Heller, J. (2011). "Meticillin-resistant staphylococci in companion animals." Veterinary Record 169(3): 68-69.
The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in companion animals is a concern for human health. One organism of concern in human medicine is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This bacteria is commonly found in people, but only rarely in dogs and cats. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, are infected most commonly with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). Investigation of dogs and cats in Portugal, where MRSA is a problem, discovered that pets were found to harbor MSRP relatively commonly. These bacteria had significant antibiotic resistance, and when wounds or other internal tissues are infected opportunistically, treatment can be difficult. There is potential for MRSP in pets to be passed to humans, though the extent of this occurrence remains unknown. Further research is needed to define the role, if any, of MRSP in human infections. [MK]
Related articles:
Ferreira, J. P., K. L. Anderson, et al. (2011). "Transmission of MRSA between Companion Animals and Infected Human Patients Presenting to Outpatient Medical Care Facilities." PLoS ONE 6(11): e26978.
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Airway inflammation in feline asthma
Cocayne, C. G., C. R. Reinero, et al. (2011). "Subclinical airway inflammation despite high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy in cats with lower airway disease." Journal of feline medicine & surgery 13(8): 558-563.
It is estimated that 1% of the pet cat population is affected by feline asthma and chronic bronchitis. Both conditions are chronic, diffuse inflammatory diseases of the lower airway that can lead to irreversible damage called airway remodeling. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis is the only diagnostic test readily available in a clinical setting to determine the type of inflammatory cell present in the lower airways. There are no studies in cats that have determined if absence of clinical signs correlates with absence of airway inflammation. This study is a retrospective evaluation of 10 cats meeting criteria for inclusion in the study. The goal was to determine the correlation between the resolution of clinical signs in cats receiving oral glucocorticoids with the resolution of inflammation based on BALF cytology. The findings showed that 70% of the cats diagnosed with asthma or chronic bronchitis that had resolution of clinical signs (cough, wheeze, or episodic respiratory distress) with concurrent high-dose glucocorticoid therapy still had evidence of persistent airway inflammation based on BALF cytology. The results support the statement that caution should be used when equating absence of clinical signs with the absence of airway inflammation. Premature tapering of glucocorticoids based on absence of clinical signs in cats with subclinical inflammation could be detrimental in the long run. [VT]
Related articles:
Leemans, J., N. Kirschvink, et al. (2011). "Effect of short-term oral and inhaled corticosteroids on airway inflammation and responsiveness in a feline acute asthma model." Veterinary journal, in press.
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It is estimated that 1% of the pet cat population is affected by feline asthma and chronic bronchitis. Both conditions are chronic, diffuse inflammatory diseases of the lower airway that can lead to irreversible damage called airway remodeling. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis is the only diagnostic test readily available in a clinical setting to determine the type of inflammatory cell present in the lower airways. There are no studies in cats that have determined if absence of clinical signs correlates with absence of airway inflammation. This study is a retrospective evaluation of 10 cats meeting criteria for inclusion in the study. The goal was to determine the correlation between the resolution of clinical signs in cats receiving oral glucocorticoids with the resolution of inflammation based on BALF cytology. The findings showed that 70% of the cats diagnosed with asthma or chronic bronchitis that had resolution of clinical signs (cough, wheeze, or episodic respiratory distress) with concurrent high-dose glucocorticoid therapy still had evidence of persistent airway inflammation based on BALF cytology. The results support the statement that caution should be used when equating absence of clinical signs with the absence of airway inflammation. Premature tapering of glucocorticoids based on absence of clinical signs in cats with subclinical inflammation could be detrimental in the long run. [VT]
Related articles:
Leemans, J., N. Kirschvink, et al. (2011). "Effect of short-term oral and inhaled corticosteroids on airway inflammation and responsiveness in a feline acute asthma model." Veterinary journal, in press.
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Thursday, December 15, 2011
Maropitant for treatment of pain in cats
Final report, Winn grant 10-009
Treatment for visceral pain with the new NNK-1 receptor antagonist "maropitant" in cats
Investigators: Pedro Boscan, Eric Monnet, David Twedt, Sirirat Nyiom
Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University
Maropitant (Cerenia, Pfizer Animal Health) is a new drug approved for the treatment of nausea in cats and dogs that also has the potential for analgesia. The investigators examined effects of two parameters on the amount of inhalant anesthetic drug required to maintain the anesthetic state during surgery. During surgical procedures like ovariohysterectomy (spay), the abdominal organs are manipulated. Notably, the ovaries and uterus are touched and moved, which can cause pain. This pain can affect the amount of anesthesia needed in order to prevent the pain sensation for the cat. However, extraneous factors may affect the levels of anesthesia needed as well. Some can actually decrease the amount of anesthetic drug needed to maintain the pain-free state. Since the goal of any anesthetic is to use the minimal amount needed to maintain the state, it is important to know how certain factors affect the drug level required.
The parameters they evaluated were pregnancy (as many cats presented for spaying are pregnant) and the use of an antiemetic drug, maropitant (many anesthetics can cause nausea and vomiting, thus it is important to know if these medications affect the amount of anesthetic drug needed). The investigators found that both parameters, pregnancy and the use of the anti-emetic drug decreased the amount of anesthetic required. This finding indicates that levels of anesthesia needed during spaying can be decreased in cats that are pregnant, as well as in cats receiving this anti-emetic drug. Additionally, in terms of the antiemetic drug, these findings may indicate that this drug is also useful in awake cats as an analgesic. Its apparent ability to minimize the pain of surgical manipulation could indicate that it will be useful as a pain medication for cats. This drug has very few side effects, and is approved for use in cats; thus, this study has added a safe drug to the choices available for treating pain in cats. As an aside, this study allowed the spaying of cats that likely would not have been possible otherwise, including feral and homeless cats. [MK]
Related articles:
Hickman, M. A., S. R. Cox, et al. (2008). "Safety, pharmacokinetics and use of the novel NK-1 receptor antagonist maropitant (CereniaTM) for the prevention of emesis and motion sickness in cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 220-229.
More on cat health:
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Treatment for visceral pain with the new NNK-1 receptor antagonist "maropitant" in cats
Investigators: Pedro Boscan, Eric Monnet, David Twedt, Sirirat Nyiom
Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University
Maropitant (Cerenia, Pfizer Animal Health) is a new drug approved for the treatment of nausea in cats and dogs that also has the potential for analgesia. The investigators examined effects of two parameters on the amount of inhalant anesthetic drug required to maintain the anesthetic state during surgery. During surgical procedures like ovariohysterectomy (spay), the abdominal organs are manipulated. Notably, the ovaries and uterus are touched and moved, which can cause pain. This pain can affect the amount of anesthesia needed in order to prevent the pain sensation for the cat. However, extraneous factors may affect the levels of anesthesia needed as well. Some can actually decrease the amount of anesthetic drug needed to maintain the pain-free state. Since the goal of any anesthetic is to use the minimal amount needed to maintain the state, it is important to know how certain factors affect the drug level required.
The parameters they evaluated were pregnancy (as many cats presented for spaying are pregnant) and the use of an antiemetic drug, maropitant (many anesthetics can cause nausea and vomiting, thus it is important to know if these medications affect the amount of anesthetic drug needed). The investigators found that both parameters, pregnancy and the use of the anti-emetic drug decreased the amount of anesthetic required. This finding indicates that levels of anesthesia needed during spaying can be decreased in cats that are pregnant, as well as in cats receiving this anti-emetic drug. Additionally, in terms of the antiemetic drug, these findings may indicate that this drug is also useful in awake cats as an analgesic. Its apparent ability to minimize the pain of surgical manipulation could indicate that it will be useful as a pain medication for cats. This drug has very few side effects, and is approved for use in cats; thus, this study has added a safe drug to the choices available for treating pain in cats. As an aside, this study allowed the spaying of cats that likely would not have been possible otherwise, including feral and homeless cats. [MK]
Related articles:
Hickman, M. A., S. R. Cox, et al. (2008). "Safety, pharmacokinetics and use of the novel NK-1 receptor antagonist maropitant (CereniaTM) for the prevention of emesis and motion sickness in cats." Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 31(3): 220-229.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Monday, December 12, 2011
A new feline medicine textbook
“The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management” is a new, comprehensive feline medicine textbook just published by Elsevier Saunders. Edited and co-authored by Winn board member Dr. Susan Little and containing a chapter by Winn board member Steve Dale, “The Cat” is an essential resource for anyone who provides complete, state-of-the-art care to cats. 
The cover cat is Muffi, a beautiful orange tabby and white male belonging to Mats Hamnas in Sweden. You can see more pictures of Muffi and his feline friends on Flickr.
Available from: Elsevier Health and Amazon.
In one convenient volume, you'll find authoritative, clinically-focused information enhanced by full-color illustrations, tables, boxes, algorithms, key points, and much more - all in a format designed for quick access. Dr. Little and more than 60 expert contributors address the unique concerns and challenges facing the feline practitioner, including the latest advances in feline medical diagnosis and management and their clinical applications to everyday practice.
User-friendly and complete, “The Cat” is also available as an e-book, giving you easy access to the complete, fully-searchable contents online. “The Cat” is endorsed by the Winn Feline Foundation and contains a foreword written by Past President and current board member, Betty White.The cover cat is Muffi, a beautiful orange tabby and white male belonging to Mats Hamnas in Sweden. You can see more pictures of Muffi and his feline friends on Flickr.
Available from: Elsevier Health and Amazon.
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