Radiologic anatomy of the normal appendicular skeleton of the lion (Panthera leo). Part 1: thoracic limb.

Thoracic limb specimens from 12 euthanized free-ranging lions (Panthera leo, 16-170 mo old) underwent radiographic evaluation. The radiographic anatomy was described but excluded any areas of the bones with possible bone pathology. Comparisons between adult and juvenile lions were made and physes described. Differences or similarities (or both) to cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and domestic cats and dogs were also noted. No dissections were made to corroborate the anatomic observations, but comparisons were made to macerated museum specimens. On the basis of evaluation, the scapula has a prominent acromion, hamate, and suprahamate processes, as well as prominent nutrient foramina. The humerus is similar to that of domestic cats. The humeral and ulnar nutrient foramina originate more medially than that in domestic cats. A supracondylar foramen may sometimes be observed radiologically, although one was present on all the macerated specimens in this study. Its radiologic visibility depends on the angle of incidence of the primary beam. The lateral "anconeal tubercle" of the olecranon (situated between the processus anconeus and tuber olecrani) is usually more prominent than the medial one and tends to be hook shaped, pointing cranially. There are no sesamoids in the region of the elbow. The first digit is large with two palmar metacarpophalangeal sesamoids and a prominent sesamoid in the tendon of the M. abductoris digiti I longus, all indications of a high degree of functionality. All physes close before 66 mo of age.     

Prevalence of feline leukemia virus and antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus in cats in Norway.

Serum samples from 224 Norwegian cats were analyzed for the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) p27 common core antigen, and for antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Ninety specimens originated from the serum bank at the central referral clinic at the Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine, which had been collected during the years 1983-1989; 67 sera were submitted from veterinarian practitioners; while 67 sera originated from cats presented for euthanasia. The cats were classified into one "healthy" and one "sick" group. Only 2.2% of sick cats and 1.2% of healthy cats showed FeLV antigenemia, a finding which is lower than which has been reported from many other countries. The prevalence of FIV antibodies was 10.1% in sick cats and 5.9% in healthy cats. Antibodies to FIV was most prevalent in male cats (14.7%) than in female cats (2.1%), and more prevalent among domestic cats (12.0%) compared to pedigree cats (2.4%). Antibodies to FIV in the cats demonstrated increasing prevalence with increasing age. It may be concluded that FeLV causes minor problems in Norwegian cats, while FIV is present in a similar prevalence to what is reported from other countries.     

Molecular evidence of shared hookworm Ancylostoma tubaeforme haplotypes between the critically endangered Iberian lynx and sympatric domestic cats

Hookworms of the genus Ancylostoma are the most pathogenic parasites of young cats, and A. tubaeforme may cause morbidity or mortality in young individuals of the most endangered felid species in the world, the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Since the transmission of monoxenous parasites is related to host density and remaining lynx populations are currently very small, the presence of reservoir hosts may be necessary for the maintenance of the hookworm life-cycle, the domestic cat being the most likely reservoir of A. tubaeforme. In order to confirm this hypothesis, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (Cox I) sequences of three A. tubaeforme specimens from a road-killed Iberian lynx from Do?ana were compared with 14 specimens retrieved from five sympatric free-roaming cats from the same area, and with six specimens from three free-roaming cats from the Mediterranean island of Mallorca. Gene fragments (300 bp) from 23 A. tubaeforme individuals representing 16 different haplotypes were obtained. A statistical parsimony haplotype network analysis showed that the three specimens infecting an Iberian lynx corresponded to two different haplotypes, one of which was identical to a specimen in a cat found only 10 km from the lynx. Specimens from the Iberian lynx and those from cats in Do?ana were only 1.03% genetically divergent, whereas specimens from Mallorca cats and those from Do?ana cats and the lynx diverged by 1.33% and 1.36%, respectively. The existence of shared haplotypes of hookworms between lynx and cat reinforces the hypothesis that the abundant sympatric domestic cat population is acting as a reservoir for A. tubaeforme infection in the endangered Iberian lynx.     

Epidemiological studies on the expectation of life for cats computed from animal cemetery records

Based on the Chiang's method, the life table for cats was constructed from the death data of 3936 cats. They died in the Kanto area and were buried in an animal cemetery in Tokyo from June 1981 through May 1982. This life table seems to be the first one for domestic pet cats. The expectation of life for cats was 4.2 years at age 0, 5.0 years at age 1, 5.4 years at age 4, 5.3 years at age 5, 3.5 years at age 10, and 2.2 years at age 15. The maximum age at death was 22 years. From age 0 to age 5, the probability of dying for cats was higher than that for dogs, but over 6 years of age it seemed that Gompertz's equation was applicable to this life table for cats. From these results, if the probability of dying for cats at early ages decreases, the fundamental pattern of dying curve for cats seems to be a similar figure of dogs. The life table was constructed for different breeds and localities. Comparing the expectation of life at age 1 (e1) of the two populations divided by breeds or localities, there was significant difference in the e1 among different localities but not among different breeds. These facts suggest the existence of some factors which may influence the life span of cats among different localities.     

Genotypic analysis of Giardia duodenalis in domestic cats

BACKGROUND: Giardia duodenalis is an intestinal flagellated protozoan that affects many mammalian species often causing severe diarrheal disease. Several different genotypes have been identified (Assemblages A-G). Most isolates recovered from domestic cats have been assigned to either Assemblage A, the zoonotic form of the parasite, or Assemblage F, identified thus far only in cats. Genotypic variation within G. duodenalis may influence clinical presentation and course of disease. Therefore, host-adapted genotypes may not be responsible for diarrheal disease (eg, Assemblage F in cats). HYPOTHESIS: Multiple Giardia genotypes will be present in domestic cats, including Assemblage F, which will not be correlated with clinical signs. ANIMALS: 250 domestic cats from eastern Mississippi and northwestern Alabama. METHODS: Prevalence survey. Fecal samples evaluated for cysts using a centrifugation concentration technique and a commercially available direct immunoflourescent antibody kit. Giardia isolates were characterized by PCR amplification and sequencing of the glutamate dehydrogenase gene. RESULTS: Both Assemblage A-I (6/17) and Assemblage F (11/17) were identified. Although Assemblage was significantly associated with age and housing, no association was detected between Assemblage and a variety of other factors including the presence of gastrointestinal signs (acute vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The presence of diarrhea in domestic cats with Giardia cannot be used as a predictor of the presence of zoonotic genotypes in animals within the study area. Although Assemblage A was associated with age and housing, veterinarians should consider any isolation of Giardia from domestic cats as potentially zoonotic.     

Epizootiologic evaluation and quantitative analysis of urinary calculi from 150 cats

One hundred fifty specimens of urinary calculi from 150 cats were analyzed by at least 1 of 4 quantitative methods. Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) was the predominant mineral substance encountered, with 104 (69%) of the calculi being composed entirely of struvite and 23 (15%) being composed partially of struvite. Most (93%) of the calculi were located in the urinary bladder. Growth of bacteria was observed in samples from calculi or urine from 30 (41%) of 74 cats. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated from the urine or calculi from 17 cats (45% of bacteria isolated). Ten other bacterial species were isolated. Median and mean ages of the cats were 5.0 and 5.1 years, respectively. Domestic short-hair and domestic longhair breeds predominated. Fifty-seven percent of the calculi came from females, 43% from males. The distribution by gender did not differ significantly (P greater than 0.2) among the 3 groups (domestic shorthair, domestic longhair, and other). However, the distribution of struvite calculi differed significantly (chi 2 = 15.5, P less than 0.001) by age and gender; among cats less than or equal to 2 years of age, males predominated 2:1 over females, and among cats greater than 2 years of age, females predominated by nearly 3:1 over males. When compared with the general population, females greater than 2 years old were significantly (chi 2 = 15.4, P less than 0.001) overrepresented.     

Phacoemulsification in a clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

Phacoemulsification and prophylactic retinopexy were performed on a 3‐month‐old hand‐raised clouded leopard with a unilateral mature cataract. The same procedures were repeated 3 months later when a cataract developed in the fellow eye. Examination procedures, anesthetic protocols, and surgical techniques were similar to those utilized in domestic cats. The patient retains highly functional aphakic vision at the present age of 2.5 years. An inherited basis for the cataracts is proposed. Although the cub was hand raised, the cataracts were unlike nutritional cataracts reported previously in domestic cats and dogs. To the author’s knowledge this is the first report of cataract formation and phacoemulsification in a clouded leopard.     

The prevalence of feline A/B blood types in the Sydney region

OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of A/B blood types in pedigree and crossbred cats in the Sydney region, and to estimate the associated risk of administering incompatible blood in an unmatched random transfusion. DESIGN: A prospective/retrospective study of blood specimens collected from both sick and healthy cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood was collected from 355 cats from the Sydney region over a 12-year period from 1992 to 2003. Specimens were obtained from 187 domestic crossbred cats (short and long-haired) and 168 pedigree cats. The blood type of each cat was determined by one of three different laboratories using standard methods that varied over the duration of the survey. RESULTS: The distributions of blood types obtained by the three laboratories were not significantly different. The prevalence of type-A, type-B and type-AB blood types in crossbred cats was 62%, 36% and 1.6%, respectively. This is the highest percentage of type-B cats so far reported for an outbred population of domestic cats, and is significantly higher than the 26% reported previously for cats in the Brisbane region. The calculated frequency for the type-B allele assuming Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for this feline population is 0.60; the corresponding frequency of the type-A allele is thus approximately 0.40. The calculated proportion of random transfusions from this population giving rise to an incompatible blood transfusion is 46%, with half of these being life-threatening events. The calculated proportion of random matings from this population at risk for developing neonatal isoerythrolysis is 23%. The distribution of A and B blood types for pedigree cats was in general agreement with data reported previously for cats in North America and Europe, suggesting that the distribution of blood types in these purebred populations is relatively consistent throughout the world. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of type B cats in the owned domestic and pedigree cat population is so high that blood typing or cross matching prior to transfusion should be mandatory, except in Siamese/Oriental cats.     

Frequency of feline diabetes mellitus and breed predisposition in domestic cats in Australia

The frequency of diabetes mellitus is described for cats that received veterinary care from two large feline-only clinics in Brisbane, Australia. Frequency was estimated using period prevalences (the proportion of the population at risk that was affected by diabetes at any point during a specified time period). Of the 12,576 study cats, 93 were affected with diabetes during the 5-year study period, resulting in a 5-year period prevalence of 7.4 per 1000 cats. Period prevalence was significantly higher in Burmese cats (22.4 cats per 1000) than domestic short and longhaired cats (7.6 cats per 1000) and the mean age at first diagnosis during the study period was significantly higher amongst Burmese cats (13.6 years) compared to domestic short and longhaired cats (10.9 years). Further investigations into the apparent predisposition of Burmese cats to diabetes mellitus are indicated.     

Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in domesticated and feral cats in eastern Australia

Serum samples from 340 pet cats presented to three inner city clinics in Sydney Australia, 68 feral cats from two separate colonies in Sydney, and 329 cattery-confined pedigree and domestic cats in eastern Australia, were collected over a 2-year period and tested for antibodies directed against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) using immunomigration (Agen FIV Rapid Immunomigration test) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods (Snap Combo feline leukaemia virus antigen/FIV antibody test kit, IDEXX Laboratories). Western blot analysis was performed on samples in which there was discrepancy between the results. Information regarding breed, age, gender, housing arrangement and health status were recorded for all pet and cattery-confined cats, while the estimated age and current physical condition were recorded for feral cats. The FIV prevalence in the two feral cat populations was 21% and 25%. The majority of FIV-positive cats were male (60-80%). The FIV prevalence in cattery-confined cats was nil. The prevalence of FIV in the pet cat sample population was 8% (27/340) with almost equal prevalence in 'healthy' (13/170) and 'systemically unwell' (14/170) cats. The age of FIV-positive pet cats ranged from 3 to 19 years; all FIV-positive cats were domestic shorthairs with outside access. The median age of FIV-positive pet cats (11 years) was significantly greater than the median age of FIV-negative pet cats (7.5 years: P<0.05). The prevalence of FIV infection in male pet cats (21/172; 12%) was three times that in female pet cats (6/168; 4%; P<0.05). With over 80% of this pet cat population given outside access and continued FIV infection present in the feral population, this study highlights the need to develop rapid, accurate and cost-effective diagnostic methods that are not subject to false positives created by concurrent vaccination against FIV. This is especially important in re-homing stray cats within animal shelters and monitoring the efficacy of the new vaccine, which has not been challenged against Australian strains. The absence of FIV within cattery-confined cats highlights the value in routine screening and indoor lifestyles. This study provides cogent baseline FIV prevalences in three cat subpopulations which can be used for appraising potential disease associations with FIV in Australia.     

A cohort study of telomere and telomerase biology in cats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate telomere lengths in tissues of domestic shorthair (DSH) cats of various ages, evaluate the relationship between telomere length and age of cats, and investigate telomerase activity in the somatic tissues of cats. SAMPLE POPULATION: Tissues obtained from 2 DSH cats and blood samples obtained from 30 DSH cats. PROCEDURE: DNA isolated from blood cells and somatic tissue samples was subjected to terminal restriction fragment (TRF) analysis to determine mean telomere repeat lengths. Protein samples were subjected to analysis by use of a telomeric repeat-amplification protocol to assess telomerase activity. RESULTS: MeanTRF values of cats ranged from 4.7 to 26.3 kilobase pairs, and there was significant telomeric attrition with increasing age of cat. Telomerase activity was not found in a wide range of normal tissues obtained from 2 cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of these results clearly indicates that telomeres are shorter in older cats, compared with young cats; therefore, telomeres are implicated in the aging process. The analysis of telomerase activity in normal somatic tissues of cats reveals a pattern of expression similar to that found in human tissues. IMPACT FOR HUMAN MEDICINE: Fundamental differences in the biological characteristics of telomeres and telomerase exist between humans and the other most widely studied species (ie, mice). The results reported here reveal similarities in telomere and telomerase biologic characteristics between DSH cats and humans. Hence, as well as developing our understanding of aging in cats, these data may be usefully extrapolated to aging in humans.     

Tumors of the urogenital system in dogs and cats. Retrospective review of 138 cases

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and localization of different tumors in the urogenital system in dogs and cats in relation to sex, age and breed of animals. The study was performed on tumors or tissue specimens from tumors of the urinary and genital system obtained during surgery from dogs and cats submitted to the Division of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Clinical Sciences Agricultural University of Warsaw from 1998 to 2005. Most tumors of the urogenital system recognized in the present study derived from dogs (94.20%, 130 cases), and only a few cases were obtained from cats (5.79%). Occurrence and localization of urogenital system tumors in present review is similar to findings reported by other authors. Testicular tumors in males, ovarian lesions in females and urinary bladder tumors in both sexes were most commonly recognized. Older dogs were most often affected, animals with nonmalignant tumors were a bit younger than those with malignant lesions. Any obvious breed predilections were found, but terriers were at increased risk for development of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder and mixed breed and German shepherd for development of testicular neoplasms.     

Renal biopsy in the normal cat: examination of the effects of repeated needle biopsy

Three healthy cats were subjected to percutaneous renal biopsy of the left kidney on three occasions at monthly intervals. Three other cats were subjected to three consecutive biopsy attempts on one occasion using the left kidney. Thereafter the six cats were monitored clinically and by means of laboratory analyses of blood and urine until euthanasia four weeks after the last biopsy. Cautious insertion of the biopsy needle in an attempt to avoid over penetration of the kidney resulted in failure to obtain renal tissue on six occasions but in all 12 specimens which did contain renal tissue, glomeruli were present. Major blood vessels were present in two biopsy specimens. At necropsy, radiographic and histological studies demonstrated renal parenchymal and vascular changes in the biopsied kidneys which were similar to but less severe than those produced by a single biopsy attempt. This confirmed that avoidance of damage to major renal vessels is important and suggested that, with care, repeated biopsies need be no more harmful to the kidney than a single biopsy.     

Potential predictive biomarkers of obesity in Burmese cats

Australian Burmese cats are predisposed to diabetes mellitus and, compared to other breeds, have delayed triglyceride clearance that may result in subtle changes within cells and tissues that trigger specific alterations in gene expression within peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs). Expression of genes involved in energy metabolism (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase), lipogenesis (ATP citrate lyase [ACL], fatty acid synthase [FAS] and sterol regulatory binding protein-1c [SREBP-1c]), and insulin signalling (insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2, and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase), as well as cholesterol lipoprotein subfraction profiling were carried out on PBLs from lean Burmese cats and compared with similar profiles of age and gender matched lean and obese Australian domestic shorthaired cats (DSHs) in an attempt to identify possible biomarkers for assessing obesity.For the majority of the genes examined, the lean Burmese cats demonstrated similar PBL gene expression patterns as age and gender matched obese Australian DSH cats. Lean Burmese had increased expression of ACL and FAS, but not SREBP-1c, a main upstream regulator of lipid synthesis, suggesting possible aberrations in lipogenesis. Moreover, lean Burmese displayed a 3- to 4-fold increase in the very low density cholesterol fraction percentage, which was double that for obese DSH cats, indicating an increased degree of lipid dysregulation especially in relation to triglycerides. The findings suggest that Burmese cats may have a particular propensity for dysregulation in lipid metabolism.     

北京地区犬猫弓形虫病流行病学调查

为初步调查北京地区犬猫弓形虫感染的流病学特征,用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)方法检测2010年5月至2011年4月采集的家养犬猫、流浪猫血清样本.其中,家养犬血清样本1876份,家养猫血清样本561份,检测发现,家养犬动物弓形虫IgG抗体阳性率24.9％;家养猫弓形虫IgG阳性率21.2％;同时检测流浪猫样本201份,阳性率30.3％.家养犬弓形虫血清抗体阳性率不同季节间差异显著(P＜0.05),夏季最高,为30.0％,家养猫弓形虫血清抗体阳性率不同季节间无显著差异(P＞0.05).不同性别犬猫弓形虫血清抗体阳性率无显著差异(P＞0.05).随着年龄增长,犬猫弓形虫抗体阳性率均有明显增长.对25例弓形虫抗体阳性家养犬病例和37例弓形虫抗体阳性家养猫病例进行了回访调查,结果发现,该62例动物主人的弓形虫检测结果均为阴性.     

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus infections in cats in the Pisa district of Tuscany, and attempts to control FeLV infection in a colony of domestic cats by vaccination

The seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in 203 apparently healthy domestic cats living in the district of Pisa, central Italy, was 11.3 per cent, and the prevalence of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) was 8.4 per cent. The prevalence of FIV depended significantly on the lifestyle and age of the cats; cats living outdoors were more likely to be FIV-positive than cats living indoors, and the proportion of FIV-positive cats increased with age. In contrast, there was no significant relationship between these variables and the prevalence of FeLV. There was no significant relationship between the cats' seropositivity for FIV and FeLV. The results of a five-year field study to control FeLV infection by vaccination in a colony of 30 domestic adult cats naturally exposed to the infection suggest that the vaccination was effective in FIV-negative cats, but failed to protect FIV-positive cats against FeLV.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in clinically ill cats in the United States

OBJECTIVE: To determine regional seroprevalence estimates of Toxoplasma gondi-specific IgM and IgG in clinically ill cats throughout the United States. Sample Population-Sera from 12,628 clinically ill, client-owned cats. PROCEDURE: Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgM and IgG antibodies were detected by use of ELISAs. Sera from clinically ill cats previously submitted for T. gondii antibody testing were sequentially selected from our serum bank and the sample submission paperwork reviewed. The country was divided into 12 geographic regions. Overall prevalence as well as prevalence for each region, age group, season, sex (male vs female), and breed (domestic shorthair vs other) was calculated. Data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 31.6% of the cats were seropositive for T. gondii-specific IgM, IgG, or both. Percentage of cats seropositive for T. gondii antibodies ranged from 16.1% (southwestern United States) to 43.5% (northeastern United States). As age increased, odds of positive T. gondii antibody assay results (IgM alone, IgG alone, and any combination of IgM or IgG) increased. Males were more likely than females to be seropositive for T. gondii antibodies (IgG alone and any combination of IgM or IgG). Domestic shorthair cats were more likely than other breeds to be seropositive for T. gondii antibodies (IgM alone, IgG alone, and any combination of IgM or IgG). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Toxoplasma gondii-specific antibodies are common in serum samples of clinically ill cats from all regions of the United States. Seroprevalence increases as cats age and is higher in male and domestic shorthair cats, compared with females and other breeds.     

Adaptation of domestic cats to confinement

Although most cat owners believe that cats have a need to roam outdoors and that this activity benefits their welfare, roaming also carries welfare risks for the cat. On the other hand, most cats have not been selectively bred to be “house cats” that live indoors 24 hours a day. Until recently, most domestic cats were allowed to roam freely, and they contributed to the large population of stray and feral cats. In turn many pet cats come from the stray and shelter population. A large proportion of domestic cats have not been selected for easy adaptation to live in confinement and in close contact with people, and socialization to people may also not have been complete in these cats. However, cats are adaptable to a wide range of environments and are generally not known to show clear behavioral signs of problems, such as stereotypic behavior. Problem behaviors of cats are often not abnormal behaviors per se but natural behaviors that need to be redirected to appropriate substrates. The most frequent behavior problems cited by cat owners are: inappropriate elimination, scratching, aggression, anxiety, eating problems, vocalizations, and excessive activity. Despite the frequent reporting of these behaviors, most cats will generally adapt to indoor housing provided there is sufficient space and that they are accustomed to these conditions from an early age. The Five Freedoms, developed to assess the welfare of farm animals in intensive systems, can be modified to assess the welfare of cats housed in confinement. Specific features of the environment that can enhance the welfare of cats in confinement are discussed.     

Feline immunodeficiency virus infection in cats of Japan

A seroepidemiologic survey for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection was conducted in Japan. Between June and December 1987, individual sera (n = 3,323) were submitted by veterinary practitioners from many parts of the country. Specimens were from 1,739 cats with clinical signs suggestive of FIV infection and from 1,584 healthy-appearing cats seen by the same practitioners. The overall FIV infection rate among cats in Japan was 960/3,323 cats (28.9%). The infection rate was more than 3 times higher in the clinically ill cats, compared with that in the healthy cats of the same cohort (43.9 vs 12.4%). Male cats were 1.5 times as likely to be infected as were females. Almost all FIV-infected cats were domestic cats (as opposed to purebred cats). Complete clinical history was available for 700 of 960 FIV-infected cats. Of these 700 FIV-infected cats, 626 (89.4%) were clinically ill, and the remainder did not have clinical signs of disease. The mean age at the time of FIV diagnosis for the 700 cats was 5.2 years, with younger mean age for males (4.9 years) than for females (5.8 years). Most of the infected cats (94.7%) were either allowed to run outdoors or had lived outdoors before being brought into homes. The mortality for FIV-infected cats during the 6 months after diagnosis was 14.7%, and the mean age at the time of death was 5.7 years. Concurrent FeLV infection was seen in 12.4% of the FIV-infected cats, but this was not much different from the historical incidence of FeLV infection in similar groups of cats not infected with FIV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)