Analytical validation of an ELISA for the measurement of feline pancreas-specific lipase and re-evaluation of the reference interval and decision threshold for diagnosing pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of feline pancreatitis can be challenging. The clinical presentation often includes mild, nonspecific clinical signs, such as vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss. Measurement of feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) concentration in serum has been reported to be sensitive and specific for a diagnosis of pancreatitis in cats. However, analytical validation for a widely available commercial assay for the measurement of fPLI concentration has not been published. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analytically validate the Spec fPL assay (IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME), a commercial ELISA for the measurement of fPLI concentration, and re-evaluate its reference interval and decision threshold for diagnosing pancreatitis in cats. METHODS: Dilutional linearity, accuracy, precision, and the effect of interfering substances were assessed. The upper limit of the reference interval was calculated based on the 95th percentile of results from clinically healthy cats (n = 107), and a decision threshold for diagnosing pancreatitis was calculated with an expected specificity of 99%. RESULTS: Analytical validation demonstrated good linearity, accuracy, and precision, as well as the absence of interference from lipemia, hemolysis, or icterus. The upper limit of the reference interval for Spec fPL was determined to be 4.4 µg/L, and the decision threshold (a theoretical cut-off) for diagnosing pancreatitis was determined to be 8.8 µg/L based on a desired specificity of 99%. CONCLUSIONS: The Spec fPL assay is analytically valid, and results suggest that a decision threshold of 8.8 µg/L would have high diagnostic specificity for excluding clinically healthy cats.

Tick-borne Diseases (Borreliosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis) in German and Austrian Dogs: Status quo and Review of Distribution, Transmission, Clinical Findings, Diagnostics and Prophylaxis.

Tick-borne diseases (TBD) in dogs have gained in significance in German and Austrian veterinary practices. The widespread European tick species Ixodes ricinus represents an important vector for spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group and Rickettsiales such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The meadow or ornate dog tick (Dermacentor reticulatus) is an important vector for Babesia canis, as is the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) for Babesia vogeli in the Mediterranean region. The present work covers pathogen transmission by tick vectors, including the mechanisms and the minimum intervals required, in conjunction with possible non-vector-borne transmission routes. It also addresses the incubation periods, pathogenicity and clinical findings associated with each pathogen and genospecies and presents case examples. Current data on prevalence, annual fluctuations and distribution in various pre-selected dog populations (symptomatic versus asymptomatic) in both countries are depicted in maps. Reasons for changes in prevalence (especially of Borrelia) are discussed. Criteria and algorithms for clinical diagnosis and monitoring in dogs, including case history, direct detection (blood smears, molecular detection by species-specific PCR and sequencing) and indirect methods (whole-cell and peptide-based antibody tests), are presented, together with laboratory abnormalities (haematology, clinical chemistry, urine). The role of anti-C6 antibody concentration (ACAC) and its correlation with proteinuria and Lyme nephritis are assessed on the basis of new data. Consideration is also given to the importance of blood smears, PCR and serology in the case of anaplasmosis and babesiosis, and the diagnostic value of combining these methods. The relevance of molecular differentiation of Anaplasma species (A. phagocytophilum versus A. platys) and Babesia spp. (large versus small forms) in cases of serological cross-reaction is emphasized. A summary is given of methods for prophylaxis using acaricide products (collars, spot-on solutions and oral treatments in both countries), vaccination (Borrelia and Babesia vaccines) and imidocarb-based chemoprophylaxis for large Babesia.

Serial serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations and prognostic variables in 33 cats with pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors significantly associated with prognosis in cats hospitalized because of pancreatitis. DESIGN: Prospective case series. Animals-33 cats hospitalized for treatment of pancreatitis (diagnosis determined on the basis of clinical signs and serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity [fPLI] concentration ≥ 5.4 µg/L). PROCEDURES: Cats were hospitalized (day 1) for 2 to 16 days and observed for 44 days or until they died or were euthanized. Results of physical examination and hematologic and serum biochemical analysis, including measurement of serum fPLI concentration, performed on the day of hospital admission were analyzed to determine whether they were associated with outcome (ie, survival to at least 44 days vs death or euthanasia). RESULTS: On day 1, mean × SD serum fPLI concentration among the 33 cats was 22.0 × 16.4 µg/L. Mean age of the cats was 12.7 × 3.8 years (range, 4 to 19 years). Eleven of the 33 (33%) cats died or were euthanized before day 44. In univariate analyses, dyspnea, hypothermia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, and serum fPLI concentration were significantly associated with an adverse outcome. However, in a multivariate analysis, only severe dyspnea, hyperkalemia (potassium concentration > 5.5 mmol/L), and serum fPLI concentration at the time of hospital admission were found to be significantly associated with an adverse outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that dyspnea, hyperkalemia, and serum fPLI concentration at the time of hospital admission were significant prognostic factors for cats hospitalized because of pancreatitis.

Prevalence of influenza A H5N1 virus in cats from areas with occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds.

Natural and experimental infections have shown that cats are susceptible to highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (HPAIV H5N1). Cats can be severely affected and die from the disease, but subclinical infections have also been reported. To learn more about the role of cats in the spread of the virus and about the risk posed to cats, the prevalence of H5N1 virus was examined in 171 cats from areas in Germany and Austria in which birds infected with HPAIV H5N1 had been found. Pharyngeal swabs were examined for H5N1 virus using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and serum samples were tested for antibodies to influenza virus. None of the cats showed evidence of infection with H5N1 virus. Prevalence of H5N1 virus was determined to be <1.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.000000-0.017366); prevalence of antibodies was <2.6% (95% CI: 0.000000-0.025068).