Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery最新文献

ObjectivesThe goal of the present study was to screen two cat populations for osteoarthritis. There are an estimated 60 million cats in the USA, with a growing body of evidence identifying a high percentage of them as suffering from osteoarthritis (OA); however, many are undiagnosed. New tools, such as the Feline Osteoarthritis Checklist, are available for use in practice to help screen cats for OA.MethodsWorking with the same general small animal practice, one population of cats was retrospectively screened for OA using historical methods, including physical examination and owner engagement. These results were then numerically evaluated to a similar prospective population using the Feline OA Checklist as a screening tool. Five general practice veterinary clinics with feline patients participated in both parts of this study, providing a total of 502 cat medical records for the retrospective phase of this study and 437 completed screening forms in the prospective phase of this study.ResultsOf the cats in the retrospective phase of the study, 1% had orthopedic-related issues when methods of identification such as oral history and physical examination were used. When the Feline OA Checklist was used as a screening tool in a prospective population, 39% of cats were identified as demonstrating at least one behavior consistent with OA.Conclusions and relevancePain recognition is the first step of pain management, and the use of the Feline OA Checklist can help improve feline health and welfare by easily and readily identifying these patients. Utilizing tools such as the Feline OA Checklist to screen all cats in practice offers veterinary practitioners an efficient way to identify the impact of feline OA and begin alleviating pain-related suffering.

ObjectivesFeline osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, degenerative joint condition that is an important cause of chronic pain in cats. Cannabinoids have shown potential in reducing pain and inflammation in OA, but research in cats is limited. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of a cannabidiol (CBD)/cannabidiol acid (CBDA) paste would in cats with OA. We hypothesised that CBD/CBDA paste would reduce pain scores and would be safe for use without significant adverse effects.MethodsIn this randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study, client-owned cats with OA were assigned to two study groups and received a 6-week course of both CBD/CBDA paste and a placebo. During the initial consultation and following appointments, cats underwent orthopaedic examination pain assessment with the North Carolina State University Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index scoring system and blood examination. Owners filled in a bi-weekly questionnaire (Dutch Orthopaedic Rating for Feline Osteoarthritis Pain, DORFOP). TRiP and DORFOP scores were analysed using mixed-effects models. Clinical chemistry in week 6 was compared using paired t-tests.ResultsA total of 26 cats participated in the study. Of these, 12 dropped out primarily because of their refusal to eat the CBD/CBDA paste, and, in some cases, vomiting was reported. Fourteen cats were left to complete the study. CBD/CBDA paste significantly reduced TRiP and DORFOP scores after 6 weeks of administration, with changes in DORFOP starting after 2 weeks. No differences in clinical biochemistry were observed between the placebo and CBD/CBDA paste at week 6.Conclusions and relevanceCBA/CBDA paste effectively reduced pain in cats, but the high drop-out rate is concerning. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer treatment durations is needed to confirm these findings.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to compare the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet:neutrophil ratio (PNR) in cats with or without hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism (CATE) and to evaluate their prognostic significance in cats with HCM.MethodsHealthy cats and cats with HCM and CATE were prospectively enrolled between 2018 and 2020. Complete blood count and echocardiogram were performed. NLR and PNR were compared between cats in healthy, HCM and CATE groups. Outcome data, including cause of death, time to death and progression of HCM, were collected via review of medical record and owner interviews. Associations between time to cardiac-related mortality, NLR and PNR were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the Cox proportional hazards regression model.ResultsA total of 110 cats were enrolled, including 42 healthy cats, 57 cats with HCM (37 stage B1, 9 stage B2, 11 stage C) and 11 cats with CATE. Cats with CATE had the highest NLR (5.8, range 3.1-12.7) compared with HCM (P = 0.03) and healthy cats (P ⩽0.0001), while NLR was higher in cats with HCM (3.3, range 1.8-5.1) compared with healthy controls (P = 0.04). PNR was lower in cats with CATE (16.6, range 13.2-27.9) compared with healthy cats (P = 0.0027). Although PNR did not differ between cats in the healthy and HCM groups (P >0.9), HCM-affected cats with PNR below 40 had a significantly lower median survival time (1093-1185 days) compared with those with PNR above 40 (P = 0.03). Cats with PNR below 40 at the time of HCM diagnosis also had a significant risk (hazard ratio 9.8; P = 0.03) of cardiac-related mortality.Conclusions and relevancePNR is an accessible and cost-effective hematological biomarker that outperforms NLR and echocardiographic findings in cats with early subclinical HCM. Alterations in NLR and PNR in cats with HCM and CATE suggest a potential role of systemic inflammation in feline HCM.

Since 2020, the emergence and global dissemination of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b infection has had devastating effects in wild and domestic bird populations, and resulted in spillover events in many terrestrial and marine mammalian species, including susceptible captive big cat collections, and feral and domestic feline species. The recent outbreaks in dairy herds in the USA following proposed exposure to infection from wild birds, with subsequent spread to in-contact mammals, demonstrates successful interspecies transmission of this virus and warrants close monitoring. In this literature review, we provide an overview of HPAI H5N1 infection in feline species to date, focusing on domestic but also captive wild cats, looking at the epidemiology, clinical and pathological presentations and management, and a current perspective on risk, testing and strategies to prevent infection.

ObjectivesTo determine the clinical relevance of gallbladder sludge (GBS) in cats by assessing its association with neutrophilic cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis (NC/CH), bile culture results, serum biochemical abnormalities and ultrasonographic findings suggestive of pancreatitis or small intestinal thickening.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on 166 cats that underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis. Data collected included ultrasonographic presence of GBS, bile culture and cytology results, liver enzyme activities, total bilirubin concentration and final diagnosis of NC/CH. Statistical associations were evaluated using Fisher's exact test and odds ratios (ORs).ResultsGBS was identified in 107/166 (64%) cats. There was no significant association between GBS and positive bile culture, bactibilia or NC/CH (P >0.84), nor with elevated alkaline phosphatase activity or total bilirubin (P >0.8). Cats with GBS were more likely to have normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity compared with GBS-negative cats (OR 0.42; P = 0.025). Among GBS-positive cats, the presence of concurrent pancreatitis or intestinal thickening did not significantly increase the likelihood of NC/CH. A non-significant association was observed between elevated ALT activity and NC/CH in GBS-positive cats (OR 2.53; P = 0.135).Conclusions and relevanceGBS is a frequent ultrasonographic finding in cats but does not reliably predict biliary infection or inflammation. These findings suggest that GBS should not be used in isolation to guide antimicrobial therapy or bile sampling. Clinical judgment and supporting diagnostic data remain essential in evaluating suspected hepatobiliary disease.

Case series summaryFeline otitis media (FOM) is an inflammatory condition of the middle ear in cats. The bony septum of the tympanic bulla divides it into lateral and medial compartments, making general middle ear lavage insufficient for clearing the medial compartment. The effectiveness of video-otoscope (VO)-guided myringotomy and saline lavage of the middle ear has been recently demonstrated; however, recurrence was noted in some cases. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of VO-guided septum bulla fenestration (SBF) with lavage of the medial compartment in 31 cats (44 ears) diagnosed with FOM. The cases were retrospectively reviewed between August 2021 and November 2023. Diagnoses were based on clinical signs (eg, chronic otorrhea and vestibular signs), imaging (CT, MRI or radiography) and myringotomy findings. All cats underwent middle ear lavage followed by SBF to access the medial compartment. During myringotomy and SBF, the obtained samples were evaluated cytologically and clinical signs were monitored for at least 6 months. Significant additional effusion was drained from the medial compartment in 38 (86.4%) ears, and bacteria were identified on cytology in 5.3% of the samples. A total of 16 ears showed recurrence or persistent clinical signs; most responded to subsequent medical therapy or repeat lavage without requiring surgery. Overall, stable remission was achieved in 39/44 (88.6%) ears. No severe postoperative complications were observed; one cat had transient facial nerve paralysis and another had Horner's syndrome.Relevance and novel informationVO-guided SBF provided minimally invasive access to the medial compartment of the tympanic bulla, allowing lavage of otherwise inaccessible effusion. Most cases achieved stable remission, but recurrence occurred in some, indicating that SBF may serve as an adjunct therapy rather than a definitive solution. Further studies with extended follow-up are needed to clarify its long-term prognostic value.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the association of anaemia and thrombocytopenia with the presence and severity of ocular lesions in cats.MethodsCats were prospectively recruited into four groups in this cross-sectional study: anaemic (A) (haematocrit level ⩽24%, n = 20), thrombocytopenic (T) (platelet count of ⩽200 × 10⁹/l, n = 10), anaemic and thrombocytopenic (AT) (n = 33) and healthy controls (C) (n = 20). All cats underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, with lesions classified as absent, minor (isolated retinal haemorrhages) or major (diffuse retinal haemorrhages, hyphaema or intravitreal bleeding). Signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic test results and final diagnoses were collected from the medical records.ResultsOcular lesion prevalence was 20%, 10%, 48% and 0% in the A, T, AT and C groups, respectively. Among affected cats, minor and major lesions occurred in 67% and 33% of cases, respectively. All major lesions were observed in groups T and AT. Anaemia and thrombocytopenia were significantly associated with both the presence (P_anaemia = .001, P_{thrombocytopenia} = .002) and severity (P_anaemia <.001, P_{thrombocytopenia} = .006) of ocular lesions. A haematocrit value of ≤18.5% had a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 58% for detecting ocular lesions.Conclusions and relevanceAnaemia and thrombocytopenia were significantly associated with the presence and severity of ocular lesions in cats in this study. Cats with concurrent anaemia and thrombocytopenia exhibited a higher prevalence of ocular lesions than those with either condition alone. This finding warrants further investigation into potential underlying mechanisms. Based on these results, any cat presenting with anaemia or thrombocytopenia should undergo a complete ophthalmic examination.

Practical relevance: Over the past 10 years, feline medicine has significantly advanced through the addition of new pharmaceuticals and alternative formulations available for cats, as well as improvements in the knowledge about existing agents. Through continued drug development, the therapeutic options for cats are expanding.

Clinical challenges: There are many speciesspecific clinical challenges encountered with the treatment of feline diseases. Additionally, therapeutic options can vary based on geography and change over time.

Evidence base: This review article discusses the current evidence for some of the newer therapeutic agents that are either presently available for use by feline medicine practitioners or are in development and undergoing clinical trials. Their recent introduction means the evidence for some of these medications is still emerging. The clinical use of these agents, available pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data, and reported adverse effects in cats are presented.

Audience: The information in this article is relevant to all veterinarians who practice feline medicine.

ObjectivesTopical treatments, along with systemic oral antifungals, are the mainstay of infection and environmental control for cats with dermatophytosis in animal shelters. This study aimed to provide realistic expectations of the performance of three commonly used topical treatments to help shelters minimize the length of stay and optimize feline welfare.MethodsA prospective, randomized, semi-blinded clinical trial compared treatment success and time to cure for miconazole chlorhexidine (MC) and hydrogen peroxide (HP) shampoos vs lime sulfur (LS) using a non-inferiority model. Cats with Microsporum canis were enrolled at four US animal shelters, treated with oral itraconazole and randomized into three topical treatment groups. Treatment success was defined as mycological cure by 7 weeks, while inferiority was defined as requiring more than 1 additional week to achieve cure.ResultsA total of 76 cats were enrolled. LS significantly outperformed both alternatives in cure by 7 weeks. Time to cure analysis showed significant differences between LS (mean 27 days, range 7-45) vs MC (37, 14-62) (P = 0.04) and LS vs HP (36, 11-65) (P = 0.06). Although alternative products took significantly longer to cure, confidence intervals (CIs) around the difference of means included the inferiority margin: LS vs MC (9.66, 95% CI 0.7-18.5) and LS vs HP (8.54, 95% CI 0.44-16.6). Therefore, inferiority of the alternative products was suggestive but inconclusive. After controlling for confounders, a Cox proportional hazards analysis confirmed significantly poorer performance of MC (P = 0.003) and HP (P = 0.032) vs LS. Younger age also significantly prolonged treatment (P = 0.039), while intake type, co-housing and low body condition score did not. Shelter staff ratings showed no differences between products in terms of treatment unpleasantness, difficulty or cat reactions.Conclusions and relevanceIn this study, LS outperformed HP and MC in treating cats with M canis. Younger cats took a longer time to achieve cure. If shelters or practitioners wish to use an alternative topical treatment to LS, then HP should be considered.