A study of environmental and behavioural factors that may be associated with feline idiopathic cystitis

The cause of cystitis in many cats remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not any environmental or behavioural factors, particularly those that could be considered potentially stressful, were associated with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). The questionnaire-based study involved comparing 31 cats with FIC to 24 cats in the same households that did not have cystitis. They were also compared with a control population of 125 clinically healthy cats. Compared with the live-in controls and the control population, the cats with FIC were significantly more likely to be male, overweight and pedigree. Several stress factors were found to be associated with FIC. The factor that stood out most prominently was living with another cat with which there was conflict. The findings support the hypothesis that stress may be implicated in some cases of FIC.     

Risk factors for feline infectious peritonitis in Australian cats

The objective of this study was to determine whether patient signalment (age, breed, sex and neuter status) is associated with naturally-occurring feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats in Australia. A retrospective comparison of the signalment between cats with confirmed FIP and the general cat population was designed. The patient signalment of 382 FIP confirmed cases were compared with the Companion Animal Register of NSW and the general cat population of Sydney. Younger cats were significantly over-represented among FIP cases. Domestic crossbred, Persian and Himalayan cats were significantly under-represented in the FIP cohort, while several breeds were over-represented, including British Shorthair, Devon Rex and Abyssinian. A significantly higher proportion of male cats had FIP compared with female cats. This study provides further evidence that FIP is a disease primarily of young cats and that significant breed and sex predilections exist in Australia. This opens further avenues to investigate the role of genetic factors in FIP.     

Oral glucosamine and the management of feline idiopathic cystitis

Oral glucosamine was compared to a placebo for the management of cats with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) in a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, study. Forty cats with a history of recurrent cystitis due to FIC were divided into two groups and treated daily per os with either 125 mg N-acetyl glucosamine or a placebo for six months. Owners graded their cats' clinical signs at the beginning and end of the study, and kept daily diaries documenting signs of cystitis using visual analogue scales. Further episodes of cystitis were seen in 26 (65%) of the cats during the study. Affected cats experienced a mean of five recurrences (range 1-19) with each recurrence lasting a mean of four days (range 1-64 days). There were no significant differences between the two groups when considering the owners assessments of the mean health score (P>0.5), the average monthly clinical score (P=0.22) or the average number of days with clinical signs (P=0.28). Two cats suffered from such severe recurrent urethral obstruction that they were euthanased; they were both in the placebo group. Compared to the start of the study the majority of cats in both groups improved significantly (P<0.001) (mean health score of each group at the start was 0.5+/-SD 0.5, compared to glucosamine 4.4+/-0.7 and placebo 3.9+/-1.6 at the end). This is believed to have occurred because the owners of 36 of the 40 cats (90%) started feeding more canned cat food. The urine specific gravity at the start of the trial was significantly higher (mean 1.050+/-SD 1.007) than when reassessed one month later (1.036+/-1.010, P<0.01).     

The urinary lipid profile in cats with idiopathic cystitis

Although feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) distresses of many cats, its pathogenesis is unknown and the diagnosis is challenging. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are metabolized into various lipid mediators. Lipid mediators such as prostaglandins (PGs) modulate inflammation and many of them are excreted into the urine. Thus, the investigation of the urinary lipid profile may reveal pathogenesis and help diagnosis of FIC. We collected urine samples from five FIC cats by spontaneous urination and analyzed 158 types of lipid mediators in urines using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The urinary levels of PUFAs were higher in FIC compared to those of the healthy group. The excretions of a major inflammatory mediator, PGD₂, were less in FIC. Other well-known inflammatory mediators such as PGE₂, PGI₂, and their metabolites did not show a difference. In contrast, the levels of PGF_2α and its 2 metabolites and PGF_3α were higher in FIC. These results may provide new insights into the future management of cat FIC.     

A case of recurrent feline idiopathic cystitis: The control of clinical signs with behavior therapy

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), is the most common medical cause of elimination change in the cat, and hence is an important differential when working up cats presenting with inappropriate elimination. A recent case-control study found that case cats were more likely than the control population to be male, overweight, and pedigreed, but the study also found that several stress factors were “flare factors” associated with the onset of a bout of clinical signs. A 5-year-old male, neutered, domestic shorthaired cat presented with recurrent bouts of dysuria and hematuria. A full medical work up eliminated other causes, leading to the diagnosis of FIC. On behavioral assessment, the cat was found to be one of 6 within the household. He showed no signs of regarding any of the other cats as part of his social group. A program of behavior therapy was instituted, which involved ensuring the patient had a separate “core area” and easy access to important resources. In addition, visual access to cats from outside the household was restricted. The cat was followed up for a period of 7 months. There was no further recurrence of clinical signs for 6 months, after which clinical signs returned. Further investigation revealed that this outbreak occurred 2 days after the owner confined the cats in close proximity again. This case provides an interesting example of how bouts of clinical signs in FIC cats can often be linked to specific “stressful” events, and how such outbreaks can be reduced or prevented through the implementation of a specific program of behavior therapy.     

Prognostic factors in cats with feline panleukopenia

Background: Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious and often lethal disease. Objective: The purpose of the study was to identify prognostic factors for survival of cats with panleukopenia. Animals: Between 1990 and 2007, 244 cats were diagnosed with panleukopenia in the Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich, Germany. Diagnosis was established by electron microscopy, polymerase chain reaction of feces or blood, antigen ELISA of feces, pathognomonic histopathological lesions at necropsy, or some combination of these procedures. Methods: Medical records of each cat were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Survival rate was 51.1%. No significant correlation was found between outcome and living conditions, age, vaccination status (unvaccinated versus one or more vaccines administered), or severity of clinical signs. However, of the vaccinated cats, none had received a vaccine later than 12 weeks of age as a kitten. Nonsurvivors had significantly lower leukocyte and thrombocyte counts at presentation compared with survivors. The relative risk of death for patients with <1,000/μL leukocytes was 1.77 times as high as in patients with a leukocyte count of 1,000–2,500/μL (P= .038), and 1.85 times as high as in patients with >2,500/μL leukocytes (P= .001). The likelihood of a fatal outcome was higher when serum albumin concentration was <30 g/L or serum potassium concentration <4 mmol/L. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Vaccination strategies that do not include vaccination of kittens beyond 12 weeks of age may not be adequate to prevent panleukopenia. Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypokalemia are negative prognostic factors in cats with panleukopenia.     

Evaluation of the effects of stress in cats with idiopathic cystitis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of stress in cats with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) by evaluating bladder permeability, sympathetic nervous system function, and urine cortisol:creatinine (C:Cr) ratios during periods of stress and after environmental enrichment. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 13 cats with FIC and 12 healthy cats. PROCEDURE: Cats subjected to an acute-onset moderate stressor for 8 days received IV injections of fluorescein. Serum fluorescein concentrations were determined and compared with those of controls to evaluate bladder permeability, and urine C:Cr ratios were compared to evaluate function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Plasma catecholamine concentrations were analyzed in a subset of cats. After 8 days of moderate stress, cats were moved to an enriched environment, and tests were repeated after 21 days. RESULTS: Serum fluorescein concentrations were significantly higher in cats with FIC at all time points. In the cats in which plasma catecholamine concentrations were determined, concentrations of dihydroxyphenylalanine, norepinephrine, and dihyroxyphenylglycol were significantly higher in cats with FIC at all time points, whereas no differences in urine C:Cr ratio between groups were observed. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats with FIC appeared to have altered bladder permeability, most notably during the period of initial stress. The increase in plasma dihydroxyphenylalanine concentration suggests that there may be stress-induced increase in the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in catecholamine synthesis. In contrast, no effects of stress on C:Cr ratios were observed, which suggests there was dissociation between the sympathetic nervous system and HPA-axis responses to stress.     

Review of idiopathic feline vestibular syndrome in 75 cats

Idiopathic feline vestibular syndrome, a peripheral vestibular deficit of unknown cause, was diagnosed in 75 cats at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital from July 1975 to October 1984. Review of the medical records of these cats indicated that the syndrome was seen in more cats in July and August (P less than 0.001) than in other months. Clinical signs included head tilt, ataxia, rolling, rotatory or horizontal nystagmus, and occasional vomiting.     

Risk factors associated with feline urolithiasis

Urinary tract diseases are among the main reasons for consultation in veterinary clinics and hospitals. It affects animals of any age, breed and gender. Among the diseases that affect this system, urolithiasis is the second largest cause of clinical signs compatible with feline urinary tract disease. The term urolithiasis refers to the presence of uroliths in any region of the urinary tract, but it is more commonly seen in the bladder and urethra. Uroliths are classified based on the type of mineral present in their composition, therefore, quantitative and qualitative analyzes are important for a better therapeutic approach. The animals may suffer from the disease and be asymptomatic, or show nonspecific clinical signs, making the diagnosis difficult. The disease should not be seen as a single problem, but as a consequence of various disorders. As dietary, metabolic, genetic and infectious causes, as well as factors that potentiate the chance of development of uroliths such as breed, age, sex, age range, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, geographic region and climate. Thus, the knowledge of the factors that influence the formation of uroliths, as well as the understanding of the pathophysiology, are key elements for better alternatives of therapy and prevention. The recognition of these factors helps to identify susceptible populations, minimizing exposure and increasing the protection factors, which facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of patients with urolithiasis. The objective of this paper is to present the main risk factors involved in the formation of urinary lithiasis in felines.     

A pilot study using synthetic feline facial pheromone for the management of feline idiopathic cystitis

Synthetic feline facial pheromone (FFP) (Feliway; Ceva Animal Health) was assessed for the management of cats with recurrent feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Nine of 12 cats completed the randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study. They had their environment treated daily with either FFP or placebo for 2 months, after which time the treatment groups were reversed. Owners used visual analogue scales to define the severity of their cat's clinical signs and behavioural changes. Five (56%) of the owners stated that their cat's overall health was better when they were using FFP. Four (44%) of the owners noticed no difference between when using the FFP and when using the placebo. While there were no statistical differences between the two treatment groups there was a trend for the cats exposed to FFP to show fewer days with clinical signs of cystitis (FFP total, mean per cat+/-standard deviation, 30, 4.3+/-6.7; placebo 69, 9.9+/-19.1), a lower overall clinical score (1667, 238+/-476; 2009, 287+/-425), a reduced number of episodes of cystitis (9, 1.3+/-2.0; 10, 1.4+/-2.1) and reduced negative behavioural traits (e.g., less aggression and fear) (-128, -18.3+/-65.8; -73, -10.4+/-35.1).     

Risk factors for feline coronavirus seropositivity in cats relinquished to a UK rescue charity

Two thousand, two hundred and seven cats from 14 shelters of a major UK cat charity were blood tested for feline coronavirus (FCoV) antibodies. Data was collated on breed, sex, age, number of cats at original location, outdoor access, health status, and time spent in the shelter prior to sampling (range 0 to 4 years). Some cats were also tested for feline leukaemia virus antigen, feline immunodeficiency virus, and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. The effect of these variables on FCoV seropositivity was explored by multivariable logistic regression. FCoV seropositivity in cats that had spent 5 days or less in a shelter at sampling was significantly associated with a multi-cat origin, cats aged 3 years or less, and Persian breed. Whether pet, stray or feral, health status, indoor/outdoor access, and sex had no significant effect. Overall FCoV seropositivity was associated with time spent in a shelter but this association was not linear. Cats that had spent more than 60 days in a shelter were over five times as likely to be seropositive. This may be the result of a change in husbandry from solitary to communal housing for cats remaining in shelters long term. Rescue of cats for less than 60 days was not associated with a significant increasing risk of seropositivity. Significant variation existed in seropositivity between individual shelters overall and in cats rescued for less than 5 days. These findings may reflect inter-shelter variation in cat husbandry and variation in seropositivity of shelter intake respectively.     

Risk factors, clinical signs, and survival in cats with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: 74 cases (1985-1989).

Population characteristics, risk factors, and survival characteristics were evaluated in 74 cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) seen at North Carolina State University veterinary teaching hospital from 1985 to 1989, and compared with 82 clinically normal cats. The mean (+/- SD) age of cats with HC was 6.5 (4.0) years. Neutered males were at significantly greater risk (odds ratio 3.1) than neutered females. Breed, body weight, or coat color were not determined to be risk factors for HC. Tricolor cats were significantly underrepresented, probably reflecting the male predisposition for HC and not a true risk reduction associated with coat color. Forty-one cats were without clinical signs of heart disease (murmur and/or gallop sound only), 24 were in congestive heart failure, and 9 had systemic arterial embolism, 3 of which had concomitant congestive heart failure. The median survival time for 61 cats with HC, for which survival information could be obtained and that were not euthanatized on day 1, was 732 days. Survival was not affected by age at diagnosis, breed, body weight, or sex. However, clinical signs were important in determining prognosis; cats with heart rates greater than 200 beats/min survived significantly longer (median survival greater than 1,830 days) than those with heart rates greater than or equal to 200 beats/min (median survival = 152 days). Cats without clinical signs (median survival greater than 1,830 days) survived longer than those with clinical signs, and cats in heart failure survived a median of 92 days, compared with 61 days for those with systemic arterial embolism. Analysis of survival revealed no significant difference between the 2 groups of cats with clinical signs; however, all cats with embolism and only 60% of cats with heart failure were dead 6 months after diagnosis.