inadvertently exposed to pet food contaminated with melamine and cyanuric acid." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 233(5): 729-737.

In early 2007, reports of renal failure in cats and dogs fed a variety of commercial pet foods led to an investigation that revealed melamine and cyanuric acid both in the suspect foods and in the imported wheat gluten used in the manufacture of those foods. The discovery led to the largest cat and dog food recall in US history. This case series represents 70 cats from a single cattery inadvertently fed contaminated food. Clinical signs were identified in 43 cats and included inappetence, vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, and lethargy. Azotemia was found in 38/68 cats tested 7-11 days after consumption of the contaminated food. One cat died and 13 were euthanized. Histologic examination of kidney samples from 13 cats revealed intratubular crystalluria, tubular necrosis with regeneration, and subcapsular perivascular inflammation. Toxicologic analyses revealed melamine and cyanuric acid in samples of cat food, vomitus, urine, and kidneys. Further evaluation of the survivors will allow assessment of any long-term effects associated with exposure to these 2 toxins.
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Related articles:
Dobson, R. L., S. Motlagh, et al. (2008). "Identification and Characterization of Toxicity of Contaminants in Pet Food Leading to an Outbreak of Renal Toxicity in Cats and Dogs." Toxicol Sci.
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Cyclosporine for Cats with Dermatitis

Wisselink, M. A. and T. Willemse (2008). "The efficacy of cyclosporine A in cats with presumed atopic dermatitis: A double blind, randomised prednisolone-controlled study." Vet J. Feb 20 [epub]

Most cats with atopic dermatitis are treated with corticosteroids, but there are cases where it would be desirable to avoid this class of drugs due to adverse effects. Cyclosporine is widely used in human and veterinary medicine to treat immunological diseases. In most countries, it is licensed for use in dogs, but not cats. In feline dermatology, cyclosporine has been used to treat eosinophilic granuloma complex, pemphigus, atopic dermatitis, and other disorders. In this randomized, controlled, double-blind study, 29 cats with atopic dermatitis were divided into 2 groups. One group (11 cats) was treated with prednisolone (1 mg/kg daily) while the remaining cats were treated with cyclosporine (5 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Blood samples for serum chemistries and hematology were collected at day 0 and day 28. During the trial, the owners were asked to evaluate the intensity of the pruritus once weekly on a linear analog scale and to record side effects. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the amount of remission or the number of cats that improved by >25%. No serious side effects were noted. The authors conclude that cyclosporine is an effective alternative to prednisolone for cats with atopic dermatitis.
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Related articles:
Noli, C. and F. Scarampella (2006). "Prospective open pilot study on the use of ciclosporin for feline allergic skin disease." J Small Anim Pract 47(8): 434-8.
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Vercelli, A., G. Raviri, et al. (2006). "The use of oral cyclosporin to treat feline dermatoses: a retrospective analysis of 23 cases." Vet Dermatol 17(3): 201-6.
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More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library