Hemophilia B (factor IX deficiency) with concomitant factor XII degradation in a male crossbreed cat

A male cat suffered from a severe haemorrhagic disorder manifesting as deep, partly infected cutaneous haematomas, enhanced and prolonged bleeding after injuries and subsequent lameness at several occasions. Bleeding resulted in severe anaemia with haematocrit falling to as low as 0.10 L/L. Haemophilia B was diagnosed based on factor IX deficiency with a functional residual activity of 5% and factor IX antigen of 8%, respectively. Additionally, factor XII activity was reduced to 32% of normal. The mutation 31217G==>A in exon 8 of the factor IX gene, predicting the amino acid exchange G366R was identified as the cause of moderate factor IX deficiency. This is the first mutation identified in cats with haemophilia B. Treatment was limited to local therapy and palliation, insufficient to prevent lethal outcome due to severe anaemia.     

Pinch-induced behavioral inhibition ('clipnosis') in domestic cats

Research has documented immobilization of rodents, rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs by mechanical means, typically using neck clips or inversion ('animal hypnosis'). In contrast, only a few studies of mechanical immobilization of cats are available, although some success has been reported in the literature. Domestic cats may be effectively immobilized by clips placed along the animal's dorsum. We use the term 'pinch-induced behavioral inhibition' (PIBI) for this behavior because it describes both the method and the response, while avoiding the more anthropomorphic term 'hypnosis'. We investigated the effectiveness of PIBI and its neurological and habituation effects in healthy cats and cats with idiopathic cystitis (IC). Although not all cats were susceptible to PIBI and effectiveness varied among individuals, PIBI was useful for gentle restraint in most cats.     

Echocardiographic evidence for myocardial failure induced by taurine deficiency in domestic cats.

Dietary taurine-deficiency is a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in cats. While the incidence of clinical cases of feline DCM has markedly decreased since the association between DCM and taurine-deficiency was first recognized, not all cats maintained on taurine-deficient diets develop DCM. The objective was to temporally evaluate left ventricular (LV) function using M-mode echocardiography in 23 cats maintained on a taurine-deficient diet; 20 time-matched, taurine-supplemented cats served as controls. The duration of feeding trials ranged from 6-15 months. No diminution of myocardial function was recorded in a small number of taurine-deficient cats whereas cardiac performance in some taurine-deficient cats diminished to levels characteristic of DCM. Of the taurine-deficient cats, 17 (74%) experienced a greater than 25% reduction in fractional shortening and 21 (91%) had a greater than 25% increase in LV end-systolic short-axis diameter. On average, LV end-systolic short-axis diameter increased by 70% and fractional shortening decreased by 37% in taurine-deficient cats. Mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening was similarly reduced in taurine-deficient cats. The greatest rate of change in M-mode echocardiographic variables occurred during the first four months on the taurine-deficient diet. Dietary taurine deficiency leads to a spectrum of changes in myocardial function in domestic cats. While DCM is observed in some cats, decreased systolic pump function and increased LV end-systolic short-axis diameter are more consistent findings.     

Litterbox size preference in domestic cats (Felis catus)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of healthy housebound domestic cats to the simultaneous provision of 2 litterboxes of differing sizes by recording the average daily frequency of urination and defecation in each box. Forty-three households with 74 privately owned cats were each provided with 2 different-sized plastic containers, with the larger box being 86 cm in length, exceeding the size of commercially available litterboxes. Owners were also provided with an unlimited supply of clumping cat litter and a logbook to record daily urine and fecal deposits in the boxes as they were scooped over a 4-week period. The 2 litterboxes were initially placed at opposite sides of the same room in the owner's home. After 2 weeks, the boxes were emptied completely, refilled with clean clumping litter, and replaced in the opposite location. Results were recorded as simple counts of urine and fecal deposits for each day and each household. Over the 28-day period, there were a total of 5031 urine and fecal deposits in the larger boxes and 3239 urine and fecal deposits in the regular boxes. The effects of phase (days 1-14 vs. 15-28) and box size (regular vs. large) on the number of deposits per cat were evaluated using a linear mixed model. In addition to evaluating phase and box size, the effects of number of cats in the house, their average age, and gender were also evaluated. Urine deposits were significantly more frequent than fecal deposits. Large boxes were preferentially selected over regular boxes in both phases, but this difference was greater in phase 1 than phase 2. Further analysis indicated that there was a location preference during the first 2 days in phase 2, and this effect decreased as the study progressed. Results indicate that most cats show a definite preference for a larger litterbox than is typically available to them in homes and that other factors such as box cleanliness and location may have a compounding influence on this choice.     

Daily rhythm of total activity pattern in domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) maintained in two different housing conditions

Housing conditions and human presence have been shown to have an influence on daily amount of activity in herbivores. Only few studies on the behavior of cats and interactions between cat and human were conducted, and these few works are referred to cats housed in laboratories. At the same way, only few and conflicting reports about the presence of circadian rhythms in cats are present. In view of this incomplete literature, the main aim of our study was to investigate the influence of different housing conditions on daily rhythm of total locomotor activity (TLA) in cats.For this purpose, 10 clinically healthy adult domestic cats were used. They were divided into 2 equal groups living with their owner in their home. Group A lived in 80-100 m² house and had free daily access to 20-40 m² garden from 08:00 to 9:00. Group B lived in 200-250 m² house, had free access to 2000-2500 m² garden all day, and from 21:00 to 08:00 they were kept outside. Our results showed that in group A, that live in strong symbiosis with owners respect to group B, the amount of activity was higher during the photophase. This supporting the view that domestic cats adapt their lifestyle with their owners. Group B exhibited the highest level of locomotor activity during the scotophase. Moreover, a robust daily rhythmicity of TLA was observed in group B; on the contrary, in group A, TLA showed no daily rhythmicity. Our findings underline the high influence of human presence and care on the amount of activity and daily rhythm in cats.     

The Arthus reaction in domestic cats

A classic Arthus reaction was elicited in normal domestic cats using chicken red blood cells as antigen. The response was quantitated grossly by measuring the area of the resulting skin bleb at several set time intervals and by microscopic examination of biopsies taken at the conclusion of each of the trials. This method produced an intense Arthus reaction in each of the cats tested.     

Experimental infection of domestic cats (Felis domesticus) with Cytauxzoon manul from Pallas' cats (Otocolobus manul)

In a random, blind study, six domestic cats were assigned to two treatment groups that received either sterile water or dexamethasone by subcutaneous injection prior to intravenous inoculation with Pallas' cat (Otocolobus manul) blood infected with Cytauxzoon manul. A seventh domestic cat served as a control and was inoculated only with sterile water. Cats were monitored for clinical signs consistent with cytauxzoonosis, and periodically screened for hemoparasitemia. All domestic cats (6/6) that received Pallas' cat blood infected with C. manul developed a low but detectible parasitemia by 9 days post-inoculation, yet remained clinically healthy. All domestic cats (7/7) were subsequently challenged with Cytauxzoon felis and developed clinical signs typical of cytauxzoonosis within 5 days post-challenge. Affected animals were euthanized and cytauxzoonosis was confirmed by histopathology. While inoculation of domestic cats with Pallas' cat blood infected with C. manul induced a parasitemia, it did not cause disease or provide protection against challenge with C. felis. Further studies are warranted to determine the potential for interspecies transmission and disease with C. manul.     

Congenital factor XI deficiency in a domestic shorthair cat

A 6-month-old, female, domestic shorthair cat was examined after onychectomy and ovariohysterectomy because of bleeding from the paws. Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time was discovered, Coagulation factor analyses revealed deficiency of factor XI coagulant activity. Plasma mixing studies indicated factor deficiency or dysfunction rather than factor inhibition. Feline factor XI deficiency in one adult cat has been previously reported but was attributed to factor XI inhibitors. The signalment, lack of primary disease, and the finding of persistent factor XI deficiency in the absence of coagulation inhibitors were considered compatible with congenital factor XI deficiency in the cat of this report.     

Acute tularemia in three domestic cats.

Acute Francisella tularensis infection in 3 domestic cats was presumptively diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs and lesions and confirmed by culturing or immunofluorescent demonstration of the organism. Clinical findings include marked signs of depression, oral/lingual ulceration, regional or generalized lymphadenomegaly, hepatosplenomegaly, panleukopenia with severe toxic change of neutrophils, and hyperbilirubinemia with bilirubinuria. Lesions found at necropsy included icterus, oropharyngeal and lingual ulceration, multiple foci of necrosis in lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and lung, and severe segmental or diffuse enterocolitis. Results of serologic testing for F tularensis was positive in only 1 of the 3 cats. The organism was cultured aerobically from several tissues, including aspirated bone marrow obtained before death in 1 cat. Results of an indirect fluorescent antibody test, performed on fresh and formalin-fixed tissues of all cats, were positive. Because of the severe clinical course, opportunity to evaluate therapeutic regimens was not possible. Until now, confirmed diagnosis of feline tularemia only has been made retrospectively, in instances when cats were suspected to have transmitted infection to human beings in whom the primary diagnosis was made. The findings in this report provide a basis for presumptive diagnosis that will help to minimize public health risk associated with this potentially fatal zoonotic disease.     

Oral Mucosa Bleeding Times of Normal Cats and Cats with Chediak-Higashi Syndrome or Hageman Trait (Factor XII Deficiency)

A commercially available, disposable blade in a spring-loaded cassette was used to measure oral mucosa bleeding times (OMBT) of ketamine/acepromazine-anesthetized cats. The OMBT were determined in cats homozygous for Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS, n = 7), cats heterozygous for CHS (n = 6), and cats homozygous for Hageman factor (factor XII) deficiency (n = 5). In addition, OMBT were determined in three groups of normal cats: random-source cats (n = 14), inbred normal relatives of the cats with CHS (n = 7), and inbred normal relatives of Hageman factor deficient cats (n = 9). No significant differences were found in the OMBT of the three groups of normal cats. The mean OMBT for all 30 normal cats was 1.9 minutes +/- 0.5 minutes s.d. Compared to the normal cats, those homozygous for CHS had significantly prolonged OMBT (14.1 +/- 3.3 minutes; p < 0.05). The mean OMBT of cats heterozygous for CHS (2.6 +/- 0.8 minutes) was also significantly longer than the OMBT of the combined normal group. The mean OMBT of the CHS heterozygotes, however, was not significantly longer than that of their normal relatives (OMBT = 1.8 +/- 0.5 minutes), probably because of the low number of cats in this subgroup of normals. As expected, the OMBT of cats homozygous for Hageman factor deficiency (2.3 +/- 0.3 minutes) were not significantly prolonged.     

The susceptibility of domestic cats (Felis catus) to experimental infection with Leishmania braziliensis

Over the last few years, several cases of feline leishmaniasis (FL) with cutaneous and visceral forms have been reported around the world. Nonetheless, the real susceptibility of cats to infection with Leishmania spp. and the outcome of leishmaniasis in these animals are poorly understood. Experimental studies on feline models will contribute to the knowledge of natural FL. Thus, in order to determine the susceptibility of domestic cats (Felis catus) to experimental infection with Leishmania braziliensis, 13 stray cats were infected with 10(7) promastigotes by the intradermal route in the ear and nose simultaneously and followed up for 72 weeks. Soon after infection, the earliest indication of a lesion was a papule on the ear at 2 weeks post-infection (w.p.i.). The emergence of satellite papules around the primary lesion was observed about 4 w.p.i. Two weeks later these papules coalesced and formed a huge and irregular nodule. Thereafter, there was lesion dissemination to the external and marginal surface of the ipsilateral ear, and later to the contralateral ear. At 10 w.p.i., some nodules became ulcerated. Nose lesions presented a similar evolution. At both sites, the largest lesion sizes occurred at 10 w.p.i. and started to decrease 15 days later. Ear and nose nodules healed at 32 and 40 w.p.i., respectively. Specific L. braziliensis IgG antibody titers (optical density> or = 0.01 as positive result) were detected as early as 2 w.p.i. (0.09 +/- 0.02) in only three animals (23%), and all cats had positive titers at 20 w.p.i. (0.34 +/- 0.06). Only three animals (38%) continued to show positive serology at 72 w.p.i. (0.08 +/- 0.02). Up to that time, none of the cats had lesion recurrence. In a feline model of cutaneous leishmaniasis, it seems that there is no correlation between active lesions and positive serology. The implications of these data are discussed.     

The plasma coagulation system of domestic cats

Haemostaseological investigations of the animals need improvement. Usual methods in human medicine have to be reconsidered with regard to their qualification for veterinary medicine. A standardization of methods and accurate haemostaseological characterization of the reagents used are necessary for an appropriate interpretation of the results and interlaboratory comparative studies. Results of global tests (ARZ, PTT, TZW, TZ, RZ) and determinations of activity of single blood clotting factors (I, II, V, VII-XII) in healthy cats are presented and discussed in view of the mentioned.     

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.     

The experimental transmission of various mycoplasmas of feline origin to domestic cats (Felis catus)

Mycoplasma felis and M. gatae recovered from domestic cats, M. arginini from a cheetah, an unidentified glucose-fermenting mycoplasma from a lion, and M. pulmonis from a rat were inoculated into specific pathogen free (SPF) kittens by the oral, ocular and nasal routes. During the 21-day experimental period a persistent infection was established in a proportion of the kittens challenged with M. felis, M. gatae and M. arginini. The mycoplasma isolated from the lion created a transitory infection in one kitten, but M. pulmonis could not be recovered even 24 hr after inoculation. None of the organisms investigated showed any pathological effect. The implications of this work in relation to the host-specificity and pathogenicity of the feline mycoplasmas are discussed. Résumé. On a inoculé à des chatons axéniques par les voies orales, oculaires et nasales, un Myco-plasmafelis et un M. gatae recueillis de chats domestiques, un M. arginini recueilli d'un guépard, un mycoplasme non identifié à glucose fermentant recueilli d'un lion et un M. pulmonis recueilli d'un rat. Durant la période expérimentale de 21 jours, on a établi une infection persistante dans une proportion des chatons soumis aux tests de Mycoplasma felis, de M. gatae et de M. agrinini. Le mycoplasma isolé recueilli du lion a créé une infection transitoire chez un chaton, mais le M. pulmonis n'a pu être recueilli, même 24 heures après l'inoculation. Aucun des organismes sous investigation n'a montré d'effets pathologiques. On a discuté des implications de ce travail en relation avec la spécifité d'hôtes et la pathogénicité de mycoplasmes félins. Zusammenfassung. Mycoplasma felis und M. gatae von Hauskatzen erlangt, M. arginini von einem Tschita, ein unidentifiziertes Glukose-fermentierendes Mycoplasma von einem Löwen, und M. pulmonis von einer Ratte wurden in keimfreie (SPF) junge Katzen geimpft, auf oralem, Augen- und Nasenweg. Während der 21 tägigen Versuchsperiode wurde eine anhaltende Infektion in den Katzen festgestellt, die dem M. felis, M. gatae und dem M. agrinini ausgesetzt waren. Das Mycoplasma von dem Löwen abgesondert, verursachte eine vorübergehende Infektion eines Kätzchens, aber M. pulmonis konnte selbst 24 Stunden nach der Impfung nicht gefunden werden. Keines der untersuchten Organismen zeigte irgendwelche pathologischen Effekte. Die Folgerungen dieser Arbeit im Verhältnis zu der Gast-Spezifität und Pathogenizität des Katzen-mycoplasmas sind diskutiert.