Preparation and preliminary application of fluorescent microsphere test strips for feline parvovirus antibodies.

This study introduces a novel diagnostic modality for the detection of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) antibodies in feline serum by using fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic test strips (FM-ICTS). Leveraging the inherent specificity of antigen-antibody interactions, the FM-ICTS approach demonstrates considerable potential for efficient and accurate FPV antibody detection within a short timeframe. The FM-ICTS method demonstrates strong diagnostic performance, with consistent accuracy and stability over time. PBS buffer dilution enables detection across the range of FPV antibody haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titres in both healthy and immunized or infected cats. A high correlation (R² = 0.9733) between the T/C ratio and FPV antibody titres confirms the method's effectiveness in quantifying these titres. Clinical validation with 84 samples supports its reliability by matching results with HI assays. Additionally, stability tests show that the test strips maintain performance during storage, with a coefficient of variation (CV) below 12% over three months at 25℃. This innovative FM-ICTS framework emerges as a promising avenue for expedient and dependable disease diagnosis within the realm of veterinary science, offering implications for timely disease management and surveillance.

Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis Caused by Pasteurella dagmatis, Germany.

An 81-year-old male patient in Germany had prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Pasteurella dagmatis after a domestic cat bite. We surgically treated a paravalvular abscess and administered definitive antibiotic therapy consisting of penicillin G and levofloxacin. The patient was discharged from the intensive care unit in good condition 21 days after the surgery.

Development and characterization of reverse genetics systems of feline infectious peritonitis virus for antiviral research.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a lethal, immune-mediated disease in cats caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), a biotype of feline coronavirus (FCoV). In contrast to feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), which exclusively infects enterocytes and causes diarrhea, FIPV specifically targets macrophages, resulting in the development of FIP. The transmission and infection mechanisms of this complex, invariably fatal disease remain unclear, with no effective vaccines or approved drugs for its prevention or control. In this study, a full-length infectious cDNA clone of the wild-type FIPV WSU79-1149 strain was constructed to generate recombinant FIPV (rFIPV-WT), which exhibited similar growth kinetics and produced infectious virus titres comparable to those of the parental wild-type virus. In addition, the superfold green fluorescent protein (msfGFP) and Renilla luciferase (Rluc) reporter genes were incorporated into the rFIPV-WT cDNA construct to generate reporter rFIPV-msfGFP and rFIPV-Rluc viruses. While the growth characteristics of the rFIPV-msfGFP virus were similar to those of its parental rFIPV-WT, the rFIPV-Rluc virus replicated more slowly, resulting in the formation of smaller plaques than did the rFIPV-WT and rFIPV-msfGFP viruses. In addition, by replacing the S, E, M, and ORF3abc genes with msfGFP and Rluc genes, the replicon systems repFIPV-msfGFP and repFIPV-Rluc were generated on the basis of the cDNA construct of rFIPV-WT. Last, the use of reporter recombinant viruses and replicons in antiviral screening assays demonstrated their high sensitivity for quantifying the antiviral effectiveness of the tested compounds. This integrated system promises to significantly streamline the investigation of virus replication within host cells, enabling efficient screening for anti-FIPV compounds and evaluating emerging drug-resistant mutations within the FIPV genome.

Advancements, challenges, and future perspectives in developing feline herpesvirus 1 as a vaccine vector.

As the most prevalent companion animal, cats are threatened by numerous infectious diseases and carry zoonotic pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and Bartonella henselae, which are the primary causes of human toxoplasmosis and cat-scratch disease. Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing and controlling the spread of diseases in both humans and animals. Currently, there are only three core vaccines available to prevent feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus infections, with few vaccines available for other significant feline infectious and zoonotic diseases. Feline herpesvirus, a major component of the core vaccine, offers several advantages and a stable genetic manipulation platform, making it an ideal model for vaccine vector development to prevent and control feline infectious diseases. This paper reviews the technologies involved in the research and development of the feline herpesvirus vaccine vector, including homologous recombination, CRISPR/Cas9, and bacterial artificial chromosomes. It also examines the design and effectiveness of expressing antigens of other pathogens using the feline herpesvirus as a vaccine vector. Additionally, the paper analyzes existing technical bottlenecks and challenges, providing an outlook on its application prospects. The aim of this review is to provide a scientific basis for the research and development of feline herpesvirus as a vaccine vector and to offer new ideas for the prevention and control of significant feline infectious and zoonotic diseases.

Drapes in Routine Aseptic Procedures for Environmental Sustainability (project DRAPES): a protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial comparing post-operative wound complication rates following routine neutering of dogs and cats using reusable or disposable surgical drapes.

BACKGROUND: Reusable surgical drapes have a lower lifetime environmental impact than disposable drapes in most cases. There is limited evidence regarding whether drape choice impacts patient outcomes including post-operative wound complications. The aim of this study is to compare wound complication rates following routine neutering surgeries in cats and dogs when reusable drapes are used as compared with disposable drapes. METHODS: The trial will be conducted as a pragmatic, multi-centre, parallel group randomised controlled trial in the UK. Dogs and cats undergoing routine neutering will be randomised to disposable or reusable drapes with all other aspects of care occurring as they usually would at the practice. The required sample size is 2,850, with 4750 animals to be recruited from up to ten practices to allow for a 40% loss to follow-up. Demographic data and details on peri-operative care will be collected at the time of surgery. Post-operative wound complications will be assessed and recorded as usual at each practice using clinical codes. The post-operative wound clinical codes and any antibiotic use within 30 days of surgery will be retrieved from the practice management software. The primary outcome that will be compared between the two groups is the rate of post-operative wound complications within 30 days of surgery which will be analysed by multivariable logistic regression with a binary outcome of wound complication (yes/no). Secondary outcomes are the prevalence of different types of complications and antibiotic use within 30 days of surgery which will be compared between the two groups by chi square analysis. DISCUSSION: Our hypothesis is that there will be no difference in post-operative wound complication rates between disposable and reusable drapes. If the likely rate of post-surgical wound complications with reusable drapes is similar to that with disposable drapes, then veterinary clinical teams can choose the more sustainable option, confident that their patients will not be impacted by this choice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: We have retrospectively registered the protocol on the Open Science Framework on 14 Nov 2023 (Trial registration entry: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/72HMA ).

Characterization of Neutrophil Functional Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Translational Feline Model for COVID-19.

There is a complex interplay between viral infection and host innate immune response regarding disease severity and outcomes. Neutrophil hyperactivation, including excessive release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), is linked to exacerbated disease in acute COVID-19, notably in hospitalized patients. Delineating protective versus detrimental neutrophil responses is essential to developing targeted COVID-19 therapies and relies on high-quality translational animal models. In this study, we utilize a previously established feline model for COVID-19 to investigate neutrophil dysfunction in which experimentally infected cats develop clinical disease that mimics acute COVID-19. Specific pathogen-free cats were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.617.2; Delta variant) (n = 24) or vehicle (n = 6). Plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissues were collected at various time points over 12 days post-inoculation. Systematic and temporal evaluation of the kinetics of neutrophil activation was conducted by measuring markers of activation including myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE), and citrullinated histone H3 (citH3) in SARS-CoV-2-infected cats at 4 and 12 days post-inoculation (dpi) and compared to vehicle-inoculated controls. Cytokine profiling supported elevated innate inflammatory responses with specific upregulation of neutrophil activation and NET formation-related markers, namely IL-8, IL-18, CXCL1, and SDF-1, in infected cats. An increase in MPO-DNA complexes and cell-free dsDNA in infected cats compared to vehicle-inoculated was noted and supported by histopathologic severity in respiratory tissues. Immunofluorescence analyses further supported correlation of NET markers with tissue damage, especially 4 dpi. Differential gene expression analyses indicated an upregulation of genes associated with innate immune and neutrophil activation pathways. Transcripts involved in activation and NETosis pathways were upregulated by 4 dpi and downregulated by 12 dpi, suggesting peak activation of neutrophils and NET-associated markers in the early acute stages of infection. Correlation analyses conducted between NET-specific markers and clinical scores as well as histopathologic scores support association between neutrophil activation and disease severity during SARS-CoV-2 infection in this model. Overall, this study emphasizes the effect of neutrophil activation and NET release in SARS-CoV-2 infection in a feline model, prompting further investigation into therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating excessive innate inflammatory responses in COVID-19.

Outcome of traumatic elbow luxation managed with temporary transarticular external skeletal fixation in eight cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report the clinical outcomes in a series of traumatic elbow luxations in cats treated with closed reduction and a temporary transarticular type II external skeletal fixator (ESF). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of traumatic elbow luxation cases in cats at two referral centres. Data collected included signalment, history, clinical assessment, radiographic findings, surgical procedures and complications. Short-term follow-up was based on clinical evaluations at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Long-term follow-up was based either on a telephone interview with the owner or a clinical evaluation. RESULTS: Eight cats were included. Five cats experienced lateral elbow luxation, while three cats had medial elbow luxation. All cats with medial elbow luxation exhibited radiographic signs of medial humeral epicondylitis. The median age was 9 years (range 3-15). The elbow luxation was treated by closed reduction and percutaneous placement of a temporary transarticular type II ESF, which was removed 2 weeks postoperatively. Two minor complications were recorded. Elbow reluxation and major complications were not encountered. The 6-week postoperative evaluation and long-term follow-up revealed a lameness of grade 1 in 1/8 cats and 0 in the remainder. Elbow range of motion was normal in all cats. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: None of the cases treated with this protocol experienced recurrence of elbow luxation. All cats demonstrated an excellent outcome based on the lameness score, the low complication rate and the follow-up telephone interview. The technique is minimally invasive and carries a low incidence of complications. Concurrent orthopaedic disease, such as medial humeral epicondylitis, may predispose to medial elbow luxation.

Performance of applications of Ophytrium-containing mousse with or without shampoo in cats with pruritic and irritated skin: a multicentre prospective field trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a protocol in which topical products (DOUXO S3 CALM Shampoo and Mousse; Ceva Santé Animale) containing Ophytrium were applied to cats to help manage feline atopic syndrome (FAS). METHODS: A total of 23 client-owned cats with a history of FAS and presenting irritated skin and pruritus were recruited for this study. The cats were either shampooed or moussed on day 0 (D0) and then moussed every 48-72 h for 3 weeks. On D0, D7 and D21, clinical signs were assessed using the validated scoring system, Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD). Pruritus was graded by the owner using an adapted dual visual analogue scale (Pruritus Visual Analog Scale for Cats [VAScat]). Veterinarians also assessed pruritus intensity and frequency, and provided a subjective assessment of global skin condition and of improvements in each cat's condition. On D21, all questionnaires were collected from both veterinarians and owners. RESULTS: Among the 19 cats that completed the study, the SCORFAD and VASmax (maximum value of VAScat, either scratching or licking) scores improved by ⩾50% in 63.2% and 38.9% of animals, respectively. Mean SCORFAD values decreased significantly between D0 and D21 (from 6.2 to 2.8, P <0.05). Similarly, mean VASmax values decreased significantly between D0 and D21 (from 7.4 to 4.3, P <0.05). Overall, veterinarians assessed the improvement as satisfactory, good or excellent in 18/19 (94.7%) cases. The protocol was considered efficient and practical by 18/19 (94.7%) and 19/19 (100%) owners, respectively, and the resulting good condition of skin and coat was emphasised by 15/19 (78.9%) owners. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This topical protocol with Ophytrium-containing mousse and shampoo was well tolerated. The products were effective in reducing skin irritation and discomfort quickly and significantly in cats with skin irritation and pruritus, yielding high satisfaction levels among both veterinarians and owners.

Hypoadrenocorticism in cats: a 40-year update.

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Addison's disease is a very rare condition in cats, with only approximately 40 cases documented in the past 40 years since it was first described in 1983. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: While canine hypoadrenocorticism is a well-recognised disorder with clear diagnostic and treatment guidelines, feline hypoadrenocorticism remains a challenge because of its rarity and waxing and waning clinical signs. Furthermore, empirical treatment with corticosteroids, resulting in clinical improvement, contributes to delays in achieving the diagnosis and initiating treatment. Feline hypoadrenocorticism is diagnosed with an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test; a low resting cortisol concentration with an inadequate or absent response to synthetic ACTH is diagnostic. Various ACTH stimulation-testing protocols are reported in published cases, with the majority using three time-limited blood samples. This can be limiting clinically, depending on cats' clinical presentation and behaviour at the veterinary practice and tolerance for procedures. Long-term treatment, similar to canine hypoadrenocorticism, consists of oral corticosteroids, with several formulations licensed in the UK, and mineralocorticoids (desoxycorticosterone pivalate), of which the only available formulation (Zycortal; Dechra) is licensed for dogs and its safety has not been assessed in cats. GLOBAL IMPORTANCE: Feline hypoadrenocorticism occurs worldwide. Although no breed, sex or age association has been reported, cats aged <6 years are overrepresented.

Sparganosis in the Indian Sub-continent and the Middle East.

Sparganosis is one of the common zoonotic diseases caused by infection with the larval plerocercoids (spargana) of the cestode genus Spirometra. While this parasite distributes globally in canine and feline hosts, human infection is predominantly reported in East Asia, especially China, Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Maybe related to the behavior and food culture, this zoonotic disease is rather rare in South Asia to the Middle East. In these areas, sporadic case reports have been appeared mostly in the local medical journals. To draw a solid picture of sparganosis in these non-endemic areas of Asia, we made an extensive literature survey to gather sparganosis cases in the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East.

Effects of Telmisartan on Intraocular Pressure, Blood Pressure, and Ocular Perfusion Pressure in Normal and Glaucomatous Cats.

Purpose: To determine the effect of telmisartan on intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure (BP), and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) in normal and glaucomatous cats. Methods: A four-week study was conducted in six normal adult cats, followed by a longer six-month study performed in 37 cats with spontaneous glaucoma and 11 age-matched normal cats. Telmisartan (1 mg/kg/day) or placebo-vehicle were administered orally once daily. IOP was measured by rebound tonometry. BP readings were obtained by oscillometric method. OPP was calculated as mean arterial pressure (MAP) - IOP. IOP and BP were obtained three times a week for the first study and weekly for the second study. Results: Baseline IOP was significantly higher, and OPP was significantly lower in glaucomatous cats than in normal cats (P < 0.0001). These differences between glaucomatous and normal cats persisted throughout the study, regardless of treatment (P < 0.001). No significant differences in IOP, BP, or OPP were detected between any study phases in the first, normal feline cohort or between telmisartan- and placebo-treated glaucomatous cats at any timepoint in the second study. Conclusions: Oral telmisartan was well tolerated and did not have a detrimental effect on BP or OPP in cats but did not lower IOP or improve OPP in cats with glaucoma. Translational Relevance: While showing telmisartan could not be used as a sole therapy for IOP lowering, our data affirmed a lack of detrimental effects of telmisartan on BP and OPP in a translationally-relevant, spontaneous, large animal glaucoma model.

Helminths of free-ranging dogs and cats in an urban natural reserve in Mexico City and their potential risk as zoonotic agents.

In the Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal of San Ángel, located in the south of Mexico City, Mexico, free-roaming dogs and cats coexist with 148 bird, 33 of mammal, 23 of reptile and seven amphibian species, that represent a remnant of the original fauna of the Mexican Plateau. The negative impact that dogs and cats have on local fauna is unobjectionable, however, the role that these introduced vertebrates play as potential transmitters of infectious diseases for native fauna and humans, is much less understood. Information about parasitic infections in native and introduced animals in this location is scarce. In order to ameliorate this lack of information, the objective of this study is to characterize the helminth fauna of the free-ranging dogs and cats of the ecological reserve. Between 2018 and 2023, 36 Felis silvestris catus and 7 Canis lupus familiaris were studied from the helminthological perspective. Endoparasites were obtained from the digestive tract and were identified to the species level using morphological and molecular evidence. Hosts were parasitized by eight species of helminths: in cats the cestodes Hydatigera taeniaeformis, Mesocestoides sp., Taenia rileyi and the nematode Toxocara cati were recorded, while in dogs, the cestode Taenia pisiformis and the nematodes Ancylostoma caninum, and Uncinaria stenocephala were found. The only species shared between cats and dogs was the cestode Dipylidium caninum. These free-ranging animals act as definitive hosts of 5 species known to have zoonotic potential; their presence in the area may generate a public and animal health problem if programs of dog and cat population control are not continued.

Video-Assisted Ventral Bulla Osteotomy to Remove a Bullet Foreign Body in a Cat.

A 7 yr old castrated male domestic shorthair presented for assessment of a chronic left head tilt, losses of balance, and positional nystagmus. A computed tomographic scan of the head revealed several fragments of a metallic foreign body in the left tympanic cavity. The foreign material was removed under endoscopic assistance through a minimally invasive ventral bulla osteotomy. No complications were noted during the immediate postoperative period. Follow-up 5 mo after surgery revealed complete resolution of the neurological signs with no evidence of recurrence. Foreign bodies associated with middle ear infection have not been previously reported in the cat. They should now be included in the differential diagnosis of vestibular disease. Endoscopic-assisted foreign body removal in the middle ear seems to be a safe and efficient way to retrieve small foreign bodies in bullae in cats.

Successful Treatment of Sino-Orbital Aspergillus udagawae Infection Using Oral Posaconazole in a Cat.

A 10 yr old spayed female ragdoll cat presented with sudden onset of sneezing, nasal discharge, and stertor. There was no improvement in clinical signs despite treatment with antibiotics, feline interferon, and nebulization. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed findings consistent with chronic rhinitis, and a tissue biopsy obtained by rhinoscopy led to a histopathologic diagnosis of sinonasal aspergillosis. Polymerase chain reaction amplification identified the causative agent as Aspergillus udagawae. Oral itraconazole therapy was initiated. However, the cat's clinical signs progressed to include left exophthalmos, nictitating membrane protrusion, and lacrimation. A second CT scan revealed a soft-tissue attenuating structure extending into the left retrobulbar space, confirming progression to sino-orbital aspergillosis (SOA). The oral medication was changed to posaconazole and continued for 5 mo, resulting in resolution of the clinical signs. The cat has remained asymptomatic over 24 mo since initial diagnosis. This case represents the first successful treatment of feline SOA caused by A udagawae infection with posaconazole. A udagawae is the second most common cause of SOA and is known to be intractable because of its low susceptibility to antifungal agents and poor response to topical clotrimazole. Posaconazole may be a valuable treatment option for SOA caused by A udagawae.

Selection of X-ray Tube Settings for Relative Bone Density Quantification in the Knee Joint of Cats Using Computed Digital Absorptiometry.

Bone mineral density (BMD) varies with aging and both systemic and local diseases; however, such evidence is lacking in feline medicine. This may be due to the need for general anesthesia in cats for direct BMD measurements using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or quantitative computed tomography (QCT). In this study, computed digital absorptiometry (CDA), an indirect relative BMD-measuring method, was optimized to select an X-ray tube setting for the quantitative assessment of the feline knee joint. The knee joints of nine cats were radiographically imaged and processed using the CDA method with an aluminum density standard and five X-ray tube settings (from 50 to 80 kV; between 1.2 and 12 mAs). The reference attenuation of the X-ray beam for ten steps (S1-S10) of the density standard was recorded in Hounsfield units (HU), compared between X-ray tube settings, and used to determine the ranges of relative density applied for radiograph decomposition. The relative density decreased (p < 0.0001) with an increase in kV and dispersed with an increase in mAs. Then, the percentage of color pixels (%color pixels), representing ranges of relative density, was compared among S1-S10 and used for the recognition of background artifacts. The %color pixels was the highest for low steps and the lowest for high steps (p < 0.0001), regardless of X-ray tube settings. The X-ray tube setting was considered the most beneficial when it effectively covered the lowest possible HU ranges without inducing background artifacts. In conclusion, for further clinical application of the CDA method for quantitative research on knee joint OA in cats, 60 kV and 1.2 mAs settings are recommended.

Receptive-field nonlinearities in primary auditory cortex: a comparative perspective.

Cortical processing of auditory information can be affected by interspecies differences as well as brain states. Here we compare multifeature spectro-temporal receptive fields (STRFs) and associated input/output functions or nonlinearities (NLs) of neurons in primary auditory cortex (AC) of four mammalian species. Single-unit recordings were performed in awake animals (female squirrel monkeys, female, and male mice) and anesthetized animals (female squirrel monkeys, rats, and cats). Neuronal responses were modeled as consisting of two STRFs and their associated NLs. The NLs for the STRF with the highest information content show a broad distribution between linear and quadratic forms. In awake animals, we find a higher percentage of quadratic-like NLs as opposed to more linear NLs in anesthetized animals. Moderate sex differences of the shape of NLs were observed between male and female unanesthetized mice. This indicates that the core AC possesses a rich variety of potential computations, particularly in awake animals, suggesting that multiple computational algorithms are at play to enable the auditory system's robust recognition of auditory events.

Companion animals and child development outcomes: longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of a UK birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Research into the impact of social relationships on childhood and adolescent health and wellbeing has been largely limited to children's relationships with other humans, while studies into the impact of pet ownership are sparse and have generally not adjusted for potential confounders. This study aimed to investigate the association between pet ownership and a range of developmental outcomes in childhood and adolescence. METHODS: Data were self-reports and direct assessments of approx. 14,000 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Multivariable regression models adjusting for confounding factors examined associations between developmental outcome measures (emotional health, behavioural development, cognitive development, language development, educational attainment) and concurrent pet ownership, including species, and also longitudinal pet ownership history and pet-interaction where possible. Analyses model numbers using multiple imputation varied from n = 393-8963. RESULTS: In cross-sectional analyses, owning a dog (b = 0.24, [0.06-0.41], p = .004) and owning other/miscellaneous pets (b = 0.18, [0.03-0.33], p = .021) at age 3 were associated with higher prosocial behaviour score. Owning a pet was associated with a higher non-verbal communication score at age 2 (cross-sectional, b = 0.18, [0.04-0.32], p = .014), and a higher language development score at age 5 (cross-sectional, b = 1.01, [0.18-1.83], p = .017). However, pet ownership was associated with lower educational attainment across a number of academic subjects and timepoints, in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. It was also cross-sectionally linked to hyperactivity at age 3 and conduct problems at age 3 and 11. Furthermore, at age 8, cross-sectional analysis showed that children who owned any pets (OR [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.73-0.98], p= ·026) or cats (0.83, [0.73-0.95], p= ·006) had lower odds of high self-esteem (scholastic competence). CONCLUSIONS: Using a large, well-designed longitudinal study and adjusting for key confounders, we found little evidence of cross-sectional or longitudinal associations between pet ownership and emotional health or cognitive outcomes in children. There may, however, be some cross-sectional and longitudinal association with poorer educational attainment and a positive impact on social interactions as seen through associations with enhanced language development and prosocial behaviour. This study demonstrates the importance of adjustment for confounding variables and suggests that, contrary to popular belief, positive impacts of pet ownership on childhood development may be mainly limited to social behaviour and language development.

Perioperative Change of High-Sensitive Cardiac Troponin I Concentration in Cats According to Three Different Anaesthesia Protocols.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin I, a particular biomarker, is released into the bloodstream in response to myocardial injury. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate perioperative changes in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) concentration during ovariohysterectomy in cats undergoing three different anaesthesia protocols. METHODS:  Twenty-one female mixed-breed cats owned by clients aged (2.2 ± 0.7 years) and weight (3.2 ± 0.5 kg) were included in our study. The cats were divided into three groups: propofol-isoflurane (PI) group (n = 7), xylazine-ketamine (XK) group (n = 7) and xylazine-isoflurane (XI) group (n = 7). After pre-anaesthetic propofol (6 mg/kg IV) was administered to cats in Group PI, a mask was placed, and anaesthesia was maintained with 3.0% isoflurane in oxygen. Cats in Group XK underwent general anesthetization with xylazine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg IM) and, 10 min later, ketamine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg IM). Cats in Group XI were administered xylazine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg IM), and then anaesthesia (3.0% isoflurane and oxygen) was continued with a mask. Blood samples were collected from all cats; preoperatively and postoperatively at 0 and 12 h (Pre-, Post-0 h and Post-12 h, respectively). Serum hs-cTnI concentrations were measured with the Advia Centaur TnI-Ultra. RESULTS: In all 21 cats, hs-cTnI concentration increased at Post-0 h and 12 h measurement points compared to Pre-. In the XK group, hs-cTnI concentrations exhibited a significant increase at the Post-0 h (51.30 ng/L) and Post-12 h (157.70 ng/L) time points compared to Pre- (6.70 ng/L) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The XK group increased the concentration of hs-cTnI more than other protocols. In the PI group, the increase in hs-cTnI concentrations at Post-0 and 12 h increased less than the other two groups (p < 0.05). The PI group was found to induce less myocardial damage.

Low intestinal parasite prevalence in Finnish pet dogs and cats.

BACKGROUND: This study updates the knowledge of current canine and feline endoparasitic prevalence in Finland. The previous studies reported intestinal worm prevalence of 5.9% in dogs and 7.1% in cats. We also determined the anthelmintic regime and background data of dogs and cats concerning Toxocara spp. INFECTION: Altogether 664 canine and 379 feline (including 46 shelter cats') fecal samples from over six-month-old animals were examined with quantitative Mini-FLOTAC method using zinc sulfate with a specific gravity of 1.35. Of these samples, 396 canine and 89 feline samples were analyzed using the Baermann method for nematode larvae. A fenbendazole efficacy study was conducted with 12 animals positive for Toxocara spp. RESULTS: Endoparasites were found in the feces of 3.5% of dogs, 3.6% of pet cats, and 41.3% of shelter cats. The most common findings in dogs were strongylid (1.7%) and Toxocara canis (0.9%) eggs. Trematode (0.4%), Eucoleus spp. (0.3%), taeniid (0.2%), and Trichuris vulpis (0.2%) eggs, and Cystoisospora spp. oocysts (0.2%) were also detected. One dog (0.2%) was positive for Crenosoma vulpis based on the Baermann method. Toxocara cati (3.3%), taeniid (0.6%), and trematode (0.3%) eggs were found in pet cats' samples. The findings in shelter cat samples were T. cati (34.8%), Eucoleus spp. (13.0%), Cystoisospora spp. oocysts (10.9%), taeniids (8.7%), and Toxoplasma gondii/Hammondia hammondii oocysts (2.2%). Fenbendazole efficacy was adequate in all treated animals, except one cat. The background data revealed 31.2% of dogs being dewormed less than once a year or never. Under twelve-month-old dogs and dogs that were dewormed twice a year were most likely to be T. canis- infected. Shelter cats, male cats, mixed-breed cats, cats that were dewormed two to four times a year, and cats with a history of parasitic infections were most likely to be T. cati infected. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pet canine and feline intestinal parasites in Finland is low, particularly the Toxocara spp. PREVALENCE: In free-roaming cats Eucoleus spp. is surprisingly prevalent. The parasite control strategies reported do not follow the ESCCAP guidelines. Typically, owners deworm their pets only once a year or less frequently.

Placement of the feline V-gel Advanced supraglottic airway device and tracheal selectivity during controlled mechanical ventilation: a clinical and tomodensitometric evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study was to assess the placement of the V-gel Advanced (V-gel-A) and to evaluate tracheal selectivity during controlled mechanical ventilation, using CT. METHODS: In this prospective clinical study, 20 healthy cats undergoing general anaesthesia for an elective procedure underwent four successive CT scans from the nose to the mid-abdomen: at baseline (no device); after the placement of the V-gel-A, after a controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) period of 5 mins; and after the placement of an endotracheal tube (ETT). Using both a purpose designed position score and a gas score estimating the quantity of gas in different digestive regions, the position of the V-gel-A and presence of gas in the digestive tract at each step were evaluated. Number of attempts and times required to place the V-gel-A and ETT were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The V-gel-A was found to be correctly placed, with position scores of 3/5 in six cats, 4/5 in 13 cats and 5/5 in one cat. Imperfect positioning was due to minor axial rotation or incomplete occlusion of the oesophagus by the tip of the device. The gas scores significantly increased after placement of the V-gel-A compared with baseline and after CMV was initiated. Correct positioning of the device was mostly achieved at the first attempt; no significant difference was found in the time required to place V-gel-A vs ETT, nor in the number of attempts (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The V-gel-A was clinically easy to place and use in both spontaneous and controlled ventilation. The device properly fitted the larynx and was never observed to occlude the airway. However, incomplete occlusion of the oesophagus was frequently observed and may lead to a lack of complete tracheal selectivity.