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The Vet Fluidlab 1 (Anvajo), a new urine sediment analyzer for use in veterinary medicine, uses holographic microscopy to detect urine sediment particles in uncentrifuged urine. We compared the performance of the Fluidlab to manual microscopy and Idexx SediVue analysis for the detection of RBC, WBC, epithelial cells (EC), struvite crystals (STR), all crystals (CRY), and casts (CST) in urine samples from cats and dogs. The performance of the Fluidlab for the detection of bacteria was compared to bacterial culture. We included 624 urine samples from feline (238; 38%) and canine (386; 62%) patients; 227 samples had been submitted for bacterial culturing. The sensitivity of the Fluidlab compared to manual microscopy was 92.1% for RBC, 90.1% for WBC, 87.5% for EC, 67.6% for STR, 53.9% for CRY, and 12.5% for CST. Specificity was >97% for STR and CST, 90.0% for CRY, 78.4% for WBC, 59.4% for EC, and 55.1% for RBC. Sensitivities and specificities of the Fluidlab for analytes compared to manual microscopy were found to be similar to those obtained by the Fluidlab compared to SediVue analysis. Miscellaneous materials (e.g., lipid droplets, sperm, cell detritus) seemed to be the main reason for the high false-positive rate in RBC and EC classification by the Fluidlab. Detection of bacteria by the Fluidlab compared to bacterial culture had a sensitivity of 89.8% and a specificity of 72.3%. The performance of the Fluidlab is acceptable for the detection of WBC and bacteria; sensitivity for the detection of CRY and CST, and specificity for the detection of RBC and EC, require improvement.

ZusammenfassungNierenerkrankungen sind häufige Erkrankungen und Todesursachen beim Hund. Insbesondere für Glomerulopathien und akute Nierenschädigungen können Infektionserreger ursächlich verantwortlich sein. Zu den Infektionen, die in Mittel- und Südeuropa häufig mit der Entstehung von Immunkomplex-Glomerulonephritiden assoziiert und in Deutschland als Reisekrankheiten von Bedeutung sind, gehören Leishmaniose, Dirofilariose und Ehrlichiose. Selten verursachen in Deutschland Anaplasmose, Hepatozoonose, Borreliose und eine durch kleine Babesien versursachte Babesiose Immunkomplex-Glomerulonephritiden. Leptospirose, canine infektiöse Hepatitis und eine durch große Babesien verursachte Babesiose können für akute Nierenschädigungen durch tubulointerstitielle Nephritiden verantwortlich sein. Eine weiterführende Diagnostik zur Identifikation potenziell auslösender Infektionen bei Nierenerkrankungen des Hundes ist daher wichtig für die Prognose und Therapie der Patienten.

ZusammenfassungZwei intakte Labrador-Retriever-Hündinnen (6 bzw. 3 Monate alt) wurden wegen Harninkontinenz vorgestellt. In beiden Fällen ergaben sich ultrasonografische Hinweise auf eine einseitige Ureterozele mit ektopischer Mündung. Eine definitive Diagnose wurde mittels Urethrozystoskopie durch Nachweis einer Ureteröffnung in der Urethra gestellt und durch kontrastmittelgestützte retrograde Fluoroskopie bestätigt. Die betroffene Uretermündung stellte sich bei beiden Hündinnen stenotisch dar. Die Behandlung erfolgte bei beiden Patienten durch eine zystoskopie- und fluoroskopiegestützte Laserablation des ektopischen Ureters mit einem Hol:YAG-Laser. Nach dem Einriff waren beide Hündinnen ohne medikamentöse Therapie kontinent. Die zystoskopisch geführte Laserablation zur Therapie ektopisch mündender Ureterozelen ist ein effektives und sicheres minimalinvasives Verfahren. Es stellt somit eine Alternative zur offenen chirurgischen Behandlung dar.

Kidney diseases represent a common problem as well as a frequent cause of death in dogs. Infectious agents may be responsible for glomerulopathies and acute kidney injuries. Many infections commonly associated with the development of immune complex glomerulonephritis in central and southern Europe are important as travel-associated diseases in Germany. These include leishmaniosis, dirofilariosis, and ehrlichiosis. Rarely, anaplasmosis, hepatozoonosis, Lyme disease as well as babesiosis caused by smallNierenerkrankungen sind häufige Erkrankungen und Todesursachen beim Hund. Insbesondere für Glomerulopathien und akute Nierenschädigungen können Infektionserreger ursächlich verantwortlich sein. Zu den Infektionen, die in Mittel- und Südeuropa häufig mit der Entstehung von Immunkomplex-Glomerulonephritiden assoziiert und in Deutschland als Reisekrankheiten von Bedeutung sind, gehören Leishmaniose, Dirofilariose und Ehrlichiose. Selten verursachen in Deutschland Anaplasmose, Hepatozoonose, Borreliose und eine durch kleine Babesien versursachte Babesiose Immunkomplex-Glomerulonephritiden. Leptospirose, canine infektiöse Hepatitis und eine durch große Babesien verursachte Babesiose können für akute Nierenschädigungen durch tubulointerstitielle Nephritiden verantwortlich sein. Eine weiterführende Diagnostik zur Identifikation potenziell auslösender Infektionen bei Nierenerkrankungen des Hundes ist daher wichtig für die Prognose und Therapie der Patienten.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a common dis-ease in cats, fatal if untreated, and no effective treatment is currently legally available. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of the multi-component drug Xraphconn® in vitro and as oral treatment in cats with spontaneous FIP by examining survival rate, development of clinical and laboratory parameters, viral loads, anti-FCoV antibodies, and adverse effects. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance identified GS-441524 as an active component of Xraphconn®. Eighteen cats with FIP were prospectively followed up while being treated orally for 84 days. Values of key parameters on each examination day were compared to values before treatment initiation using linear mixed-effect models. Xraphconn® displayed high virucidal activity in cell culture. All cats recovered with dramatic improvement of clinical and laboratory parameters and massive reduction in viral loads within the first few days of treatment without serious adverse effects. Oral treatment with Xraphconn® containing GS-441524 was highly effective for FIP without causing serious adverse effects. This drug is an excellent option for the oral treatment of FIP and should be trialed as potential effective treatment option for other severe coronavirus-associated diseases across species. ispartof: VIRUSES-BASEL vol:13 issue:11 ispartof: location:Switzerland status: published

Urine specific gravity (USG), which is usually measured by refractometry, is an important indicator of renal concentrating ability. Few studies have evaluated refractometers with separate scales for canine and feline urine. Variables such as protein content or storage time may influence the USG. We compared the effects of measuring USG with a refractometer with single or separate scales for canine and feline urine, investigated inter- and intra-observer variability, and measured agreement between whole urine and supernatant. We evaluated the correlation between USG and osmolality, the influence of urinary protein on USG and osmolality, and the impact of storage time up to 6 mo. We examined 252 canine and 126 feline samples. Bland–Altman analysis revealed higher USG values of the single-scale refractometer than the dual-scale refractometer, with a mean difference (bias) of < 0.001 for canine and 0.003 for feline specimens. Inter- and intra-observer variability were acceptable. Good agreement was shown between USG of whole urine and supernatant. Correlations between USG and osmolality were excellent (0.98–0.99, p

Objectives Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) causes clinical signs such as stranguria, pollakiuria, haematuria, vocalisation and periuria, and is often associated with recurring episodes. The primary objective of this study was to survey the long-term course of cats presenting with FLUTD in terms of recurrence rate and mortality. Methods Data from cats that were presented with lower urinary tract signs from 2010 to 2013 were collected by telephone interview with cat owners, using a questionnaire. The observation period ranged from the first presentation due to FLUTD to the telephone interview or the cat’s death. Data on diagnoses, recurrence of clinical signs and disease-free intervals, as well as implementation and impact of prophylactic measures (PMs), were collected and compared between groups with different aetiologies. Results The study included 101 cats. Fifty-two cats were diagnosed with feline idiopathic cystitis, 21 with urolithiasis and 13 with bacterial urinary tract infection; 15 had no definitive diagnosis. Of the 86 cats with a known diagnosis, the recurrence rate was 58.1%, with no significant difference between groups. Twenty-one cats had one relapse, 12 had two relapses, 10 had three and seven had four to eight relapses within a median observation period of 38 months (range 0.5–138 months). Fourteen cats suffered from different causes of FLUTD at different episodes. Mortality due to FLUTD among all 101 cats was 5.0%. The recurrence rate in cats with urolithiasis receiving at least two PMs was significantly lower than the recurrence rate in those without PMs ( P = 0.029). Conclusions and relevance More than half of the cats with FLUTD presented with two or more recurrent episodes irrespective of the identified aetiology. Cats should be thoroughly investigated at each presentation as it cannot be presumed that the cause of FLUTD is the same at different episodes. The mortality due to FLUTD is lower than previously reported.

Objectives Ultrasonography of the caudal vena cava (CVC) has been previously established to assess fluid status in dogs but not in cats. The aim of this study was to determine CVC diameter changes during feline blood donation. Methods Inter- and intra-observer variability were assessed in 11 client-owned cats. Minimal and maximal CVC diameters were assessed longitudinally in the subxiphoid view (SV) and right paralumbar view (PV), and transversely in the right hepatic intercostal view (HV). Eighteen client-owned, healthy, anaesthetised cats were evaluated during 21 blood donation procedures of 10 ml/kg in the same anatomical locations before (T0) and after (T1) blood donation, and after volume resuscitation with 30 ml/kg lactated Ringer’s solution (T2). The CVC index was calculated. Results Intra-observer variability was acceptable for all probe positions, except for the HV, whereas inter-observer variability was considered unacceptable for all probe positions. Complete measurements were obtained during 21 blood donations at T0, T1 and T2 at the SV, during 18/21 blood donations at the HV and during 16/21 blood donations at the PV. At the SV, the minimal CVC diameter between T1 and T2 ( P Conclusion and relevance Significant probe position dependent CVC diameter changes with marked overlap were observed before and after blood donation, and after fluid bolus. No absolute CVC diameter could be used to indicate hypovolaemia. Ultrasonographic assessment of the feline CVC is highly operator-dependent. The CVC index is not useful in cats.

Two female intact Labrador Retriever dogs (6 and 3 months of age, respectively) presented with a history of urinary incontinence. In both dogs, abdominal ultrasound revealed evidence of a unilateral ectopic ureterocele. Diagnosis of ureteral ectopia was established urethrocystoscopically by visualization of the ureteral orifice in the urethra, and an intramural course was confirmed via retrograde contrast fluoroscopy. Ectopic ureteral orifices were stenotic in both dogs. Cystoscopic- and fluoroscopic-guided laser ablation of the ectopic ureter were performed with a Hol:YAG laser. Following the procedure, both dogs were fully continent without any medical treatment. Cystoscopic- guided laser ablation of ureteroceles was effective and safe in these 2 dogs. Thus, this minimally invasive technique for the treatment of ectopic ureteroceles provides an alternative to surgical intervention.Zwei intakte Labrador-Retriever-Hündinnen (6 bzw. 3 Monate alt) wurden wegen Harninkontinenz vorgestellt. In beiden Fällen ergaben sich ultrasonografische Hinweise auf eine einseitige Ureterozele mit ektopischer Mündung. Eine definitive Diagnose wurde mittels Urethrozystoskopie durch Nachweis einer Ureteröffnung in der Urethra gestellt und durch kontrastmittelgestützte retrograde Fluoroskopie bestätigt. Die betroffene Uretermündung stellte sich bei beiden Hündinnen stenotisch dar. Die Behandlung erfolgte bei beiden Patienten durch eine zystoskopie- und fluoroskopiegestützte Laserablation des ektopischen Ureters mit einem Hol:YAG-Laser. Nach dem Einriff waren beide Hündinnen ohne medikamentöse Therapie kontinent. Die zystoskopisch geführte Laserablation zur Therapie ektopisch mündender Ureterozelen ist ein effektives und sicheres minimalinvasives Verfahren. Es stellt somit eine Alternative zur offenen chirurgischen Behandlung dar.

Bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common clinical presentation in dogs and a frequent reason for the prescription of antimicrobial drugs. UTI refers to adherence, multiplication and persistence of an infectious agent within the urogenital system. This causes an associated inflammatory response as well as the pertaining clinical signs. Depending on the site of infection, UTI's may be classified as bacterial cystitis, prostatitis or pyelonephritis. In contrast, subclinical bacteriuria (SB) is defined as the presence of a significant number of bacteria in the urine of an individual not showing clinical signs referrable to UTI. UTI's typically occur as a consequence of ascending pathogen migration from the host's own fecal or distal urogenital microbial flora. The most commonly isolated pathogen in cases of UTI and SB isBakterielle Harnwegsinfektionen (HWI) treten bei Hunden häufig auf und stellen eine häufige Indikation für den Einsatz von Antibiotika in der tierärztlichen Praxis dar. Bei HWI kommt es zum Anhaften, zur Vermehrung und Persistenz von Infektionserregern im Harntrakt. Durch die Gewebsinvasion wird eine Entzündungsreaktion ausgelöst, die mit klinischen Symptomen einhergeht. Je nach Lokalisation der Infektion erfolgt eine Einteilung in bakterielle Zystitis, Prostatitis oder Pyelonephritis. Davon abzugrenzen ist die subklinische Bakteriurie (SB). Diese liegt vor, wenn aus einer adäquat gewonnenen Urinprobe eine signifikante Anzahl an Bakterien isoliert werden kann, das Tier jedoch keine klinischen Symptome einer Harnwegserkrankung zeigt. HWI entstehen in aller Regel durch aufsteigende Infektion mit Bakterien aus der wirtseigenen fäkalen oder distalen urogenitalen Flora.

In Thailand, leptospirosis is considered an emerging disease in humans and animals. Many species can shed pathogenic Leptospira, including domestic cats (felis catus), which might be able to pose a risk to humans. There are no studies on Leptospira infections in cats in Thailand, but in other countries, it was demonstrated that cats can shed pathogenic Leptospira with high prevalences. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether outdoor cats in Thailand shed pathogenic Leptospira in their urine, and to determine antibody prevalence and risk factors associated with Leptospira infection. Two hundred and sixty outdoor cats were prospectively recruited. Urine samples were tested by real-time PCR targeting the lipL32 gene of pathogenic Leptospira. Urine was additionally cultured for 6 months in Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson- Harris medium to grow Leptospira. Antibodies against 24 serovars (Australis, Bratislava, Autumnalis, Rachmati, Ballum, Bataviae, Paidjan, Broomi, Canicola, Anhoa, Celledoni, Cynopteri, Djasiman, Grippotyphosa, Copenhageni, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Coxi, Khorat, Pomona, Pyrogenes, Haemolytica, Saxkoebing, Sejroe, Patoc) belonging to 16 serogroups were determined using microscopic agglutination tests. Risk factors were analysed by Fisher's exact test. Urine samples of 2/260 cats (0.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1%-2.8%) were PCRpositive, but none of the 260 urine samples was culture-positive. Leptospira antibodies were detected in 14/260 cats (5.4%; 95% CI: 3.0%-8.6%) with titers ranging from 1:20 to 1:160 (serovars: Autumnalis, Anhoa, Celledoni, Djasiman, Copenhageni, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Patoc). Cats aged ≥ 4 years were significantly more often infected with Leptospira than younger cats. No other significant risk factors were found. In conclusion, outdoor cats in Thailand can shed DNA and, possibly, viable, pathogenic Leptospira in their urine, although at a much lower prevalence than expected when compared to countries with similar climate. Thus, cats can be a potential source of infection for people. Further studies are needed to determine the role of cats in transmitting this zoonotic disease in Thailand.

Bei Harnwegsinfektionen (HWI) handelt es sich um die Anheftung und Multiplikation von Erregern im Harntrakt. Acht bis 19 % der Katzen mit klinischen Symptomen einer Erkrankung der unteren Harnwege leiden an einer HWI. Bei Katzen mit einer subklinischen Bakteriurie kann eine signifikante Anzahl an Bakterien im Urin nachgewiesen werden, obwohl keine entsprechenden Symptome vorliegen. Die Pravalenz der subklinischen Bakteriurie in der Katzenpopulation betragt 1–29 %. Neben dem am haufigsten isolierten Uropathogen Escherichia coli werden oft Streptokokken, Enterokokken und Staphylokokken nachgewiesen. Harnwegsinfektionen sind ein haufiger Grund fur den Einsatz von Antibiotika. Um der zunehmenden Resistenzentstehung vorzubeugen, sollte ein Antibiotikum mit moglichst engem Wirkspektrum basierend auf den Ergebnissen der Kultur und des Antibiogramms gewahlt werden. Aktuell ist die Studienlage zur Behandlung der subklinischen Bakteriurie unzureichend. Die meisten Experten empfehlen, nur Patienten mit einem erhohten Risiko aufsteigender Infektionen antibiotisch zu behandeln. Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to the adherence and multiplication of an infectious agent within the urinary system. In 8–19 % of cats with clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease, bacterial UTI is identified as a cause. Subclinical bacteriuria is defined as the isolation of a significant number of bacteria in a urine specimen obtained from a patient without symptoms related to UTI. Subclinical bacteriuria has been reported in 1–29 % of cats. The most commonly isolated pathogen in feline urine is Escherichia coli. Other frequently isolated microorganisms are Streptococcus species (spp.), Enterococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. Antimicrobials are frequently used to treat UTIs. To prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, results of urine culture and susceptibility testing should be first obtained and antimicrobials with a narrow spectrum of activity should be used. Currently, there is insufficient evidence as to whether subclinical bacteriuria in cats should be treated or not. However, treatment of subclinical bacteriuria is only recommended in patients with an increased risk of ascending infections.

Practical relevance: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an important cause of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), particularly in female cats older than 10 years of age. In addition to cats with typical clinical signs of FLUTD or upper UTI, many cats have subclinical bacteriuria, but the clinical relevance of this is currently uncertain. UTIs are one of the most important indications for antimicrobial use in veterinary medicine and contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Adherence to treatment guidelines and confinement to a few first-line antimicrobial agents is imperative to avoid further deterioration of the antimicrobial resistance situation. The decision to treat with antimicrobials should be based on the presence of clinical signs, and/or concurrent diseases, and the results of urine culture and susceptibility testing. Clinical challenges: Distinguishing between cats with bacterial cystitis, and those with idiopathic cystitis and concurrent clinical or subclinical bacteriuria, is challenging, as clinical signs and urinalysis results may be identical. Optimal treatment of subclinical bacteriuria requires clarification as there is currently no evidence that demonstrates a beneficial effect of routine treatment. Management of recurrent UTIs remains a challenge as evidence for most alternatives used for prevention in cats is mainly anecdotal, and no preventive treatment modality is currently recommended. Evidence base: This review draws on an extensive literature base in veterinary and human medicine, including the recently updated guidelines of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases for the diagnosis and management of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats. Where published evidence is lacking, the authors describe their own approach; notably, for the bacteriuric cat with chronic kidney disease.

Shedding of DNA of pathogenic Leptospira spp. has been documented in naturally infected cats in several countries, but urinary shedding of infectious Leptospira spp. has only recently been proven. The climate in Southern Chile is temperate rainy with high annual precipitations which represents ideal preconditions for survival of Leptospira spp., especially during spring and summer. The aims of this study were to investigate shedding of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in outdoor cats in Southern Chile, to perform molecular characterization of isolates growing in culture, and to assess potential risk factors associated with shedding. Urine samples of 231 outdoor cats from rural and urban areas in southern Chile were collected. Urine samples were investigated for pathogenic Leptospira spp. by 4 techniques: QPCR targeting the lipL32 gene, immunomagnetic separation (IMS)-coupled qPCR (IMS-qPCR), direct culture and IMS-coupled culture. Positive urine cultures were additionally confirmed by PCR. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to molecularly characterize isolates obtained from positive cultures. Overall, 36 urine samples (15.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.4-20.9) showed positive results. Eighteen (7.8%, 95% CI 4.9-12.1), 30 (13%, 95% CI 9.2-18), 3 (1.3%, 0.3-3.9) and 4 cats (1.7%; 95% CI 0.5-4.5) were positive in qPCR, IMS-qPCR, conventional culture, and IMS-coupled culture, respectively. MLST results of 7 culture-positive cats revealed sequences that could be assigned to sequence type 17 (6 cats) and sequence type 27 (1 cat) corresponding to L. interrogans (Pathogenic Leptospira Subgroup 1). Shedding of pathogenic Leptospira spp. by cats might be an underestimated source of infection for other species including humans. The present study is the first one reporting growth of leptospires from feline urine in culture in naturally infected cats in South- America and characterisation of culture-derived isolates. So far, very few cases of successful attempts to culture leptospires from naturally infected cats are described worldwide.

FLUTD ist die Abkurzung fur „feline lower urinary tract disease“ und der Uberbegriff fur alle Erkrankungen der harnableitenden Wege bei Katzen, d. h. Blase und Harnrohre. Unabhangig von der Ursache der Problematik zeigen Katzen meist eine Kombination der folgenden Auffalligkeiten: haufiger Absatz kleiner Urinmengen, erschwerter Urinabsatz oder Pressen auf Urin, blutiger Urin, Urinabsatz auserhalb der Katzentoilette, Lautauserungen beim Harnabsatz oder kein Harnabsatz.

Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam on the clinical course of obstructive idiopathic cystitis in cats in a placebo-controlled clinical study. Methods Thirty-seven cats with obstructive idiopathic cystitis were enrolled. Cats received supportive treatment and an indwelling transurethral catheter for 48 h. On days 0 and 1, all cats received buprenorphine 0.01 mg/kg subcutaneously every 8 h. On day 1, cats were randomly assigned to the meloxicam (n = 18) or placebo group (n = 19) and received meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg on day 1, 0.05 mg/kg on days 2–5) or placebo orally for five consecutive days. Cats were monitored by repeated physical examinations and urinalysis, and with a 5 day questionnaire filled in by the owners after discharge and a telephone interview 3 months after presentation. Parameters for evaluation of treatment success were the occurrence of recurrent urethral obstruction, results of physical examinations and questionnaires. Results Recurrent urethral obstruction occurred in 4/18 cats (22%) in the meloxicam group and 5/19 cats (26%) in the placebo group ( P = 1.000). General demeanour and pain on abdominal palpation during hospitalisation improved significantly in both groups ( P Conclusions and relevance Orally administered meloxicam for 5 days did not influence the incidence of recurrent urethral obstruction and the recovery from clinical signs in cats with obstructive feline idiopathic cystitis. The persistence of clinical signs in most of the cats 1 week after initial presentation indicates that symptomatic treatment for a longer period of time is warranted.

ObjectivesThe objectives of this retrospective study were to investigate the actual incidence of postobstructive diuresis after relief of urethral obstruction in cats, as well as to identify changes in blood and urine parameters that might be associated with postobstructive diuresis (POD), and to assess the impact of fluid therapy.MethodsThe medical records of 57 male cats with urethral obstruction that were treated with an indwelling urinary catheter were retrospectively analysed. Absolute urine output in ml/kg/h every 4 h and the incidence of cats with polyuria (urine volume >2 ml/kg/h) at any time point over a 48 h period after the re-establishment of urine flow were investigated. In addition, postobstructive diuresis in relation to fluid therapy (PODFR) was defined as urine output greater than the administered amount of intravenous fluids on at least two subsequent time points. Polyuria and PODFRwere investigated for their association with blood and urine laboratory parameters.ResultsAfter 4 h, 74.1% (40/54) of the cats had polyuria, with a urine output of >2 ml/kg/h. Metabolic acidosis was present in 46.2% of the cats. Venous blood pH and bicarbonate were inversely correlated with urine output in ml/kg/h after 4 h. The overall incidence of POD within 48 h of catheterisation was 87.7%. There was a significant correlation between intravenous fluid rate at time point x and urine output at time point x + 1 at all the time points except for the fluid rate at time point 0 and the urine output after 4 h. PODFRwas seen in 21/57 cats (36.8%).Conclusions and relevancePOD is a frequent finding in cats treated for urethral obstruction, and can be very pronounced. Further studies are required to determine whether or not a change in venous blood pH actually interferes with renal concentrating ability. The discrepancy between the frequency of cats with polyuria and PODFR(87.7% vs 36.8%) in the present study indicates that administered intravenous fluid therapy might be the driving force for the high incidence of polyuria in some cats with naturally occurring obstructive feline lower urinary tract disease.

Objectives Diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) remains challenging, especially in cats without effusions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detecting feline coronavirus (FCoV) RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum in comparison with the same real-time RT-PCR in cell-free body cavity effusion. Methods This prospective case-control study included 92 cats. Forty-three cats had a definitive diagnosis of FIP, established either by histopathological examination (n = 28) or by positive immunofluorescence staining of FCoV antigen in macrophages of effusions (n = 11), or by both methods (n = 4). Forty-nine control cats had other diseases but similar clinical signs. Real-time RT-PCR was performed on PBMCs of 37 cats (21 cats with FIP, 16 controls), on serum of 51 cats (26 cats with FIP, 25 controls) and on cell-free body cavity effusion of 69 cats (36 cats with FIP, 33 controls). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, including 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated. Results Real-time RT-PCR of PBMCs, serum and cell-free body cavity effusion showed a specificity of 100% (95% CI 79.4–100% in PBMCs, 86.3–100% in serum, 89.4–100% in cell-free body cavity effusion) and a sensitivity of 28.6% (95% CI 11.3–52.2%) in PBMCs, 15.4% (95% CI 4.4–34.9%) in serum and 88.9% (95% CI 73.9–96.9%) in cell-free body cavity effusion to diagnose FIP. Conclusions and relevance Although it is known that RT-PCR can often provide false-positive results in healthy cats, this real-time RT-PCR was shown to be a specific tool for the diagnosis of FIP when applied in a clinical setting. Sensitivity in cell-free body cavity effusion was high but low in PBMCs and serum. PBMC samples showed a higher sensitivity than serum samples, and are therefore a better choice if no effusion is present.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to the adherence and multiplication of an infectious agent within the urinary system. In 8-19 % of cats with clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease, bacterial UTI is identified as a cause. Subclinical bacteriuria is defined as the isolation of a significant number of bacteria in a urine specimen obtained from a patient without symptoms related to UTI. Subclinical bacteriuria has been reported in 1-29 % of cats. The most commonly isolated pathogen in feline urine isBei Harnwegsinfektionen (HWI) handelt es sich um die Anheftung und Multiplikation von Erregern im Harntrakt. Acht bis 19 % der Katzen mit klinischen Symptomen einer Erkrankung der unteren Harnwege leiden an einer HWI. Bei Katzen mit einer subklinischen Bakteriurie kann eine signifikante Anzahl an Bakterien im Urin nachgewiesen werden, obwohl keine entsprechenden Symptome vorliegen. Die Prävalenz der subklinischen Bakteriurie in der Katzenpopulation beträgt 1–29 %. Neben dem am häufigsten isolierten Uropathogen

ZusammenfassungZiel: Ermittlung der Prävalenz prädisponierender Begleiterkrankungen (BE) bei Katzen mit bakteriellen Harnwegsinfektionen (HWI) und der Prävalenz von Bakterienspezies bei verschiedenen BE sowie deren Sensibilität gegenüber den bei HWI häufig eingesetzten Antibiotika Doxycyclin, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazol (TMS), Amoxicillin-Clavulansäure (AMC), Cephalothin und Enrofloxacin. Material und Methoden: In die retrospektive Studie wurden Katzen mit positiver Urinkultur im Zeitraum 2003–2009 eingeschlossen. Basierend auf den Daten der Krankenakten erfolgte eine Einteilung in vier Gruppen: Katzen mit systemischen prädisponierenden BE, Katzen mit lokalen prädisponierenden BE, Katzen mit Harnblasendauerkathetern (HBDK) und Katzen ohne dokumentierte BE. Zur Ermittlung der wahrscheinlichen Effektivität der Antibiotika wurden deren antimikrobielle Impact-Faktoren berechnet. Ergebnisse: In die Studie gingen 194 Katzen mit 219 bakteriellen Isolaten ein. Davon wiesen 78,4% (152/194) eine BE auf. 49,5% (96/194) hatten eine systemische BE und 28,9% (56/194) hatten eine lokale BE oder einen HBDK. Katzen mit systemischen BE waren signifikant älter als Katzen der anderen Gruppen und häufiger weiblich als Katzen mit lokaler BE und HBDK. Mehr als 50% der Katzen mit systemischer BE zeigten keine klinischen Symptome einer Erkrankung des unteren Harntrakts. Escherichia (E.) coli, gefolgt von Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. und Enterococcus spp. waren die am häufigsten vorkommenden Isolate. Dabei lag der Anteil der E.-coli-Isolate bei Katzen mit systemischer BE signifikant höher, während bei Katzen mit HBDK und Katzen mit anderen lokalen BE der Anteil an Streptococcus- und Staphylococcus-spp.-Isolaten signifikant höher war. Bei Katzen mit lokaler BE und Katzen mit HBDK ergaben sich niedrigere antimikrobielle Impact-Faktoren als bei Katzen der anderen Gruppen. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Ein Großteil der Katzen mit HWI leidet unter einer prädisponierenden BE. Katzen mit systemischer BE zeigen häufig keine Symptome einer Erkrankung des unteren Harntrakts. AMC und TMS waren in dieser Katzenpopulation die Antibiotika mit den höchsten antimikrobiellen Impact-Faktoren.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) detecting feline coronavirus (FCoV) RNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of cats with and without neurological and/or ocular signs for the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Methods This prospective case-control study included 34 cats. Nineteen cats had a definitive histopathological diagnosis of FIP (seven of these with neurological and/or ocular signs), and 15 cats had other diseases but similar clinical signs (three of these with neurological and/or ocular signs). Real-time RT-PCR was performed on the CSF of all cats, and sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated. Results Real-time RT-PCR of CSF showed a specificity of 100% in diagnosing FIP, a sensitivity of 42.1%, a PPV of 100% and an NPV of 57.7%. The sensitivity of the real-time RT-PCR of CSF in cats with neurological and/or ocular signs was 85.7%. Conclusions and relevance Although it is known that RT-PCR can give false positive results, especially if performed using serum or plasma, this real-time RT-PCR detecting FCoV RNA in CSF can be considered a reliable specific tool for the diagnosis of FIP. If only cats with neurological involvement are evaluated, the sensitivity of this real-time RT-PCR in CSF is also high.

ZusammenfassungEin 7 Jahre alter, männlich-kastrierter Schäferhundmischling wurde wegen akuten blutigen Erbrechens und wässrig-blutigen Durchfalls vorgestellt. Aufgrund klinischer Präsentation, unspezifischer Laborwertveränderungen, unauffälliger Elektrolytwerte und schneller klinischer Besserung auf Infusionstherapie wurde die Diagnose “hämorrhagische Gastroenteritis” (HGE) gestellt. Bei erneuter Vorstellung des Hundes wegen Leistungsschwäche einen Monat später bestanden Elektrolytverschiebungen (Hyperkaliämie und Hyponatriämie), die charakteristisch für einen typischen Hypoadrenokortizismus sind. Mittels ACTH-Stimulationstest wurde eine Unterfunktion der Nebennierenrinde bestätigt. Dieser Fallbericht zeigt, dass sich Patienten in einer Addison-Krise mit akutem hämorrhagischem Durchfall präsentieren können. Durch Erbrechen und Durchfall kann es zu einem Kaliumverlust über den Gastrointestinaltrakt kommen, wodurch typische Elektrolytverschiebungen für einen Morbus Addison verschleiert werden. Im Zweifelsfall sollte bei jedem Patienten mit blutigem Durchfall zum Ausschluss eines Hypoadrenokortizismus eine Bestimmung der basalen Kortisolkonzentration erfolgen.

Objective—To characterize and compare the urine protein content in cats without urinary tract disease and cats with idiopathic cystitis (IdC), bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI), or urolithiasis. Animals—Control cats (n = 18) and cats with IdC (18), UTI (12), and urolithiasis (12) from which urine samples were obtained and 2 cats with obstructive IdC and 4 additional control cats from which postmortem urinary bladder biopsy specimens were obtained. Procedures—Protein contents in urine samples obtained via cystocentesis or catheterization were measured via the Bradford method. Urine proteins were separated by means of 1-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Evaluation of fibronectin content was performed via western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis. Urinary bladder biopsy specimens were examined histologically and analyzed immunohistochemically for fibronectin. Results—Urine fibronectin content was significantly greater in cats with IdC, compared with control cat findings. Urine fibronectin contents did not differ significantly among controls and cats with UTI or urolithiasis. Histologic examination of bladder biopsy specimens obtained from 2 cats with obstructive IdC revealed destruction of the urothelial lining of the urinary bladder and severe fibrosis; immunohistochemical analysis revealed few fluorescence signals for fibronectin, unlike findings in control bladder biopsy specimens. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that urine fibronectin content in cats with IdC was greater than that in controls, cats with UTI, or cats with urolithiasis. In cats with IdC, increased permeability of damaged urothelium may result in detachment and leakage of fibronectin into urine. Urine fibronectin might serve as a biomarker for diagnosis of IdC in cats.

The aim of this retrospective study was to document the prevalence of bacterial species in cats with significant bacteriuria and to compare their antimicrobial susceptibilities over five years. One hundred sixty-nine positive urine cultures from 150 cats were included. Fifty-five per cent showed clinical signs, while 40 per cent had subclinical bacteriuria. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus species, Enterococcus species, Streptococcus species and Proteus mirabilis accounted for 50.5 per cent, 22.9 per cent, 15,1 per cent, 3.6 per cent and 2.6 per cent, respectively. Enterococcus species was significantly more common in cats with subclinical bacteriuria. Enterococcus species and Proteus mirabilis isolates were resistant to a significantly higher number of antimicrobials than other isolates. Applying the formula to select rational antimicrobial therapy, bacterial isolates were most likely to be susceptible to imipenem, nitrofurantoin, gentamicin and amoxicillin clavulanic acid. Over the study period, only minor differences were noted for the antimicrobial impact factors (IFs) between years and between cats with and without clinical signs. The cumulative IF increased significantly compared with the previous 10 years. Empirical treatment of bacterial cystitis should be avoided whenever possible and, if needed, based on the locally determined bacterial spectrum and antibiotic susceptibility.

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a common spontaneous disease in domestic cats which resembles painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis in humans in many aspects. For neither of the two diseases a consistent aetiology has yet been established, so that there is no causal therapy and diagnosis is still one of exclusion. The discovery of a deficiency of an important growth factor, the Trefoil Factor 2, in the urine and bladder tissue of cats with FIC gives new insights into possible aetiologic backgrounds of FIC and might serve as future biomarker faciliating diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To obtain new insights into aetiological backgrounds, and to search for diagnostic biomarkers by assessing the difference in urinary proteins between cats with spontaneous feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS Urine supernatants of 18 cats with FIC and 18 healthy control cats, and bladder biopsies of two FIC diseased cats and four healthy controls were included in the study. The Bradford method was used to determine protein quantity in urine supernatants. Urine was separated by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis. Selected protein spots were excised from two-dimensional gels and analysed with tandem mass spectrometry. Validation of Trefoil factor 2 expression was realized with Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Western blot signal intensities were quantified with image quant software. RESULTS Eleven differentially expressed protein spots were identified between the 2-D gels of cats with FIC and control cats. Ten spots (only visible in the FIC gel) were identified as albumin and one spot (only visible in the control gel) was identified as Trefoil factor 2.Using quantification of Western blot signal intensities and immunohistochemistry a decrease in Trefoil factor 2 (TFF2) in cats with FIC could be revealed for the first time. CONCLUSION Deficiency in TFF2 possibly leads to impaired repairing abilities and immune response of the urothelium. The result could be a greater susceptibility to injury, inflammation and relapse. Therefore TFF2 deficiency might be an important event in FIC pathogenesis. Detection of a decrease in urinary TFF2 could serve as diagnostic biomarker, facilitating diagnosis. As FIC can serve as an animal model for human painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis, the findings of this study might also be valuable for interstitial cystitis research and should be further investigated.

Zusammenfassung: Gegenstand und Ziel: Untersuchung einer Schilddrüsenwerterhöhung in Zusammenhang mit einer entzündeten Dachsbissverletzung. Diskussion der klinischen Befunde. Material und Methode: Fallbericht einer acht Jahre alten Dackelhündin, die nach einem Biss in den Hals veränderte Werte der Schilddrüsenparamter aufwies. Ergebnisse: Das Tier zeigte erhöhte Werte an Thyroxin (T4) und freiem Thyroxin (fT4) sowie eine erniedrigte cTSH-Konzentration, die mittels Sonographie und Szintigraphie hinsichtlich des hormonproduzierenden Gewebes abgeklärt wurden. Vorberichtlich war ein noch sichtbarer Dachsbiss mit Abszedierung im Kehlbereich bekannt. Sonographisch fiel eine schlechte Abgrenzbarkeit des Lobus dexter der Schilddrüse zum umgebenden Gewebe auf. Die Szintigraphie ließ eine normale Anreicherung im Bereich der Schilddrüse ohne versprengtes aktives Gewebe erkennen. Bei einer Kontrolle der Schilddrüsenwerte 14 Tage nach der ersten Untersuchung lagen diese wieder im Referenzbereich. Schlussfolgerungen: Die transient erhöhten Werte der Schilddrüsenhormone wurden bei diesem Patienten sehr wahrscheinlich durch eine möglicherweise infektionsbedingte Thyreoiditis oder Perithyreoididtis infolge eines Dachsbisses hervorgerufen. Die Möglichkeit, dass durch Bildung von Thyroxin-Autoantikörpern nach verletzungsbedingtem Austritt von T3/T4 in das umliegende Gewebe falsch hohe Schilddrüsenhormonkonzentrationen gemessen wurden, lässt sich nicht komplett ausschließen. Klinische Relevanz: Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen decken sich mit den Befunden humanmedizinischer Fallberichte über nicht autoimmun bedingte Schilddrüsenentzündungen. Differenzialdiagnostisch sollte bei erhöhten Schilddrüsenhormonwerten des Hundes auch an eine Entzündung der Thyreoidea gedacht werden.

To investigate the prevalence of comorbidities (CM) in cats with urinary tract infections (UTIs), as well as the prevalence of bacterial species in cats with different CM and their antimicrobial susceptibility to the commonly used antibacterial agents doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC), cephalothin, and enrofloxacin.A retrospective analysis of cats with positive urine cultures in the years 2003 to 2009 was performed. Cats were assigned to one of four groups: cats with systemic comorbidities (sCM), cats with indwelling urinary catheters (iUC), cats with local comorbidities (lCM), or cats without CM. To evaluate the potential effectivity of the antibiotics the antibacterial impact factors were calculated.A total of 194 cats with 219 isolates were included in the study. In 78.4% (152/194) of cats, a CM was identified; 49.5% had a sCM and 28.9% (56/194) had an iUC or a lCM. Cats with sCM were significantly older than cats in all other groups, and the proportion of female animals was higher in cats with sCM than in cats with iUC or lCM. More than half of the cats with sCM did not show clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease. The most commonly isolated bacteria species were Escherichia (E.) coli, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp. with a significantly higher proportion of E. coli isolates in cats with sCM and significantly higher proportions of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus spp. isolates in cats with iUC and other lCM. According to the antimicrobial impact factors bacterial isolates in cats with any CM were most likely susceptible to AMC and TMS. Isolates from cats with iUC and lCM had a lower likelihood to be susceptible to the tested antimicrobials than cats with sCM and cats without CM.Relevant comorbidities for bacterial urinary tract infection were identified in the majority of cats in the present study. Cats with sCM often do not show clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease. AMC and TMS were the antimicrobial agents with the highest antimicrobial impact factor in this population of cats.

Objectives Obstructive feline idiopathic cystitis is a common emergency in small animal practice. There is evidence for a defective glycosaminoglycan layer in the urinary bladder of affected cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intravesical pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) in cats with obstructive feline idiopathic cystitis in a randomised, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical study. Methods Thirty-five cats with obstructive feline idiopathic cystitis were enrolled into the study. On day 0, cats were randomised to receive either 30 mg PPS in saline (18 cats) or saline alone as placebo (17 cats) at the time of indwelling urinary catheter placement and then after 24 and 48 h. The catheter was clamped for 30 mins after administration before connecting it to a sterile urine collection system. The procedure was repeated after 24 and 48 h, and then the indwelling catheter was removed. Treatment success was assessed via the incidence of recurrent urethral obstruction, results of a scoring system for physical examination and daily urinalysis from day 0 to 5. Results Recurrent urethral obstruction occurred in 3/18 cats of the verum group and 3/17 of the placebo group ( P = 1.000). The verum group showed a significantly lower degree of microscopic haematuria between day 5 and day 0 ( P ⩽0.05). The placebo group showed a significantly lower degree of dipstick haematuria between day 5 and day 0 ( P ⩽0.05). There was no difference in the clinical score between the groups in the investigated time period. Conclusions and relevance Intravesical instillation of PPS three times within 48 h in the chosen dose had no influence on the incidence of recurrent urethral obstruction and clinical signs in cats with obstructive feline idiopathic cystitis.

ZusammenfassungDie Übersicht soll eine Zusammenfassung und Erläuterung veterinärmedizinischer Studien zur Radiotherapie von Hypophysentumoren liefern. Die Bedeutung der Radiotherapie im Vergleich zu anderen Therapiemodalitäten und in Kombination mit anderen Therapieformen wird diskutiert. Die Radiotherapie ist indiziert bei Hunden mit Hypophysentumoren, die durch ihr Wachstum und ihre Größe neurologische Symptome verursachen. Dabei haben Patienten mit geringgradigen neurologischen Auffälligkeiten eine günstigere Prognose für eine Besserung des neurologischen Status. Mit einem Abklingen der klinischen Symptome des Hyperadrenokortizismus ist nur in Ausnahmefällen zu rechnen. Bei Katzen sind Hypophysentumoren deutlich seltener zu finden als bei Hunden. Diese können kortikotrop, somatotrop oder endokrin inaktiv sein. Eine Strahlentherapie erfolgt überwiegend bei Katzen mit Akromegalie und führt bei den meisten Tieren zu einer Verbesserung der klinischen Symptome. Eine Alternative zur Radiotherapie stellt die chirurgische Entfernung der Hypophyse dar, die bei der Katze kaum und beim Hund nur von wenigen Chirurgen durchgeführt wird.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify bacterial species in cats with bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) and to investigate their antimicrobial susceptibilities over a 10-year period. Three hundred and thirty cultures from 280 cats were included in the study. The mean age of affected cats was 9.9 years; female cats with bacterial UTIs were significantly older than male cats with UTIs. The most common pathogen identified was Escherichia coli (42.3 per cent), followed by Streptococcus species (19.3 per cent), Staphylococcus species (15.6 per cent), Enterococcus species (6.6 per cent) and Micrococcaceae (5.8 per cent). Forty specimens (12.1 per cent) yielded growth of more than one isolate. Streptococcus and Enterococcus isolates were resistant to a significantly higher number of antimicrobial agents than E coli and Staphylococcus species isolates. Applying the formula to select rational antimicrobial therapy, bacterial isolates were most likely to be susceptible to nitrofurantoin, amoxicillin clavulanic acid, enrofloxacin and gentamicin. The antimicrobial impact factor for nitrofurantoin increased significantly over the 10-year period, whereas there was no significant change in antimicrobial impact factors for doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, enrofloxacin, cephalothin and amoxicillin clavulanic acid. The detected changes in in vitro antimicrobial efficacy could help to develop hospital-specific guidelines for antimicrobial use to prevent the further development of resistance in feline uropathogens.

Background Urinary tract infections caused by Corynebacterium urealyticum are uncommon in veterinary medicine. Encrusted cystitis, encrusted pyelitis and uroliths have been described as complications in humans, but only encrusted cystitis and cystoliths have been reported in dogs so far. Because C. urealyticum is usually resistant to all standard antibacterial drugs, antimicrobial treatment and elimination of this microorganism are challenging. Case report An 11-month-old female spayed mixed-breed dog was evaluated because of a C. urealyticum urinary tract infection, mineralisation within both renal pelvises and failure of antimicrobial treatment. Physical examination, haematology and biochemistry were unremarkable. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations confirmed bilateral nephrolithiasis. Voided uroliths were composed of 100% carbonate apatite. Urinalysis was indicative of bacterial infection. Aerobic culture of the urine and 16S rRNA sequencing identified significant growth of C. urealyticum and susceptibility testing revealed sensitivity to only vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusion Treatment with the oxazolidinone antibacterial, linezolid, in combination with a urine-acidifying diet resulted in elimination of this multiresistant microorganism and complete resolution of nephrolithiasis.

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a common lower urinary tract disorder in cats, which often recurs. Published reports document increased urine fibronectin and thioredoxin concentrations in cats with FIC compared with healthy control cats. Therefore, these proteins might be of interest in the pathophysiology of FIC. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate variations in these urine proteins throughout the course of FIC by assessing their concentrations in urine specimens from cats with a history of obstructive FIC. Urine total protein (TP) was measured using the Bradford assay, while urine fibronectin and thioredoxin concentrations were determined by Western blot analysis. Urine TP was significantly higher in cats with obstructive FIC at presentation (day 0) than in healthy control cats (P0.01). There were significant decreases in urine TP in cats with obstructive FIC after 3 months (P0.01). Significantly higher urine fibronectin (P0.01) and thioredoxin (P0.05) concentrations were demonstrated in cats with FIC at day 0 compared to control cats, but there was no significant change over time (P0.05). Increased concentrations of these proteins over time might reflect ongoing structural and pathological alterations to functional processes in the urinary bladders of cats with obstructive FIC.

Two siblings, a 6-month-old sexually intact male weighing 2.5 kg (cat 1) and a sexually intact female (cat 2) British Shorthair cat weighing 2.3 kg, were examined because of a 3-week history of polyuria, lethargy and laboured breathing. One year previously, another sibling (cat 3) had been presented because of similar, yet more severe, clinical signs at the age of 5 months. Physical examination revealed lethargy, dehydration and polypnoea with slightly increased inspiratory effort. Diagnostic investigation revealed severe hypercalcaemia (cats 1–3), renal azotaemia (cats 1 and 3) and a radiologically generalised miliary interstitial pattern of the lungs (cats 1–3) attributable to hypervitaminosis D caused by ingestion of commercial cat food. Cat 3 was euthanased. Cats 1 and 2 were treated with isotonic saline solution (180 ml/kg IV daily), sucralfate (30 mg/kg PO q12h), terbutaline (only cat 1: 0.1 mg/kg SC q4h), furosemide (1.5 mg/kg IV q8h) and tapering doses of prednisolone. Cat 2 was normal on day 14. Cat 1 had stable renal disease and was followed up to day 672. The radiological generalised military interstitial pattern of the lungs had improved markedly. Excessive cholecalciferol-containing commercially available cat food poses a great hazard to cats. Supportive treatment may result in long-term survival and improvement of radiological pulmonary abnormalities.

Summary Objective: To investigate epidemiologic data, clinical signs, results of urinalysis and causes of lower urinary tract disease in a German veterinary hospital population of cats and to determine if the demographic data, history, clinical signs and urinalysis results correlate with a particular etiology. Materials and methods: Cats presented with signs of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) with a documented history and physical examination, a complete urinalysis (urine specific gravity, urine dipstick and sediment, urine culture) of urine obtained by cystocentesis or catheterization, and diagnostic imaging of the urinary tract were included into the study. Cats that had received a previous treatment during the same episode of FLUTD were excluded. Results: A total of 302 cats were included into the study. Cats with FLUTD presented throughout the seasons with similar frequency. The most common diagnosis was feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) (55.0%), followed by bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) (18.9%), urethral plug (10.3%) and urolithiasis (7.0%). Urethral obstruction was significantly more frequent in cats with FIC than in cats with UTI. Cats with FIC and urethral plugs were significantly younger and had significantly higher body weights than cats with UTI and neoplasia. FIC and urethral plugs were significantly more common causes of FLUTD in cats younger than 10 years compared to cats that were 10 years or older (65.2% versus [vs.] 35.8% and 13.3% vs. 3.0%), while the incidences of UTI and neoplasia increased with age (12.9% vs. 41.8% and 1.0% vs. 13.4%). Conclusion and clinical relevance: FIC and UTI are the most common diagnoses in cats with FLUTD, with a significant age-related difference in incidence.