Evaluation of hair and nail cortisol concentrations and associations with behavioral, physical, and environmental indicators of chronic stress in cats.

BACKGROUND: Chronic stress is implicated in behavioral and health issues in cats, but methods for recognition, evaluation, and measurement of stress are lacking. Cortisol concentration is typically used as an indicator of stress. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate use of an enzyme immunoassay to quantitate hair and nail cortisol concentrations (HCC and NCC) in cats and evaluate associations between HCC and NCC and behavioral, physical, and environmental correlates of chronic stress in cats. ANIMALS: Forty-eight adult, owned or community cats. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Nail clippings and hair were collected from cats. Medical history and cat daily lifestyle questionnaires were completed by owners or caretakers. A commercial laboratory performed cortisol extraction and quantification using a validated enzyme immunoassay kit. Correlational and regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between HCC and NCC and behavioral, environmental, and medical factors. RESULTS: Hair and nail cortisol concentrations were significantly associated (rs  = 0.70; P < .001), but HCCs varied widely within and among cats. Cats with litterbox issues had significantly increased HCC (P = .02) and NCC (P = .001) as compared to cats without litterbox issues. Cats with groomed coats had lower HCCs (P = .02) as compared to cats without groomed coats, whereas cats with dander and mats had higher NCCs (P = .01) as compared to cats without dander and mats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The quantification of NCCs might improve identification and evaluation of chronic stress in cats. The variability of HCCs in individual cats warrants caution using this measurement in chronic stress studies.

Evaluation of liposome toll-like receptor ligand complexes for non-specific mucosal immunoprotection from feline herpesvirus-1 infection.

BACKGROUND: Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) infection can result in serious morbidity and mortality, especially in kittens. Immunotherapy using liposome-toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand complexes (LTC) has been shown to activate innate immune responses. OBJECTIVES: To determine in kittens whether mucosal administration of LTC before FHV-1 inoculation would decrease severity of clinical signs and decrease quantities of FHV-1 DNA in materials collected on oropharyngeal swabs. ANIMALS: Nineteen, 14-week-old, purpose-bred kittens. METHODS: Pilot clinical trial with 2 groups of kittens allocated to either an LTC or control group. The LTC were administered into both nares and the oropharynx of the 12 LTC group kittens, and all 19 kittens were inoculated with FHV-1 24 hours later. Clinical scores were determined daily for 28 days, and oropharyngeal mucosal materials were collected every 7 days to assess FHV-1 DNA quantities for comparison between groups. RESULTS: Conjunctivitis was more common in kittens in the control group on Days 15-28 (P = .01) and Days 1-28 (P = .02). Total respiratory scores were higher in the LTC group on days 15-28 (P = .03). The LTC group had significantly decreased FHV-1 DNA on swabs when compared to the control group on some postinoculation days, using 2 methods of calculation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Administration of LTC to kittens was shown to decrease FHV-1 DNA and some manifestations of illness in kittens when administrated 24 hours before inoculation, suggesting clinical benefit.

Clinical and Laboratory Effects of Doxycycline and Prednisolone in Ixodes scapularis-Exposed Dogs With Chronic Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection.

Persistent infection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum (AP) after treatment and immunosuppression has not been studied in dogs infected with AP after Ixodes scapularis infestation. This descriptive pilot study evaluated 6 laboratory-reared beagles that were persistently positive for AP antibodies after infestation with wild-caught I. scapularis. After 20 weeks, 3 of 6 dogs were administered doxycycline orally for 28 days, and all 6 dogs were then administered prednisolone at 2.2 mg/kg orally for 14 days. Blood was collected from all 6 dogs and evaluated by complete blood count, AP antibodies, and AP DNA at the beginning of the study and on Week 24 through Week 28. Blood was collected from 5 of the dogs on Week 48. No dogs developed recognizable clinical signs of illness or clinically relevant complete blood count abnormalities. During Week 26 through Week 28, all 6 dogs were negative for AP DNA. On Week 48, the 2 doxycycline treated dogs available for testing were negative for AP DNA and antibodies; the 3 untreated dogs were negative for AP DNA but positive for AP antibodies. In this model, the prednisolone protocol used did not activate AP in dogs with chronic, vector-induced infection. Since PCR evidence of AP infection resolved in both groups of dogs, the effect doxycycline had in eliminating AP infection from I. scapularis-exposed dogs will require further study.

Postamputation Orthopedic Surgery in Canine Amputees: Owner Satisfaction and Outcome.

Surgical management of postamputation orthopedic disease (PAOD) in canine amputees has rarely been documented, and no reports describing outcome of stifle surgery in canine amputees are available. The objective of this multisite retrospective case series was to describe cases and evaluate satisfaction with and outcome of postamputation orthopedic surgery in canine amputees. Data was obtained through medical records and owner survey responses; data included signalment, amputation cause, diagnosis, surgical treatment, timeframes, and outcome assessment. Outcome was categorized as acceptable or unacceptable, and complications were classified as catastrophic, major, or minor. Eleven thoracic limb amputees and 6 pelvic limb amputees with surgically treated PAOD were identified. Surgically treated PAOD was reported at a median of 9.7 months (range 0.5-110 months) after amputation. All 17 amputees were treated for pelvic limb disease, predominantly for cranial cruciate ligament disease that occurred in 11 of 17 dogs. Major complications following orthopedic surgeries performed in 3 thoracic limb amputees consisted of infection (n = 2) and uncontrolled pain (n = 1). No major complications were reported following orthopedic surgeries performed in pelvic limb amputees. Acceptable mid-to-long-term outcome was achieved in 16 of the 17 canine amputees. Surgical treatment of pelvic limb disease did not appear to be associated with a high number of major complications in this case series. These findings suggest that orthopedic surgery, specifically stifle surgery, in canine amputees might be considered a feasible treatment option. Although there are inherent methodological limitations of retrospective studies and owner surveys, our case series provides new information that might help guide surgical treatment decisions in canine amputees suffering from orthopedic disease. Prospective studies using objective outcome measures evaluating surgical management of PAOD are necessary to confirm the provided information.

A retrospective analysis of the use of lokivetmab in the management of allergic pruritus in a referral population of 135 dogs in the western USA.

BACKGROUND: Lokivetmab neutralizes IL-31, a cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs. OBJECTIVE: To review experience of one year of treatment with lokivetmab for the control of pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis. ANIMALS: Eighty dogs diagnosed with AD, ten with concurrent adverse food reaction and AD and 45 with allergic dermatitis of undetermined cause. Three dogs were lost to follow- up. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of dogs with allergic dermatitis treated with lokivetmab from November 2015 to October 2016. Treatment success for owner-assessed pruritus was empirically defined as ≥2 cm reduction in Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) from baseline. A ≥50% reduction in pVAS also was recorded. RESULTS: Pruritus improvement was achieved in 116 of 132 dogs (87.8%) following initial lokivetmab administration at 1.8 to 3.7 mg/kg (P < 0.001). A pVAS reduction of ≥50% was recorded in 104 dogs (77.0%). Dogs with severe/very severe pruritus prior to treatment and large/giant sized dogs, had 2.7 and 2.8 times higher odds of treatment success, respectively. There were no significant associations between treatment success and age of onset of clinical signs, disease chronicity, lokivetmab dosage or age at initial lokivetmab administration. Dogs that did not previously respond to oclacitinib were less likely to respond to lokivetmab. Adverse effects including lethargy, vomiting, hyperexcitability, pain at injection site and urinary incontinence were reported in 11 of 132 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Lokivetmab at labelled dosages was a fast, safe and efficacious therapy for the control of pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis.

Evaluation of immunological parameters in pit bull terrier-type dogs with juvenile onset generalized demodicosis and age-matched healthy pit bull terrier-type dogs.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile onset generalized demodicosis (JOGD) is thought to occur due to immunological abnormalities and is over-represented in pit bull terrier-type dogs. ANIMALS: Twelve pit bull terrier-type dogs with JOGD and 12 age-matched healthy pit bull terrier-type dogs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate immunological differences between age-matched healthy and JOGD pit bull terrier-type dogs by flow cytometry, multiplex, molecular and serological assays. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Flow cytometry quantified B cells expressing MHCII or surface-bound IgG, CD4+ T cells expressing MHCII, CD8 T cells expressing MHCII or CD11a, neutrophil and monocyte markers. Surface expression was quantified by calculating the geometric mean fluorescence index. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare median results for IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IL-18, FOXP3, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, GM-CSF, KC, IgE, IgA, IgG, IgM, C-reactive protein, lymphocyte, neutrophil and monocyte in the groups. IFN-gamma, IP-10, IL-15, IL-31 and TNF-alpha also were measured; however, insufficient dogs (<5) had values that were in range of the assay to allow for statistical evaluation. Significance was defined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-18 and MCP-1 were significantly higher (P = 0.01, P = 0.01, P = 0.04) in the JOGD group. Also, IgA median value was significantly higher (P = 0.002) in pit bull terrier-type dogs with JOGD. Flow cytometry revealed that T-cell, neutrophil and monocyte markers were not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest an appropriate compensatory immune response by pit bull terrier-type dogs in the JOGD group and do not support the explanation of global immune deficiency in these dogs.

Effect of a Pheromone on Stress-Associated Reactivation of Feline Herpesvirus-1 in Experimentally Inoculated Kittens.

BACKGROUND: Stress contributes to reactivation of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1). The usage of pheromones to decrease stress in FHV-1 experimentally inoculated kittens has not previously been investigated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a feline pheromone would lessen stress, resulting in decreased recurrence of FHV-1-associated illness in kittens. ANIMALS: Twelve 5-month-old, purpose-bred kittens. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Kittens previously infected with the same dose of FHV-1 were randomized into 2 separate but identical group rooms. After a 2-week equilibration period, a diffuser containing either the pheromone or placebo was placed in each of the rooms, and the kittens acclimated for an additional 2 weeks. Every 2 weeks thereafter, for the 8-week study period, housing was alternated between kennel- and group housing. Blinded observers applied a standardized clinical and behavioral scoring rubric daily. After each 2-week period, serum cortisol concentrations and quantitative PCR for FHV-1 and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) ratios were evaluated. Clinical, behavioral, and laboratory test results were compared between groups within individual and combined study periods. RESULTS: Sneezing occurred more frequently in the placebo group during individual (P = 0.006) and combined study periods (P = 0.001). Sleep at the end of observation periods occurred more frequently in the pheromone group during individual (P = 0.006) and combined study periods (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The findings suggest that the pheromone decreased stress, and the decrease in stress response may have resulted in decreased sneezing associated with FHV-1.

Use of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet UR Urinary St/Ox to Dissolve Struvite Cystoliths.

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of feeding the commercially available diet, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox, for the dissolution of struvite cystoliths in cats with naturally occurring disease. Twelve cats with clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease and cystoliths confirmed via radiographs were enrolled. The cats were fed the study diet ad libitum and assessed by abdominal radiographs weekly. Cats with cystoliths that resolved based on radiographs and confirmatory ultrasound examination were considered diet successes. Cats with no change in cystolith size after 2-6 weeks underwent cystotomy for stone removal, aerobic culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and analysis. All cats accepted the study diet, and weight loss was not noted over the course of the study. Total cystolith dissolution was achieved by week 2 for 5 cats, which were presumed to have struvite cystoliths. All other cats underwent cystotomy for stone removal after radiographic evidence of cystoliths were still present at 2 weeks (1 cat with severe signs), 4 weeks (5 cats), or 6 weeks (1 cat). The cystoliths that were surgically removed were calcium oxalate (5 cats) and mixed (2 cats) and would not be expected to dissolve with this diet. Follow-up radiographs from 6 cats fed the diet long term (3 presumed struvite and 3 with other cystoliths removed surgically) were collected from 1 to 6 months after beginning the study and showed no evidence of cystolith recurrence. While larger case numbers are needed, these results suggest that feeding Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox can successfully dissolve cystoliths that are likely struvite and may lessen the risk of recurrence of struvite and calcium oxalate cystoliths.

Palatability and Clinical Effects of an Oral Recuperation Fluid During the Recovery of Dogs With Suspected Parvoviral Enteritis.

Dogs infected with canine parvovirus (CPV) can develop severe enteritis that requires supportive care until voluntary food and water consumption return. An oral recuperation fluid (ORF) may assist in the overall recovery from CPV. The hypotheses of the study were that dogs with naturally infected CPV would prefer the ORF to water and that dogs consuming the ORF would have a more rapid return to voluntary appetite and improved caloric intake during the initial recovery period compared with dogs consuming water. A total of 28 dogs with CPV were enrolled. Dogs were excluded if voluntary food or water intake was present at the time of study enrollment. Dogs were randomized to either an ORF or water group. The designated fluid was offered twice daily, followed by offering the opposite fluid 1 hour later if the designated fluid was refused. Dogs also received a standardized supportive treatment protocol. Beginning on day 2, all dogs were offered a gastrointestinal diet q8h, staggered with the fluid intake trials. A total of 40% (6/15) of dogs with CPV consumed the ORF as their designated fluid, and 31% (4/13) of dogs with CPV consumed water as their designated fluid (P = .71). For those dogs who refused their designated fluid, 56% (5/9) of the dogs consuming ORF ultimately consumed water, and 22% (2/9) of the dogs consuming water also consumed the ORF (P = .33). Dogs who consumed the ORF demonstrated a more rapid return to voluntary appetite (median = 1.5 days [range: 1-3]) compared with those that consumed water (median = 4.25 days [range: 1.5-5.5], P = .01) or neither fluid (median = 2 days [range: 1.5-5.5], P = .03). Additionally, those dogs consuming the ORF demonstrated greater caloric intake [median = 100% resting energy requirement (RER), range: 61%-100%] compared with those that consumed water (median = 19% RER; range: 9%-100%; P = .004) or neither fluid (median = 37% RER; range: 3-100; P = .05). This study suggests that some dogs with CPV voluntarily consume an ORF during the recovery phase of their illness and that consumption of the ORF may foster a more rapid return of voluntary appetite as well as improved caloric intake. Additional studies are warranted to further assess additional effects of this ORF during recovery from CPV.