A cross-sectional study of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in feral and shelter cats in Prince Edward Island,Canada

A cross-sectional study examined the occurrence of Tritrichomonas foetus, and other intestinal parasites, in feral and shelter cats in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Fecal samples were collected from 100 feral cats, 100 cats from the PEI Humane Society, and 5 cats from a private residence. The occurrence of T. foetus, based on fecal culture, was 0% in feral and shelter cats. A single positive sample was obtained from an owned Abyssinian cat that was imported to PEI. Intestinal parasites were identified via fecal flotation in 76% of feral cats and 39% of cats from the humane society. Feral cats had a higher incidence of Toxocara cati than cats from the humane society (P < 0.001), conversely, shelter cats had a higher incidence of Cystoisospora spp. (P < 0.001). These results suggest that while T. foetus is not of importance in feral and shelter cats in PEI, imported cats could serve as reservoirs.     

Effects of serum vitamin E levels on skin vitamin E levels in dogs and cats

Skin problems are common in small animal practice. Oxidative stress, or the imbalance between prooxidants and the body's antioxidant defense system, likely plays a role in the development of skin disease. According to this study, increasing amounts of vitamin E in foods for dogs and cats increases serum and cutaneous concentrations of vitamin E. Based on available scientific data, these increases in vitamin E concentration are likely to be beneficial. However, the relationship between increases in serum and skin vitamin E concentrations and the prevention, development, and treatment of skin disease remains to be elucidated by intervention studies.     

Serological survey of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in pet cats and cats from animal shelters and feral colonies

Although cats and their arthropod parasites can sometimes be important sources of zoonotic diseases in humans, the extent of exposure among various cat populations to many potential zoonotic agents remains incompletely described. In this study, 170 domestic cats living in private homes, feral cat colonies, and animal shelters from California and Wisconsin were evaluated by serology to determine the levels of exposure to a group of zoonotic vector-borne pathogens. Serological positive test results were observed in 17.2% of cats for Rickettsia rickettsii, 14.9% for R akari, 4.9% for R typhi, 11.1% for R felis, and 14.7% for Bartonella henselae. Although vector-borne disease exposure has been documented previously in cats, the evaluation of multiple pathogens and diverse cat populations simultaneously performed here contributes to our understanding of feline exposure to these zoonotic pathogens.     

Seasonal changes in serum vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-carotene concentrations in Japanese Black breeding cattle in Hyogo prefecture

The influence of the season on serum vitamin A, E and beta-carotene concentrations was studied in Japanese Black breeding cattle. Blood samples were collected from 13 cows once a month for a year to determine the serum vitamin concentrations. Mean serum concentrations (+/- SE) of retinol, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene were 21.3 +/- 0.5 microg/dl (range 9.9 to 44.9), 215.9 +/- 8.0 microg/dl (range 59.7 to 551.6) and 67.3 +/- 5.1 microg/dl (range 10.6 to 425.2), respectively. All these concentrations were lower than the recommended levels. Serum retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in summer were lower than those in winter. These results suggest that the vitamin A, E and beta-carotene status of Japanese Black breeding cows is inadequate, and feeding high quality forages or dietary vitamin supplementation during summer should be recommended.     

Assessment of vitamin E concentrations in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of horses following oral administration of vitamin E

OBJECTIVE: To determine concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in serum and CSF of healthy horses following administration of supplemental vitamin E in feed. ANIMALS: 10 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURES: Horses were allocated to receive supplemental d-alpha-tocopherol (1,000 U/d [group A; n=5] or 10,000 U/d [group B; 5]) in feed for 10 days. Blood samples were collected before (baseline), during, and at intervals for 10 days after discontinuation of vitamin E administration for assessment of serum alpha-tocopherol concentration. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected prior to and 24 hours after cessation of vitamin E administration. Alpha-tocopherol concentrations in serum and CSF samples were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography; changes in those values during the treatment period were compared between groups, and the relationship of serum and CSF alpha-tocopherol concentrations was evaluated. RESULTS: In both groups, serum alpha-tocopherol concentration increased significantly from baseline during vitamin E administration; values in group B were significantly greater than those in group A during and after treatment. At the end of vitamin E administration, CSF alpha-tocopherol concentration was not significantly greater than the baseline value in either group; however, the increase in CSF concentration was significant when the group data were combined and analyzed. Serum and CSF alpha-tocopherol concentrations were significantly correlated at baseline for all horses, but were not strongly correlated after 10 days of vitamin E administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In healthy horses, daily oral administration of supplemental vitamin E in feed resulted in increases in serum and CSF alpha-tocopherol concentrations.     

Variations of serum vitamin E, cholesterol, and total serum lipid concentrations in horses during a 72-hour period

Fluctuations of serum vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), cholesterol, and total lipids were monitored in 12 horses at 3-hour intervals for 72 hours. Mean coefficients of variation were 12, 5, and 15%, respectively. Statistical analyses were used to conclude that instrumentation error was accountable for only a small portion of the vitamin E variation. Results indicated that a single serum sample assay is an unsatisfactory indicator of vitamin E status in horses. These data have clinical application in the evaluation of horses suspected to be affected with equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy. The large variance of serum total lipids and the lack of correlation of it with serum vitamin E over time preclude the use of vitamin E/serum total lipids ratio in assessing vitamin E status.     

Subnormal concentrations of serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) in cats with gastrointestinal disease

The present study sought to determine the spectrum of diseases associated with subnormal concentrations of serum cobalamin in cats undergoing investigation of suspected gastrointestinal problems. The solid-phase boil radioassay (RA) for cobalamin employed in the present study was immunologically specific, precise, and accurate, with a sensitivity of 15 pg/mL. The RA yielded results that strongly correlated with those obtained by bioassay (Spearmann rho = .805; P < .0001), although the absolute values were lower for the RA. Forty-nine of 80 serum samples submitted during the period of January 1996-January 1998 had cobalamin concentrations below the reference range for healthy cats (range 900-2,800 pg/mL; mean +/- SD, 1,775 +/- 535 pg/mL; n = 33). Cats with subnormal cobalamin concentrations (mean +/- SD; 384 +/- 272 pg/mL, range 3-883 pg/mL) were middle-aged or older and were presented for weight loss. diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, and thickened intestines. Definitive diagnoses in 22 cats included inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal lymphoma, cholangiohepatitis or cholangits, and pancreatic inflammation. Serum concentrations of cobalamin were particularly low in cats with intestinal lymphoma, three-fifths of whom also had subnormal serum concentrations of folate (< 9 ng/mL). The simultaneous presence of disease in the intestines, pancreas, or hepatobiliary system in many cats made it difficult to determine the cause of subnormal cobalamin concentrations. The circulating half-life of parenteral cyanocobalamin was shorter in 2 cats with IBD (5 days) than in 4 healthy cats (12.75 days). The presence of subnormal serum concentrations of cobalamin in 49 of 80 cats evaluated suggests that the measurement of serum cobalamin may be a useful indirect indicator of enteric or pancreatic disease in cats. The rapid depletion of circulating cobalamin in cats suggests that cats may be highly susceptible to cobalamin deficiency. However, the relationship of subnormal serum cobalamin concentrations to cobalamin deficiency and the effect of cobalamin deficiency on cats remain to be determined.     

Blood vitamin and choline concentrations in healthy domestic cats, dogs, and horses

Blood concentrations of thiamin, biotin, nicotinates, pantothenates, folates, riboflavin, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, beta-carotene and choline were analyzed in healthy animals (23 horses, 25 dogs, and 29 cats). B-Complex vitamins and choline also were analyzed in the liver of the dogs and cats. Vitamin concentrations in the blood and livers of dogs were similar; however, blood vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations were lower in the cat than in the dog. Horses had a higher B12 blood concentration than did the dogs and cats. These data can be useful for detecting overt and hidden vitamin deficits in these species due to various conditions.     

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.     

Hookworms of feral cats in Florida

Thirty feral cats (Felis catus) from Alachua county (northern Florida) and 30 from Palm Beach county (southern Florida) were examined for hookworms. Two species, Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense, were identified. Forty-five cats (75%) were infected with A. tubaeforme, with a mean intensity of 48 hookworms per cat. Twenty cats (33%) were infected with A. braziliense, with a mean intensity of 28 worms per cat. The prevalence of A. tubaeforme was greater than that of A. braziliense in Alachua (P=0.002) and Palm Beach (P=0.004) counties. The intensity of A. tubaeforme infections was higher in Palm Beach county than Alachua county (P=0.013). The intensities of A. tubaeforme and A. braziliense were positively correlated (increased together) in Palm Beach county (P=0.011). These hookworms have also been identified in bobcats (Felis rufus), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Florida. The prevalence of A. tubaeforme was significantly greater in feral cats than those reported in bobcats (P<0.001). The prevalence of A. braziliense was significantly greater in feral cats than in those reported in gray foxes (P=0.008). The hookworm that infects Florida panthers and bobcats, A. pluridentatum, was not found.     

alpha-Tocopherol concentrations in serum and tissues of sheep fed different sources of vitamin E.

Thirty-five crossbred wethers were used to determine the concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in serum and tissues after oral supplementation of six different vitamin E product forms. Five wethers were assigned to each of the following treatments: 1) control, no supplemental vitamin E (C), 2) emulsifiable DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate-dry (Rovimix E-50% SD), 3) nonemulsifiable DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate-dry (Rovimix E-50% Ads), 4) emulsifiable DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate-liquid (Rovimix E-40% Dispersible Liquid Concentrate [DLC]); 5) emulsifiable DL-alpha-tocopherol-liquid (Hoffmann-La Roche, E-40% DLC alcohol), 6) micellized DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate-liquid (Bioglan, Inc., E-20%); and 7) micellized DL-alpha-tocopherol-liquid (Bioglan, Inc., E-20%). Animals were supplemented daily with 1,000 IU of their respective vitamin E sources for 56 d. Blood samples were collected daily from d 0 to 7 and weekly until d 56. Animals were subsequently killed by exsanguination after stunning and eight different tissues were collected for alpha-tocopherol analysis. There were effects of day, treatment, and day x treatment interaction on serum alpha-tocopherol. All supplemented groups were higher in serum alpha-tocopherol concentration than were the C wethers. The emulsifiable vitamin E alcohol liquid product form (Treatment 5) yielded higher (P less than .01) serum alpha-tocopherol concentration than the emulsifiable acetate liquid product (Treatment 4). Sheep on Treatment 5 reached maximum concentration on d 1, sheep on Treatment 6 on d 2, and the sheep on the remaining Treatments by d 3. Blood sera alpha-tocopherol concentrations stabilized by d 6 in all supplemented groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A comparison of the effects of parenteral and oral administration of supplementary vitamin E on plasma vitamin E concentrations in dairy cows at different stages of lactation

As a result of research conducted in the US, recommendations for dry cow vitamin E intakes have increased seven fold there, however there has been no change to recommendations in the UK. As part of a larger study comparing the impact of existing UK and new US recommended vitamin E intakes on the health and fertility of commercial dairy cows in the UK, a study was set up to investigate the effect of route of supplementation and stage of lactation, over a 21 day period, on the response to mega-supplementation of cattle receiving supposedly adequate vitamin E. The study assessed the response of dry, peak lactation and mid lactation cows to in-feed or parenteral vitamin E supplementation (7 animals per treatment/lactation stage group) by measuring plasma and milk vitamin E concentrations, blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and milk yields over a 21 day period. Plasma vitamin E concentrations were significantly influenced by a time, stage and treatment interaction (P = 0.046). Both dry and lactating animals had significantly higher plasma vitamin E concentrations at some time points in the parenteral supplemented cows compared to the in-feed supplementated animals (P ≤ 0.011 and P < 0.01, respectively). Milk vitamin E concentrations did not significantly differ between lactation stages but treatment had a significant effect on concentrations (P < 0.008) when lactation stage was removed from the model. There was no significant difference in milk yield between treatment groups. A significant relationship between plasma and milk vitamin E concentrations was only found in the parenterally supplemented cows (r = 0.435, P < 0.001). In cattle with intakes greater than the ARC recommendations, measurement of plasma vitamin E concentration may be of limited value in determining whether there has been a response to supplementation. The relationship between plasma and milk vitamin E concentrations is too poor for milk vitamin E concentrations to be used as a proxy for plasma vitamin E.     

Effects of storage conditions and hemolysis on vitamin E concentrations in porcine serum and liver.

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is an antioxidant vitamin important in protecting unsaturated fatty acids in lipid membranes from peroxidation. Variation in collection, storage, and shipping conditions of samples can potentially lead to breakdown of vitamin E prior to analysis. Therefore, the purposes of this project were 1) to determine the stability of vitamin E in refrigerated and frozen porcine liver and serum and 2) to evaluate the effects of red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis on porcine serum vitamin E concentrations. Porcine liver and nonhemolyzed serum were collected and stored refrigerated or frozen. Samples were analyzed for vitamin E immediately or on days 2, 3, 7, or 14. In addition, porcine RBCs were added to normal serum at concentrations from 1 x 10(6) to 1 X 10(9) RBC/ml and hemolyzed by freeze-thaw prior to analysis for vitamin E or products of lipid peroxidation.     

Effect of suramin on serum viral replication in feline leukemia virus-infected pet cats

Suramin treatments were administered (IV) to 2 healthy adult cats infected with naturally acquired feline leukemia virus. Serum viral infectivity--as assessed by focus induction by the method of Fischinger, using serial serum samples titrated on clone 81 cells--ceased transiently in both cats during treatment with suramin, but returned to significantly high levels approximately 14 days after treatment was stopped. Both cats tested positive for FeLV internal antigens in peripheral blood cells and serum before, during, and after treatment. Both cats tested negative for antibody to feline oncornavirus membrane antigen before, during, and after treatment. The major adverse effects of suramin in the 2 cats were transient vomiting and anorexia.     

Effect of vitamin E, phosphorus and sorbitol on growth performance and serum and tissue cholesterol concentrations in the pig

A total of 180 crossbred, weanling pigs were assigned to five dietary treatment groups: 1) a basal corn-soybean meal diet formulated to current NRC recommendations, 2) basal + monosodium phosphate (2 x NRC P recommendations; P), 3) basal + alpha-tocopheryl acetate (220 IU/kg; E), 4) basal + sorbitol (1% of the diet; S) and 5) basal + PES. Dietary treatments were continued until market weight (104 kg). Blood samples were obtained at 3-wk intervals for analysis of serum alpha-tocopherol, P and total cholesterol. Liver and muscle (semimembranosus) samples were obtained at the end of the starter, grower and finisher phases for determination of total cholesterol concentration. The Ca:P imbalance produced by the high-phosphorus diets (P and PES) increased feed intake during the finisher phase. Dietary treatment did not consistently affect total serum cholesterol at any phase of growth. A transient 21.5% (P less than .05) depression of liver cholesterol concentration was observed in the PES-fed pigs at the end of the starter phase but was not apparent at market weight. A similar trend (nonsignificant) was noted for muscle cholesterol concentration. The present study suggests that the PES diet can decrease tissue cholesterol concentration during the nursery phase, but it remains uncertain whether this transient response is a function of age and(or) diet transition at weaning. Further research is necessary to determine whether this response can be translated to the finishing phase, and thereby reduce carcass cholesterol.     

Morphological and functional comparison of lingual papillae in suckling and adult feral cats: Forensic evidence

Feral cats are considered as strays and are more likely to hunt in the street. We investigated the effect of environmental adaptations on the structures of lingual papillae in feral cats, which could be used as forensic evidence for their identification. There are no reported studies about the structural comparison of lingual papillae between suckling and adult feral cats. The present study described the lingual papillae of both suckling and adult cats macroscopically and microscopically via light and scanning electron microscopy. A total of nine tongue samples each for suckling and adult feral cats were examined grossly and histologically. Papillae distributions of suckling cats were similar to those observed in adult cats. Meanwhile, the shapes of those papillae were markedly different from that of corresponding papillae in adults. The change in taste bud position and size seemed to be related to the progressive growth of the papillae between adult and suckling cats; absence of taste buds in foliate papillae of feral cats at any stage; and marginal papillae which were a characteristic feature for all suckling cats. All previous elements could be affected by the specific feeding behaviour and mastication mode adaptation in suckling and adult feral cats which might help to identify suckling and adult feral cats among other breeds and animal species. We anticipate these findings may provide promising forensic evidence to discriminate between adult and suckling feral cat remains as well as prediction of environmental harshness and feeding behaviour.