Over representation of Burmese cats with diabetes mellitus

Objective To determine if Burmese cats in Queensland have an increased risk of diabetes mellitus.
Design A retrospective study of diabetic and nondiabetic cats that had blood submitted to a veterinary clinical laboratory over a 22 month study period.
Sample population 4402 cats
Procedure Cats were considered diabetic if blood glucose concentration was > 11 mmol/L and fructosamine was > 406 μmol/L or hydroxybutyrate was >1 mmol/L. Cats were grouped into Burmese and non-Burmese. Adjusted odds ratios of diabetes were calculated for breed, gender and age group amongst cats with blood glucose > 11 mmol/L.
Results Burmese cats comprised 20% of 45 diabetic cats of known breed, which was higher (P < 0.001) than among the normoglycemic reference population of 2203 cats (7% Burmese). There were more females among the diabetic Burmese (62%), but this did not differ (P > 0.05) from the Burmese reference population (45% females). In contrast, males seemed to predominate among diabetic non-Burmese (63%), although this also did not differ (P > 0.05) from the reference population (55%) or from diabetic Burmese (38% males). The majority (90%) of diabetic cats were older than 6 years, irrespective of breed (median age 12 years, interquartile range 10 to 13 years). This was higher (χ²= 8.13, P < 0.005) than among the normoglycaemic reference population, where 69% were older than 6 years.
Conclusions Burmese cats were significantly over represented among cats with diabetes mellitus. Irrespective of breed, the risk of diabetes in the study population increased with age.     

Comparison of three commercially available prescription diet regimens on short-term post-prandial serum glucose and insulin concentrations in healthy cats

Dietary therapy is an important treatment component for diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, the impact of three different commercially available diet regiments (1 general use and 2 aimed for treating obesity and DM) on short-term post-prandial serum glucose and insulin concentrations of five healthy cats to better understand what impact each of these diets may have for diabetic cats. The diet regiments used in this study were as follows: C/D dry (General Use- Low protein, High fat, High carbohydrate, and Low fiber), M/D dry (DM- High protein, High fat, Low carbohydrate, and High Fiber), and W/D dry (DM- Low Protein, Low Fat, High Carbohydrate, and High Fiber). No significant difference in post-prandial serum glucose levels were observed with the C/D (84.6 ± 1.5 mg/dl) and W/D (83.8 ± 1.4 mg/dl) dry diets when compared to pre-prandial fasting levels (83.9 ± 1.4 mg/dl). However, a significant reduction was observed with the M/D diet (78.9 ± 0.8 mg/dl) which had 50-60% less carbohydrates than either C/D or W/D diet. Unlike what was observed with post-prandial glucose levels, an interesting pattern emerged with post-prandial insulin levels, which were increasing with W/D, C/D, and M/D diets in that order (1.1 ± 0.2, 1.7 ± 0.2, and 2.3 ± 0.2 ng/ml respectively). Most surprising, though, was the fact that the W/D diet did not seem to stimulate insulin secretion as compared to pre-prandial levels (1.1 ± 0.1 ng/ml) in healthy cats. Interestingly, the W/D diet had high levels of carbohydrate and low levels of protein. Coincidentally, the only diet (M/D) which had a significant reduction in post-prandial glucose also showed the highest increase in post-prandial insulin in healthy cats. Therefore, dietary amounts of carbohydrate, fat, protein and fiber can all have an individual impact on post-prandial glycemia and subsequent insulin requirement levels. Just as concepts regarding dietary management of people with DM are evolving, investigators are reassessing what constitutes the ideal diet for the diabetic feline. As such, having a better understanding for each dietary component, may lead us to better understand how we can synergize certain dietary components to aid in DM management.     

Evaluation of cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in differentiating chylous and nonchylous pleural effusions in dogs and cats

Serum and pleural fluid cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and cholesterol/triglyceride ratios were determined in 9 dogs and 9 cats with pleural effusion (8 nonchylous, 10 chylous). The pleural fluid triglyceride concentrations were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) and the pleural cholesterol/triglyceride ratios were significantly lower (P less than 0.05) in chylous effusions than in nonchylous effusions in all animals. There were no differences in serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and serum cholesterol/triglyceride ratios for chylous and nonchylous effusions in either species. There also were no differences in pleural fluid cholesterol concentrations between the 2 groups in the dog or cat. It was concluded that determinations of cholesterol/triglyceride ratios may be an accurate method for helping distinguish chylous from nonchylous effusions in dogs and cats.     

CT and MRI evaluation of skull bones and soft tissues in six cats with presumed acromegaly versus 12 unaffected cats

Feline acromegaly is predominantly caused by an adenoma of the pituitary gland, resulting in excessive growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) secretion. In advanced cases, cats will display prominent facial features and upper airway congestion secondary to bony and soft tissue proliferation. The purpose of this study was to describe CT and MRI characteristics of soft tissues and skull bones in six cats with presumed acromegaly and to compare findings with those observed in 12 unaffected cats. In the five acromegalic cats with CT or MRI evidence of a pituitary tumor, frontal bone thickness was greater than age-matched controls with and without a history of upper airway disease. These five cats also had evidence of soft tissue accumulation in the nasal cavity, sinuses, and pharynx. One cat with insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus, elevated IGF-1, and a normal pituitary size did not have evidence of frontal bone thickening or upper airway congestion.     

Erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations in clinically normal cats and cats with lead toxicity.

Erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EPP) and blood lead concentrations were determined in 91 clinically healthy cats living in the inner suburban area of Sydney, Australia. The mean EPP concentration was 223.4 +/- 186.1 micrograms litre-1 whole blood and the mean blood lead concentration 0.62 +/- 0.25 mumol litre-1. EPP concentrations were also monitored in three cats with confirmed lead toxicity--at the time of diagnosis and one week and one month after chelation therapy with calcium EDTA. EPP concentrations were elevated in two cats and within the normal range in the third cat at the time of diagnosis. EPP concentration were higher in two cats one week after treatment than at the time of diagnosis. One month after chelation therapy, EPP concentrations were normal in two cats but still substantially elevated in the third cat although its blood lead concentration had returned to normal and all clinical signs of lead toxicity had resolved. It was determined that the predominant form of protoporphyrin present in cats with lead toxicity was zinc protoporphyrin. The EPP assay may have limited value in the diagnosis of acute lead toxicity and in monitoring the success of chelation therapy in cats.     

Detection of feline herpesvirus-specific antibodies and DNA in aqueous humor from cats with or without uveitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether uveitis in cats was associated with intraocular production of feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1)-specific antibodies or with detection of FHV-1 DNA in aqueous humor (AH). ANIMALS: 44 cats with idiopathic uveitis, 29 cats with uveitis attributed to Toxoplasma gondii infection, 13 FHV-1 seropositive cats without uveitis, and 9 FHV-1 seronegative cats without uveitis. PROCEDURE: ELISA were used to detect FHV-1-specific antibodies and total IgG antibodies in serum and AH, and the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (C-value) for intraocular antibody production was calculated. A polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect FHV-1 DNA in AH. RESULTS: FHV-1 seroprevalence among cats with uveitis was not significantly different from seroprevalence among cats without uveitis. Intraocular FHV-1 antibodies were never detected in cats without uveitis. Significantly more cats with idiopathic uveitis (22/44) or with toxoplasmic uveitis (11/29) had evidence of intraocular antibody production (C-value > 1) than did cats without uveitis. Only cats with idiopathic uveitis had FHV-1 C-values > 8. Among cats with evidence of intraocular antibody production, cats with idiopathic uveitis had a significantly higher median FHV-1 C-value (9.61) than did cats with toxoplasmic uveitis (2.56). Overall, FHV-1 DNA was detected in AH from 12 cats, 11 of which had uveitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that FHV-1 can infect intraocular tissues of cats and that intraocular FHV-1 infection may be associated with uveal inflammation in some cats.     

Influence of age and sex on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and associated enzyme activities in cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of age and sex on plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in cats. ANIMALS: 33 kittens and 16 adolescent, 23 adult, and 10 senior cats. PROCEDURE: Plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoprotein-cholesterol and activities of lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, and lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) were measured and compared within and among groups. RESULTS: Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were significantly higher in 5- and 7-week-old kittens, compared with the same kittens after weaning and cats in the other age groups. Cholesterol concentration was significantly less in 20-week-old kittens, compared with adolescent and adult cats. Lipid and lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different among the adolescent, adult, and senior groups, nor did sex influence lipid and lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations in these groups. Activities of lipoprotein and hepatic lipases were significantly less in senior cats, compared with the other groups. Activity of LCAT was highest in 20-week-old kittens and was greater in sexually intact adult and adolescent females, compared with their male counterparts. After castration, activities of hepatic lipase and LCAT significantly decreased in adolescent male cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The upper limits of reference ranges for plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations should be increased for kittens < 8 weeks of age. Low cholesterol concentrations in adolescent cats likely reflect high tissue demands for growth and steroidogenesis. Decrease in lipoprotein and hepatic lipase activity in senior cats could predispose this age group to hypertriglyceridemia, particularly in insulin-resistant cats or those fed a high fat diet.     

Serum cobalamin concentrations in healthy cats and cats with non-alimentary tract illness in Australia

Objective   To determine a reference range for serum cobalamin concentration in healthy cats in Australia using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay and to prospectively investigate the prevalence of hypocobalaminaemia in cats with non-alimentary tract disease.
Design   Prospective study measuring serum cobalamin concentrations in clinically healthy cats and cats with non-alimentary tract illness.
Procedure   Blood was collected from 50 clinically healthy cats that were owned by staff and associates of Veterinary Specialist Services or were owned animals presented to Creek Road Cat Clinic for routine vaccination. Blood was collected from 47 cats with non-alimentary tract illness presented at either clinic. Serum cobalamin concentration was determined for each group using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.
Results   A reference range for Australian cats calculated using the central 95th percentile in the 50 clinically healthy cats was 345 to 3668 pg/mL. Median serum cobalamin concentration in 47 cats with non-alimentary tract illness (1186 pg/mL; range 117–3480) was not significantly different to the median serum cobalamin of the 50 healthy cats (1213 pg/mL, range 311–3688). Using the calculated reference range one sick cat with non-alimentary tract illness had a markedly low serum cobalamin concentration.
Conclusion   Although hypocobalaminaemia is uncommon in sick cats with non-alimentary tract illness in Australia, its occurrence in this study warrants further investigation.     

Serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in neonatal calves with presumed septicemia

This study was performed to determine the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the serum of neonatal calves with presumed sepsis and determine the correlation between serum concentrations of TNF and the severity and outcome of disease. Thirty-five sick calves < 30 days old that suffered from enteritis, respiratory disease, or both were considered suitable for inclusion in this study by satisfying clinical and laboratory criteria suggestive of septicemia. At admission, blood samples were collected from all calves to determine the prevalence of high concentrations of TNF. The clinical course and outcome of disease then were recorded. Of the 35 calves with presumed sepsis, 10 had high serum TNF concentrations. Scleral injection, weak or absent suckling reflex, sternal or lateral recumbency, unresponsive or comatose state, and death rate of calves with high serum TNF concentration were greater than those values for calves without high serum TNF concentration. Calves with high serum TNF concentration had significantly lower mean IgG (P < .001), globulin (P < .0001), and calcium (P < .0001) concentrations; greater serum creatinine concentrations (P < .0001); and > or = 2+ toxic changes in neutrophils than did calves without high serum TNF concentrations. Mean values for packed cell volume, band neutrophil count, and venous Pco2 were significantly (P < .007) higher in the group of calves with high serum TNF concentration. Results of this study indicate that serum TNF concentration is correlated with clinical criteria of sepsis in neonatal calves. A close association was apparent between disease severity and serum TNF concentrations in this group of calves with presumed septicemia.     

Preliminary studies on congenital hypothyroidism in a family of Abyssinian cats.

Congenital hypothyroidism was diagnosed in related Abyssinian cats. The disease appeared to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait with affected homozygotes showing signs of reduced growth rate, shorter stature with kitten-like features, constipation and goitre. Hypothyroidism was confirmed by demonstrating low basal serum thyroxine levels which failed to increase after intravenous administration of thyroid stimulating hormone or thyrotropic releasing hormone. The radioiodide uptake of the thyroid glands was normal but a high proportion of the accumulated radioiodide was discharged after the administration of sodium perchlorate. It is concluded that the affected cats had a primary dyshormonogenesis: an organification (peroxidase) defect.     

Comparisons between cats with normal and increased fPLI concentrations in cats diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease

Objectives : The aim of this study was to compare age, serum albumin and cobalamin concentrations, serum alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, feline inflammatory bowel disease clinical disease activity index, pancreatic ultrasound findings, intestinal histopathology scores, outcome, treatment and clinical response between cats diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease with normal or increased serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations. Methods : Medical records for 23 cats diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and with serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations available were reviewed. Three groups were compared; cats with serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations 2·0 to 6·8 µg/l (group A), 6·9 to 11·9 µg/l (group B) and ≥12·0 µg/l (group C). Results : Sixteen of the 23 cats had increased serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations; 9 cats in group B and 7 cats in group C. The remaining seven cats were in group A. Cats with serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations ≥12·0 µg/l had significantly lower median serum albumin and cobalamin concentrations. No significant differences were identified between the three groups for age, serum alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, feline inflammatory bowel disease clinical disease activity index, pancreatic ultrasound findings, intestinal histopathology scores, clinical outcome, treatment or clinical response. Clinical Significance : Hypoalbuminaemia and hypocobalaminaemia were more frequently observed in cats with serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations ≥12·0 µg/l.     

Plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides in normal cats and normotensive and hypertensive cats with chronic kidney disease

ObjectivesTo determine if natriuretic peptide concentrations are increased in cats with systemic hypertension and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD).Animals22 normal cats, 13 normotensive cats with mild-moderate CKD (NT-CKD), 15 hypertensive cats with mild-moderate CKD (HT-CKD) and 8 normotensive cats with severe CKD (NT-CKD-severe).MethodsN-terminal pro-B-type (NT-proBNP) and pro-A-type (NT-proANP) natriuretic peptides were measured in plasma samples from all cats using commercially available assays and concentrations in the normal and diseased groups compared using non-parametric statistical tests. Spearman's rank correlation was used to test for an association between natriuretic peptide and creatinine concentrations.ResultsNT-proANP was significantly higher in the NT-CKD-severe than the normal group of cats (P = 0.006) but there were no other differences between groups. NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in the HT-CKD group than both the normal (P < 0.001) and the NT-CKD (P < 0.001) groups. NT-proBNP concentrations were also higher in the NT-CKD-severe (P < 0.001) and the NT-CKD (P = 0.005) groups than the normal group. NT-proANP but not NT-proBNP was significantly and positively associated with plasma creatinine concentration.ConclusionsMeasurement of NT-proBNP shows promise as a diagnostic marker for systemic hypertension in the cat. Its concentration is not significantly increased in cats with mild-moderate normotensive CKD.     

Epsiprantel, a new tapeworm remedy. Preliminary efficacy studies in dogs and cats

The anthelmintic potential of epsiprantel, 2-(cyclohexylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,12b-octahydropyrazin [2,1-a] [2]benzapine, was revealed using the tapeworms Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis in the cat, and Taenia pisiformis and T. hydatigena in the dog. Subsequent controlled tests in cats demonstrated oral efficacy of 100% against D. caninum with a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Although consistently 100% effective against T. taeniaeformis at 5 mg/kg, a single worm was found in one cat treated at 7.5 mg/kg. In experimental infections of Taenia pisiformis in dogs, 100% activity was achieved from a single oral dose of 1 mg/kg. No adverse reaction or drug-associated toxicity were observed at dose levels used.     

Myocardial taurine concentrations in cats with cardiac disease and in healthy cats fed taurine-modified diets.

Myocardial taurine concentrations were measured in cats with cardiac disease and in healthy cats fed diets with various concentrations of taurine. Group 1 was composed of 26 cats with 3 categories of naturally developing cardiac disease: dilatative cardiomyopathy (group 1A), 10 cats; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (group 1B), 9 cats; and volume overload (group 1C), 7 cats. These cats had been fed various commercial diets. Group 2 was composed of 40 healthy cats that had been fed diets varying in taurine concentration (0 to 1% taurine) for at least 2 years. Mean myocardial taurine concentrations did not differ significantly between group-1 cats with dilatative cardiomyopathy and those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or volume overload. Cats in group 1A had a mean myocardial taurine concentration 3 times higher than healthy cats fed a taurine-free diet (P less than 0.002). Mean myocardial taurine concentrations did not differ significantly between group-1A cats and healthy cats fed a diet containing 0.02% taurine; group-1A cats had significantly lower mean myocardial taurine concentrations than did healthy cats fed a synthetic diet containing 0.05 or 1.0% taurine (P less than 0.001). Acute oral administration of taurine in 5 group-1A cats appeared to increase mean myocardial taurine concentrations, compared with similar cats not given taurine during treatment for cardiac failure. In group-2 cats, mean myocardial taurine concentrations increased directly with percentage of dietary taurine.     

Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum and aqueous humor samples from cats with uveitis or systemic diseases in France

The present study sought to elucidate whether Schistosoma japonicum eggs could survive a passage through dogs and chickens. Three dogs and three chickens were used for the experiment. The dogs were allowed to eat goat faeces containing 80 S. japonicum eggs per gram. The chickens were given 2 ml of water containing more than 100 S. japonicum eggs per ml. The hatchability of the eggs was 51.8% prior to administration. All faeces were collected for 3 days from the dogs and for 2 days from the chickens and egg excretion and hatchability were measured. The results showed that nearly 50% of the eggs administered to the dogs were recovered in the faeces during the first 2 days and during the first 25 h 39% of the recovered eggs were viable and able to hatch. In the chickens 9% of the administered eggs were recovered within 27 h and within the first 3.5 h after administration 19% of the recovered eggs were viable and able to hatch. The results suggest that both dogs and chickens may act as transport hosts for S. japonicum in endemic areas.     

Determination of serum fPLI concentrations in cats with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common feline endocrinopathies. Pancreatitis is a reported cause for poor control of DM in cats; however, its prevalence in diabetic cats is unknown. Measurement of serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) has been proposed as a sensitive and specific test for the detection of pancreatitis in cats. The aim of this study was to assess fPLI concentrations in diabetic cats and compare these with non-diabetic cats of similar age. Samples from 29 cats with DM and 23 non-diabetic cats were analysed. Serum fPLI concentrations were significantly higher in samples from diabetic cats (P<0.01). A weak association was found between serum fructosamine and fPLI concentrations (R(2)=0.355, P=0.015), but there was no association between fPLI concentrations and the degree of diabetic control. There were no significant differences in reported clinical signs between cats with or without DM regardless of serum fPLI concentration. This is the first study to demonstrate elevated serum fPLI concentrations in cats with DM, suggesting that pancreatitis could be a significant comorbidity in these cats.