Field efficacy and safety of a combination of moxidectin and imidacloprid for the prevention of feline heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection

Throughout the end of March to beginning of May 2006, 212 owned cats and 608 owned dogs from a heavy endemic area for canine heartworm (HW) disease in northern Italy have been examined to assess HW infection prevalence. Both cats and dogs were clinically examined and blood samples were taken from each animal to be examined for HW antibody (Ab). Ab-positive cats were further examined for circulating microfilariae, HW antigens (Ag) and by echocardiography (ECHO) to assess the presence of adult worms. Dogs were clinically examined and blood samples taken from each animal were examined for circulating microfilariae and for HW Ag. Ten cats (4.7%) were found Ab positive. Of these, 6 cats were Ag positive (2.6%) and in 4 (1.8%) the worms were visualized by ECHO. HW prevalence in dogs was 36% (221/608). One hundred and seventy-six (29%) were both microfilaraemic and Ag positive, 40 (7%) had occult infections (no circulating microfilariae) and 7 (1%) were microfilaraemic but Ag negative. Upon owners’ consent, 132 cats (including cats Ab and/or Ag and ECHO positive) were prophylactically treated against HW disease with an imidacloprid/moxidectin spot-on combination (10% imidacloprid/1% moxidectin) monthly administered for 6 months. Cats were re-examined for HW infection in November, 1 month after the last drug administration, and in May–June 2007, 7–8 months after the last treatment. All 122 cats found HW negative before treatment, were found negative at the two examinations at the end of study. The 4 cats Ab positive, 2 cats Ab and Ag positive and 1 Ab, Ag and ECHO positive at the beginning of treatment were found negative. Throughout the treatment, transitory hypersalivation and generic signs of annoyance were reported by owners in 6 cats (4.5%). All signs regressed spontaneously.     

Can heartworm prevalence in dogs be used as provisional data for assessing the prevalence of the infection in cats?

Cats are considered a susceptible host for Dirofilaria immitis; however, increased host resistance is reflected by relatively low adult worm burdens in natural and experimental infections; the prolonged prepatent period (8 months); the low level and short duration of microfilaremia; and the short life span of adult worms (2-3 years). From April to September 2006, 212 cats and 608 dogs, all exposed for at least one transmission season, were screened for D. immitis infection in a multi-center study in the Po River Valley in northern Italy. Cats were initially evaluated by antibody testing; positive subjects were followed up by antigen testing and echocardiography (and necropsy if death occurred). The prevalence in dogs was 29% by a modified Knott test and antigen testing compared with a prevalence of 4.7% in cats by an antibody test; six of these infections (2.8%) were confirmed by the follow-up evaluations. This field study demonstrated that the prevalence of heartworm infection in cats in this area is within the expected limits of 9-18% of the prevalence in dogs. Antibody testing likely underestimates the real prevalence of D. immitis infection in cats. These results also emphasize the importance of preventive treatment in cats.     

CARDIAC AND PULMONARY ARTERY MENSURATION IN FELINE HEARTWORM DISEASE

A retrospective study was undertaken to quantify thoracic radiographic changes in cats with heartworm diseases, ( Dirofilaria immitis ). Using a blinded study format, the cardiac silhouette, thoracic cavity and pulmonary arteries were measured from thoracic radiographs of 21 cats with feline heartworm disease and 30 cats without known cardiac or pulmonary vessel pathology. Measured data were normalized to the thoracic cavity or bony structures within the radiographic field of view. The measurements were compared between the two groups of cats using an unpaired, two-tailed Student's t -test, with a p value of < 0.05 being considered significant. Cats with feline heartworm disease had enlargement of the craniocaudal aspect of the cardiac silhouette and normalized cardiac:thoracic ratio (p < 0.05) on the lateral view. Also, there was significant enlargement of the central and peripheral caudal lobar pulmonary arteries and their normalized ratios (p < 0.05) in the heartworm infected cats as visualized on the ventrodorsal projection. Tortuosity of the pulmonary arteries was seen in three of the 21 infected cats. Eleven of the 21 cats with feline heartworm disease had pulmonary parenchymal changes. Based on the present study, central and peripheral pulmonary artery enlargement as viewed on the ventrodorsal radiograph was the single best radiographic indicator of feline heartworm disease.     

Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone for the control of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on cats

A novel spot-on formulation containing metaflumizone (ProMeris for Cats, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Overland Park, KS) was evaluated in five laboratory studies to determine the duration of residual efficacy in cats against fleas after a single spot treatment. In each study, eight domestic shorthair cats were randomly allocated to each treatment group and individually housed. One group in each study remained non-treated. In one study, an additional group of eight cats was treated with a placebo formulation. Cats were treated topically with metaflumizone formulation to provide a dose of at least 40mg metaflumizone/kg. Cats were infested with 100 cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis) once per week for approximately 8 weeks. Cats were comb counted 48h after treatment and each infestation to determine the number of viable fleas present. There were no significant differences in flea counts between the non-treated control and the placebo-treated control (P>0.05) other than a 26% reduction at week 1, demonstrating that the formulation excipients had no activity. Metaflumizone treatment resulted in significantly lower flea numbers relative to non-treated controls on all post-treatment count days (P<0.05). Metaflumizone provided >90% control of flea infestations up to 7 weeks following a single treatment.     

Insecticidal activity of temephos against Ctenocephalides felis on dogs and cats.

Dogs and cats were treated with 2% temephos [0,0'-(thiodi-p-phenylene) 0,0',0'-tetramethyl bis (phosphorothioate)] powder to evaluate its insecticidal activity against the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). Dogs and cats were infested each week with approximately 100 unfed, unsexed fleas less than 14 days old. Live-flea counts were made each day. The experiment was terminated when all dogs and cats retained live fleas for 6 days or more. The 2% temephos powder resulted in excellent flea control on dogs and cats for 2 weeks, partial control for 3 to 4 weeks, and no effective control beyond 4 weeks.     

Heartworm and Wolbachia: therapeutic implications

A safer, more effective adulticidal treatment and a safe method for reducing microfilaremia and breaking transmission of heartworm disease early in the treatment are needed. The present study evaluated efficacy of ivermectin (IVM) and doxycycline (DOXY) alone or together (with or without melarsomine [MEL]) in dogs with induced adult heartworm infection and assessed the ability of microfilariae from DOXY-treated dogs to develop to L3 in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and subsequently to become reproductive adults in dogs. Thirty beagles were each infected with 16 adult heartworms by intravenous transplantation. Six weeks later, dogs were ranked by microfilarial count and randomly allocated to 6 groups of 5 dogs each. Beginning on Day 0, Group 1 received IVM (6 mcg/kg) weekly for 36 weeks. Group 2 received DOXY (10 mcg/(kgday)) orally Weeks 1-6, 10-11, 16-17, 22-25, and 28-33. Groups 3 and 5 received IVM and DOXY according to doses and schedules used for Groups 1 and 2. At Week 24, Groups 3 and 4 received an intramuscular injection of MEL (2.5 mg/kg), followed 1 month later by two injections 24h apart. Group 6 was not treated. Blood samples were collected for periodic microfilaria counts and antigen (Ag) testing (and later immunologic evaluation and molecular biology procedures). Radiographic and physical examinations, hematology/clinical chemistry testing, and urinalysis were done before infection, before Day 0, and periodically during the treatment period. At 36 weeks, the dogs were euthanized and necropsied for worm recovery, collection of lung, liver, kidney, and spleen samples for examination by immunohistochemistry and conventional histological methods. All dogs treated with IVM + DOXY (with or without MEL) were amicrofilaremic after Week 9. Microfilarial counts gradually decreased in dogs treated with IVM or DOXY, but most had a few microfilariae at necropsy. Microfilarial counts for dogs treated only with MEL were similar to those for controls. Antigen test scores gradually decreased with IVM + DOXY (with or without MEL) and after MEL. Antigen scores for IVM or DOXY alone were similar to controls throughout the study. Reduction of adult worms was 20.3% for IVM, 8.7% for DOXY, 92.8% for IVM + DOXY + MEL, 100% for MEL, and 78.3% for IVM + DOXY. Mosquitoes that fed on blood from DOXY-treated dogs had L3 normal in appearance but were not infective for dogs. Preliminary observations suggest that administration of DOXY+IVM for several months prior to (or without) MEL will eliminate adult HW with less potential for severe thromboembolism than MEL alone.     

Sedative and analgesic effects of medetomidine in beagle dogs infected and uninfected with heartworm

The sedative and analgesic effects of medetomidine were evaluated in heartworm-infected (HW+) and uninfected (HW–) beagle dogs by intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration of 30 µg/kg and 40 µg/kg doses, respectively. Posture, response to noise and the pedal reflex were monitored. A procedure for mock radiographic positioning was performed to evaluate its overall clinical use. Observation times were 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min. In addition, the times from injection until the dog could not stand on its feet (down time), from lateral to sternal recumbency (sternal recumbency time), and from sternal recumbency to rising again (rising time) were also noted.Medetomidine produced rapid sedation and analgesia by both routes. Down times for the IM and IV routes were similar, which verified the manufacturer's recommended doses. The HW+ dogs had shorter down times, probably owing to increased blood flow to the brain caused by adrenergic alpha-2 activity. Sternal recumbency and rising times did not differ between the groups, suggesting a similar metabolism. Sedation and analgesia were adequate for performing the procedure in all dogs. HW– dogs showed less resistance to handling during the procedure than HW+ dogs. Overall, medetomidine seems to be a suitable agent for short-term chemical restraint in dogs, even with subclinical heartworm infestation.     

Lung histopathology,radiography, high-resolution computed tomography,and bronchio-alveolar lavage cytology are altered by Toxocara cati infection in cats and is independent of development of adult intestinal parasites

This study presents clinical findings after oral ingestion of Toxocara cati eggs which resulted in rapid pulmonary lung migration and parenchymal disease, noted on clinically relevant diagnostic methods. Further, the study investigated the efficacy of pre-infection applications of preventative medication on larval migration through the lungs. A third aim of the study was to determine if adult cats infected with T. cati developed lung disease. Cats in infected groups were administered five oral doses of L3 T. cati larvae. Four-month-old specific pathogen free (SPF) kittens were divided into three groups (six per group): an infected untreated group, an uninfected untreated control group, and an infected treated group (topical moxidectin and imidacloprid, Advantage Multi for Cats, Bayer Healthcare LLC). Six 2- to 3-year-old adult multiparous female SPF cats were an infected untreated adult group. The cats were evaluated by serial CBCs, bronchial–alveolar lavage (BAL), fecal examinations, thoracic radiographs, and thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans and were euthanized 65 days after the initial infection.     

16alpha-Bromo-epiandrosterone therapy modulates experimental feline immunodeficiency virus viremia: initial enhancement leading to long-term suppression

16alpha-Bromo-epiandrosterone (epiBr), a synthetic derivative of the natural hormone dehyroepiandrosterone (DHEA), was evaluated for its effects on feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in experimental cats. The rationale for this study was based on the ability of DHEA to significantly reduce the mortality to viral infections in mice. DHEA and epiBr also have demonstrable in vitro anti-viral activity for both HIV-1 and FIV. Preliminary pharmacokinetic studies in cats demonstrated that subcutaneously injected epiBr was rapidly absorbed, completely metabolized, and nontoxic. Metabolites were excreted in both urine and feces, with the latter having the most complex pattern of breakdown products. Cats were then divided into four groups; two groups were infected with FIV and two uninfected. Two groups, one infected and one uninfected were treated on 5 consecutive days of weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 with epiBr. The remaining two groups were mock treated with the drug vehicle alone. Treatment started 1 week prior to infection and extended for 4 weeks after infection. Cats were observed for 20 weeks post-FIV infection. Infected cats had identical decreases in blood neutrophil and lymphocyte counts following, regardless of whether they were treated with epiBr or vehicle alone. The CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio was decreased following FIV exposure, but was significantly more decreased for the epiBr treated animals from week 2 post-infection onward. CD4+ T cells were decreased in FIV-infected cats treated with epiBr compared to their untreated cohort, while CD8+ T cells tended to be higher in treated animals. FIV infected cats that were treated with epiBr had over one-log higher virus loads at week 2 post-infection than non-epiBr treated cohorts. In spite of this enhanced initial viremia, the subsequent levels of virus in the blood were significantly lower in epiBr treated versus untreated animals. EpiBr treated cats had significantly higher FIV-p24 antibody responses than control cats receiving vehicle alone, although primary and secondary antibody responses to a T-cell dependent non-FIV antigen, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), were unaffected. EpiBr treatment significantly decreased the expected FIV-induced suppression of IL-12 p40 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) observed at weeks 4, 5, 8, 9 and 16 post-infection, but had no influence on FIV-induced changes in IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma, MIP-1alpha and RANTES.     

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.     

Spontaneous pneumothorax in 35 cats (2001-2010)

Thirty-five cases of spontaneous pneumothorax were reviewed. In contrast to dogs, cats with an established etiology all had spontaneous pneumothorax associated with lung disease. Underlying diseases identified in affected cats included inflammatory airway disease, neoplasia, heartworm infection, pulmonary abscess and lungworm infection. Many cats were managed successfully with observation alone or needle thoracocentesis and specific therapy for their primary lung disease. Cats who present with spontaneous pneumothorax may be treated successfully with non-surgical therapies and appear to have a better prognosis than previously extrapolated from canine studies.     

Clinical evolution and radiographic findings of feline heartworm infection in asymptomatic cats

Clinical manifestations of heartworm disease in cats are variable; most cats seem to tolerate the infection well for extended periods. Heartworm-infected cats may undergo spontaneous self-cure due to the natural death of parasites without any symptomatology, or they may suddenly show dramatic and acute symptoms. Sudden death in apparently healthy cats is not a rare event. Thoracic radiographs are important tool for the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary disease. However, thoracic abnormalities are often absent or transient and highly variable in heartworm-infected cats. Findings, such as enlargement of the peripheral branches of the pulmonary arteries, with a varying degree of pulmonary parenchymal disease and hyperinflation, are the most typical features consistent with infection. A field study was performed for cats referred to the Veterinary Hospital Città di Pavia from January 1998 to December 2001 for routine health examinations and procedures to evaluate the clinical evolution and radiographic findings of feline heartworm infection. Thirty-four asymptomatic cats diagnosed with feline heartworm infection by antibody and antigen tests together with an echocardiogram that allowed worm visualization were included in the follow-up study. Cats were routinely examined every 3 months from the time of heartworm diagnosis until the outcome (self-cure or death). Self-cure was defined as no positive serology for heartworm antigens and no visualization of worms by echocardiography. A final examination for antibodies was carried after 12 months as a final confirmation of self-cure. Twenty-eight cats (82.4%) self-cured; including 21 that showed no clinical signs of infection throughout the study. Six cats died. The most common clinical features observed were acute respiratory symptoms and sudden death. Infection lasted over 3 years in the majority of the cats enrolled in the study. Thoracic radiograph appearance was variable, and the most commonly observed findings were focal and diffuse pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities.     

Evaluation of respiratory parameters at presentation as clinical indicators of the respiratory localization in dogs and cats with respiratory distress

Objective ? To describe clinical respiratory parameters in cats and dogs with respiratory distress and identify associations between respiratory signs at presentation and localization of the disease with particular evaluation between the synchrony of abdominal and chest wall movements as a clinical indicators for pleural space disease. Design ? Prospective observational clinical study. Setting ? Emergency service in a university veterinary teaching hospital. Animals ? Cats and dogs with respiratory distress presented to the emergency service between April 2008 and July 2009. Interventions ? None. Measurements and Main Results ? The following parameters were systematically determined at time of admission: respiratory rate, heart rate, temperature, type of breathing, movement of the thoracic and abdominal wall during inspiration, presence of stridor, presence and type of dyspnea, and results of thoracic auscultation. Abdominal and chest wall movement was categorized as synchronous, asynchronous, or inverse. Diagnostic test results, diagnosis, and outcome were subsequently recorded. Based on the final diagnoses, animals were assigned to 1 or more of the following groups regarding the anatomical localization of the respiratory distress: upper airways, lower airways, lung parenchyma, pleural space, thoracic wall, nonrespiratory causes, and normal animals. One hundred and seventy‐six animals (103 cats and 73 dogs) were evaluated. Inspiratory dyspnea was associated with upper airway disease in dogs and expiratory dyspnea with lower airway disease in cats. Respiratory noises were significantly associated and highly sensitive and specific for upper airway disease. An asynchronous or inverse breathing pattern and decreased lung auscultation results were significantly associated with pleural space disease in both dogs and cats (P<0.001). The combination is highly sensitive (99%) but not very specific (45%). Fast and shallow breathing was not associated with pleural space disease. Increased or moist pulmonary auscultation findings were associated with parenchymal lung disease. Conclusions ? Cats and dogs with pleural space disease can be identified by an asynchronous or inverse breathing pattern in combination with decreased lung sounds on auscultation.     

Effects of doxycycline on early infections of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs

The antifilarial effects of tetracycline drugs were first demonstrated when they were found to be highly effective against L(3) and L(4) of Brugia pahangi and Litomosoides sigmodontis in rodent models. Tetracyclines are also now known to have activity against microfilariae and adult Dirofilaria immitis, but assessment of their activity against larval and juvenile heartworms has not been reported previously. This study assessed the effects of doxycycline administered orally at 10mg/kg twice daily for 30-day periods at selected times during the early part of the life cycle of D. immitis in dogs with dual infections of D. immitis and B. pahangi. Twenty beagles were randomly allocated by weight to four groups of five dogs each. On Day 0, each dog was given 50 D. immitis L(3) and 200 B. pahangi L(3) by SC injection. Dogs received doxycycline on Days 0-29 (Group 1); Days 40-69 (Group 2); or Days 65-94 (Group 3). Group 4 served as untreated controls. Blood samples were collected for microfilariae counting and antigen testing. Necropsy for collection of adult heartworms and selected tissues were performed Days 218-222. Heartworms recovered were examined by immunohistology, conventional microscopy/transmission electron microscopy, and molecular biology techniques. No live heartworms were recovered from dogs in Group 1; dogs in Group 2 had 0 to 2 live worms (98.4% efficacy), and dogs in Group 3 had 0-36 live worms (69.6% efficacy). All control dogs had live adult heartworms (25-41). The live worms recovered from dogs in Groups 2 and 3 were less developed and smaller that worms from control dogs. Microfilariae were not detected in any dogs in Groups 1 and 2; one dog in Group 3 had 1 microfilariae/ml at necropsy. All control dogs had microfilariae at necropsy. One dog in Group 1 was antigen positive at one sampling (Day 166). One dog in Group 2 was antigen positive Days 196 and 218-222 and three dogs in Group 3 were antigen positive at one or more samplings All five control dogs were antigen positive at all three sampling times. These findings suggest that doxycycline at 10mg/kg orally twice daily for 30 days has efficacy against migrating tissue-phase larvae and juvenile worms and will delay or restrict microfilarial production.     

Comparative effects of proligestone and megestrol acetate on basal plasma glucose concentrations and cortisol responses to exogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone in cats

Cats were given megestrol acetate (MA, 5 mg once daily for 14 days), subcutaneous proligestone (PRG, 100 mg on two occasions one week apart) or subcutaneous saline (1 ml as for PRG). In cats given saline (n = 6) basal cortical concentrations, cortisol concentrations after adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) administration and fasting blood glucose concentrations did not change significantly during the following seven weeks. Cats given MA (n = 7) developed suppression of basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol concentrations and fasting hyperglycaemia during treatment. Effects on cortisol persisted for two weeks after MA dosage ceased. In cats given PRG (n = 7), basal cortisol concentrations were reduced overall, but only three cats had persistently suppressed post-ACTH cortisol concentrations. Adrenal suppression continued for 14 weeks in one of these and for at least 22 weeks in two cats. Fasting blood glucose concentrations were unchanged in PRG-treated cats.     

Comparison of a low carbohydrate-low fiber diet and a moderate carbohydrate-high fiber diet in the management of feline diabetes mellitus

This study compared the effects of a moderate carbohydrate-high fiber (MC-HF) food and a low carbohydrate-low fiber (LC-LF) food on glycemic control in cats with diabetes mellitus. Sixty-three diabetic cats (48 male castrated, 15 female spayed) were randomly assigned to be fed either a canned MC-HF (n = 32) food or a canned LC-LF (n = 31) food for 16 weeks. Owners were blinded to the type of diet fed. CBC, urinalysis, serum chemistry panel, fructosamine concentration and thyroxine concentration were determined on initial examination, and a complete blood count, serum chemistry panel, urinalysis and serum fructosamine concentration were repeated every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Insulin doses were adjusted as needed to resolve clinical signs and lower serum fructosamine concentrations. Serum glucose (P = 0.0001) and fructosamine (P = 0.0001) concentrations significantly decreased from week 0 to week 16 in both dietary groups. By week 16, significantly more of the cats fed the LC-LF food (68%, 22/31), compared to the cats fed the MC-HF food (41%, 13/32), had reverted to a non-insulin-dependent state (P = 0.03). Cats in both groups were successfully taken off of insulin regardless of age, sex, type of insulin administered or duration of clinical disease before entering the study. There was no significant difference in the initial or final mean body weights or in the mean change in body weight from week 0 to week 16 between dietary groups. Diabetic cats in this study were significantly more likely to revert to a non-insulin-dependent state when fed the canned LC-LF food versus the MC-HF food.     

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 as a probiotic in healthy adult cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 in healthy adult cats. ANIMALS: 15 adult cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were fed a nutritionally complete dry food for 5 weeks. Fecal character was assessed daily, and a single fecal sample and 3-mL blood sample were collected for bacterial enumeration and hematologic analysis, respectively. Cats were then fed the same diet supplemented with L acidophilus DSM13241 (2 x 10(8) CFU/d) for 4.5 weeks. Repeat fecal and hematologic measurements were taken prior to the return to control diet for a 4-week period. RESULTS: The probiotic species was recovered from feces, demonstrating survival through the feline gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic supplementation was associated with increased numbers of beneficial Lactobacillus and L acidophilus groups in feces and decreased numbers of Clostridium spp and Enterococcus faecalis, indicating an altered bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal tract microflora. Fecal pH was also decreased suggesting a colonic environment selective for the beneficial lactic acid bacterial population. Systemic and immunomodulatory effects were associated with administration of L acidophilus DSM13241 including altered cell numbers within WBC subsets and enhanced phagocytic capacity in the peripheral granulocyte population. In addition, plasma endotoxin concentrations were decreased during probiotic feeding, and RBCs had a decreased susceptibility to osmotic pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Probiotic strain L acidophilus DSM13241 fed at 2 x 10(8) CFU/d can alter the balance of gastrointestinal microflora in healthy cats. Furthermore, administration of this probiotic results in beneficial systemic and immunomodulatory effects in cats.     

Selenium status in adult cats and dogs fed high levels of dietary inorganic and organic selenium

Cats (Felis catus) maintain greater blood Se concentrations compared with dogs (Canis familiaris) and, unlike dogs, show no signs of chronic Se toxicity (selenosis) when fed dietary organic Se (selenomethionine) concentrations of 10 μg/g DM. This study investigated the response of cats and dogs to high dietary concentrations of sodium selenite and organic Se to determine differences in metabolism between both species. In 2 consecutive studies, 18 adult cats and 18 adult dogs of with equal numbers of each sex were fed a control diet (0.6 μg Se/g DM) or the control diet supplemented to 8 to 10 μg Se/g DM from Na(2)SeO(3) or organic Se for 3 wk. All animals were fed the control diet 1 mo before the start of the study and blood samples were taken on d 0 and 21. The Se balance was assessed during the final week and a liver biopsy was obtained on the final day of the study. Measurements included plasma Se concentrations, plasma glutathione peroxidise (GPx) activities, plasma Se clearance, Se intake, and urinary Se excretion. No clinical signs of selenosis were observed in the cats or dogs, and apart from Se clearance, form of Se had no effect on any of the measurements. Apparent fecal Se absorption was greater in the dogs fed both forms of Se, while greater plasma Se concentrations were observed in the cats on both the control and supplemented diet (P = 0.034). Cats fed the supplemented diets had lower hepatic Se concentrations (P < 0.001) and excreted more Se in urine (P < 0.001) compared with dogs. Furthermore, cats fed the Na(2)SeO(3) supplement had greater Se clearance rates than dogs (P < 0.001). There was no effect of species on plasma GPx activity. We conclude that cats can tolerate greater dietary Se concentrations as they are more efficient at excreting excess Se in the urine and storing less Se in the liver.     

The prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among hospitalized animals and stray dogs.

Hospitalized animals and stray dogs were serologically tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. In addition, the data were examined for the possibility of toxoplasmosis infection being associated with the clinical diagnosis and with the discharge status (alive vs. dead). Among 1056 hospitalized animals, 17 (20%) of 86 cats, 112 (14%) of 804 dogs, 34 (26%) of 133 horses and 6 (18%) of 33 cattle had serological evidence of infection with T. gondii. Only 22 (6%) of 342 young (median age = one year) stray dogs were seropositive. The difference in antibody prevalence between hospitalized and stray dogs was thought to be due to age and dietary factors. Of 249 dogs grouped by clinical diagnosis, there was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher prevalence of seropositives among dogs with diseases of the kidney or with adrenocortical hyperfunction than among dogs hospitalized for other diseases. Of 19 dogs with diseases of the kidney and 12 with adrenocortical hyperfunction 37% and 42%, respectively, were seropositive.. There was higher risk of being discharged from the hospital dead among seropositive dogs, cattle and horses than among seronegative animals of the same species. The exception was cats, where of 69 seronegative cats 29% were dead at discharge and where of 17 seropositive cats 18% were dead at discharge. The possible effects of stress due to hospitalization need further research.     

RADIOGRAPHIC AND ANGIOGRAPHIC EVALUATIONS OF FERRETS EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED WITH DIROFILARIA IMMITIS

Five ferrets of each sex were each inoculated with 15 third-stage infective larvae of Dirofilaria immitis to study radiographic and angiographic changes in the cardiopulmonary system following heartworm infection; 5 additional ferrets of each sex served as noninfected controls. Prior to inoculation and every 8 weeks thereafter until 40 weeks, the infected and noninfected ferrets were radiographed; angiographic examinations were done prior to necropsy. At necropsy, the worms in the heart, lungs, and associated vessels were counted, and lung histosections were prepared and examined for changes. Radiographic changes were seen in the right side of the heart and associated vessels of infected ferrets as compared with the noninfected ferrets, but changes were less prominent than those seen in heartworm-infected dogs and cats. The changes were primarily an increase in the size of the right side of the heart, especially the right atrium. Radiographically, no changes could be visualized in the pulmonary vascular system. Worms in the enlarged cranial vena cava, azygous vein, and left caudal lobar pulmonary artery of infected animals were delineated by angiography. Histologically, no changes were seen in the pulmonary vascular tissues.