Survey of Helicobacter infection in domestic and feral cats in Korea

Discovery of Helicobacter (H.) pylori has led to a fundamental change in our understanding of gastric diseases in humans. Previous studies have found various Helicobacter spp. in dogs and cats, and pets have been questioned as a zoonotic carrier. The present study surveyed the Helicobacter infections and investigated the presence of H. felis and H. pylori infections in domestic and feral cats in Korea. Sixty-four domestic cats and 101 feral cats were selected from an animal shelter. Saliva and feces were evaluated by Helicobacter genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genus-specific PCR positive samples were further evaluated for H. felis and H. pylori using specific primer pairs. Thirty-six of 64 (56.3%) samples from domestic cats and 92 of 101 (91.1%) samples from feral cats were PCR positive; the positive rate of feces samples was higher than that of saliva samples in both groups. H. felis and H. pylori species-specific PCR was uniformly negative. The prevalence of Helicobacter spp. in feral cats was approximately two-fold higher than that of domestic cats. The fecal-oral route may be more a common transmission route not only between cats but also in humans.     

SARS-CoV-2 infection in domestic and feral cats: current evidence and implications

Current evidence indicates that cats play a limited role in COVID-19 epidemiology, and pets are probably dead-end hosts of SARS-CoV-2 and pose negligible risks of transmission to humans. Still, one health concept is to be adopted widely as a component of mitigation strategies to tackle the ongoing pandemic. Therefore, in terms of the magnitude of infection and potential to transmit SARS-CoV-2 to humans, our surveillance efforts should mainly focus on mustelids (especially minks, ferrets, and others) for early detection and control of infection. This will ensure that SARS-CoV-2 will not get established in the wild animal population of these susceptible species. We agree with Dr. Passarella Teixeira on the possibility of domestic and feral cats acting as an urban reservoir, subsequently transmitting the virus to human beings. However, it is less likely that such a phenomenon will be reported even if it has occurred due to the efficient and extensive human-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2.     

Differences between µCT‐imaging and conventional CT for the diagnosis of possible diseases of the middle and inner cat ear

The aim of this study was to check the relevance of using in‐vivo micro computed tomography (µCT) for the diagnosis of possible diseases of the middle and inner ear of the cat. Therefore, on the one hand, differences of the detail detectability between the two imaging methods conventional computed tomography (cCT) and in‐vivo µCT were analyzed. Six healthy cat ears were dissected and scanned several times and the obtained images were compared with each other. On the other hand, histological slices of all ears were prepared and pictures of defined anatomical structures were taken and compared with the identical sectional plane of the µCT‐images. This way it was possible to evaluate the quality and clinical limitations of the in‐vivo µCT. The results show that an in‐vivo µCT is suitable to analyze even the smallest osseous structures, such as the semicircular ducts, the spiral osseous lamina or the ossicles whereas with the help of cCT it is not possible to identify such small osseous structures because of their blurred and less detailed representation. Delicate soft tissue structures as the membranous labyrinth including hearing and vestibular organ cannot be differentiated with as well in‐vivo µCT‐ as with cCT‐images. In‐vivo µCT represent a good possibility for more detailed diagnosis of extremely fine structures which cannot be detected with cCT. Histological slices can nonetheless not be replaced by in‐vivo µCT due to a too low spatial resolution and the limitations of the in‐vivo µCT with regard to the evaluation of soft tissue dense structures.     

Plasma hormones in neotropical and domestic cats undergoing routine manipulations

Many neotropical felines are threatened with extinction and information on their physiology is required to assist in conservation. Their reproduction in captivity is poor, particularly for the smaller species. Several factors may be responsible, but stress is probably the most important. We assayed cortisol, LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone in single blood samples obtained under sedation from seven neotropical species and, for comparison, in stressed and unstressed domestic cats. Cortisol was also assayed in serial blood samples obtained after ACTH administration in Leopardus tigrinus, L. wiedi and domestic cats. While, in general, the results were fairly consistent, there were some statistically significant differences between species that were large enough to be of practical importance.     

Management of feral domestic cats in the urban environment of Rome (Italy)

In Italy, which is rabies-free, the national Law No. 281 [Legge Nazionale 14 agosto 1991. No. 281: Legge Quadro in materia di animali di affezione e prevenzione del randagismo. Gazz. Uff. Rep. Ital. no 203 del 30 agosto 1991: p. 3] on the management of pets and on the control of feral cats has introduced the no-kill policy for this species. Thus, “trap-neuter-release” (TNR) programs have been carried out for >10 years. In this paper we present data on registered colonies and censused cats in Rome from 1991 to 2000; the results of the neutering campaign from 1991 to 2000; and a survey, on 103 cat colonies, on the effects of demographic control of urban feral-cat colonies in the city of Rome, carried out by the local Veterinary Public Services (VPS) in collaboration with the associations of cat care-takers. In 10 years almost 8000 were neutered and reintroduced in their original colony. The spay/neuter campaigns brought about a general decrease in cat number but the percentage of cat immigration (due to abandonment and spontaneous arrival) is around 21%. This suggests that all these efforts without an effective education of people to control the reproduction of house cats (as a prevention for abandonment) are a waste of money, time and energy.     

Ultrasonographic evaluation of renal dimension and resistive index in clinically healthy Korean domestic short-hair cats

Renal length, height, width, resistive index (RI), size of cortex, and medulla were determined by renal ultrasonography in 50 healthy Korean domestic short-hair cats. In the sagittal plane, the renal length was 3.83 ± 0.51 cm (mean ± SD) in the left kidney and 3.96 ± 0.48 cm in the right kidney, whereas the renal height was 2.42 ± 0.27 cm in the left kidney and 2.36 ± 0.28 cm in the right kidney. In the transverse plane, the renal height was 2.42 ± 0.28 cm in the left kidney and 2.38 ± 0.27 cm in the right kidney, whereas the renal width was: 2.65 ± 0.35 cm in the left kidney and 2.63 ± 0.31 cm in the right kidney. In the dorsal plane, the renal length was 3.84 ± 0.53 cm in the left kidney and 3.97 ± 0.54 cm in the right kidney, whereas the renal width was 2.65 ± 0.34 cm in the left kidney and 2.66 ± 0.33 cm in the right kidney. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the same structure sizes measured in different planes. In the sagittal plane, the size of the renal cortex was 0.47 ± 0.08 cm in the left kidney and 0.47 ± 0.08 cm in the right kidney, whereas of the size of the renal medulla was 0.55 ± 0.30 cm in the left kidney and 0.50 ± 0.07 cm in the right kidney. RI evaluated by pulsed wave Doppler sonography was 0.52 ± 0.05 in the left kidney and 0.55 ± 0.05 in the right kidney. The actual renal dimensions determined by gross examination were not statistically different from those determined by ultrasonography. Furthermore the renal dimensions and RI were statistically correlated to the body weight of cats.     

Occurrence of Bartonella henselae types I and II in Central Italian domestic cats

Serological and molecular surveys were conducted to determine the occurrence of Bartonella henselae in domestic cats in Central Italy. Samples from 234 pet cats were tested for B. henselae antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence with 78 (33.3%) positive. A PCR assay specific for the Bartonella 16S rRNA gene was carried out on DNA samples extracted from blood of the 234 cats; 26 (11.1%) of the seropositive cats were positive. Two PCR protocols, which discriminate genotypes I and II of B. henselae, were performed on all DNA samples. Sixteen (6.8%) cats were infected by genotype I, 6 (2.5%) by genotype II, and two males (0.8%) by both genotypes. Two female (0.8%) cats which were Bartonella sp. PCR positive, gave negative results with the types I and II PCR. This protocol facilitates the direct and rapid detection of Bartonella DNA in feline blood samples, and differentiates B. henselae genotypes.     

Development of a severity scoring system for acute haemorrhage in anaesthetized domestic cats: the CABSS score

ObjectiveTo determine whether physiological, haematological, biochemical or electrolyte variables can predict severe haemorrhage in cats.Study designRandomized crossover study whereby each cat underwent mild and severe haemorrhage, with a 2 month period between events.AnimalsA group of six domestic cats aged 21 ± 1 months and weighing 4.9 ± 1.2 kg, mean ± standard deviation.MethodsCats were anaesthetized (buprenorphine, alfaxalone, isoflurane in oxygen at a fixed end-tidal concentration of 1.7%) before the haemorrhage event. In total, 34 variables were measured twice (prehaemorrhage and posthaemorrhage). The difference and percent change for each variable were compared between haemorrhage events (paired t test). Significant variables were placed into 13 different ratios (posthaemorrhage value of one variable divided by a posthaemorrhage value of a second variable) and compared (paired t test), and Cohen’s d (d) was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted and cut-off values for weak, moderate and strong indicators of severe haemorrhage were obtained.ResultsThe blood loss was 4.5 ± 1.1 mL kg^–1 and 26.8 ± 5.5 mL kg^–1 for mild and severe haemorrhage events, respectively. The most significant variables with large effect sizes were heart rate (HR), systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP), end-tidal carbon dioxide (Pe′CO₂), serum albumin, haematocrit and actual bicarbonate ion concentration [HCO₃⁻(act)]. The most robust ratios were: 1) shock index (d = –2.8; HR:SAP); 2) HR:Pe′CO₂ (d = –2.9); 3) serum albumin: haematocrit (d = 1.5); and 4) HR:HCO₃⁻(act) (d = –1.6). These ratios were included in the final proposed Cat Acute Bleeding Scoring System (CABSS).Conclusionsand clinical relevance Cats subjected to mild and severe haemorrhage demonstrated statistically and clinically relevant changes whereby four ratios could be created to make up the CABSS. The ratios detected and quantified the presence of severe haemorrhage in anaesthetized cats.     

Suspected sphenoid bone osteomyelitis causing visual impairment in two dogs and one cat

Objective  To present the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of sphenoid bone osteomyelitis.
Procedures  Two dogs (English Springer Spaniel – ESS, Golden Retriever – GR) and one cat (Domestic Long Haired) were presented with a 2–14-day history of visual deficits and reduced pupillary light reflexes. Investigations included physical, ophthalmologic and neurological examination as well as hematology, serum biochemistry, MRI of the head and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.
Results  MRI changes included thickening of the sphenoid bone and a loss of normal bone marrow signal on T1W MRI. Enhancement of the sphenoid bones, ventral meninges and ventral surface of the brain was present using paramagnetic contrast medium. CSF analysis was abnormal in the two dogs with increased cellularity, neutrophilic pleocytosis, intracellular bacteria and increased total protein in one, and with lymphocytic pleocytosis in another. CSF analysis was normal in the cat.
An underlying cause for the osteomyelitis could not be identified. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for 3–6 weeks combined with anti-inflammatory medications proved effective. Full clinical recovery occurred with no relapse during the follow up time of 7 (ESS) and 4 (Domestic Long Haired) years. The GR relapsed 10 months after treatment and recovered following a second 3-week course of broad-spectrum antibiotics with no relapse during the following 3 years.
Conclusion  Visual pathway deficits in dogs and cats may be due to sphenoid bone osteomyelitis. MRI and CSF analysis can assist diagnosing this potentially treatable condition. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of sphenoid bone osteomyelitis in these species.     

Ultrasonographic characterization of the feline cardia and pylorus in 34 healthy cats and three abnormal cats

A prospective study was performed in 34 fasted healthy cats to describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the cardia and pylorus. Measurements were obtained for the caudal esophageal wall thickness (Ew), cardia wall thickness (Cw), pyloric wall thickness (Pw), thickness of the pyloric muscularis (Mp), length of the thicker part of the proximal duodenal submucosa (Dl). Among the 34 cats, 24 were examined using a linear transducer, and 10 with a microconvex transducer. Ew and Cw could be measured in 70% of the cats when a linear transducer was used, in 100% of the cats when a microconvex probe was used, Pw and Mp could be measured in 100% of the cats whatever probe was used. The submucosa of the most proximal part of the duodenum was thicker in half of the cats in longitudinal section. The muscularis layer of the pylorus was triangular in longitudinal section and thicker than the muscularis of the proximal duodenum. The mean for Ew, Cw, Pw, Mp, and DI was 4.9 mm (SD = 1.1), 5 mm (SD = 0.6), 4.4 mm (SD = 0.6), 2.5 mm (SD = 0.5), and 4.7 mm (SD = 2.38), respectively. Three cats with abnormalities of the cardia and pylorus are also described to illustrate clinical implications.     

Sedative, analgesic and cardiorespiratory effects of romifidine in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sedative, analgesic, and cardiorespiratory effects of intramascular (IM) romifidine in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized experimental trial. ANIMALS: Ten healthy adult cats. METHODS: Romifidine (100, 200, and 400 microg kg(-1)) or xylazine (1 mg kg(-1)) was given IM in a cross-over study design. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), hemoglobin saturation, oscillometric arterial pressure, and scores for sedation, muscle relaxation, position, auditory response, and analgesia were determined before and after drug administration. Time to recumbency, duration of recumbency, and time to recover from sedation were determined. Subjective evaluation and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded before and at regular intervals for 60 minutes after drug administration. RESULTS: Bradycardia developed in all cats that were given romifidine or xylazine. No other significant differences in physiologic parameters were observed from baseline values or between treatments. Increasing the dose of romifidine did not result in increased sedation or muscle relaxation. Cats given xylazine showed higher sedation and muscle relaxation scores over time. Analgesia scores were significantly higher after administration of romifidine (400 microg kg(-1)) and xylazine (1 mg kg(-1)) than after romifidine at 100 or 200 microg kg(-1). Duration of lateral recumbency was not significantly different between treatments; however, cats took longer to recover after administration of 400 micro g kg(-1) romifidine. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bradycardia is the most important adverse effect after IM administration of romifidine at doses ranging from 100 to 400 microg kg(-1) or 1 mg kg(-1) of xylazine in cats. The sedative effects of romifidine at 200 microg kg(-1) are comparable to those of 1 mg kg(-1) of xylazine, although muscle relaxation and analgesia were significantly less with romifidine than with xylazine.     

Identification of parvovirus in the bone marrow of eight cats

Objective To determine if canine parvovirus (CPV) or feline panleucopenia virus (FPV) genomic sequences are present in adult feline bone marrow samples. Design Bone marrow samples were obtained from 32 semi‐feral cats that were euthanased at an animal shelter. DNA was extracted and subjected to conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) designed to determine if CPV or FPV DNA was present. Positive PCR products were purified, cloned and sequenced to differentiate between CPV and FPV. Results Eight of the bone marrow samples contained parvoviral DNA (7 CPV, 1 FPV). Conclusion CPV and FPV DNA can be found in the bone marrow of healthy adult cats.     

Nonlinear mixed models of growth curves from domestic shorthair cats in a breeding colony,housed in a seasonal facility to predict obesity

Obesity is highly prevalent in pet cats (Felis silvestris catus) and is associated with several comorbidities, yet very little is understood about the early life risk factors. The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model that describes growth in cats, to determine which early life variables were associated with being overweight in adulthood and to identify when during life the overweight phenotype developed in a colony of cats. We used pedigree, birth and growth data of 212 colony cats that were fed ad libitum from weaning. A nonlinear mixed‐effects model was fitted to the body weight data to describe growth curves. A subset of 146 cats that had reached 9 years of age was used to evaluate the body weight curves to 9 years, and candidate early life predictors of peak weight were evaluated using logistic regression. In contrast with other species, candidates such as maternal factors, birth weight and litter size were not significant risk factors for adult obesity. Male sex, body weight around 15 weeks of age and being born during the increasing photoperiod were significantly associated with being overweight at 9 years. The growth equation created can be used to predict peak body weight, when sex and season of birth are included. Thus, the trajectory to obesity is determined early in life in cats, and early intervention appears essential to prevent obesity in pet cats.     

Congenital malformations of the external and middle ear accompanied by temporal bone anomaly in a calf

A 7-month-old female Holstein calf presented with bilateral microtia and absent external acoustic meatus. The real-time polymerase chain reaction test was negative for bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine leukemia virus. The calf’s dam had a normal reproductive history. Computed tomography confirmed bilateral atresia of external auditory canals, aplasia of tympanic cavities and the ossicular chain, and temporomandibular joint abnormality. Necropsy revealed a severe malformation of the temporal bone. In the tympanic region, the external acoustic pore, tympanic bulla, and muscular process were absent bilaterally. The bilateral inner ear structure was normal. Based on these findings, we diagnosed the present case as congenital malformations of the external and middle ear accompanied by temporal bone anomaly.     

Sedative and physiological effects of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution in healthy cats

Objective

To determine the effects of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution on sedation, heart rate (HR), respiratory frequency (f_R), rectal temperature (RT) and noninvasive mean arterial pressure (MAP) in healthy cats.

Pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine,MK-467 and their combination following intramuscular administration in male cats

Objective

To characterize the pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine, MK-467 and their combination following intramuscular (IM) administration to cats.