Online-Assisted Survey on Antibiotic Use by Pet Owners in Dogs and Cats.

The aim of the study was two-fold: first, to collect data on the use of antibiotics in Germany for dogs and cats and, second, their owners' experiences and opinions. Using an anonymous online survey, dog and cat owners were asked about the last antibiotic administration in their pet. The inclusion criterion was any antibiotic administration within the last year. A total of 708 questionnaires from 463 dogs and 245 cats could be evaluated. Diarrhea was reported as the most common reason for antibiotic administration in dogs (18.4%). Wound infection/abscess/bite injury was the second most common reason in dogs (16.0%). In cats wound infection/abscess/bite injury was the most common reason (23.3%), followed by dental treatment (21.2%) and upper respiratory tract infections (16.7%). The most common antibiotics used systemically in both species were amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (32.5%), amoxicillin (14.8%), metronidazole (6.9%), and doxycycline (6.8%). While efficacy (99.9%) and tolerability (94.8%) were rated as most important for the choice of antibiotics, costs (51.6%) were cited as predominantly unimportant. First-line antibiotics were used significantly more often than critically important antibiotics. The majority of animal owners show awareness for avoidance of antibiotic resistance and the use of critically important antibiotics.

Influence of acclimatization time on parameters of barometric whole-body plethysmography in healthy adult cats.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary function testing by barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP) is a long-established and well-accepted, non-invasive investigative procedure in cats. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, if different acclimatization times influence the measurement parameters of BWBP in healthy adult cats. ANIMALS: 48 healthy adult cats. METHODS: In the prospective observational study, healthy cats were placed in a measuring chamber and BWBP was performed over 30 minutes. Parameters obtained during the three measurement units of 10 minutes each (T1, T2 and T3) were compared. RESULTS: All measurement parameters except for tidal volume per body weight changed significantly (p<0.05) over the three time periods. From T1-T2, the parameters minute volume per body weight (p<0.001), peak inspiratory flow per body weight (p<0.001), peak expiratory flow per body weight (p = 0.002), pause (p = 0.03), enhanced pause (p = 0.03) and quotient of peak expiratory flow divided by expiratory flow at end expiratory volume plus 50% tidal volume (p = 0.03) changed significantly. From the time interval T2-T3, only respiratory rate (p = 0.02), inspiratory time (p = 0.02), expiratory time (p = 0.04), and relaxation time (p = 0.01) changed significantly. All measurement parameters except for tidal volume per body weight changed significantly (p<0.05) between T1 and T3. Age had a significant influence on all parameters except for peak expiratory flow per body weight and peak inspiratory flow per body weight. The parameters were not influenced by sex. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: All measurement parameters except tidal volume per body weight were significantly affected by acclimatization time. Controlling for age and sex, there was still a significant influence of acclimatization time on all parameters except for tidal volume per body weight. Standardization of the acclimatization time for future studies would be appropriate in order to maintain comparability.

Intradermal testing and serum allergen-specific IgE-testing in cats with naturally occurring feline bronchial disease.

OBJECTIVES: While feline asthma (FA) is considered to be of allergic origin, the etiology of feline chronic bronchitis (CB) to date is unknown. Aim of the study was to compare the results of intradermal testing (IDT) and serum testing for allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (SAT) in cats diagnosed with FA and CB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven client-owned cats with clinical signs, suggestive of feline inflammatory bronchial disease (FBD) were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients were assigned to 3 groups based on results of bronchoalveolar-lavage-fluid (BALF)-cytology: FA (n=8), CB (n=10), or cats with a physiological BALF cytology (PB; n=9). A standardized IDT for 27 allergens was performed in all cats. In addition, allergen-specific IgE was measured in serum samples using an FcεRIα-ELISA. The number of positive reactions in both tests was compared between groups, and agreement between test results of both tests was evaluated. RESULTS: Regarding the number of positive reactions, no statistically significant difference was detected between groups in IDT (p=0.65) and SAT (p=0.51). When comparing the 2 test systems, a weak correlation was found for the allergens Tyrophagus putrescentiae (k=0.256), Dermatophagoides farinae (k=0.276), and rye (k=0.273). The most commonly observed reactions were to house dust mites, storage mites, rye and nettle in IDT and to sheep sorrel, storage mites, and house dust mites in SAT. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: IDT and SAT in cats with feline inflammatory bronchial disease (FBD) cannot be used interchangeably for allergen detection. Sensitization to environmental allergens can occur in cats with and without airway inflammation. Therefore, a positive test result should always be assessed in context with clinical signs and allergen exposure.

Reactions to environmental allergens in cats with feline lower airway disease.

Objectives: Aeroallergens have been discussed as potential triggers for feline asthma (FA), which can be induced experimentally by allergen sensitization. To date, only few studies have investigated reactions to environmental allergens in cats with naturally occurring feline lower airway disease (FLAD). The aim of the study was to compare results of intradermal testing (IDT) and serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E-(IgE) testing (SAT) in cats with FLAD, and to investigate possible associations with allergen exposure. Material and methods: Eight cats with eosinophilic airway inflammation (EI), ten cats with mixed inflammation (MI), six with neutrophilic inflammation (NI), and 24 healthy cats (HC) were included. Cats diagnosed with FLAD were assigned to the different inflammatory groups based on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLAF) cytology. SAT was performed in all cats; IDT was only carried out in cats with FLAD. Information about the cats' environment and potential allergen exposure was obtained using an owner questionnaire. Results: In comparison to 83% of HC with positive reactions on SAT only 52% of cats with FLAD had positive responses (p = 0.051). Significantly more positive reactions per cat were detected on IDT than on SAT (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found for positive reactions per cat on SAT when compared between HC, NI, EI, and MI (p = 0.377). Only "slight" agreement was found for most allergens when reactions obtained in both tests in cats with FLAD were compared, except for "moderate" agreement for English plantain (k = 0.504) and Alternaria alternata (k = 0.488). Overall, no clear association between the cats' environment and allergen reactions were detected. Conclusions and clinical importance: Interpretation of allergy test results in cats with FLAD should be done in the context of clinical signs and individual factors.

Serum Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Cats with Inflammatory Bronchial Disease.

The etiology of feline inflammatory bronchial disease is poorly understood. This study compares the degree of allergen-specific serum IgE responses between cats with feline asthma, chronic bronchitis, mixed inflammation, and clinically healthy cats (HCs). The retrospective case-control study used serum from eighteen cats with eosinophilic inflammation (EI), ten with neutrophilic inflammation (NI), six with mixed inflammation (MI), and fourteen HCs. Affected cats were categorized into groups based on bronchoalveolar lavage cytology. The measurement of IgE for 34 different allergens including fungal organisms, weeds, grasses, trees, mites, and insects was performed using an indirect ELISA. Positive reactions to allergens were detected in the serum of 17/18 cats with EI, 8/10 with NI, 6/6 with MI, and 11/14 HCs (p = 0.364). When overall positive reactions were compared between groups, cats with MI (p = <0.01) had significantly more positive reactions against mite allergens than HCs. Blood eosinophils inversely correlated with the absolute amount of allergen-specific serum IgE expressed in ELISA absorbance units (EAs) (p = 0.014). Sensitization against dust mites seems to be more prevalent in cats with MI. However, positive IgE reactions can be observed in healthy and diseased cats, and, therefore, need to be interpreted in the light of clinical findings and environmental conditions of individual patients.

Correlation of clinical and radiographic variables in cats with lower airway disease.

BACKGROUND: Feline lower airway disease (FLAD) is frequently associated with radiographic abnormalities. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether radiographic changes in cats with naturally occurring FLAD improve with treatment and if radiographic changes correlate with clinical signs. ANIMALS: Twenty-four client-owned cats newly diagnosed with FLAD, based on medical history, typical clinical signs, radiographic findings, and examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, were included in the prospective study. METHODS: At 2 examination time points (days 0 and 60), an owner questionnaire, clinical examination, and thoracic radiography were carried out. Information from the questionnaire and clinical examination were evaluated on the basis of a 12-point clinical score. Radiographs were assessed using a 10-point radiographic score. Individual treatment was given to all cats over the study period, based on severity of the disease and compliance of the cat. Clinical and radiographic scores were compared statistically for both examination time points and evaluated for correlation. RESULTS: All cats showed radiographic abnormalities at initial presentation. In addition to significant improvement in clinical variables, the total radiographic score improved significantly (P = .01) during the study period, with significant improvement in the severity of bronchial (P = .01) and interstitial lung pattern (P = .04). Improvement of the clinical and radiographic score was not correlated. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In addition to clinical signs, repeated radiographic examination can be used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate treatment response in cats with FLAD.

[Evaluierung der Langzeittherapie bei Katzen mit felinem Asthma und chronischer Bronchitis]. / Evaluation of long-term therapy in cats with feline asthma and chronic bronchitis.

GEGENSTAND UND ZIEL: Felines Asthma (FA) und chronische Bronchitis (CB) sind häufige entzündliche Erkrankungen der Atemwege der Katze. Obwohl beide Krankheitsbilder durch eine Infiltration mit unterschiedlichen Entzündungszelltypen gekennzeichnet sind, sind die therapeutischen Maßnahmen oft ähnlich. Über mögliche Unterschiede im therapeutischen Management dieser beiden Atemwegserkrankungen ist wenig bekannt. Ziel der Studie war es daher, bei Katzen mit FA und CB die Erst- und Langzeitbehandlung, Therapieerfolg, Nebenwirkungen und Besitzerzufriedenheit zu vergleichen. MATERIAL UND METHODEN: 35 Katzen mit FA und 11 Katzen mit CB wurden in die retrospektive Querschnittstudie eingeschlossen. Einschlusskriterien waren kompatible klinische und radiologische Befunde sowie der zytologische Nachweis einer eosinophilen Entzündung (FA) oder einer sterilen neutrophilen Entzündung (CB) in der bronchoalveolären Lavage-Flüssigkeit (BALF). Katzen mit CB wurden ausgeschlossen, wenn Hinweise auf pathologische Bakterien vorlagen. Besitzer wurden gebeten einen standardisierten Fragebogen zum therapeutischen Management und Ansprechen auf die Behandlung auszufüllen. ERGEBNISSE: Im Gruppenvergleich wurden keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede der Therapie festgestellt. Die meisten Katzen wurden anfänglich mit Kortikosteroiden mittels einer oralen (FA 63%/CB 64%, p=1), inhalativen (FA 34%/CB 55%, p=0,296) oder injizierbaren Applikationsform (FA 20%/CB 0%, p=0,171) behandelt. Zusätzlich wurden in einigen Fällen orale Bronchodilatatoren (FA 43%/CB 45%, p=1) und Antibiotika (FA 20%/CB 27%, p=0,682) verabreicht. In der Langzeittherapie erhielten 43% der Katzen mit FA und 36% der Katzen mit CB inhalative Kortikosteroide (p=1), orale Kortikosteroide (FA 17%/CB 36%, p=0,220) und orale Bronchodilatatoren (FA 6%/CB 27%, p=0,084) sowie phasenweise Antibiotika (FA 6%/CB 18%, p=0,238). Behandlungsbedingte Nebenwirkungen (Polyurie/Polydipsie, Pilzinfektion im Gesicht und Diabetes mellitus) wurden bei 4 Katzen mit FA und 2 Katzen mit CB registriert. Die Mehrheit der Besitzer gab an, mit dem Ansprechen auf die Behandlung äußerst oder sehr zufrieden zu sein (FA 57%/CB 64%, p=1). SCHLUSSFOLGERUNG: Signifikante Unterschiede hinsichtlich des Managements und des Therapieansprechens konnten bei beiden Erkrankungen laut Besitzerbefragung nicht festgestellt werden. KLINISCHE RELEVANZ: Laut Besitzerumfrage können chronische Bronchialerkrankungen der Katze wie Asthma und chronische Bronchitis können mit einer ähnlichen Behandlungsstrategie erfolgreich therapiert werden.

Comparison of the respiratory bacterial microbiome in cats with feline asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Objectives: While feline chronic bronchitis (CB) is known as neutrophilic bronchial inflammation (NI), feline asthma (FA) is defined as an eosinophilic airway inflammation (EI). Feline chronic bronchial disease refers to both syndromes, with similar clinical presentations and applied treatment strategies. Recent studies described alterations of the microbiota composition in cats with FA, but little is known about the comparison of the lung microbiota between different types of feline bronchial disease. The study aimed to describe the bacterial microbiota of the lower respiratory tracts of cats with FA and CB and to identify potential differences. Methods: Twenty-two client-owned cats with FA (n = 15) or CB (n = 7) confirmed via bronchoalveolar-lavage (BALF)-cytology were included. Next-generation sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA genes was performed on bacterial DNA derived from BALF samples. QIIME was used to compare microbial composition and diversity between groups. Results: Evenness and alpha-diversity-indices did not significantly differ between cats with FA and CB (Shannon p = 0.084, Chao 1 p = 0.698, observed ASVs p = 0.944). Based on a PERMANOVA analysis, no significant differences were observed in microbial composition between animals of both groups (Bray-Curtis metric, R-value 0.086, p = 0.785; unweighted UniFrac metric, R-value -0.089, p = 0.799; weighted Unifrac metric, R-value -0.072, p = 0.823). Regarding taxonomic composition, significant differences were detected for Actinobacteria on the phylum level (p = 0.026), Mycoplasma spp. (p = 0.048), and Acinetobacteria (p = 0.049) on the genus level between cats with FA and CB, with generally strong interindividual differences seen. There was a significant difference in the duration of clinical signs before diagnosis in animals dominated by Bacteriodetes (median 12 months, range 2-58 months) compared to animals dominated by Proteobacteria (median 1 month, range 1 day to 18 months; p = 0.003). Conclusions and relevance: Lung microbiota composition is very similar in cat populations with spontaneous FA and CB besides small differences in some bacterial groups. However, with disease progression, the lung microbiome of cats with both diseases appears to shift away from dominantly Proteobacteria to a pattern more dominated by Bacteriodetes. A substantial proportion of cats tested positive for Mycoplasma spp. via sequencing, while none of them tested positive using classical PCR.

New records of Amblyomma ticks parasitizing neotropical primates in Brazil.

Amblyomma is an important tick genus for animal and human health, with some species being the vectors of zoonotic pathogens, such as Rickettsia rickettsii, in the Neotropical region. Knowing their hosts may help to understand the distribution of these agents and decrease the occurrence of clinical cases. Primates are intelligent and adaptable animals that can get close to humans in the search for food. So, they may be an important epidemiological link for the spread of these ticks. Beyond that, primates also suffer from these infections, serving as sentinels for different diseases. Thus, the present study aims to report the parasitism by Amblyomma spp. on six species of Neotropical primates from different locations in Brazil. The 337 collected ticks were morphologically identified using stereomicroscopes and taxonomic keys, and six distinct species of ticks were identified. We report here the first record of nymphs of the tick species Amblyomma cajennense sensu stricto on Alouatta belzebul, a male of Amblyomma fuscum on Alouatta guariba clamitans, nymphs of Amblyomma sculptum on Leontopithecus chrysopygus and Callithrix aurita, as well as nymphs of Amblyomma geayi on Saimiri collinsi. Of the 337 tick specimens collected, 256 (75,96%) were nymphs. The importance of primates in the life cycle of these species remains to be elucidated.

Factors influencing the response to therapy in dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy.

OBJECTIVES: Canine eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP) is a poorly understood disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the lower airways. To date, factors affecting the course of the disease are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of clinical, laboratory, and environmental factors on therapeutic outcome in dogs with EBP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Environmental and housing conditions, course of disease, and response to treatment were evaluated using a standardized questionnaire for owners of 29 dogs diagnosed with EBP from 3 different veterinary referral centers in Germany. Data of diagnostic tests (hematology, radiographs, bronchoalveolar-lavage-fluid-(BALF) cytology) were retrospectively obtained from medical records. The influence of the different factors was assessed using Fisher's-exact-test and Mann-Whitney-U- or Kruskal-Wallis-test. RESULTS: The proportion of neutrophilic granulocytes in BALF-cytology was significantly higher in dogs with persistent clinical signs compared to dogs that achieved clinical remission (p=0.029). Duration of clinical signs before treatment was significantly longer in dogs with persistent clinical signs (16±12 months) compared to dogs that achieved clinical remission (6±7 months) (p=0.017). CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and therapy have a decisive influence on the success of treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs with respiratory signs suspicious for EBP should be evaluated in a timely manner to increase the likelihood of clinical remission with an early start of therapy.

Bacterial Contamination of Inhalation Chambers Used for Cats and Dogs with Chronic Airway Diseases.

Inhalation chambers (ICs) are regularly used in veterinary medicine for the inhalative treatment of chronic respiratory diseases in dogs and cats. Since therapy is usually required lifelong and daily, devices are frequently in use. The aim of this study was to identify bacterial contamination of ICs used for cats and dogs in relation to the applied cleaning measures. Swabs from ICs of 66 cats and 19 dogs with chronic airway diseases were obtained using a standardized protocol and subsequently cultured. A questionnaire was completed by the pet owners regarding the history of their pet's illness and applied device cleaning measures. Overall, 64% (54/86) of the ICs were found to be contaminated; the mask was significantly (p < 0.001) more often contaminated than other device parts. Most cultured bacteria were environmental contaminants; however, some harbored pathogenic potential. Cleaning frequency and method did not significantly influence the presence of contamination. Bacterial contamination of ICs, used for cats and dogs, is common but is not significantly influenced by the type or frequency of cleaning. To avoid potential infection by opportunistic bacteria, the instruction of pet owners regarding the maintenance of the ICs is recommended.

[Influence of the Verordnung über Tierärztliche Hausapotheken on antimicrobial use in dogs and cats in Bavaria]. / Einfluss der Verordnung über Tierärztliche Hausapotheken auf den Antibiotikaeinsatz bei Hund und Katze in Bayern.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study was to collect data concerning the use of antibiotics (AB) in dogs and cats in veterinary practices and clinics in Bavaria, Germany. It was evaluated, whether changes in the use of AB since the amendment of the Verordnung über Tierärztliche Hausapotheken (TÄHAV, German Regulation on the Veterinary In-house Pharmacy) in March 2018 could be documented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using 2 anonymous online surveys in 2017 and 2020, veterinarians treating dogs and cats in Bavaria were questioned about their usage of AB and their assessment of the current antimicrobial resistance situation. The results of both surveys were evaluated statistically and compared with each other. RESULTS: While in 2017 a total of 238 questionaries were evaluated, 160 could be included in 2020. The three most commonly used antibiotics for systemic therapy were Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (74.8 % of veterinarians), Enrofloxacin (56.7 %) and Amoxicillin (53.4 %) in 2017; and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (88.8 %), Amoxicillin (67.5 %) and Metronidazole (33.8 %) in 2020, respectively. The participating veterinarians stated that their overall use of 3 rd and 4th generations cephalosporins (from 20.2 % of veterinarians in 2017 to 9.4 % in 2020, p = 0,005) as well as fluoroquinolones (from 80.3 % to 33.1 %, p < 0.001) had significantly declined. In 2020, the choice of AB in veterinarians was affected by legal requirements (83.8 %), tolerability (81.3 %), way of application (76.9 %), acceptance by the patient (70.0 %), and frequency of application (64.4 %), with the last parameter being significantly more important to veterinarians working in a practice (83.8 %, p = 0.004) than to veterinarians in a clinic. CONCLUSION: Veterinarians report a significantly reduced usage of fluoroquinolones and 3 rd and 4th generation cephalosporines in dogs and cats compared to 2017. These changes in prescribing practice could be a consequence of the amendment of the TÄHAV, which dictates a prohibition of rededication as well as an obligation for microbial sensitivity testing for these AB classes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Legal restrictions could have a positive influence on the amount and type of antibiotics used and therefore help to prevent antimicrobial resistance.

Evaluation of barometric whole-body plethysmography for therapy monitoring in cats with feline lower airway disease.

OBJECTIVES: Feline lower airway disease (FLAD) is a common respiratory condition in cats. Traditionally, response to therapy is monitored only by evaluation of clinical signs and radiographic examination of the lungs. Barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP) is considered a non-invasive, well-tolerated form of measuring airway reactivity in cats. The aim of the study was to assess pulmonary function testing by BWBP for non-invasive evaluation of response to therapy in cats with FLAD and to investigate whether BWBP parameters correlate with clinical severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective study included 25 client-owned cats, diagnosed with FLAD on the basis of their medical history, clinical signs, radiographic findings, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) examination. At three time points (day 0, 14, and 60), a standardised owner questionnaire, a clinical examination and BWBP measurements were carried out. Results of the questionnaire and the clinical examination were evaluated using a clinical 12-point score. Individual therapy was administered to all patients after diagnosis, based on the severity of disease and compliance of the cat. RESULTS: The total clinical score significantly improved over the entire study period (p<0.001). Significant improvement was detected for the frequency of coughing (p = 0.009), respiratory distress (p = 0.001), lung auscultation findings (p = 0.002), and general condition and appetite (p = 0.045). The BWBP parameter Penh, an indicator of bronchoconstriction, improved significantly under initial therapy between day 0 and 14 (p = 0.009). A significant correlation between Penh and the severity of auscultation findings was seen on day 0 (r = 0.40; p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: The study supports the role of Penh as a non-invasive parameter for monitoring initial treatment response in cats with FLAD. Further studies are needed to address whether other BWBP parameters might be suitable for non-invasive therapy monitoring of FLAD. Clinical evaluation is always essential in cats with FLAD to evaluate treatment response.

[Inhalation therapy in dogs and cats with chronic lower airway disease - a literature review]. / Inhalative Therapie chronischer Erkrankungen der unteren Atemwege bei Hund und Katze ­ eine Literaturübersicht.

Chronic respiratory diseases are prevalent medical conditions in dogs and cats requiring lifelong treatment. Mainstay of therapy for chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases are glucocorticoids. Concurrent treatment with bronchodilators may be necessary to control clinical signs sufficiently. Due to the successful use in people as well as subsequent reduction of adverse effects of long-term glucocorticoid therapy, inhalative therapy has become increasingly important in veterinary medicine as well. Primarily spacers or valved holding chambers, in combination with metered dose inhalers, are used in dogs and cats. The technical properties of these devices, as well as their use and maintenance will be described in the following article. Furthermore, the existing literature regarding efficacy of inhalative medications for therapy of chronic inflammatory airway diseases in dogs and cats will be summarized.

[Pulmonary function testing in the cat - an overview]. / Lungenfunktionsmessung bei der Katze ­ eine Übersicht.

This article provides an overview of currently available pulmonary function tests in cats, divided into invasive and non-invasive methods. Invasive techniques comprise arterial blood gas analysis and measurement of pulmonary mechanics. Non-invasive techniques include pulse oximetry and capnography, as well as methods not yet integrated into everyday practice such as tidal breathing airflow-volume loops, whole-body barometric plethysmography and thorax compression. In this article, the background, execution, interpretation, and limitations of each test are discussed. Proper performance and assessment of pulmonary function measurements may aid in understanding the pathophysiology of feline respiratory disease and in increasing objectivity when assessing the existing disease and treatment efficacy.

Treatment of the feline atopic syndrome - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Feline allergic skin disease and asthma occur regularly in small animal practice. OBJECTIVES: To provide evidence-based recommendations for small animal practitioners on the treatment of feline atopic syndrome (FAS). METHODS AND MATERIALS: The authors reviewed the literature available before February 2020, prepared a detailed evidence-based literature review and made recommendations based on the evaluated evidence. RESULTS: Sixty-six papers and abstracts were identified describing treatment interventions for FAS and evaluated to establish treatment recommendations. For many treatment options, the papers were retrospective, open studies or case reports. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this review, there was good evidence for the efficacy of systemic glucocorticoids and ciclosporin, and limited evidence for the efficacy of topical glucocorticoids, oclacitinib and allergen-specific immunotherapy in feline atopic skin syndrome. Evidence pointed to low-to-moderate efficacy for antihistamines, fatty acids and palmitoyl ethanolamide. In feline asthma, there was good evidence for the efficacy of oral and inhaled glucocorticoids, and limited evidence of moderate efficacy for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Evidence supported low-to-moderate efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells, inhaled lidocaine and oclacitinib as treatments for feline asthma. For almost all therapeutic options (with the exception of glucocorticoids and ciclosporin), more randomised controlled trials are needed.

Evaluation of different cleaning methods for feline inhalation chambers after bacterial contamination.

OBJECTIVES: Inhalation chambers are commonly used for the delivery of aerosol drugs to cats with respiratory disease. The aim of the study was to identify successful cleaning methods for inhalation devices after standardised bacterial contamination. METHODS: Spacer devices of two different manufacturers were used: RC Chamber (Cegla Medizintechnik) and Aerokat (Trudell Medical International). The bacterial contamination was performed using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Previously marked areas of the chamber were contaminated with 50 µl of bacterial solution, containing between 2.2 ×105 and 2.1 ×108 colony-forming units/ml each. After cleaning the devices as recommended by each manufacturer (RC Chamber: special microwave cleaning bag [n = 5] or boiling water with liquid dish detergent for 15 mins [n = 5]; Aerokat: rinsing in a solution of lukewarm water and liquid dish detergent for 15 mins), chambers were air-dried for 24 h and samples for bacterial culture were taken from three defined areas. Sample material was applied on Müller-Hinton agar plates and subsequently incubated for 24 h at 37°C. RESULTS: Bacterial contamination was not detected in any of the examined inhalation devices using the recommended cleaning methods. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: If inhalation chambers are cleaned following the manufacturers' recommendations, successful bacterial decontamination can be expected.

Comparison of signalment, clinical, laboratory and radiographic parameters in cats with feline asthma and chronic bronchitis.

OBJECTIVES: Feline asthma (FA) and feline chronic bronchitis (CB) are common respiratory conditions in cats, frequently referred to as 'feline lower airway disease'. However, the aetiologies of both inflammatory airway diseases are probably different. Little is known about the differences in signalment, clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities and radiographic features between cats with these two airway diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate whether certain parameters can help in differentiating between both diseases, as distinguished by airway cytology. METHODS: Seventy-three cats with FA and 24 cats with CB were included in the retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were compatible clinical signs and a cytological evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid indicating either FA (eosinophilic inflammation) or CB (neutrophilic inflammation) without cytological or microbiological evidence of bacterial infection. Parameters of signalment, physical examination, haematology and thoracic radiographs of both disease groups were compared statistically (P <0.05). RESULTS: The median age of cats with FA was 6 years, and was 7.5 years in cats with CB (P = 0.640). The most commonly reported clinical signs in both groups were a cough (95% FA/96% CB; P = 1.000), pathological pulmonary auscultatory sounds (82% FA/79% CB; P = 0.766) and dyspnoea (73% FA/79% CB; P = 0.601). Abnormal radiographic lung patterns were detected in 94% of cats with FA and 91% with CB (P = 0.629), respectively. Blood eosinophilia was significantly more common in cats with FA (40%) compared with CB (27%) (P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The study indicates that a differentiation of FA and CB by means of signalment, a single clinical sign, and haematological and radiographic findings is not possible.

[Feline asthma and chronic bronchitis - an overview of diagnostics and therapy]. / Felines Asthma und chronische Bronchitis ­ Übersicht zu Diagnostik und Therapie.

Feline asthma and feline chronic bronchitis are considered the most common chronic lower respiratory diseases in cats and are frequently referred to by the term chronic bronchial diseases. In feline asthma, a hypersensitivity reaction type I is suspected. For chronic bronchitis, the aetiology remains largely unknown. Affected cats may suffer from coughing, dyspnoea, and increased respiratory sounds. Both conditions are currently defined by the cytological cell pattern in the bronchoalveolar lavage and may differ in ethology, treatment, and clinical course. For diagnosis, other underlying conditions must be ruled out, in combination with the evidence for non-bacterial, eosinophilic or neutrophilic airway inflammation. In addition to the established therapy with oral or inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, the article also presents newer therapeutic and diagnostic options.

[Treatment of acute viral feline upper respiratory tract infections]. / Therapie des akuten viralen Katzenschnupfens.

The main causative agents of feline upper respiratory tract disease (FURTD) are feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These viral infections are common, especially in multiple cat households. Severely affected cats often need to be hospitalized. Intensive symptomatic therapy is important in the management of cats with FURTD. The use of antiviral drugs is limited in cats, as they are often ineffective or toxic when given systemically. Antiviral drugs are, therefore, mainly used locally for the treatment of FHV-1-associated eye changes. Famciclovir, however, is an effective drug for systemic therapy in cats with FHV-1-related clinical signs. For FCV, only few antiviral drugs are available. In a controlled study, the use of immunoglobulins in cats with FHV-1 and/or FCV infection reduced clinical signs of FURTD significantly faster.