Owner compliance and clinical outcome measures for domestic cats undergoing clinical behavior therapy

The importance of owner compliance in following treatment is recognized in all aspects of veterinary and human medicine. However, in veterinary behavioral medicine, where the majority of the ‘treatment’ is conducted by the owners themselves after the consultation, compliance is fundamental to the successful outcome of the case. The owners of 85 cats with a range of different ‘behavior problems’ were recruited to participate in this study. Each owner had 2 visits from a clinician: at the first background information was gathered, the owner and clinician assigned a subjective score of ‘severity’ and a full behavior consultation was conducted. At a second visit 8 weeks later, owner and clinician rated the severity of the problem again, and the owner was asked questions that were designed to check their compliance to various aspects of the treatment program. The owners reported a decrease in severity after treatment in 92% of cases, and the clinician in 78% of cases. The average compliance of owners to programs was 61%. A strong positive correlation was found between change in severity score rated by the clinician, and compliance score (Spearman's ρ = 0.718, P < 0.01), a weaker positive correlation was found between compliance and difference in owner severity scores between visits (Spearman's ρ = 0.402, P < 0.01). There was no significant correlation found between compliance score and the severity score on visit one, rated either by owner or clinician. The results of this study confirm that owner compliance is an important factor in treatment outcomes for behavior problems in domestic cats.     

Ataxia and paralysis in cats in Australia associated with exposure to an imported gamma-irradiated commercial dry pet food

Between June 2008 and March 2009, 87 cats in Australia developed symmetrical hindlimb ataxia, paraparesis, tetraparesis, paraplegia or tetraplegia in association with eating an imported, irradiated dry pet food. This communication reports the clinical signs and outcomes of those cats.     

Analysis of serum proteins in clinically normal pet and colony cats, using agarose electrophoresis.

The relative and absolute values of the electrophoretic fractions of serum proteins of 50 clinically normal cats were determined, using agarose as the supporting matrix. Six protein fractions were clearly and consistently resolved: albumin and alpha1-, alpha2-, beta1-, beta2-, and gamma-globulins. In many cats, the alpha1-, alpha2-, and beta2-fractions were each divided into 2 subfractions. Cats which lived in a research colony environment were found to have significantly increased levels of gamma-globulins as compared with the values in cats kept as house pets. The results of serum protein fractionation using this technique have been compared with the normal feline values reported in the literature.     

Diet and lifestyle variables as risk factors for chronic renal failure in pet cats

A case-control study examining diet and lifestyle variables to generate hypotheses of potential risk factors for chronic renal failure in pet cats was conducted in five private practices in Texas, USA and at the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. A telephone questionnaire was used to gather information from owners of 38 cats newly diagnosed with CRF between December 1994 and 1995 and from owners of 56 control cats. Factor analysis was used to determine whether composite variables should be constructed to summarize the nutritional predictors adequately. The composite variables and other lifestyle variables were analyzed with logistic-regression. Three final exploratory models were developed: ad libitum feeding with fiber; ad libitum with Factor-2 (a composite variable composed of fiber, magnesium, protein, sodium and ash); and fiber alone. Ad libitum feeding and increased ash intake were associated with increased odds of CRF; increased dietary fiber, magnesium, protein and sodium were associated with decreased odds of CRF.     

An analysis of the demand for and revenue from companion animal veterinary services in Australia between 1996 and 2026 using industry revenue data and household census and pet ownership data and forecasts

OBJECTIVE To examine the potential impact of household demographic and pet ownership trends on the demand for and revenue from companion animal veterinary services in Australia. DESIGN The size of the market for companion animal veterinary services was estimated by creating a model using assumptions derived from the revenue equation. The model was verified and validated through sensitivity analyses and comparisons between model outputs and available industry data. RESULTS The model provided outputs similar to alternative industry estimates and suggested that revenue growth in recent years has been much stronger than demand growth. Under the assumptions used in this model, forecast changes to household numbers and types are less important than pet ownership trends in determining the potential demand for and revenue from companion animal veterinary services. Forecast trends in household types and relatively stable pet ownership in the future will lead to growth in demand for companion animal veterinary services in real terms of approximately 1.2% per annum to 2026. CONCLUSION The market for companion animal veterinary services in Australia is mature and growth in demand is expected to remain low over the forecast period. For most veterinary practices within this environment, growth in revenue will be a function of growth in average client fees.     

Prevalence and risk factors for Giardia and coccidia species of pet cats in 2003-2004

Prevalence and risk factors for feline coccidia and Giardia species infections were estimated for cats visiting 434 Banfield hospitals in 40 states in 2003-2004. Evaluated were 631,021 cats making 1,456,712 office visits (encounters) and having 211,105 fecal examinations. The overall fecal prevalences of coccidia and Giardia species were 1.4% and 0.58%, respectively. Cats at increased risk of coccidia infection were under 4 years of age, intact, and seen during the summer, fall, and spring months compared to winter. Cats at increased risk of Giardia species infection were under 4 years of age. Those at decreased risk were mixed breed and seen during the summer, fall, and spring. The highest regional risk of coccidia and Giardia species infection was for cats in the East South Central region and Mountain region, respectively, compared to the South Pacific region.     

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana infections among pet cats in Jordan

To determine the seroprevalences of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana antibodies in Jordanian pet cats, serum samples from 153 cats from three geographical regions were analyzed. Seroprevalences were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. The true seroprevalences to B. henselae and B. quintana were 32 and 1.5%, respectively. The seroprevalence of B. henselae-specific antibodies in cats from northern Jordan was significantly higher than in cats from the central or southern parts of Jordan. The seroprevalence to B. henselae increased to age 2 years. Odds of seropositivity were higher in cats living outdoors, showing hunting behavior, having a flea infestation and of a mixed breed. No association was detected with sex.     

Development and validation of a questionnaire for measuring behavior and temperament traits in pet dogs

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess behavior and temperament traits of pet dogs. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of dog owners. Animals-1,851 dogs belonging to clients of a veterinary teaching hospital or members of national breed clubs and 203 dogs examined by canine behavior practitioners because of behavior problems. PROCEDURE: Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of 152 items eliciting information on how dogs responded to specific events and situations in their usual environment. Data from completed questionnaires were subjected to factor analysis, and the resulting factors were tested for reliability and validity. RESULTS: Factor analysis yielded 11 factors from 68 of the original questionnaire items that together accounted for 57% of the common variance in questionnaire item scores. Reliability was acceptable for all but 1 of these factors. Behavior problems in 200 of the 203 dogs with behavior problems could be assigned to 7 diagnostic categories that matched 7 of the factors identified during factor analysis of questionnaire responses. Dogs assigned to particular diagnostic categories had significantly higher scores for corresponding questionnaire factors than did those assigned to unrelated diagnostic categories, indicating that the factors were valid. Validity of the remaining 4 factors could not be examined because of a lack of information on dogs with behavior problems related to these factors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggest that the resulting 68-item questionnaire is a reliable and valid method of assessing behavior and temperament traits in dogs. The questionnaire may be useful in screening dogs for behavior problems and in evaluating the clinical effects of various treatments for behavior problems.     

Use of helical computed tomography for measurement of thyroid glands in clinically normal cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine the dimensions and volume of thyroid tissue in clinically normal cats by use of computed tomography. ANIMALS: 8 cats. PROCEDURE: Helical computed tomography images (2-mm collimation) were acquired from the cranial aspect of the second cervical vertebra through the caudal aspect of the fourth cervical vertebra. Data were acquired before contrast medium administration (n = 7 cats) and immediately after contrast medium enhancement (1 cat). Length, width, and height measurements of each thyroid lobe were made by use of transverse, dorsal, and sagittal plane images. Thyroid lobe volume was estimated by use of 3 methods. RESULTS: All thyroid lobes were histologically normal. Mean dimensions for a thyroid lobe were 16.5 x 2.00 x 4.31 mm (length x width x height) using only data from transverse images. Mean thyroid lobar volume was 113.75 mm(3) using the sum of areas method. Mean total volume of thyroid tissue was 215.25 mm(3) using the sum of areas method. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results may be useful for computed tomography evaluation of abnormal thyroid glands in cats, which warrants investigation.     

Measurement of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific for house dust mite antigens in normal cats and cats with allergic skin disease

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cats with allergic skin disease have significant concentrations of serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) specific for antigens derived from the house dust mites (HDM) Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were developed for this purpose. Binding of serum allergen-specific IgE was detected via the use of biotinylated Fc-epsilon receptor alpha chain protein (FcvarepsilonRIalpha). Following optimisation of the assay, serum samples from 59 cats with allergic skin disease and 54 clinically normal cats were screened. Results were expressed as ELISA units per ml (EU/ml) compared to a standard curve. Serological findings were correlated with the clinical presentation of affected cats. Cats with symptoms of feline allergic skin disease were grouped as follows: self-induced alopecia without lesions (group 1), papulocrusting dermatitis (group 2), eosinophilic granuloma complex (group 3), papular/ulcerative dermatitis of head and neck/facial dermatitis (group 4), and a combination of symptoms (group 5). Control normal cats comprised the final group (group 6). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis. There was no significant difference between groups for DF- and DP-specific IgE concentrations with a p-value of 0.875 and 0.705, respectively. Although the FcvarepsilonRIalpha-based ELISA was able to detect house dust mite-specific feline IgE, the presence of this allergen-specific IgE correlates poorly with the presence of clinical manifestations of allergic skin disease. The results of this study question the clinical relevance of house dust mite-specific IgE in feline allergic skin disease.     

Comparison of diazepam with progestin for effectiveness in suppression of urine spraying behavior in cats.

The most common treatment for urine spraying and marking in cats has been administration of long-acting progestins. Treatment with diazepam has recently been gaining favor, particularly because of reported adverse effects of progestins. Results of a clinical trial involving 20 cats indicated that diazepam was effective in eliminating or markedly reducing spraying in 11 (55%) of them. However, most cats required continuous treatment, or at least intermittent treatment, when spraying recurred. The physiologic and behavioral dependency of cats on diazepam, which presumably develops over the course of administration, may contribute to the tendency for spraying to recur once diazepam treatment is discontinued. Using data from previously published findings on progestin administration, plus additional cases, it was documented that a significantly (P less than 0.05) higher percentage of males than females responded favorably. Although the number of cases was not sufficient for a statistical comparison of diazepam vs progestin treatment with regard to male vs female, possible gender difference in the effectiveness of diazepam was not indicated.     

F-wave conduction velocity, persistence, and amplitude for the tibial nerve in clinically normal cats

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method of F-wave evaluation and to determine normative values of F-wave parameters, including F-wave conduction velocity, persistence, and amplitude for the tibial nerve in cats. ANIMALS: 30 clinically normal cats. PROCEDURES: F-waves elicited in the interosseous muscles by stimulation of the tibial nerve were recorded, and linear regression analyses of the shortest latency versus the length of the tibial nerve and the limb length were performed. F-wave persistence was calculated by dividing the number of recorded F-waves by the number of stimuli. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient between F-wave latency and nerve length was 0.92, and that between F-wave latency and limb length was 0.58. Mean +/- SD F-wave conduction velocity of the tibial nerve was calculated to be 97.1 +/- 5.0 m/s. Linear regression analysis yielded the regression equation as follows: F-wave latency (milliseconds) = 2.60 + (0.02 x nerve length [mm]). Mean F-wave persistence and amplitude were 98.7 +/- 2.3% and 1.01 +/- 0.62 mV, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that nerve length should be used for nerve conduction studies of F-waves in felids. The regression equation for F-wave latency, conduction velocity, persistence, and amplitude may contribute to the diagnosis of nervous system diseases or injury in cats, such as trauma to the spinal cord or diabetic neuropathy.     

Bioelectrical impedance and zoometry for body composition analysis in domestic cats.

Zoometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis were evaluated as methods of body composition determination in healthy cats. Zoometric and impedance measurements were taken on 22 anesthetized adult cats of various ages, genders, breeds, and body weights. The cats were then euthanatized. The bodies were processed through a tissue homogenizer and free-catch specimens were taken, freeze-dried, and analyzed for total body water, protein, fat, potassium, and ash content. Stepwise regression analysis was implemented to identify statistically significant relationships between the chemically determined dependent variables (total body water, protein, potassium, fat-free mass, fat mass, and percent body fat) and the zoometric measurements, with or without bioelectrical impedance analysis. Statistical analysis revealed high correlations between the dependent variables and the corresponding predicted values of those variables. Body weight alone was a poor predictor of body composition in these cats. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that zoometric and bioelectrical impedance measurements may serve as practical, noninvasive, simple, and accurate methods for estimating body composition in domestic cats.     

Morphometric and volumetric analysis of the cervical spinal cord and vertebral canal using computed tomography images in normal Van cats

This study was performed on Van cats to determine the volumetric, morphometric and surface area measurement values of their cervical spinal cords (SC) and vertebral canals (CC) and the ratios between their dimensions using computed tomography (CT) images. The study also aims to reveal any biometric differences in these values between the two sexes. Spinal cord and vertebral canal CT images of 16 healthy adult Van cats (8 males and 8 females) were used in the study. First, three measurement points were selected for each vertebra on their cranial, medial and caudal sections along the sagittal axis. Next, the morphometric values were obtained using the transversal images of these measurement points. The surface areas for the SC and CC were calculated using the stereological planimetry method. The Cavalieri's principle was then used to calculate the relevant anatomic structure volumes. The obtained values were then statistically analysed. SC and CC were found to be larger in males in general, while ‘SC cranial/CC cranial’ and ‘SC medial/CC medial’ dimensions and volume ratios were found to be larger in female cats on average. Bodyweight and age values were found to have a negative correlation with SC and CC ratio, but the correlation was statistically insignificant. All SC and CC surface area and volume measurements were found to be higher in male cats (p < .05). We believe the results obtained by this study will provide valuable insight into veterinary clinicians in evaluating pathological lesions in the cervical spinal cord and vertebral canal CT scans.     

Absolute and relative cell counts for synovial fluid from clinically normal shoulder and stifle joints in cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine absolute and relative cell counts for synovial fluid from grossly, radiographically, and histologically normal shoulder and stifle joints in healthy cats. DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: 52 cats scheduled to be euthanatized for unrelated reasons. PROCEDURE: Arthrocentesis of the shoulder and stifle joints was performed bilaterally, and synovial fluid was analyzed for absolute WBC count, WBC morphology, and percentages of neutrophils and mononuclear cells. Joints were examined grossly and radiographically, and synovial membrane specimens were submitted for histologic examination. Synovial fluid samples that were contaminated with blood and samples from joints with any gross, radiographic, or histologic abnormalities were excluded. RESULTS: 82 of the 208 synovial fluid samples were excluded because abnormalities were identified during physical examination; the volume of fluid obtained was insufficient for analysis; there was evidence of blood contamination; or the joint had gross, radiographic, or histologic abnormalities. Median WBC count for the remaining 126 synovial fluid samples was 91 cells/microL (96.4% mononuclear cells and 3.6% neutrophils); WBC count was not significantly different between left and right joint samples or between shoulder and stifle joint samples. Body weight was associated with synovial fluid WBC count, with WBC count increasing as body weight increased. Sixteen of the 52 (30%) cats had radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis involving at least 1 joint. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that synovial fluid can be obtained reliably from shoulder and stifle joints in cats.     

Fatigue analysis of plates used for fracture stabilization in small dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the fatigue life of stacked and single, veterinary cuttable plates (VCP) and small, limited contact, dynamic compression plates (LC-DCP). STUDY DESIGN: In vitro biomechanical study. METHODS: Fracture models (constructs; n = 8) were assembled for each of 6 groups all with 8-hole plates: 2.0 mm LC-DCP; 2.4 mm LC-DCP; single 1.5/2.0 mm VCP; stacked 1.5/2.0 mm VCP; single 2.0/2.7 mm VCP; and stacked 2.0/2.7 mm VCP. Plate(s) were secured to 2 polyvinylchloride pipe lengths, mounted in a testing system with a custom jig, and subjected to axial loading (10-100 N) for 1,000,000 cycles at 10 Hz or until failure. Differences in number of cycles to failure among groups were compared. Failure mode was determined. RESULTS: All LC-DCP and single VCP constructs failed before 1,000,000 cycles. Stacked 2.0/2.7 mm VCP constructs withstood 1,000,000 cycles without failure. ANOVA and Fisher's least significant difference tests demonstrated significantly more cycles to failure for the stacked 1.5/2.0 mm VCP and stacked 2.0/2.7 mm VCP compared with the single 1.5/2.0 mm VCP, single 2.0/2.7 mm VCP, 2.0 mm LC-DCP, or 2.4 mm LC-DCP. Constructs that failed did so through a screw hole adjacent to the gap. CONCLUSION: Stacked VCP constructs have greater fatigue lives than comparably sized LC-DCP or single VCP constructs. Plates with 2.4 mm screws were not significantly different from the comparable construct with 2.0 mm screws. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although these data reveal that stacked VCP create a superior construct with respect to cyclic fatigue, surgeons must decide whether this is a clinical advantage on a case-by-case basis.