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Background: Renal cortical anisotropic backscatter artifact (CABA) is a hyperechoic region of the renal poles where the insonation of sound beams is perpendicular to the renal tubules within the renal cortex., Aims: To determine whether renal CABA can be observed in healthy cats and to compare the echogenicity of renal CABA with that of the spleen and liver., Material and Methods: Images of the spleen, liver, kidneys, and urinary bladder were acquired from 30 clinically healthy cats with renal CABA. Echogenicity differences among organs and echo scores within urine were recorded and analyzed. All ultrasound images were acquired using a 7.2-14-MHz linear transducer. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess the associations between the presence of renal CABA and various variables., Results: The prevalence of the renal CABA was 86.7% (26/30) and 93.3% (28/30) according to different observers. The reproducibility of renal CABA is substantial to excellent. The renal CABA echogenicity was greater or equal to the spleen and greater than the hepatic echogenicity in 90.0% of cats (27/30). For comparison with the spleen and liver, there were three and six combinations of echogenicity differences using the CABA and non-CABA regions, respectively. The renal cortical echogenicity in the CABA region was higher than the liver in all subjects. Renal CABA was not associated with age, body weight, gender, body condition score, or lipid droplets in the urinary bladder., Conclusion: Renal CABA was present in most healthy cats and could be used for echogenicity comparisons with the liver and spleen.

The liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is a foodborne trematode that, in chronic infection, is a leading cause of bile-duct cancer – cholangiocarcinoma. Cats and dogs are acknowledged as reservoir hosts of this parasite. However, this assumption is based on morphological similarity of flukes recovered from these hosts, without any molecular genetic evidence. The aim of this study was to obtain molecular data from O. viverrini eggs present in feces of humans and cats in the same locality in Thanya sub-district, Kalasin, Thailand. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox 1) gene was used as the marker for a population-genetic study. A DNA fragment of the cox 1 gene was amplified from stool samples and subjected to nucleotide sequencing. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses were performed. The cox 1 sequences of O. viverrini eggs from humans and cats largely formed separate clades on the phylogenetic trees, with an F st < 0.05), indicating largely distinct populations in the 2 species. However, 5 samples from cats were placed in the human cluster and 1 sample from a human was placed in the cat cluster. This suggests that host specificity of ‘human’ and ‘cat’ clades is not absolute. These results indicate that there are 2 populations of P , one circulates primarily in humans and the other in cats. However, cross-transmission can occur between these 2 hosts. Taken altogether, the population-genetic evidence from this study partially supports the assumption that the cat can act as a reservoir host of O. viverrini , one circulates primarily in humans and the other in cats. However, cross-transmission can occur between these 2 hosts. Taken altogether, the population-genetic evidence from this study partially supports the assumption that the cat can act as a reservoir host of O. viverrini .

Orthpoxvirus infection can spread more easily in a population with a waning immunity with the subsequent emergence/re-emergence of the viruses pertaining to this genus. In the last two decades, several cases of Orthopoxvirus, and in particular Cowpoxvirus infections in humans were reported in different parts of the world, possibly due to the suspension of smallpox vaccinations. To date, in Italy, few investigations were conducted on the presence of these infections, and because of this a serosurvey was carried out to evaluate Cowpoxvirus infection in feline colonies situated in the province of Rome, since these are also susceptible to other zoonotic viruses belonging to Orthopoxvirus, and from which humans may contract the infection. The sample design was set at an expected minimum seroprevalence of 7.5%, a 5% standard error and 95% confidence level. In parallel, a serological investigation was conducted using convenience sampling in domestic, exotic and wild susceptible animals of the Latium and Tuscany Regions, which are areas in the jurisdiction of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana, coordinating this study. The serological methods employed were indirect immunofluorescence for 36 sera of nonhuman primate and virus neutralization for 1198 sera of different species. All the 1234 sera examined were negative for the presence of antibodies against Cowpoxvirus, indicating its limited circulation in the areas of investigation. The methodology applied for the serosurveillance could be adopted in the case of outbreaks of this infection and for the evaluation of the spread of this infection in the area of interest, to obtain essential information crucial for animal and public health policies according to the One Health concept.

The domestic cat is one of the most popular pets in the world. It is estimated that 89-92% of domestic cats in the UK are non-pedigree Domestic shorthair (DSH), Domestic longhair (DLH), or Domestic semi-longhair cats (DSLH). Despite their popularity, little is known of the UK non-pedigree cats' population structure and breeding dynamics. Using a custom designed single nucleotide variant (SNV) array, this study investigated the population genetics of 1344 UK cats. Principal components analysis (PCA) and fastSTRUCTURE analysis verified that the UK's DSH, DLH, and DSLH cats are random-bred, rather than admixed, mix breed, or crossbred. In contrast to pedigree cats, the linkage disequilibrium of these random-bred cats was least extensive and decayed rapidly. Homozygosity by descent (HBD) analysis showed the majority of non-pedigree cats had proportionally less of their genome in HBD segments compared to pedigree cats, and that these segments were older. Together, these findings suggest that the DSH, DLH, and DSLH cats should be considered as a population of random-bred cats rather than a crossbred or pedigree-admixed cat. Unexpectedly, 19% of random-bred cat genomes displayed a higher proportion of HBD segments associated with more recent inbreeding events. Therefore, while non-pedigree cats as a whole are genetically diverse, they are not impervious to inbreeding and its health risks.

Background: Parasites that infect cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods, many of which are transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on a good knowledge of parasite distribution and the risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and the risk factors associated with their occurrence., Methods: Over a 12-month study period, feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats from feral colonies, shelters and private households were analyzed at 13 study centers across Italy. Samples from these cats (n = 987) were analyzed at all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for the identification of predictors of risk., Results: The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal and broncho-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). Toxocara cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by Ancylostomatidae (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites, of which the most common were fleas (29.4%, 290/987), followed by ear mites Otodectes cynotis (9.8%, 97/987). Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of antiparasitic treatment., Conclusions: Both ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human-animal bond using proper endo- and ectoparasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

A woman in her fifties showed symptoms of fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and general fatigue 2 days after she was bitten by a sick cat, which had later died, in Yamaguchi prefecture, western Japan, in June 2016. She subsequently died of multiorgan failure, and an autopsy was performed to determine the cause of death. However, the etiological pathogens were not quickly identified. The pathological features of the patient were retrospectively re-examined, and the pathology of the regional lymph node at the site of the cat bite was found to show necrotizing lymphadenitis with hemophagocytosis. The pathological features were noted to be similar to those of patients reported to have severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). Therefore, the lymph node section was retrospectively tested immunohistochemically, revealing the presence of the SFTS virus (SFTSV) antigen. The sick cat showed similar symptoms and laboratory findings similar to those shown in human SFTS cases. The patient had no history of tick bites, and did not have skin lesions suggestive of these. She had not undertaken any outdoor activities. It is highly possible that the patient was infected with SFTSV through the sick cat's bite. If a patient gets sick in an SFTS-endemic region after being bitten by a cat, SFTS should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Background: It is difficult to examine mild to moderate feline intra-thoracic lymphadenopathy via and thoracic radiography. Despite previous information from computed tomographic (CT) images of intra-thoracic lymph nodes, some factors from animals and CT setting were less elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of internal factors from animals and external factors from the CT procedure on the feasibility to detect the intra-thoracic lymph nodes. Twenty-four, client-owned, clinically healthy cats were categorized into three groups according to age. They underwent pre- and post-contrast enhanced CT for whole thorax followed by inter-group evaluation and comparison of sternal, cranial mediastinal, and tracheobronchial lymph nodes., Results: Post contrast-enhanced CT appearances revealed that intra-thoracic lymph nodes of kittens were invisible, whereas the sternal, cranial mediastinal, and tracheobronchial nodes of cats aged over 7 months old were detected (6/24, 9/24 and 7/24, respectively). Maximum width of these lymph nodes were 3.93 ± 0.74 mm, 4.02 ± 0.65 mm, and 3.51 ± 0.62 mm, respectively. By age, lymph node sizes of these cats were not significantly different. Transverse lymph node width of males was larger than that of females (P = 0.0425). Besides, the detection score of lymph nodes was affected by slice thickness (P < 0.01) and lymph node width (P = 0.0049). Furthermore, an irregular, soft tissue structure, possibly the thymus, was detected in all juvenile cats and three mature cats., Conclusions: Despite additional information on intra-thoracic lymph nodes in CT images, which can be used to investigate lymphatic-related abnormalities, age, sex, and slice thickness of CT images must be also considered.

G protein-coupled receptors 41 and 43 were identified and characterized as free fatty acid receptors (FFAR) 3 and 2, respectively. FFAR2 and FFAR3 mediate short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as signalling molecules. The present study aimed to give molecular characterization of FFAR2 and FFAR3 in the domestic cat. High homology with that in other mammals was revealed by cDNA cloning of cat FFAR2 FFAR3. We analyzed the tissue distribution of cat FFAR2 and FFAR3 mRNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The inhibition of intracellular cAMP concentrations was observed in cells transfected with cat FFAR2 or FFAR3 and treated with SCFAs. The activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells-luciferase reporter was only observed in cat FFAR2 transfected cells but not in FFAR3. Split luciferase assay (NanoLuc Binary Technology; NanoBiT) for FFAR2 or FFAR3 and Arrestin-3/β-arrestin-2 revealed acetate-/propionate-induced recruitment to cat FFAR2 or FFAR3 in CHO-K1 cells. Our results indicate that FFAR2 and FFAR3 are functional receptor proteins that are expressed in cat tissues and show differential distribution patterns., (© 2020 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders characterized by vacuolation and gliosis in the brain. Prion diseases have been reported in several mammals, and genetic polymorphisms of the prion protein gene ( PRNP ) play an essential role in the vulnerability of prion diseases. However, to date, investigations of PRNP polymorphisms are rare in cats, which are the major host of feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE). Thus, we investigated the genetic polymorphisms of the cat PRNP gene and analyzed the structural characteristics of the PrP of cats compared to those of dog, prion disease-resistant animal. To investigate the genetic variations of the cat PRNP gene in 208 cats, we performed amplicon sequencing and examined the genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies of cat PRNP polymorphisms. We evaluated the influence of cat PRNP polymorphisms using PolyPhen-2, PANTHER, PROVEAN and AMYCO. In addition, we carried out structural analysis of cat PrP according to the allele of nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (c.457G > A, Glu153Lys) using Swiss-PdbViewer. Finally, we compared the structural differences between cat and canine PrPs for SNPs associated with prion disease resistance in dogs. We identified a total of 15 polymorphisms, including 14 novel SNPs and one insertion/deletion polymorphism (InDel). Among them, Glu153Lys was predicted to affect the structural stability and amyloid propensity of cat PrP. In addition, asparagine at codon 166 of cat PrP was predicted to have longer hydrogen bond than aspartic acid at codon 163 of canine PrP. Furthermore, substitution to dog-specific amino acids in cat PrP showed an increase in structural stability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study regarding the structural characteristics of cat PRNP gene.

Background: The dog and cat population data is generally scarce in developing countries due to absence of surveys. The demography of owned dogs and cats, and the associated ownership characteristics, are essential for the control of pet population and zoonosis. This study was conducted in three towns of West Shoa Zone of Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing demographic characteristics of owned dogs and cats and determinants of ownership., Results: About 65.1% (95% CI: 62.1-69.8%) of the householders own dogs, 39.2% (95% CI: 35.8-43.8%) own cats, and 30.6% (95% CI: 27.4-35.0%) own both. The majority of the dog-owning households own a single dog (74.8%) and cat (74.9%). There were significantly higher proportion of dog and cat-owning households in Bako than Ambo and Gojo towns. The human to owned-dog ratio was 6:1, and that of cat ratio was 10:1. There were more male dogs (72.1%) and more female cats (59.7%). The male to female sex ratio was estimated at 3:1 for the dog while nearly 1:1 for cats. About 37.5% of the owned dogs were indoor, and 62.5% have free access to outside. Dogs and cats were acquired as a gift from families, neighbors, and friends. The identified reason for not owning dogs/cats were fear of zoonosis, dislike, no time to devote, benefit not realized, and shortage of finance. Logistic regression analysis identified study town, community type, gender of head of household, ownership of other animals as determinants for dog/cat ownership. Besides, possessing dogs was significantly associated with cat ownership., Conclusion: The current study provide insights into the determinants of dogs/cats ownership and their demographic characteristics in Ethiopia. Dogs are more commonly owned, but the household determinants for dog and cat ownership were comparable. Means of obtaining and reason of owning or abandoning dogs/cats is partly different from those reported in the developed countries. The results of this study could be used for the provision of veterinary services, quantifying health risks and benefits associated with dog/cat ownership, and control of pet population and related zoonosis.

In March 2020, a severe respiratory syndrome developed in a cat, 1 week after its owner received positive test results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Viral RNA was detected in the cat's nasopharyngeal swab samples and vomitus or feces; immunoglobulin against the virus was found in convalescent-phase serum. Human-to-cat transmission is suspected.

Background: Sterilization clinics often occur in remote places where anesthesia machines and compressed oxygen are unavailable. This study describes the use of total injectable anesthesia in dogs and cats presented for sterilization in a remote location., Results: A total of 100 animals were sterilized; 26 female cats (CF), 22 male cats (CM), 28 female dogs (DF), and 24 male dogs (DM). CF were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (20 mcg/kg), ketamine (8 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. CM were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (15 mcg/kg), ketamine (5 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. Insufficient anesthesia in cats was treated with alfaxalone (1 mg/kg) IM. All cats were administered meloxicam at 0.3 mg/kg SQ. DF were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (15 mcg/kg), ketamine (7-10 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. DM were anesthetized with dexmedetomidine (15 mcg/kg), ketamine (5 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg) IM. All dogs had IV catheter and endotracheal tube placed. If SpO 2  < 91%, ventilation was assisted with an Ambu bag. Insufficient anesthesia in dogs was treated with alfaxalone (1 mg/kg) IV. All dogs were administered meloxicam at 0.2 mg/kg SQ. Following surgery, atipamezole (0.05-0.1 mg/kg) IM was administered to any patient that did not have voluntary movement. All patients survived and were discharged. Less than 25% of cats and male dogs required supplemental anesthesia. Fifty seven percent of female dogs required supplemental anesthesia. More than 89% of patients (in any group) required atipamezole administration. One cat recovered with agitation and hyperthermia (41.1C/ 106F). Some dogs required ventilatory assistance to remain normoxemic while anesthetized., Conclusion: Total injectable anesthesia can be accomplished for remote location sterilization clinics with minimal morbidity.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids including arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are converted to lipid mediators by oxidation. Unlike other mammals, cats cannot synthesize AA. Since their lipid metabolic features remain unknown, we qualitatively analyzed 118 types of urinary lipid metabolites in healthy neutered cats. Using LC-MS, we found 26 lipid metabolites in urines of all individuals. In detail, 20 AA-, 5 EPA- and 1 DHA-derived lipid mediators were detected. Focusing on oxidative pathway, 17 cyclooxygenase-metabolites and 5 metabolites produced by non-enzymatic pathway were detected. Of interest, few lipoxygenase- or cytochrome P450-metabolites were excreted. Thus, AA-derived cyclooxygenase-metabolites mainly composed the urinary lipid metabolites in cats.

Background: The left atrium (LA) is an important prognostic parameter in cardiac pathologies of cats. Its size is currently measured in one-dimensional methods, while human medicine considers two- and three-dimensional echocardiography as standard. The objectives of this study were to compare monoplane, biplane, triplane and real-time three dimensional echocardiography for volumetric measurement of the left atrium in healthy cats and establish a reference interval for further studies on cats with heart disease. Additionally, the influence of age, sex and weight on left atrial volume (LAV) was tested., Results: One dimensional monoplane Simpson method of discs (SMOD) in the right parasternal four chamber view (r4) and the left apical 2 chamber view (l2) as well as biplane SMOD had no significant difference for left atrial maximum volume (LAMax). They can be used as equivalent in future studies and one common reference range was set up (1.96 ± 0.54 ml). Those three methods produced significantly higher volumes than triplane echocardiography (RTTPE) and real time three dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) using TomTec® software. LA volumetry with RTTPE and RT3DE-TomTec™ was more feasible than expected, but low RT3DE image quality was the main reason for excluding patients. Neither age nor weight had an influence on LA volume in healthy cats. Male LAV results were only slightly, but in 2D and RTTPE significantly higher than those of female cats with a range of + 10.46% to + 19.58%., Conclusions: Monoplane, biplane, triplane and real-time three dimensional echocardiography were feasible for LA volumetry in healthy cats and showed acceptable intra- and interobserver variability. One common LAMax reference range for monoplane r4, l2 and biplane SMOD was set up. Raw data can be used for LA volumes and does not need to be correlated with the cat's weight or age. Male cats have only slightly but significantly larger atria than females in 2D and RTTPE. Therefore, under reservation, also sex related limit values were defined.

Background: Munchkin cats were founded on a naturally occurring mutation segregating into long-legged and short-legged types. Short-legged cats showed disproportionate dwarfism (chondrodysplasia) in which all four legs are short and are referred as standard Munchkin cats. Long-legged animals are referred as non-standard Munchkin cats. A previous study using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for genome-wide association analysis identified a significantly associated region at 168-184 Mb on feline chromosome (FCA) B1., Results: In this study, we validated the critical region on FCA B1 using a case-control study with 89 cats and 14 FCA B1-SNPs. A structural variant within UGDH (NC&#95;018726.2:g.173294289&#95;173297592delins108, Felis catus 8.0, equivalent to NC&#95;018726.3:g.174882895&#95;174886198delins108, Felis catus 9.0) on FCA B1 was perfectly associated with the phenotype of short-legged standard Munchkin cats., Conclusion: This UGDH structural variant very likely causes the chondrodysplastic (standard) phenotype in Munchkin cats. The lack of homozygous mutant phenotypes and reduced litter sizes in standard Munchkin cats suggest an autosomal recessive lethal trait in the homozygote state. We propose an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance for the chondrodysplastic condition in Munchkin cats.

The rising consumer demand for alternative and sustainable protein sources drives the popularity of the use of plant-based proteins in the pet food industry. Pulse crops, which include beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas, have become an important addition to both human and animal diets due to their protein content and functional properties. However, knowledge of their nutrient composition and protein quality is necessary for the proper formulation of these ingredients in pet foods. The objective of this study was to determine the macronutrient composition and standardized amino acid digestibility and to describe the protein quality through the use of digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS-like) of five pulse ingredients. Black bean (BB) grits, garbanzo beans (GB), green lentils (GL), navy bean (NB) powder, and yellow peas (YP) were analyzed for dry matter (DM), ash and organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), acid hydrolyzed fat (AHF), and total dietary fiber (TDF) to determine the macronutrient composition. Precision-fed rooster assays were conducted using cecectomized roosters to calculate standardized amino acid digestibility and true metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (TMEn). The essential amino acids, with the exception of methionine, were highly digestible with digestibility values of 80% to 90% (dry matter basis) for all selected pulse ingredients. BB grits had the lowest (P < 0.05) digestibility of arginine (86.5%) and histidine (80.6%) in contrast to GB (94.9% and 89.9%, respectively). The TMEn of GB was highest (P < 0.05) at 3.56 kcal/g compared with the other pulses. The DIAAS-like values for adult dogs were consistently the lowest for methionine for all pulses, making it the first-limiting amino acid in these ingredients. The DIAAS-like values for adult cats showed GL had lowest (P < 0.05) score in tryptophan compared with other pulses when using both AAFCO values and NRC recommended allowances as reference proteins. Methionine was the first-limiting amino acid for YP and tryptophan for GL. Based on macronutrient composition, protein quality, and amino acid digestibility, it can be concluded that pulse ingredients have the required nutritional characteristics to be viable protein sources in canine and feline foods. However, the use of complementary protein sources is recommended to counterbalance any potential limiting amino acids in pulse ingredients., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is becoming increasingly important in both human and veterinary medicine. According to the One Health concept, an important step is to monitor the resistance patterns of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and trends of bacteria isolated from stray cats, hospital-admitted cats, and veterinary staff in South Korea between 2017 and 2018 were investigated., Results: The minimum inhibitory concentrations of different antibiotics for Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterococcus spp. were determined to establish representatives of different antibiotic classes relevant for treatment or surveillance. For Coagulase-positive and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, resistance to fluoroquinolones was below 13%, but resistance to ampicillin and penicillin was high (20-88%). A total of 9.5, 12.1, and 40.3% of staphylococcal isolates from stray cats, hospital-admitted cats, and veterinary staff, respectively, were confirmed to be mecA positive. For Enterobacteriaceae, resistance to carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, and 3rd generation cephalosporins was low (0-11.1%). The Enterococcus spp. isolates showed no resistance to vancomycin. The antimicrobial resistance rates of the Staphylococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae isolates from stray cats were usually lower than those of isolates from hospital-admitted cats and veterinary staff, but the Enterococcus spp. isolates revealed the opposite. Thus, the antimicrobial resistance varied across bacterial species according to the source from which they were isolated., Conclusions: Resistance to critically important compounds were low. However, the presence of antimicrobial resistance in cat isolates is of both public health and animal health concern.

During the course of evolution, dogs and cats have been subjected to extensive domestication, becoming the principal companion animals for humans. For this reason, their health care, including their intestinal microbiota, is considered of considerable importance. However, the canine and feline gut microbiota still represent a largely unexplored research area. In the present work, we profiled the microbiota of 23 feline fecal samples by 16S rRNA gene and bifidobacterial internally transcribed spacer (ITS) approaches and compared this information with previously reported data from 138 canine fecal samples. The obtained data allowed the reconstruction of the core gut microbiota of the above-mentioned samples coupled with their classification into distinct community state types at both genus and species levels, identifying Bacteroides , Fusobacterium , and Prevotella 9 as the main bacterial components of the canine and feline gut microbiota. At the species level, the intestinal bifidobacterial gut communities of dogs and cats differed in terms of both species number and composition, as emphasized by a covariance analysis. Together, our findings show that the intestinal populations of cats and dogs are similar in terms of genus-level taxonomical composition, while at the bifidobacterial species level, clear differences were observed, indicative of host-specific colonization behavior by particular bifidobacterial taxa. IMPORTANCE Currently, domesticated dogs and cats are the most cherished companion animals for humans, and concerns about their health and well-being are therefore important. In this context, the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting host health. However, despite the social relevance of domesticated dogs and cats, their intestinal microbial communities are still far from being completely understood. In this study, the taxonomical composition of canine and feline gut microbiota was explored at genus and bifidobacterial species levels, allowing classification of these microbial populations into distinct gut community state types at either of the two investigated taxonomic levels. Furthermore, the reconstruction of core gut microbiota coupled with covariance network analysis based on bifidobacterial internally transcribed spacer (ITS) profiling revealed differences in the bifidobacterial compositions of canine and feline gut microbiota, suggesting that particular bifidobacterial species have developed a selective ability to colonize a specific host., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Microbiology.)

Cat vocalizes to communicate with another and express their internal states. The vocal repertoire of the cat is wide and up to 21 different vocalizations have been described in the literatures. But it is more than probable that the repertoire contains more types of vocalizations. An ethogram was created in this paper describing the actual known vocalisations of the domestic cat based on an auditory classification. However, the audiogram allows also a visual classification which can increase the accuracy of vocalization differentiation. The classification can be risky as it is sometimes unclear if different types of vocalizations are produced in different environments or if a unique type of vocalization is used with variation in the acoustic parameters. As an example, isolation calls produced by kittens differ depending on the context. The environment has an important impact on the vocal behaviour and thus feral cats and pet cats vocalize differently. Pet cats are thus able to create an efficient communication with humans thanks to the flexibility of vocalisation behaviours. This review allowed us to create a simple model of the cat vocal repertory., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2020 The Korean Society of Veterinary Science.)

The accuracy of urine analyzers used for dogs and cats has remained uncertain. This study examines the agreement between results of urine analysis obtained using two devices marketed for animals and for humans and the results of quantitative biochemical analysis. The degrees of concordance for bilirubin and ketones in the same category were ~80%, but for pH these were only ~60% in dogs and cats. Degrees of concordance for protein and the UP/C ratio clearly differed between the devices for animals and humans. We found that values for bilirubin and ketones obtained using urine analyzers may be reliable, but pH is unlikely to be accurate enough to be clinically useful for dogs and cats.

The aim of this study was to investigate inpatient and staff member attitudes toward and experiences with ward cats, and identify possible mechanisms for how cats affect patient satisfaction in a psychiatric clinic. Thirty-three inpatients diagnosed with depression or psychosis residing on wards with and without cats and 17 staff members working on wards with cats participated in semi-structured interviews using a cross-sectional study design. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and correlations. The results showed that 17 out of 19 inpatients and all the staff members liked having a cat on their ward. Further, 12 out of 14 inpatients on wards without cats would like having a cat on their ward. Inpatient perceptions of the cat's impact on the ward atmosphere correlated significantly with their emotional relationship with the cat ( p = 0.015, r = 0.561), how often they saw the cat ( p = 0.002, r = 0.676), and if they liked cats in general ( p = 0.041, r = 0.486). Our results highlight the positive attitudes of inpatients and staff members toward ward cats and the potential of ward cats to enhance patient satisfaction. This influence might be mediated by factors such as the frequency of contact, the relationship between each patient and the cat, and each patient's attitude toward cats in general.

Background: Alveolar echinococcosis is a dangerous zoonotic disease caused by larval forms of Echinococcus multilocularis. In its life-cycle, the principal definitive host is the red fox; however, domesticated carnivorous animals (dogs and cats) can also act as definitive hosts. Until now, there were no data concerning this infection in cats in Poland. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of E. multilocularis in cats and dogs originating from rural areas and animal shelters in a region characterised by a high prevalence of E. multilocularis in red foxes., Methods: Samples of faeces were collected from 67 cats and 268 dogs from a rural area (villages and animal shelters) of a highly endemic region in southeastern Poland. Samples were examined using nested PCR (E. multilocularis), multiplex PCR (E. multilocularis, Taenia spp.) and PCR [E. granulosus (s.l.)]. Additionally, faeces were examined microscopically (flotation). Moreover, intestines from 110 red foxes shot in the investigated area were examined (sedimentation and counting technique)., Results: Positive PCR results for E. multilocularis were obtained in 4 cats (6.0%) and 4 dogs (1.5%). There were no significant differences between groups of animals (from a shelter and with an owner) concerning the prevalence of E. multilocularis in both cats and dogs. Taenia spp. were found in 10 cats (14.9%) (Taenia taeniaeformis and T. hydatigena) and 26 dogs (9.7%) (T. hydatigena, T. serialis, T. taeniaeformis, T. crassiceps, T. pisiformis and T. ovis) and Mesocestoides litteratus was found in 4 cats (6.0%) and 3 dogs (1.1%). All samples were negative for E. granulosus by PCR. Taking into consideration PCR and flotation results, 29 cats (43.3%) and 73 dogs (27.2%) were infected with helminths (26.9 and 11.9%, respectively, were infected with tapeworms). The highly endemic status of the investigated area was confirmed by examination of red foxes: 48.2% of examined red foxes were infected with E. multilocularis., Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study reports the presence of E. multilocularis in cats for the first time in Poland and confirms the role of dogs in this infection in highly endemic areas.

Orthopoxviruses (OPV) are emerging zoonotic pathogens, and an increasing number of human infections is currently reported in Europe and in other continents, warranting heightened attention on this topic. Following two OPV infections reported in veterinarians scratched by sick cats in 2005 and 2007 in North-Eastern-Italy, involving a previously undescribed OPV, a similar strain was isolated by a sick cat from the same territory in 2011, i.e., 6 years later, raising attention on OPV circulation in this region. A surveillance program was launched to assess the OPV seroprevalence among the veterinarians working in local veterinary clinics and in the local wild and domestic cat population; seroprevalence was 33.3% in veterinarians and 19.5% in cats. Seroprevalence in cats was unevenly distributed, peaking at 40% in the area where OPV-infected cats had been observed., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

In complex environments, information about surrounding obstacles is stored in working memory (WM) and used to coordinate appropriate movements for avoidance. In quadrupeds, this WM system is particularly important for guiding hindleg stepping, as an animal can no longer see the obstacle underneath the body following foreleg clearance. Such obstacle WM involves the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), as deactivation of area 5 incurs WM deficits, precluding successful avoidance. However, the neural underpinnings of this involvement remain undefined. To reveal the neural substrates of this behavior, microelectrode arrays were implanted to record neuronal activity in area 5 during an obstacle WM task in cats. Early in the WM delay, neurons were modulated generally by obstacle presence or more specifically in relation to foreleg step height. Thus, information about the obstacle or about foreleg clearance can be retained in WM. In a separate set of neurons, this information was recalled later in the delay in order to plan subsequent hindleg stepping. Such early and late delay period signals were temporally bridged by neurons exhibiting obstacle-modulated activity sustained throughout the delay. These neurons represented a specialized subset of all recorded neurons, which maintained stable information coding across the WM delay. Ultimately, these various patterns of task-related modulation enable stable representations of obstacle-related information within the PPC to support successful WM-guided obstacle negotiation in the cat., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formulas are routinely used in human patients to provide a more accurate evaluation of GFR compared to serum creatinine concentration alone. Similar formulas do not exist for cats., Objectives: To validate a prediction formula for eGFR in cats based on adjusting serum creatinine concentration., Animals: Client-owned cats with various levels of renal function., Methods: The study was cross-sectional. Glomerular filtration rate was determined by iohexol clearance. Variables including signalment, biochemical markers, and noninvasive measurements considered to represent surrogate markers of muscle mass were evaluated with the reciprocal of serum creatinine concentration in a multivariable regression model. The derived eGFR formula was subsequently tested in another group of cats and agreement with GFR assessed., Results: The formula was developed in 55 cats. Only a single morphometric measurement (pelvic circumference) along with the reciprocal of serum creatinine concentration (creatinine -1 ) independently predicted GFR in the final multivariate model. The derived eGFR formula was 0.408 + (243.11 × creatinine -1 [μmol/L]) - (0.014 × pelvic circumference [cm]). When the formula was tested in another 25 cats it was not found to offer any advantage over creatinine -1 alone in its relationship with GFR (eGFR, R 2  = 0.44, P < .001 vs reciprocal of creatinine, R 2  = 0.45, P < .001). Furthermore, agreement between eGFR and GFR was poor., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: An eGFR formula for cats that adjusted serum creatinine concentration for a marker of muscle mass was developed. The formula did not provide a reliable estimate of GFR, and therefore, its routine use cannot be recommended., (© 2018 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

The retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptor (RLR) family is a group of cytosolic RNA helicase proteins that play an important role in sensing viral RNAs. Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), an RLR protein, recognizes viral double-stranded RNA and 5'-triphosphate single-stranded RNA in the cytoplasm for the expression of type I interferon (IFN). The expression of MDA5 is also induced by type I IFN. In the present study, we determined the complete coding sequence of the feline MDA5 gene, and analyzed its structure. In addition, we examined tissue expression patterns, inducibilities of the feline MDA5 by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid and type I IFN, and a functional role of feline MDA5 on type I IFN expression.

Background: Cannabis from hemp (Cannabis sativa and C. indica) is one of the most common illegal drugs used by drug abusers. Indian cannabis contains around 70 alkaloids, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) is the most psychoactive substance. Animal intoxications occur rarely and are mostly accidental. According to the US Animal Poison Control Center, cannabis intoxication mostly affects dogs (96%). The most common cause of such intoxication is unintentional ingestion of a cannabis product, but it may also occur after the exposure to marijuana smoke., Case Presentation: A 6-year-old Persian cat was brought to the veterinary clinic due to strong psychomotor agitation turning into aggression. During hospitalisation for 14 days, the cat behaved normally and had no further attacks of unwanted behaviour. It was returned to its home but shortly after it developed neurological signs again and was re-hospitalised. On presentation, the patient showed no neurological abnormalities except for symmetric mydriasis and scleral congestion. During the examination, the behaviour of the cat changed dramatically. It developed alternate states of agitation and apathy, each lasting several minutes. On interview it turned out that the cat had been exposed to marijuana smoke. Blood toxicology tests by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry revealed the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 5.5 ng/mL, 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC at 1.2 ng/mL, and 11-carboxy-delta-9-THC at 13.8 ng/mL. The cat was given an isotonic solution of NaCl 2.5 and 2.5% glucose at a dose of 40 mL/kg/day parenterally and was hospitalised. After complete recovery, the cat was returned to it's owner and future isolation of the animal from marijuana smoke was advised., Conclusions: This is the first case of a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol intoxication in a cat with both description of the clinical findings and the blood concentration of delta-9-THC and its main metabolites.

The aim of this paper is to report two cases of sternal dislocation (SD) in cats and the long-term outcomes with and without surgery. In a cat with poly-traumatized SD (Case 1), mandibular, radial, and ulnar fractures were corrected first, and the SD was allowed to heal without intervention for 14 months. However, normal healing did not occur and sternal instability remained. Therefore, the SD was corrected surgically, and the cat recovered fully within 4 weeks. In a cat with isolated SD (Case 2), surgery was performed, and normal posture and gait were regained after 5 weeks. Furthermore, in both cases, no postoperative complications were observed during follow-up. Therefore, surgical correction of SD in cats is recommended.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a non-selective COX inhibitor (tolfenamic acid) and a selective COX-2 inhibitor (robenacoxib) for post-operative pain control in cats. Thirty cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were randomly divided into three groups: the control (placebo) group, the tolfenamic acid (4 mg/kg/day) group, and the robenacoxib (1 mg/kg/day) group. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were administered orally 2 hr before anesthesia induction and 24 and 48 hr post-operation. Buccal mucosal bleeding times (BMBTs) were assessed prior to anesthesia induction. Colorado pain scores and composite pain scores were evaluated in a blinded fashion before induction and 2, 8, 24, 30 and 48 hr post-operation. The Colorado pain scores of cats receiving robenacoxib were significantly lower than those of cats in the control group at 30 (P=0.0126) and 48 (P=0.0439) hr post-operation. The composite pain scores of cats from the robenacoxib group were lower than those of cats in the control group at 30 (P=0.0299) and 48 (P=0.0103) hr post-operation. The Colorado pain scores of cats receiving tolfenamic acid were significantly lower than those of cats in the control group at 30 hr (P=0.0186) post-operation. The composite pain scores in cats in the tolfenamic acid group were lower than the scores of cats in the control group at 24 (P=0.0403) and 48 (P=0.0413) hr post-operation. BMBTs remained within normal limits in all groups. Both tolfenamic acid and robenacoxib are useful for post-operative pain control in cats.

Our laboratory has serially reported on the virologic and immunopathologic features of a cohort of experimental feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats for more than eight years. At 8.09 years post infection (PI), one of these animals entered the terminal stage of infection, characterized by undulating hyperthermia, progressive anorexia, weight loss, and pancytopenia; the animal was not responsive to therapeutic interventions, necessitating euthanasia six weeks later (8.20 years PI). Subsequent analyses indicated that neoplastic lymphocytes infiltrated multiple cervical lymph nodes and a band-like region of the mucosal lamina propria within a segment of the intestine. Immunohistochemistry and T cell clonality testing determined that the nodal and intestinal lesions were independently arising from CD3 T cell lymphomas. In-situ RNA hybridization studies indicated that diffuse neoplastic lymphocytes from the cervical lymph node contained abundant viral nucleic acid, while viral nucleic acid was not detectable in lymphocytes from the intestinal lymphoma lesion. The proviral long terminal repeat (LTR) was amplified and sequenced from multiple anatomic sites, and a common clone containing a single nucleotide polymorphism was determined to be defective in response to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-mediated promoter activation in a reporter gene assay. This assay revealed a previously unidentified PMA response element within the FIV U3 region 3' to the TATA box. The possible implications of these results on FIV-lymphoma pathogenesis are discussed., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The sponsors had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; and in the decision to publish the results.

Morphological and molecular characteristics of spirometrid tapeworms, Spirometra decipiens , were studied, which were recovered from a heavily infected stray cat road-killed in Eumseong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (Province), the Republic of Korea (=Korea). A total of 134 scolices and many broken immature and mature proglottids of Spirometra tapeworms were collected from the small intestine of the cat. Morphological observations were based on 116 specimens. The scolex was 22.8-32.6 mm (27.4 mm in average) in length and small spoon-shape with 2 distinct bothria. The uterus was coiled 3-4 times, the end of the uterus was ball-shaped, and the vaginal aperture shaped as a crescent moon was closer to the cirrus aperture than to the uterine aperture. PCR amplification and direct sequencing of the cox1 target fragment (377 bp in length and corresponding to positions 769-1,146 bp of the cox1 gene) were performed using total genomic DNA extracted from 134 specimens. The cox1 sequences (377 bp) of the specimens showed 99.0% similarity to the reference sequence of S. decipiens and 89.3% similarity to the reference sequence of S. erinaceieuropaei . In the present study, we report a stray cat heavily infected with S. decipiens identified by mitochondrial cox1 sequence analysis and morphological examinations of the adult worms.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of body weight (BW), breed, and sex on two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic measures, reference ranges, and prediction intervals using allometrically-scaled data of left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) size and LV wall thickness in healthy cats. Study type was retrospective, observational, and clinical cohort. 150 healthy cats were enrolled and 2D echocardiograms analyzed. LA diameter, LV wall thickness, and LV dimension were quantified using three different imaging views. The effect of BW, breed, sex, age, and interaction (BW*sex) on echocardiographic variables was assessed using univariate and multivariate regression and linear mixed model analysis. Standard (using raw data) and allometrically scaled (Y=a × M b ) reference intervals and prediction intervals were determined. BW had a significant (P<0.05) independent effect on 2D variables whereas breed, sex, and age did not. There were clinically relevant differences between reference intervals using mean ± 2SD of raw data and mean and 95% prediction interval of allometrically-scaled variables, most prominent in larger (>6 kg) and smaller (<3 kg) cats. A clinically relevant difference between thickness of the interventricular septum (IVS) and dimension of the LV posterior wall (LVPW) was identified. In conclusion, allometric scaling and BW-based 95% prediction intervals should be preferred over conventional 2D echocardiographic reference intervals in cats, in particular in small and large cats. These results are particularly relevant to screening examinations for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Erroneous neutrophil and lymphocyte counts from analysis of feline blood samples were transferred directly into the hospital information system from the ProCyte Dx hematology instrument in our after-hours laboratory. Errors usually were not detected by the users., Hypothesis/objectives: To quantify the frequency and severity of errors associated with the ProCyte Dx analyzer and to identify methods to avoid the errors., Animals: One-hundred six EDTA blood samples routinely submitted from feline hospital patients were analyzed., Methods: ProCyte differential leukocyte counts were compared to 2 reference methods: Advia 2120 hematology instrument and manual enumeration. Limits for unacceptable deviation from the reference methods were defined as 18 for % lymphocytes and 23 for % neutrophils., Results: Fourteen of 106 samples had unacceptable errors for both lymphocytes and neutrophils compared to both reference methods. Median % lymphocytes in those 14 samples were 11.2, 15.0, and 53.0% for Advia, manual, and ProCyte, respectively. Median % neutrophils were 85.4, 81.5, and 34.2% for Advia, manual, and ProCyte, respectively. All errors were avoided by rejecting automated ProCyte differential leukocyte results whenever the dot plot appeared clearly incorrect, but only 9 of these 14 samples had a ProCyte WBC distribution error flag., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Results reported by ProCyte had markedly falsely increased lymphocyte and decreased neutrophil counts in 13% of feline patient samples. Users must reject automated differential leukocyte count results when the WBC dot plot appears overtly incorrect. Rejection based only on ProCyte WBC error flag was insufficient., (Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), transdermal fentanyl patches, and transmucosal buprenorphine are probably the most commonly used options for providing post-operative analgesia in the early at-home period. However, these require daily administration or are associated with abuse concerns. One of the significant unmet needs in veterinary surgery and pain management is for longer acting opioids for cats to effectively bridge the gap between the in-hospital and at-home recovery periods. A proof of concept study of an extended release formulation of buprenorphine HCL (ER-Bup) was conducted using objective kinetic measures and a unilateral onychectomy model. Using a blinded, randomized, two period crossover design, four cats were allocated to control (saline) or ER-Bup (0.6 mg/kg, subcutaneously [SC]) treatment groups. All animals underwent a unilateral forelimb onychectomy per period with a washout/recovery period in between. Observational pain scores and kinetic data (using a pressure sensitive walkway [PSW]) were collected prior to (baseline) and at intervals for 72 h following surgery. Symmetry indices were derived for kinetic variables (peak vertical force [PVF]; vertical impulse [VI]) of each forelimb for landing following a jump and for walking. A rescue analgesic protocol was in place. Effect of surgery and treatment were evaluated using a mixed model statistical approach., Results: No cats required rescue analgesics based on subjective pain score. ER-Bup had a positive influence on subjective pain scores during the 72 h postsurgery (p = 0.0473). PVF and VI of the operated limb were significantly decreased for both landing (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001) and walking (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001 respectively) compared to control. ER-Bup resulted in significantly decreased asymmetry in limb use during landing (PVF, p < 0.0001; VI, p < 0.0001) and walking (PVF, p = 0.0002, VI, p < 0.0001). The novel use of data collected following a jump from an elevated platform appeared to provide all desired information and was easier to collect than walking data., Conclusion: This study demonstrates that SC administration of ER-Bup may be an effective analgesic for a 72 h period postoperatively. Furthermore, landing onto a PSW from an elevated perch may be a useful and efficient way to assess analgesics in cats using a unilateral model of limb pain.

In veterinary medicine, the management of malignant skin wounds is highly challenging. We conducted a study on seven case animals (four dogs and three cats) which presented with malignant skin wounds. All seven animals had signs and symptoms which were controlled following treatment with a modified Mohs paste. Upon obtaining informed consent from their owners, the animals requiring management of malignant wounds were enrolled in this study. The modified Mohs paste was prepared by mixing zinc chloride, zinc oxide starch powder, glycerin, and distilled water. The modified Mohs paste was topically applied to and left to remain on the malignant wounds for one hour, under controlled conditions. Once the paste was removed, the wounds were irrigated with a solution of sterile saline. At the first examination, the wounds of each animal were observed for signs of exudate, malodor, and bleeding. In every case, visible improvement was observed immediately after the modified Mohs paste treatment. Specifically, the size of the malignant wounds, and the number of times the dressing gauze required changing, significantly decreased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The open malignant skin wounds caused by mammary gland tumors disappeared in two cases. The Mohs paste has been shown to be a viable option for the palliative treatment in canine and feline malignant skin wound management.

Background: Clopidogrel is commonly prescribed to cats with perceived increased risk of thromboembolic events, but little information exists regarding its antiplatelet effects., Objective: To determine effects of clopidogrel on platelet responsiveness in cats with or without the A31P mutation in the MYBPC3 gene. A secondary aim was to characterize variability in feline platelet responses to clopidogrel., Animals: Fourteen healthy cats from a Maine Coon/outbred mixed Domestic cat colony: 8 cats homozygous for A31P mutation in the MYPBC3 gene and 6 wild-type cats without the A31P mutation., Methods: Ex vivo study. All cats received clopidogrel (18.75 mg PO q24h) for 14 days. Before and after clopidogrel treatment, adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced P-selectin expression was evaluated. ADP- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was measured by optical aggregometry (OA). Platelet pVASP and ADP receptor response index (ARRI) were measured by Western blot analysis., Results: Platelet activation from cats with the A31P mutation was significantly (P = .0095) increased [35.55% (18.58-48.55) to 58.90% (24.85-69.90)], in response to ADP. Clopidogrel treatment attenuated ADP-induced P-selectin expression and platelet aggregation. ADP- and PGE 1 -treated platelets had a similar level of pVASP as PGE 1 -treated platelets after clopidogrel treatment. Clopidogrel administration resulted in significantly lower ARRI [24.13% (12.46-35.50) to 11.30% (-7.383 to 23.27)] (P = .017). Two of 13 cats were nonresponders based on OA and flow cytometry., Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Clopidogrel is effective at attenuating platelet activation and aggregation in some cats. Cats with A31P mutation had increased platelet activation relative to the variable response seen in wild-type cats., (Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: Combined use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may induce acute kidney injury in humans, especially when combined with diuretics. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of benazepril, robenacoxib and their combination in healthy cats. In each of two studies (study 1 followed by study 2), 32 healthy cats were randomised to one of four groups (n = 4 male and 4 female cats per group) in a parallel-group design. The groups received orally once daily for 7 days either placebo (control group), benazepril, robenacoxib or benazepril plus robenacoxib. In study 2, all groups received in addition 0.5 mg/kg furosemide twice daily by subcutaneous injection for 7 days., Results: Benazepril, robenacoxib and their combination were well tolerated as evidenced from lack of clinical signs and no negative effects on body weight, feed consumption and clinical chemistry, haematology and urinalysis variables. The primary endpoint of the study was the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which was estimated from the plasma clearance of iohexol. In the absence of furosemide, GFR was significantly higher in cats receiving the combination of benazepril plus robenacoxib compared to the other three groups, and was also significantly higher in females receiving only benazepril compared to the control. Administration of furosemide induced diuresis, reduced GFR and activated the renin-aldosterone-angiotensin system, evidenced from increased plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentrations. Compared to the control group in cats treated with furosemide, GFR was increased by benazepril (females only) but decreased by robenacoxib (males only). Benazepril, robenacoxib and their combination significantly inhibited the increase in plasma aldosterone induced by furosemide., Conclusions: The combination of benazepril and robenacoxib was well tolerated and either increased or had a neutral effect on GFR in healthy cats without or with concomitant furosemide. The combination of benazepril and robenacoxib reduced plasma aldosterone concentrations increased by furosemide. It is recommended to test the efficacy and safety of the combined use of benazepril and robenacoxib in cats with clinical disease, notably proteinuric chronic kidney disease.

Background: Bravecto™ Chewable Tablets for Dogs, containing fluralaner as active ingredient, is an innovative treatment for flea and tick infestations that provides safe, rapid and long acting efficacy after a single oral administration in dogs. Topically applied fluralaner provides similar safe, rapid and long acting efficacy, both in dogs and in cats. The pharmacokinetic profile of fluralaner was evaluated in dogs and in cats following either topical or intravenous administration., Methods: Twenty four dogs and 24 cats received three different topical doses, with the mid-dose based on the respective minimum recommended dose, and one intravenous dose. Plasma samples were collected for 112 days and fluralaner concentrations were quantified using a validated high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental methods., Results: In dogs, fluralaner was readily absorbed from the topical administration site into the skin, subjacent tissues and blood. Fluralaner plasma concentrations showed an apparent plateau between ~ day 7 and 63, with individual tmax seen within this time period. After the plasma plateau, concentrations declined slowly and were quantifiable for more than 12 weeks. In cats, fluralaner was readily systemically absorbed from the topical administration site, reaching maximum concentrations (Cmax) in plasma between 3 and 21 days post administration, after which concentrations declined slowly, and were also quantifiable for more than 12 weeks. Systemic exposure, as shown by Cmax and the area under the concentration versus time curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration (AUC(0→t)) increased proportionally with dose in both species. Following intravenous administration fluralaner showed a relatively high apparent volume of distribution (Vz), a low plasma clearance (Cl), a long terminal half-life (t1/2) and a long mean residence time (MRT); thereby demonstrating a long persistence of fluralaner in both species., Conclusions: The pharmacokinetic characteristics of fluralaner explain its prolonged activity against fleas and ticks on both dogs and cats after a single topical administration.

To explore the neural mechanisms mediating aging-related visual function declines, we compared the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high affinity receptor-tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) between young and old adult cats. Nissl staining was used to display neurons in each layer of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). The BDNF- and TrkB receptor-immunoreactive neurons were labeled immunohistochemically, observed under optical microscope and photographed. Their neuronal density and immunoreactive intensity were measured. Results showed that the mean density of the Nissl stained neurons in each LGN layer were comparable between old and young adult cats, and their BDNF and TrkB proteins were widely expressed in all LGN layers. However, compared with young adult cats, both the density and optical absorbance intensity of BDNF- and TrkB-immunoreactive cells in each LGN layer in old cats were significantly decreased. These findings indicate that the decreased expressions of BDNF and TrkB proteins in the LGN may be an important factor inducing the compromised inhibition in the central visual nucleus and the functional visual decline in senescent individuals.

Lesions caused by animals, in particular by dogs, are a health issue to which public opinion often reacts sensitively. To effectively manage and prevent these events, it is therefore essential to evaluate the public health impact of this phenomenon and to identify the main connected risk factors. The aim of the present survey in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano was to collect various epidemiological variables helpful in understanding the problem at local level. The incidence and impact on Health Services of human lesions by several animal species for the year 2010 is presented, as well as a more detailed analysis of dog bites, giving a profile of the victims and of the animals involved. Different factors (geographical, contextual, seasonal and relational) that can be associated with episodes where dogs react aggressively to humans are illustrated. On the basis of the collected data, recommendations are given to prevent risk situations.

Four feral cats and a raccoon dog purchased from a local collector on Aphaedo Island, Shinan-gun, where human Gymnophalloides seoi infections are known to be prevalent, were examined for their intestinal helminth parasites. From 2 of 4 cats, a total of 310 adult G. seoi specimens were recovered. Other helminths detected in cats included Heterophyes nocens (1,527 specimens), Pygidiopsis summa (131), Stictodora fuscata (4), Acanthotrema felis (2), Spirometra erinacei (15), toxocarids (4), and a hookworm (1). A raccoon dog was found to be infected with a species of echinostome (55), hookworms (7), toxocarids (3), P. summa (3), and S. erinacei (1). No G. seoi was found in the raccoon dog. The results indicate that feral cats and raccoon dogs on Aphaedo are natural definitive hosts for intestinal trematodes and cestodes, including G. seoi, H. nocens, and S. erinacei. It has been first confirmed that cats, a mammalian species other than humans, play the role of a natural definitive host for G. seoi on Aphaedo Island.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains the most common cardiomyopathy in humans and cats with few preclinical pharmacologic interventional studies. Small-molecule sarcomere inhibitors are promising novel therapeutics for the management of obstructive HCM (oHCM) patients and have shown efficacy in left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) relief. The objective of this study was to explore the 6-, 24-, and 48-hour (h) pharmacodynamic effects of the cardiac myosin inhibitor, CK-586, in six purpose-bred cats with naturally occurring oHCM. A blinded, randomized, five-treatment group, crossover preclinical trial was conducted to assess the pharmacodynamic effects of CK-586 in this oHCM model. Dose assessments and select echocardiographic variables were assessed five times over a 48-h period. Treatment with oral CK-586 safely ameliorated LVOTO in oHCM cats. CK-586 treatment dose-dependently eliminated obstruction (reduced LVOTOmaxPG), increased measures of systolic chamber size (LVIDs Sx), and decreased select measures of heart function (LV FS% and LV EF%) in the absence of impact on heart rate. At all tested doses, a single oral CK-586 dose resulted in improved or resolved LVOTO with well-tolerated, dose-dependent, reductions in LV systolic function. The results from this study pave the way for the potential use of CK-586 in both the veterinary and human clinical setting.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a multisystemic, generally lethal immuno-inflammatory disease of domestic cats caused by an infection with a genetic variant of feline coronavirus, referred to as the FIP virus (FIPV). We leveraged data from four different antiviral clinical trials performed at the University of California, Davis. Collectively, a total of 60 client-owned domestic cats, each with a confirmed diagnosis of naturally occurring FIP, were treated with a variety of antiviral compounds. The tested therapies included the antiviral compounds GS-441524, remdesivir, molnupiravir and allogeneic feline mesenchymal stem/stroma cell transfusions. Four client-owned cats with FIP did not meet the inclusion criteria for the trials and were not treated with antiviral therapies; these cats were included in the data set as untreated FIP control cats. ELISA and Western blot assays were performed using feline serum/plasma or ascites effusions obtained from a subset of the FIP cats. Normalized tissue/effusion viral loads were determined in 34 cats by a quantitative RT-PCR of nucleic acids isolated from either effusions or abdominal lymph node tissue. Twenty-one cats were PCR "serotyped" (genotyped) and had the S1/S2 region of the coronaviral spike gene amplified, cloned and sequenced from effusions or abdominal lymph node tissue. In total, 3 untreated control cats and 14 (23.3%) of the 60 antiviral-treated cats died or were euthanized during (13) or after the completion of (1) antiviral treatment. Of these 17 cats, 13 had complete necropsies performed (10 cats treated with antivirals and 3 untreated control cats). We found that anticoronaviral serologic responses were persistent and robust throughout the treatment period, primarily the IgG isotype, and focused on the viral structural Nucleocapsid and Membrane proteins. Coronavirus serologic patterns were similar for the effusions and serum/plasma of cats with FIP and in cats entering remission or that died. Viral RNA was readily detectable in the majority of the cats in either abdominal lymph node tissue or ascites effusions, and all of the viral isolates were determined to be serotype I FIPV. Viral nucleic acids in cats treated with antiviral compounds became undetectable in ascites or abdominal lymph node tissue by 11 days post-treatment using a sensitive quantitative RT-PCR assay. The most common pathologic lesions identified in the necropsied cats were hepatitis, abdominal effusion (ascites), serositis, pancreatitis, lymphadenitis, icterus and perivasculitis. In cats treated with antiviral compounds, gross and histological lesions characteristic of FIP persisted for several weeks, while the viral antigen became progressively less detectable.

Influenza A virus (IAV) can cause high morbidity and mortality in domestic and wild avian species and it is able to infect mammals as well. IAV in cats is sporadic and self-limiting but the recent findings of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) with genetic signatures ofmammalian adaptation, in domestic cats, has raised new concerns about the potential role of cats in the virus ecology. The present study aimed to investigate the circulation of IAV in companion animals' shelters in North-eastern Italy. All samples were collected from feral cats living in feline colonies that were hosted in the companion animals' shelters for the requisite period to administer the veterinary treatments. Between 2021 and 2022, 389 oropharyngeal swabs and 279 sera were collected. All swabs tested negative for IAV and the only one ELISA positive serum sample resulted H5 positive by HI test with a titer of 1:80. Despite the sporadic occurrence of influenza in cats, continuousmonitoring is crucial due to the evolving zoonotic nature of the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 12‐year‐old male domestic cat with multiple subcutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) presented with a 2‐week history of pruritus and raw/bleeding skin from self‐trauma at Kagoshima University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathological analyses revealed intertumoral heterogeneity among tumour locations based on the mutation status of KIT. In addition, the expression pattern of KIT was characterized. After failed treatment with vinblastine (2.0–2.2 mg/m2, intravenous administration, two doses in total) or nimustine (25 mg/m2, intravenous administration, two doses in total), toceranib (2.2–2.6 mg/kg, orally administered, every other day) was administered to treat recurrent MCTs harbouring the KIT exon eight internal tandem duplication mutation, achieving a complete response. However, toceranib resistance developed 2 months after treatment initiation. Subsequent PCR analysis was conducted to identify the mutational status of KIT in each MCT and to detect the presence of secondary mutations associated with the acquisition of toceranib resistance. Secondary KIT mutations (c.998G>C and c.2383G>C), which were not initially detected in tumour cells at diagnosis, were identified after the development of resistance to toceranib. This indicates that the tumour cells in feline MCTs in the same case have diverse characteristics. Our findings encourage further investigation into the development of therapeutic strategies for feline MCTs, particularly focusing on the heterogeneous nature of KIT/KIT and overcoming acquired resistance to toceranib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Formosan pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla) is a rare and enigmatic species endemic to Taiwan. Due to its declining population and elusive behavior, little is known about its reproduction. This study created a genomic database of the male pangolin's reproductive tract, identifying key genes and pathways in the testis and epididymis. Comparing testicular genes expression between pangolins and domestic cats, we suggested that the cat is not a suitable model for studying pangolin reproduction due to significant differences. These insights advance our understanding of male pangolin reproduction and may help in the development of future artificial reproductive techniques for pangolins. The Formosan pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla) is an endemic animal of Taiwan. Due to their reduced population and behavior, very little is known about this enigmatic species. To unravel male pangolin reproduction, in the present study, we built a complete genomic database of the male Formosan pangolin reproductive tract and revealed highly expressing genes as well as critical signaling pathways and their associated biological processes in both the testis and the epididymis. Moreover, we evaluated the domestic cat (Felis catus) as a potential model species for male pangolin reproduction by comparing their testicular transcriptomes. We demonstrated a clear tissue-specific gene expression supporting the unique biological signature of each reproductive tissue and identified critical genes of the different reproductive organs. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed unique pathways in the testis as well as a clear epididymal transition. Furthermore, domestic cats, despite being the closest domestic species to pangolin, demonstrated their unfitness as a male reproduction model species as clear differences in spermatid differentiation and metabolism were observed. These results enable a better understanding of male pangolin reproduction characteristics and may inspire improvements in in Formosan pangolin conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE Comparing the utility of the anti-human serum amyloid A (SAA)-specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies assays (LZ-SAA) with the pure monoclonal anti-human antibody assays (VET-SAA) during clinical practice in primary care hospital populations by measuring SAA measurement in healthy and diseased domestic cats. ANIMALS 52 healthy and 185 diseased client-owned cats. METHODS SAA concentration was measured using different LZ-SAA and VET-SAA measurements for healthy and various diseased cats. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated for each disease. RESULTS VET-SAA has higher sensitivity than LZ-SAA for the most common diseases presenting to primary care veterinary hospitals, including chronic kidney disease, tumors, and gingivostomatitis. Our results reveal the capability of detecting low SAA concentrations in healthy and diseased cats using VET-SAA in contrast to LZ-SAA, which found elevations of SAA concentrations only in diseased cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our findings indicate that switching to the new VET-SAA instead of the conventional LZ-SAA will likely enhance the diagnostic performance in primary care veterinary hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The nutritional needs of kittens are normally met by the queen, but sometimes unfavorable events such as maternal behavior, blood incompatibility and maternal agalactia occur that make it necessary for breeders to use milk replacer for feeding. As the breeding of domestic cats grows, so does the demand for specialized kitten formula. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an experimental milk replacer (EMR) on growth, gut microbiology, immune antioxidant capacity and nutrient metabolism in kittens. The results revealed that this EMR not only increases the growth rate of kittens in the late lactation period but also modified the composition of the gut microbiome, improved antioxidant capacity and activated lipid metabolic pathways. These insights are pivotal for optimizing milk replacers for kittens, thereby addressing challenges in feline neonatal nutrition. With the rising popularity of pet cats as companion animals, the survival of newborn kittens is often threatened by factors such as inadequate nursing, maternal behavior and blood incompatibility. These challenges require the use of milk replacers for nurturing. To investigate the effects that feeding kittens with an experimental milk replacer (EMR) have on growth and development, intestinal microbiota, immune response and nutrient metabolism, 12 British shorthair kittens were randomly divided into two groups after nursing for the first week of life. Kittens were fed queen's milk or EMR, whereby kittens fed queen's milk served as the control (CON) group. The findings revealed that the CON group exhibited superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.01) on day 7. However, the EMR group had better growth performance during the later stage of the experiment (p < 0.05); the immunocompetence and antioxidant capacity of the EMR group were not significantly different from those of the CON group in the middle and late stages of the experiment, and the mean values of all the indexes were slightly better than those of the control group. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene in microbiota demonstrated that EMR increased the colonization of bacterial genera, including Lachnospiraceae, Enterococcus, Rothia and Ligilactobacillus. Compared to the CON group, acetate acid (p < 0.05), propionate acid (p < 0.01) and total SCFAs (p < 0.01) in the EMR group were significantly increased. Moreover, the intake of the EMR resulted in the production of distinct metabolites implicated in the metabolism of lipids and amino acids, among other nutrients, thus invigorating the associated metabolic pathways. These results elucidate the impact of administering a milk replacer on gastrointestinal health and nutrient assimilation in kittens. The study provides insights into the use of milk powder alternatives and sets the stage for future research on the formulation and effectiveness of kitten milk replacers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The overpopulation of dogs and cats has generated socioeconomic, political, and animal welfare problems, in addition to an important public health problem, due to the risk of zoonotic diseases. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal coverage of canine and feline sterilization services provided by a governmental agency in the rural and urban areas of the municipality of Tequisquiapan, Querétaro. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tequisquiapan's municipality, Querétaro, Mexico, from July 2019 to September 2022. The total number of sterilized dogs and cats was obtained from the monthly records of the Tequisquiapan Animal Health and Welfare Services Center (CESSBA, by its Spanish acronym). The collected information was related to the sterilized animals (species and sex) and their responsible guardians (sex and address). Access to dog and cat sterilization services was assessed using a geographic information system. Kernel density and directional ellipse tools were used to analyze the CESSBA coverage of care. Indicators were estimated to compare magnitudes and changes at the census tract level. Results: A total of 4,489 animals were sterilized, with n = 2,611 (58%) dogs, of which 1,939 were female and 672 were male. The remaining n = 1,878 animals were cats, representing 42% of the total, with 1,257 females and 621 males. Up to 73% of the sterilized animals were owned by women. The population management of dogs and cats allowed us to increase the territorial coverage from 71.8% in 2019 to 92.3% in 2022. According to the temporal analysis (2019-2022), there was an annual upward trend in the number of sterilizations performed by CESSBA, with a rate of between 55.6 and 94.3 registered sterilizations per 100 inhabited dwellings and between 166.4 and 302.8 registered sterilizations per 1000 inhabitants. Conclusion: The analysis of the dog and cat sterilization service coverage revealed an upward trend, consisting of an increase in accessibility and participation of responsible caregivers who resided in both urban and rural areas of Tequisquiapan. Although it was not possible to evaluate the impact of the program, the use of georeferenced data and geospatial analysis showed that it can support the control of animal overpopulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]