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.     

Anatomy of the upper respiratory tract in domestic birds,with emphasis on vocalization

This work reviews the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract in domestic birds including the chicken and pigeon. Non‐exhaustive additional information on other bird species, illustrating the extraordinary diversity in the biological class Aves, can be found in several footnotes. The described anatomical structures are functionally considered in view of avian sound production. In particular, the Syrinx is invaluable. Its most important structures are the Labia and the lateral and medial tympaniform membranes in non‐songbirds and songbirds, respectively. These structures produce sound by vibrating during expiration and eventually inspiration.     

Effects of single caging and cage size on behavior and stress level of domestic neutered cats housed in an animal shelter

Cats need a minimum amount of space even in animal shelters. In this study the effects of single caging and cage size on the behavior and stress level of domestic cats were investigated. Six neutered cats (2–15 years old) that had been housed in a group for at least 7 months were moved to three kinds of single cages (small, medium and large) by rotation on a Latin square design. They experienced each cage size for 6 days. Cats could use vertical dimensions when housed in a group room and the large cage. Behavioral observation was conducted for 3 h in the evening, and stress levels were assessed by urine cortisol‐to‐creatinine ratios. The amounts (estimated proportions) of time spent in locomotion and social/solitary play were lower even in large cages than in group housing (both P < 0.05). Conversely, the amount of time spent resting tended to increase when housed singly (P = 0.104). The urine cortisol‐to‐creatinine ratios of singly housed cats tended to be higher than that of group‐housed cats (P = 0.086). The results indicate that cats become less active when they are housed singly in cages regardless of the cage size. Cats seem to feel no undue stress even in small cages if the stay is short.     

Influence of rearing conditions and respiratory disease on haptoglobin levels in the pig at slaughter

Associations between serum concentrations of haptoglobin, pathological lung lesions indicative of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (EP) or Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (PL) infection at slaughter and previous rearing environment were investigated in 510 pigs (90-100 kg live weight) from 17 farms in England. Haptoglobin concentrations were significantly higher in pigs showing pathological signs of EP infection compared to those without signs of this disease (EP positive median 0.43 mg ml(-1) vs. EP negative median 0.26 mg ml(-1), p<0.01). However, there were no significant associations between serum haptoglobin concentrations and pathological signs of PL. The presence of solid partitions compared with barred or similar open partitions was associated with a decrease of 0.44 mg ml(-1) farm mean haptoglobin concentration, whilst an increase in pen size of 10 m(2) was associated with a decrease of 0.08 mg ml(-1) farm mean haptoglobin concentration. The findings indicate that pathological signs of EP were associated with increased serum haptoglobin at slaughter, which in turn was influenced by components of the farm environment.     

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.     

Effect of low dose rate ketamine infusions on thermal and mechanical thresholds in conscious cats

ObjectiveTo determine the thermal and mechanical antinociceptive effects of two different subanesthetic constant rate infusions of racemic ketamine in cats.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded, experimental study.AnimalsEight healthy adult domestic shorthair cats (two intact females and six neutered males).MethodsThe thorax and the lower thoracic limbs of each cat were shaved for thermal (TT) and mechanical threshold (MT) testing and a cephalic catheter was placed. Three intravenous treatments of equivalent volume were given as loading dose (LD) followed by an infusion for 2 hours: (K5) 0.5 mg kg^?1 ketamine followed by 5 μg kg^?1 minute^?1 ketamine infusion, (K23) 0.5 mg kg^?1 ketamine followed by 23 μg kg^?1 minute^?1 ketamine infusion or (S) 0.9% saline solution. Effects on behavior, sedation scores, MT and TT were obtained prior to drug treatment and 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.25, 2.5 2.75, 3 hours then every 0.5 hours for 7 hours and 10, 12, 14 and 26 hours after loading dose administration.ResultsKetamine induced mild sedation for the period of the infusion, no adverse behavioral effects were observed. Thermal threshold was significantly higher than baseline (K5: 44.5 ± 0.7 °C; K23: 44.5 ± 0.5 °C) at 15 minutes in the K5 group (46.8 ± 3.5 °C) and at 45 minutes in the K23 group (47.1 ± 4.1 °C). In the K23 group TT was significantly increased compared to S and K5 at 45 minutes. In K5 at 15 minutes MT (9.6 ± 4.0 N) was different to baseline (6.1 ± 0.8 N) and to the S group (5.9 ± 2.3 N).Conclusion and clinical relevanceLow dose rate ketamine infusions minimally affect thermal and mechanical antinociception in cats. Further studies with different nociceptive testing methods are necessary to assess whether ketamine could be a useful analgesic in cats.     

Effects of buprenorphine, carprofen and saline on thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a prototype pressure stimulus device for use in the cat and to compare with a known thermal threshold device. ANIMALS: Eight healthy adult cats weighing between 3.0 and 4.9 kg. METHODS: Pressure stimulation was given via a plastic bracelet taped around the forearm. Three 2.4 mm diameter ball bearings, in a 10-mm triangle, were advanced against the craniolateral surface of the antebrachium by manual inflation of a modified blood pressure bladder. Pressure in the cuff was recorded at the end point (leg shake and head turn). Thermal threshold was also tested. Stimuli were stopped if they reached 55 degrees C or 450 mmHg without response. After four pressure and thermal threshold baselines, each cat received SC buprenorphine 0.01 mg kg(-1), carprofen 4 mg kg(-1) or saline 0.3 mL in a three period cross-over study with a 1-week interval. The investigator was blinded to the treatment. Measurements were made at 0.25. 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after injection. Data were analyzed by using ANOVA. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in thermal or pressure threshold after administration of saline or carprofen, but thermal threshold increased from 60 minutes until 8 hours after administration of buprenorphine (p < 0.05). The maximum increase in threshold from baseline (DeltaT(max)) was 3.5 +/- 3.1 degrees C at 2 hours. Pressure threshold increased 2 hours after administration of buprenorphine (p < 0.05) when the increase in threshold above baseline (DeltaP(max)) was 162 +/- 189 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This pressure device resulted in thresholds that were affected by analgesic treatment in a similar manner but to a lesser degree than the thermal method. Pressure stimulation may be a useful additional method for analgesic studies in cats.     

Serological prevalence study of exposure of cats and dogs in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia to spotted fever group rickettsiae

A sero-epidemiological study of cats and dogs in the Launceston area of Tasmania, Australia was undertaken to determine the prevalence of antibodies to spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. Results showed that 59% of cats and 57% of dogs were positive for antibodies, but there was no correlation between the animal's health and seropositivity at the time of testing, suggesting that rickettsial exposure is unrelated to ill-health in these two species of domestic animals.     

Effects of dopamine,norepinephrine or phenylephrine on the prevention of hypotension in isoflurane-anesthetized cats administered vatinoxan or vatinoxan and dexmedetomidine

ObjectiveTo determine the dose of phenylephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine necessary to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) within 70–80 mmHg during administration of isoflurane, isoflurane and vatinoxan and isoflurane, vatinoxan and dexmedetomidine at three plasma concentrations.Study designRandomized crossover experimental study.AnimalsA group of five adult healthy neutered male cats.MethodsInstrumentation occurred during anesthesia with isoflurane in oxygen. Isoflurane end-tidal concentration was set to 1.25 × minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). Phenylephrine, norepinephrine or dopamine was administered to maintain MAP 70–80 mmHg. A target-controlled infusion system was used to administer vatinoxan at a target plasma concentration of 1 μg mL^–1 and three dexmedetomidine concentrations (5, 10 and 20 ng mL^–1). Isoflurane concentration was altered to maintain an equivalent 1.25 MAC. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, body temperature, arterial and mixed venous blood gas, cardiac output and drug concentrations were measured at baseline (isoflurane alone), during vatinoxan administration, and during administration of vatinoxan and dexmedetomidine at the three target concentrations.ResultsMAP < 70 mmHg was observed with vatinoxan alone and in the dopamine treatment with dexmedetomidine concentrations ≤ 10 ng mL^–1. Norepinephrine and phenylephrine maintained MAP 70–80 mmHg during vatinoxan and dexmedetomidine ≤ 10 ng mL^–1. As the target dexmedetomidine concentration increased, the dose of norepinephrine and phenylephrine needed to maintain MAP 70–80 mmHg decreased; no treatment was necessary to maintain MAP > 70 mmHg at the 20 ng mL^–1 target dexmedetomidine concentration in most cats.Conclusions and clinical relevanceNorepinephrine and phenylephrine, but not dopamine, are effective to prevent hypotension in isoflurane-anesthetized cats administered dexmedetomidine and vatinoxan.     

Effects of systemic administration of 0.5% tropicamide on intraocular pressure, pupillary diameter, blood pressure, and heart rate in normal cats

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of systemic 0.5% tropicamide on intraocular pressure (IOP), pupillary diameter (PD), blood pressure, and heart rate (HR) in normal felines with normotensive eyes. PROCEDURES: Intraocular pressure, PD, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), and HR were measured in 18 clinically healthy cats. Each of the previously mentioned parameters was measured every 30 min during the trial period. At T(60), each cat was treated with one to two drops of 0.5% tropicamide ophthalmic solution placed on the dorsal aspect of the tongue. Changes in SBP, DBP, MBP, and HR were evaluated using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance, with time as the repeated factor. IOP and PD were evaluated using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance, with time and side (OD vs. OS) as the repeated factors. P values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: After lingual tropicamide administration, the mean PD at T(60) was 3.53 mm OD and 3.53 mm OS. The mean PD at T(90) was 6.36 mm OD and 6.31 mm OS. The mean PD at T(120) was 8.25 mm OD and 8.19 mm OS. This change in PD from T(60), T(90), and T(120) was statistically significant, demonstrating a linear increase in PD over time after tropicamide application on the tongue (P<0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in PD when comparing the right to the left pupils (P=0.10). The mean IOP at T(60) was 14 mmHg OD and 12.94 mmHg OS. The mean IOP at T(90) was 14.5 mmHg OD and 14.23 mmHg OS. The mean IOP at T(120) was 14.94 mmHg OD and 14.89 mmHg OS. This change in IOP from T(60), T(90), and T(120) was statistically significant, demonstrating a linear increase in IOP over time after tropicamide application on the tongue (P=0.034). There was no statistically significant difference in IOP when comparing the right eye to the left eye (P=0.28). There were no statistically significant differences in SBP, DBP, MBP, and HR values over time for the duration of the study. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that although lingual application of tropicamide appears to result in systemic absorption, causing significant pupillary dilation and elevations in IOP, systemic effects on SBP, DBP, MBP, and HR were not observed.     

Dermatoses caused by infestations of immature Ixodes spp. on dogs and cats in Sydney, Australia

Infestations of larval and nymphal Ixodes spp. were identified in 16 dogs and 16 cats from several small animal clinics in Sydney. Cases occurred in late summer or autumn, peaking in February, and were seasonally recurrent in some individuals. Clinical signs of infestation included a papular dermatitis and irritation or pruritus that ranged from severe to mild or absent. The distribution of tick attachment tended to be cranial and ventral, with the face, legs, axillae and ventrum the most commonly affected sites. The estimated number of ticks in each infestation varied from less than 10 to more than 100. Basic morphological examination of ticks collected from affected animals was performed by attending veterinarians using light microscopy, and larvae and nymphs belonging to the Ixodes genus were identified. Ticks collected from 17 animals and submitted to the Department of Medical Entomology, Westmead Hospital were putatively identified as I. trichosuri (57%) and I. holocyclus (25%) larvae. Histopathological samples of attachment sites collected from three dogs and one cat were characterised by ticks attached in well-demarcated invaginations of the skin ('tick craters') associated with variable epidermal and/or dermal necrosis, focal eosinophilic intraspinous pustules, mild to marked eosinophilic and neutrophilic, superficial to deep, dermal perivascular to interstitial inflammation, and moderate to marked superficial dermal oedema and red cell extravasation. A range of topical acaricidal preparations, including fipronil and synthetic pyrethroids, were used for treatment.     

猪繁殖与呼吸综合征DNA重组质粒对猪的免疫效应

猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒(PRRSV)灭活疫苗、表达GP5蛋白的DNA重组质粒分别与表达IL-2和IL-4的重组质粒(pcDNA-IL-2和pcDNA-IL-4)联合免疫健康仔猪,经3次免疫后人工感染PRRSV HB-2株,检测仔猪体液免疫以及攻毒保护性反应。研究结果显示,重组质粒pCI-GP5可诱导免疫猪产生抗GP5抗体,最高ELISA抗体效价可达1∶285。攻毒后组织中PRRSV核酸的检出率下降30.3%,与对照组相比,差异显著(P<0.05),表明表达PRRSV GP5的DNA重组质粒pCI-GP5可诱导一定的免疫效力。pcDNA-IL-2与pCI-GP5联合免疫后,病毒血症的出现频率减少38.9%,PRRSV阳性组织检出率下降28.8%,与对照组差异显著(P<0.05);pcDNA-IL-4与pCI-GP5联合免疫后,最高ELISA抗体效价可达1∶320,病毒血症的出现频率下降38.9%,PRRSV阳性组织检出率减少34.8%,与对照组相比差异极显著(P<0.01)。本研究表明,PRRS DNA重组质粒pCI-GP5对猪的免疫保护力是稳定的,真核表达的细胞因子pcDNA-IL-2与pcDNA-IL-4能够显著增强pCI-GP5的免疫保护力。     

Effect of soybean peptides on growth performance,intestinal structure and mucosal immunity of broilers

Five‐hundred 1‐day‐old broilers were randomly assigned to five groups, 100 chickens for each group. From group 1 to 3, 80, 120 and 200 mg/kg soybean peptides was added to the diets respectively; in the fourth group, 3.2 mg/kg genramycin was added; and the fifth group was the control without soybean peptides and antibiotics. At the age of 28 and 49 days, the number of goblet cells (GC), intestine intraepithelial lymphocyte, immunoglobulin A‐forming cells, the ratio of villous height and crypt depth (V/C) of broiler’s duodenum, jejunum and cecum were observed by the application of haematoxylin and eosin or histochemistry staining. The results indicated that soybean peptides added with 80–120 mg/kg could increase daily weight gain, the number of GC and V/C. Soybean peptides could modulate intestinal mucosal immunity of broilers.     

Effects of supplementation of chromium histidinate on glucose,lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in cats

In recent years, two meta‐analyses of chromium (Cr) supplementation have shown beneficial effects on glucose metabolism. Chromium histidinate (CrHis) reduces serum glucose levels in rats fed a high‐fat diet but no study has been conducted on cats until now. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of CrHis on glucose and lipid metabolism in cats. To challenge the glucose metabolism, 16 cats were fed a high‐carbohydrate high‐fat diet for three months. One group (n = 8) received 800 ug CrHis per day for two months, while the other group (n = 8) served as control group. An oral glucose tolerance test was conducted, blood samples were taken, and biochemical parameters and oxidative stress were measured. CrHis serum levels were significantly increased (p = 0.027) in the treatment group, while fructosamine levels were significantly lower (p = 0.029) in the control group. In both groups, glucose (p < 0.01), b‐hydroxy‐butyrate (p = 0.024) and 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine (p = 0.028) levels decreased significantly and cholesterol levels increased significantly (p < 0.01). In conclusion, CrHis did not improve glucose or lipid metabolism and did not affect oxidative stress in healthy cats.     

维生素C对蛋鸡新城疫免疫性能的影响

试验将60只体重相近的49日龄海兰褐蛋鸡随机分为A、B、C、D、E5组,每组4个重复,每个重复3只。B、C、D、E4组颈部皮下注射新城疫Ι系疫苗进行免疫,分别在B、C、D、E组日粮中添加0、200、400、800mg/kg的维生素C,分四周测血清中的HI效价及脾脏、胸腺、法氏囊等脏器指数。结果表明:添加维生素C可提高HI效价,对新城疫疫苗免疫效果有促进作用,其中400mg/kg的维生素C效果较好;C、D、E组的脾脏、胸腺、法氏囊等脏器指数均高于B组,说明添加维生素C能促进脾脏、胸腺、法氏囊等免疫器官生长发育,进而影响细胞免疫和体液免疫。     

Effect of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium SF68 on presence of diarrhea in cats and dogs housed in an animal shelter

Background: Beneficial effects of probiotics have never been analyzed in an animal shelter. Hypothesis: Dogs and cats housed in an animal shelter and administered a probiotic are less likely to have diarrhea of ≥2 days duration than untreated controls. Animals: Two hundred and seventeen cats and 182 dogs. Methods: Double blinded and placebo controlled. Shelter dogs and cats were housed in 2 separate rooms for each species. For 4 weeks, animals in 1 room for each species was fed Enterococcus faecium SF68 while animals in the other room were fed a placebo. After a 1‐week washout period, the treatments by room were switched and the study continued an additional 4 weeks. A standardized fecal score system was applied to feces from each animal every day by a blinded individual. Feces of animals with and without diarrhea were evaluated for enteric parasites. Data were analyzed by a generalized linear mixed model using a binomial distribution with treatment being a fixed effect and the room being a random effect. Results: The percentage of cats with diarrhea ≥2 days was significantly lower (P= .0297) in the probiotic group (7.4%) when compared with the placebo group (20.7%). Statistical differences between groups of dogs were not detected but diarrhea was uncommon in both groups of dogs during the study. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Cats fed SF68 had fewer episodes of diarrhea of ≥2 days when compared with controls suggests the probiotic may have beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract.     

Clinical and histological evaluation of an analogue of palmitoylethanolamide, PLR 120 (comicronized Palmidrol INN) in cats with eosinophilic granuloma and eosinophilic plaque: a pilot study

Fifteen cats with eosinophilic granuloma or eosinophilic plaque were given PLR 120 at the dosage of 10 mg kg⁻¹ twice daily for one month. PLR-120 down-modulates mast cell degranulation via a receptor-mediated mechanism. No other drugs were permitted and cats were kept free of parasites throughout the study. A clinical evaluation and skin biopsies were performed before and after the treatment. Clinical improvement was assessed at 15 and 30 days. Mast cell numbers were counted and their granular content was assessed by densitometric analysis on toluidine blue-stained sections before and after the treatment. Ten of 15 (67%) cats showed clinical improvement of signs and lesions. There was no significant difference between mast cell numbers in skin biopsies taken before and after the trial, whereas the number of granules was significantly increased ( P < 0.009). This pilot study suggests that PLR-120 might be a useful drug for the treatment of eosinophilic granuloma and eosinophilic plaque.