Efficacy of pradofloxacin in cats with feline upper respiratory tract disease due to Chlamydophila felis or Mycoplasma infections

BACKGROUND: Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) of cats is caused by a number of pathogens, including Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma spp. For effective treatment of both infections, doxycycline and enrofloxacin are recommended, but adverse effects limit their use in cats. HYPOTHESIS: That the fluoroquinolone pradofloxacin is effective against C. felis and Mycoplasma infection in cats with URTD or conjunctivitis. ANIMALS: Thirty-nine cats with signs of URTD or conjunctivitis. METHODS: Placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Cats were randomly entered into 1 of 2 treatment groups: treated PO with either 5 mg/kg pradofloxacin q24h or 5 mg/kg doxycycline q12h for 42 consecutive days. Changes in health status and clinical scores were evaluated. The presence of C. felis and Mycoplasma spp. was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR of conjunctival swabs, respectively. RESULTS: At the beginning of the study, C. felis and Mycoplasma spp. were detected in 23 and 20 cats, respectively. Cats of both groups responded rapidly with a marked improvement in clinical signs within the 1st week. During treatment with either drug, C. felis DNA copy number declined quickly. Complete elimination of Mycoplasma spp. was achieved in both groups; however, whereas all cats receiving doxycycline eliminated C. felis, 4 cats treated with pradofloxacin remained PCR-positive. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study demonstrates that both pradofloxacin and doxycycline have good efficacy against C. felis and Mycoplasma spp., resulting in a marked improvement of clinical signs. However, C. felis DNA remained in some cats after treatment with pradofloxacin, suggesting that infection might not have been eliminated.     

Oral supplementation with L-lysine did not prevent upper respiratory infection in a shelter population of cats

Cats in animal shelters are highly susceptible to infection by feline herpesvirus (FHV) by virtue of their stress and close proximity to other cats. Animal shelters take several different approaches to prevent FHV-related upper respiratory infections (URIs), including empirically treating all cats with L-lysine, a supplement believed to prevent the replication of FHV and, therefore, manifestations of herpesvirus infections. In this study we tested oral supplementation of L-lysine as a means to prevent URIs. One hundred and forty-four cats were treated with L-lysine in a small amount of canned food once daily. A 'no treatment' group of 147 cats received no lysine during the course of the study. The development of conjunctivitis or URI was tracked between the two groups. In all measures, there was no effect between the two groups, suggesting that lysine was not able to prevent URI or conjunctivitis in our shelter situation. Cats entering shelters encounter stressors that may make them more susceptible to FHV reactivation or infection. Infection control and control of fomite transmission are also key to keeping cats healthy in a group housing situation. The finding that lysine did not prevent URI in this animal shelter suggests that shelters may better use their resources by finding ways to decrease stress among their feline population, focusing on proper infection control measures, and limiting fomite transmission of disease.     

Systemic treatment of bacterial skin infections of dogs and cats

Abstract Antibiotics and immunostimulants are used in the systemic treatment of bacterial skin infections in small animals. The major antibiotic groups commonly utilized are the macrolides, lincosamides, potentiated sulphonamides, β-lactamase-resistant penicillins, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. Empirical usage, culture and sensitivity, mode of action, dosages, efficacy and side-effects are reviewed. A summary of the veterinary literature relative to immunostimulants is also included. Résumé— Antibiotiques et immunostimulants sont utilisés dans le traitement systémique des infections bactériennes cutanées des animaux de compagnie. Les families d'antibiotiques les plus utilisées sont les macrolides, les lincosanides, les sulfonamides potentialisés, les pénicillines résistantes à la lactamase, les céphalosporines et les fluoroquinolones. L'utilisation empirique, l'isolement et l'antibiogramme, le mode d'action, les dosages, l'efficacité et les effets secondaires sont présentés. Un résumé de la littérature vétérinaire concernant les immunostimulants est également inclus. [White, S. D. Systemic treatment of bacterial skin infections of dogs and cats. (Traitement systémique des infections bactériennes cutanées du chien et du chat). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 133–143.] Resumen Para el tratamiento sistémico de ls infecciones bacterianas cutáneas en pequeños animales se usan antibióticos e inmunoestimulantes. Los grupos de antibióticos más frecuentemente utilizados incluyen los macrólidos, lincosamidas, sulfonamidas potenciadas, penicilinas beta-lactamasa resistentes, cefalosporinas y fluoroquinolonas. Se revisan su uso empirico, cultivo y sensibilidad, mecanismo de acción, dosis, eficacia y efectos colaterales. Se incluye un resumen de la literatura veterinaria sobre immunoestimulantes. [White, S. D. Systemic treatment of bacterial skin infections of dogs and cats. (Tratamiento sistemico de las infecciones bacterianas cutaneas de perros y gatos). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 133–143.] Zusammenfassung— Antibiotika und Immunstimulantien werden in der systemischen Behandlung von bakteriellen Hautinfektionen bei Kleintieren eingesetzt. Die Hauptgruppen der gewöhnlich verwendeten Antibiotika sind Markrolide, Lincosamide, potenzierte Sulfonamide, beta-Laktamase-resistente Penicilline, Cephalosporine und Fluroquinolone. Die empirische Anwendung, Kultur und Empfindlichkeit, Wirkungsweise, Dosierung, Wirksamkeit und Nebenwirkungen werden dargestellt. Eine Zusammenfassung der Veterinärliteratur bezüglich Immunstimulantien wird miteingeschlossen. [White, S.D. Systemic treatment of bacterial skin infections of dogs and cats (Systemische Behandlung von bakteriellen Hautinfektionen bei Hund und Katze). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 133–143.]     

Prevalence of selected infectious organisms and comparison of two anatomic sampling sites in shelter cats with upper respiratory tract disease

In order to describe the isolation rates of potential pathogens and to compare anatomic sampling site suitability, nasal and pharyngeal swabs were taken from cats with acute clinical upper respiratory disease in a humane society. DNA of feline herpesvirus-1 was amplified from 51 of 52 cats sampled, Mycoplasma species were cultured or detected by PCR in samples from 34 of 42 cats sampled for both culture and PCR, and Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated from three of 59 cats sampled for aerobic culture. A single swab was positive for calicivirus and no swabs were positive for Chlamydophila felis. Mycoplasma, Pasteurella and Moraxella species were all isolated from at least one cat in which no primary pathogen was identified. With the exception of B. bronchiseptica, which was detected in nasal swabs only, recovery rates for all suspect primary pathogens were comparable between sampling sites.     

Efficacy and safety of cefovecin for the treatment of urinary tract infections in cats

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of cefovecin (Convenia); Pfizer Animal Health) in the treatment of urinary tract infections in cats. METHOD: A multi-centre, masked, randomised study was conducted in cats presenting with clinical signs indicative of urinary tract infections. Cephalexin (Rilexine); Virbac) administered orally twice daily at 15 mg/kg bodyweight for 14 days was compared with a single subcutaneous injection of cefovecin in cats. The primary efficacy parameter assessed was bacterial elimination of the pretreatment uropathogen. RESULTS: Four hundred and thirty-four cats were screened for urinary tract infections. One hundred and eighty-five cats were treated with either cefovecin (n=124) or cephalexin (n=61). Ninety-seven cats (22.2 per cent) had confirmed bacteriuria and 82 cats were included in efficacy analysis. Escherichia coli was eliminated in 76.7 per cent (23 of 30) of cefovecin-treated cats compared with 62.5 per cent (10 of 16) of cephalexin-treated cats. Cefovecin demonstrated statistical non-inferiority compared with cephalexin for bacterial elimination. There were no suspected adverse drug reactions attributable to treatment with cefovecin or cephalexin. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cefovecin was demonstrated to be an effective and safe treatment for urinary tract infections.     

Efficacy of clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin in experimental and clinical skin infections

The efficacy of clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin was compared with amoxycillin alone in experimental staphylococcal infection in dogs and in a controlled trial in clinical cases of skin infection in dogs and cats. The experimental infection was produced by subdermal inoculation with beta-lactamase producing (amoxycillin resistant) staphylococci absorbed in cotton dust. This produced discrete, localised lesions with no systemic involvement. In a cross over study, six animals were randomly allocated to treatment with either amoxycillin alone (10 mg/kg, dosed twice daily) or a formulation of clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin (12.5 mg/kg, of a 1:4 ratio, dosed twice daily). The lesions of the animals treated with clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin resolved more quickly than those treated with amoxycillin alone. The difference was significant (P less than 0.05) for both lesion diameter and inflammation score after day 6 of treatment. A trial was carried out in clinical cases of skin disease which were randomly allocated to twice daily treatment with either amoxycillin alone (10 or 20 mg/kg), or with clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin (12.5 or 25 mg/kg of a 1:4 ratio). The required duration of treatment was shorter (P less than 0.5) for the potentiated amoxycillin treatments, and the success rate (judged by cure or substantial improvement) was higher (P less than 0.05) for this group, especially (P less than 0.01) where amoxycillin resistant organisms were isolated. It was concluded that clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin was an effective treatment of skin infections both under experimental and clinical conditions.     

Effect of gentle stroking and vocalization on behaviour,mucosal immunity and upper respiratory disease in anxious shelter cats

Emotional, behavioural, and health benefits of gentle stroking and vocalizations, otherwise known as gentling, have been documented for several species, but little is known about the effect of gentling on cats in stressful situations. In this study, 139 cats rated as anxious upon admission to an animal shelter were allocated to either a Gentled or Control group. Cats were gentled four times daily for 10 min over a period of 10 days, with the aid of a tool for cats that were too aggressive to handle. The cats’ mood, or persistent emotional state, was rated daily for 10 d as Anxious, Frustrated or Content. Gentled cats were less likely to have negatively valenced moods (Anxious or Frustrated) than Control cats (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 0.61 CI 0.42–0.88, P = 0.007). Total secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) was quantified from faeces by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gentled cats had increased S-IgA (6.9 ± 0.7 log_e μg/g) compared to Control cats (5.9 ± 0.5 log_e μg/g) (P < 0.0001). Within the Gentled group of cats, S-IgA values were higher for cats that responded positively to gentling (7.03 ± 0.6, log_e μg/g), compared with those that responded negatively (6.14 ± 0.8, log_e μg/g). Combined conjunctival and oropharyngeal swab specimens were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (rPCR) for feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), Mycoplasma felis, Chlamydophila felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. There was a significant increase in shedding over time in Control cats (23%, 35%, 52% on days 1, 4 and 10, respectively), but not in gentled cats (32%, 26%, 30% on days 1, 4 and 10, respectively) (P = 0.001). Onset of upper respiratory disease was determined by veterinary staff based on clinical signs, in particular ocular and/or nasal discharge. Control cats were 2.4 (CI: 1.35–4.15) times more likely to develop upper respiratory disease over time than gentled cats (P < 0.0001). It is concluded that gentling anxious cats in animal shelters can induce positive affect (contentment), increase production of S-IgA, and reduce the incidence of upper respiratory disease.     

Efficacy of azithromycin for the treatment of feline chlamydophilosis

The current recommended treatment for feline chlamydophilosis involves daily oral administration of antimicrobials to all cats within an affected group for a prolonged period of time (4-6 weeks). Not surprisingly, owner compliance can be poor resulting in apparent treatment failure. Recent anecdotal evidence, supported by its efficacy in the treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in humans, has suggested that azithromycin may offer an alternative by allowing less frequent dosing for a shorter duration. A clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of azithromycin for the treatment of chlamydia (Chlamydophila felis) infection in cats. Whilst azithromycin, given at 10-15 mg/kg daily for 3 days and then twice weekly, provided a similar, rapid resolution of clinical signs and negative isolation scores as doxycycline, C felis was re-isolated in four out of the five cats treated. Furthermore, even daily administration of azithromycin to chronically infected cats was ineffective in clearing infection. The azithromycin protocols used here were therefore found to be unsuccessful in eliminating the carriage of this strain of C felis.     

Efficacy of atovaquone and azithromycin or imidocarb dipropionate in cats with acute cytauxzoonosis

Background: Imidocarb or a combination of atovaquone and azithromycin (A&A) has been suggested for treatment of cats with cytauxzoonosis, but neither has been prospectively evaluated for efficacy. Hypothesis/Objectives: That survival to hospital discharge is improved by treatment with A&A as compared with imidocarb. Animals: Eighty acutely ill cats with Cytauxzoon felis infection treated at one of 18 veterinary clinics in 5 states. Methods: An open‐label, randomized prospective study compared survival in cats treated with atovaquone (15 mg/kg PO q8h) and azithromycin (10 mg/kg PO q24h) or imidocarb (3.5 mg/kg IM). All received heparin, fluids, and supportive care. Clinical and clinicopathologic data from initial presentation were collated. Parasitemia was quantified (n = 79) and pathogens genotyped (n = 60). Logistic regression was used to determine the impact of treatment group on the primary endpoint, survival to hospital discharge or death. Covariants were analyzed by rank‐sum testing. Results: Of 53 cats treated with A&A, 32 (60%) survived to discharge while only 7 of 27 cats (26%) treated with imidocarb survived (P= .0036; odds ratio 7.2, 95% CI 2.2, 24). Cats with a lower parasitemia were more likely to survive, as were cats with higher white blood cell counts and lower total bilirubin. Unique pathogen genotypes were identified from 15 cats, while genotype isolated from 21 cats had been described previously. There were multiple pathogen genotypes identified in 24 cats. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Survival to discharge was more likely in cats treated with A&A as compared with imidocarb, although case fatality rate remained high.     

Echinacea powder: treatment for canine chronic and seasonal upper respiratory tract infections

An open multi-centered veterinary clinical trial, comparing conditions before and after treatment with a herbal preparation, containing the powdered root of Echinacea purpurea, was conducted by 6 practicing veterinarians in Switzerland. The plant-based immune stimulant was administered to 41 dogs with manifestations of chronic and seasonal upper respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis/tonsillitis, bronchitis and kennel cough. Each animal was at an individual stage of the disease, with various symptoms and different severity scores, at start of treatment. There was no control group. Echinacea powder (1:3) was administered with the food at a dose of 1.0 g/10 kg body weight once daily for 8 weeks. Overall efficacy showed significant improvement for 92% of 39 dogs after 4 weeks of treatment and this was confirmed after 8 weeks. Significant reductions of severity and resolution of typical clinical symptoms, of clear nasal secretions, enlargement of lymph nodes, dry cough, dyspnea and dry lung sounds, were evident after 4 weeks. Only two adverse effects, not suspected to be attributable to the study drug, were recorded. Because quality and stability of the Echinacea powder were defined, using an analytical standard and purity tests, these data suggest, that the Echinacea preparation can be recommended as a well tolerated alternative treatment of canine upper respiratory tract infections.     

Bacteriological and virological status in upper respiratory tract infections of cats (cat common cold complex)

Between October 2002 and January 2005,460 bacteriological samples from cats with an acute upper respiratory tract infection were analysed in clinical field studies in two accredited laboratories in Germany. Oropharyngeal swabs were taken from these cats and sent to the laboratories for routine diagnostics. In the swab samples of 460 cats 382 bacteria strains were isolated.The following bacteria were isolated most frequently: Pasteurella spp. (32.5 %), Staphylococcus spp. (18.5 %), Escherichia coli (17.0 %), Streptococcus spp. (9.1 %), Pseudomonas spp. (6.9 %) and Klebsiella spp. (3.0 %). Bordetella bronchiseptica was found in 0.4 % of the animals To evaluate possible regional and time influences, the animals were split into three populations: 1: Germany, laboratory A; 2: Germany, laboratory B; 3: France and Belgium, laboratory B. In population 1 an 2 Pasteurella spp. were found most frequently with 42.2 % and 36.5 %, respectively.The second most frequently isolated bacterial species were Staphylococcus spp. with 14.1 % and 21.4 % and E. coli with 13.6 % and 17.5 % respectively. In population 3 Staphylococcus spp., E. coli (20 % each) and Pasteurella spp. (18.5 %) were isolated at almost the same frequency. Virological parameter were additionally analysed in 328 cats (population 2 and 3). Serum samples were analysed for antibodies specific for Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and for Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) antigen. Oropharyngeal swabs were analysed for Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) by using PCR. Calicivirus-specific antibodies were found in 99.6 % of the cats of population 2 and in 100 % of the animals in population 3. Herpesvirus was detected in 15.3 % and 23.3 % of the cats, respectively. FeLV-Antigen was found in 0.4 % of the animals in population 2 and in 10.1 % of the cats in population 3, while FIV-antibodies were identified in 8.7 % of the animals of population 2 and in 6.1 % of the cats of population 3. In total FHV was found in 19.3 % and FCV-specific antibodies in 99.7 % of the animals. 5.3 % of the cats carried FeLV-Antigen, and 7.4 % FIV-specific antibodies. The results of the bacteriological analysis as well as the results of the virological examination confirm previously published data. In this study Pasteurella spp. were most frequently isolated (32.5 %).     

Efficacy of digoxin for treatment of cats with dilated cardiomyopathy

The role of digoxin in treatment of cats with dilated cardiomyopathy and other forms of myocardial failure is unclear. We evaluated the chronotropic and inotropic effects of digoxin by comparing baseline, noninvasive indices of cardiac performance with those obtained after 9 +/- 1.3 (mean +/- SEM) days of digoxin treatment in 6 cats with heart failure attributable to dilated cardiomyopathy. Two-dimensionally directed, M-mode echocardiography and electrocardiography were used to determine left ventricular shortening fraction, preejection period (PEP), ejection time (LVET), PEP to LVET ratio, velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, electromechanical systole, heart rate, and PR interval. Treatment consisted of administration of furosemide (mean dosage, 2.4 mg/kg of body weight/day), digoxin in tablet form (approximately 0.01 mg/kg, q 48 h), aspirin (80 mg, q 48 h), and a commercial low-salt diet. In addition, 2 cats were administered short-term, low-dose fluids IV, and 2 were given taurine supplementation at rates of 500 and 1,000 mg/day. Other off-loading or inotropic agents were not administered. Therapeutic or toxic serum digoxin concentration was achieved in all cats. Significant (P less than 0.05) improvement was detected in mean values for shortening fraction, PEP, PEP to LVET ratio, and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening. Mean electromechanical systole and LVET did not change significantly. Improvement, as assessed by indices of cardiac function, was documented in 4 of the 6 cats treated with digoxin, including the 2 cats given taurine supplementation. In the cats given taurine, positive inotropic effect was observed prior to the time when taurine-induced improvement in ventricular function is detectable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Diagnosis of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Dirofilaria immitis infections in cats from a human shelter

During a 6-month period, 108 sexually mature stray cats were euthanatized at a humane shelter in Alabama. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was identified in 20 of the cats (18.5%) by Baermann fecal examination, necropsy, or histologic examination. The Baermann fecal examination was a more sensitive test for aelurostrongylosis than was necropsy or histologic examination. Thoracic radiography was useful in identifying infected cats, but was a less sensitive and more nonspecific method of detection than was the fecal examination. Changes in CBC and serum protein concentrations were not helpful identifying cats with aelurostrongylosis. Six of 17 (35%) heartworm-free, lungworm-infected cats had antibodies to Dirofilaria immitis, as determined by an ELISA method, but none had circulating D immitis antigen, as determined by an ELISA method. Three (2.8%) cats had D immitis. Two of the heartworm-infected cats had no detectable antemortem radiographic or clinicopathologic evidence of the infection. Results of ELISA were positive for antibodies to adult heartworms in 2 cats and for circulating heartworm antigen in 2 cats. One cat that had only one heartworm had no detectable circulating heartworm antigen.     

Comparative field evaluation of marbofloxacin tablets in the treatment of feline upper respiratory infections

One hundred and three cats presenting with clinical signs of feline acute upper respiratory Infection were selected from Belgium, France and the Netherlands In a randomised comparative field trial. Each cat underwent a bacteriological examination before treatment (day 0) and received either marbofloxacin, at a dosage of 2 mg/kg once daily for five days, or amoxycillln-clavulanic acid (ACA) at a dosage of 12·5 mg/kg twice dally for five days. Clinical examinations were performed on days 2, 5 and 14. Pasteurella species were cultured in one-third of the samples. The other main bacteria isolated were Streptococcaceae, Enterobacterlaceae and Staphylococcaceae. Response rates (cures + improvements) to treatment on day 5 were 87·8 vs 77·8 per cent for marbofloxacin and ACA, respectively. A few mild side-effects (diarrhoea, vomiting) were recorded with both drugs.