Supportive Treatment of a Dog with Leishmaniosis and Severe Glomerulopathy with Immunoadsorption.

A three-year-old, intact female mix-breed dog, weighing 30 kg, was presented due to vomitus and diarrhea. At presentation, the patient had a slightly reduced general condition and moderately enlarged mandibular and popliteal lymph nodes. The initial blood work showed severe azotemia and hypoalbuminemia. In the urinalysis, marked proteinuria with a urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPC) of 4.69 was found. Further workup showed a high leishmania antibody titer. The dog was diagnosed with leishmaniosis and glomerulonephritis. Initial treatment consisted of intravenous fluid therapy, allopurinol, miltefosine, amlodipine, clopidogrel, and a diet with a low purine content. Creatinine temporarily decreased but increased again after three days. For further supportive treatment, intermittent hemodialysis in combination with hemoperfusion with the cytosorb® adsorber was performed. A total blood volume of 17.7 L was processed within three hours. Thereafter, immunoadsorption (IA) was performed with the COM.TEC® and ADAsorb® platforms and a LIGASORB® adsorber to eliminate circulating immunocomplexes. Treatment time for IA was two hours with a blood flow of 50 mL/min. A total plasma volume of 2.4 L was processed. Over the following days, creatinine declined, and the patient improved significantly. UPC decreased to 1.74 on day 17 after IA. The patient was discharged after two and a half weeks. Two years after the initial event, the patient is still in excellent condition, with creatinine, UPC, and albumin levels in the reference range. Therefore, IA might be an additional therapeutic option for dogs with leishmaniosis-induced glomerulonephritis and subsequent severe azotemia to improve immunocomplex-mediated glomerulonephritis.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection associated with strong inflammatory response in 3 cats.

Anaplasmosis is a vector-borne disease caused by Anaplasma (A.) spp. which currently is still rarely diagnosed in cats. This article describes 3 independent cases of anaplasmosis in cats from different regions of Germany presented to veterinarians in 2021. All cats showed unspecific clinical signs, such as fever, reduced general condition, and decreased appetite. One cat additionally had generalized limb pain, another showed reluctance to move as well as vomiting. On complete blood cell count, only 1 of 3 cats showed mild thrombocytopenia. A. phagocytophilum was detected in blood samples of all 3 cats by polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, in 2 cats (in which blood smears were evaluated) morulae could be detected within neutrophilic granulocytes. Initially, all 3 cats had highly elevated serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations. Treatment with doxycycline caused a rapid improvement of clinical signs, followed by a decrease of SAA concentrations to normal levels as well as negative PCR results after a treatment duration of at least 28 days. In cats with fever, otherwise unspecific clinical signs with only mild or no hematological changes, elevated SAA concentrations, and previous exposure to ticks, attending veterinarians should consider anaplasmosis as differential diagnosis.

Anti-rabies humoral immune response in cats after concurrent vs separate vaccination against rabies and feline leukaemia virus using canarypox-vectored vaccines.

OBJECTIVES: Some expert groups recommend that cats should be vaccinated with non-adjuvanted feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and rabies vector vaccines, which, in the European Union, are currently not licensed for concurrent use and have to be administered at least 14 days apart (different from the USA) and thus at separate visits, which is associated with more stress for cats and owners. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-rabies antibody response in cats after vaccination against rabies and FeLV at concurrent vs separate (4 weeks apart) visits using two canarypox-vectored vaccines (Purevax Rabies and Purevax FeLV; Boehringer Ingelheim) and to evaluate the occurrence of vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAEs). METHODS: Healthy FeLV antigen-negative client-owned kittens (n = 106) were prospectively included in this randomised study. All kittens received primary vaccinations against rabies (week 0) and FeLV (weeks 4 and 8). After 1 year, the study group (n = 52) received booster vaccinations against rabies and FeLV concurrently at the same visit (weeks 50-52). The control group (n = 54) received booster vaccinations against rabies (weeks 50-52) and FeLV (weeks 54-56) separately. Anti-rabies virus antibodies (anti-RAV Ab) were determined by fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation assay at weeks 4, 50-52 and 54-56, and compared between both groups using a Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Four weeks after the first rabies vaccination, 87/106 (82.1%) kittens had a titre ⩾0.5 IU/ml and 19/106 (17.9%) had a titre <0.5 IU/ml. Four weeks after the 1-year rabies booster, all cats had adequate anti-RAV Ab according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (⩾0.5 IU/ml), and the titres of the study group (median = 14.30 IU/ml) and the control group (median = 21.39 IU/ml) did not differ significantly (P = 0.141). VAAEs were observed in 7/106 (6.6%) cats. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Concurrent administration of Purevax FeLV and Purevax Rabies vector vaccines at the 1-year booster does not interfere with the development of anti-RAV Ab or cause more adverse effects and thus represents a better option than separate vaccination visits for cats and owners.

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.

[Options for treatment of feline infectious peritonitis - previously and today]. / Optionen zur Therapie der felinen infektiösen Peritonitis ­ früher und heute.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats that is fatal when untreated. So far, there is no legally available effective treatment in Germany. Treatment options include only symptomatic treatment (e. g. glucocorticoids, propentofylline), immunomodulatory approaches (e. g. interferons, polyprenyl immunostimulant), and antiviral chemotherapy with protease inhibitors (e. g. GC376) or nucleoside analogues (e. g. GS-441524, remdesivir). Symptomatic treatment does not cure FIP but may lead to a short-term improvement of clinical signs in a subset of cats. Immunomodulatory treatment has also not shown to be very promising. In contrary, the antiviral compounds GS-441524 and GC376 exhibited significant efficacy in several studies and their use saved the lives of many cats suffering from FIP. However, both agents are currently not licensed and thus cannot be legally administered by veterinarians in Germany. Legally, cats may only be legally treated with GS-441524 in a few countries (e.g. Great Britain and Australia). In other countries, GS-441524 is imported by cat owners via the black market and administered on their own. This article provides an overview of the available treatment options and an outlook on the legal use of effective antiviral drugs.

Retrospective study of tetanus in 18 dogs-Causes, management, complications, and immunological status.

Objective: Tetanus is a severe neurologic disease caused by Clostridium tetani, resulting in spastic paralysis. Canine tetanus is associated with serious complications such as aspiration and a high mortality rate of up to 50%. Materials and methods: Medical records of all dogs diagnosed with tetanus over 8 years (2014-2022) were analyzed for severity grade, treatment protocols, nutritional management, and complications, as well as outcome, vaccination, and antibody production in some dogs. No medical records were excluded. Normality was analyzed by the D'Agostino-Pearson test. Parametric, normally distributed data were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Non-parametric, non-normally distributed data were presented as median (m) and range (minimum-maximum). The association between tetanus grade, progression of diseases, and duration of hospitalization was analyzed using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Eighteen dogs were identified. Most affected dogs were classified into severity grade II (66.7%, 12 of 18). Clinical signs deteriorated in 55.6% of dogs (10 of 18). A source was identified in 88.9% of dogs (16 of 18). Nine dogs required surgical wound revision. A percutaneous endoscopic gastropexy tube was placed in 83.3% of dogs (15 of 18) for nutritional support. Medical treatment included metronidazole, methocarbamol, and combinations of different sedatives adapted to the patient's requirements. Tetanus antitoxin was used in 72.2% of dogs (13 of 18) without reported adverse events. The survival rate was 88.9% (16 of 18). Complications, such as hypertension, aspiration pneumonia, and laryngeal spasm occurred in 12 of 18 dogs. Median hospitalization time (8 days; range 0-16 days) was associated with the maximum tetanus severity grade (p = 0.022). Rapid eye movement behavior disorder was observed in 72.2% of dogs (13 of 18). In 5 dogs, antibodies were measured after recovery, and in 4 of 5 dogs, no antibodies were detectable despite generalized tetanus disease. Vaccination with tetanus toxoid was performed in five dogs following the disease. Conclusion: In the present study, the mortality rate was lower than previously reported. Tetanus is still a life-threatening disease, but the prognosis may be good if adequate management and monitoring can be ensured.

Feline Morbillivirus: Clinical Relevance of a Widespread Endemic Viral Infection of Cats.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was first isolated in 2012 from stray cats in Hong Kong. It has been found in association with tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN), the most common cause of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, viral host spectrum and virus tropism go beyond the domestic cat and kidney tissues. The viral genetic diversity of FeMV is extensive, but it is not known if this is clinically relevant. Urine and kidney tissues have been widely tested in attempts to confirm associations between FeMV infection and renal disease, but samples from both healthy and sick cats can test positive and some cross-sectional studies have not found associations between FeMV infection and CKD. There is also evidence for acute kidney injury following infection with FeMV. The results of prevalence studies differ greatly depending on the population tested and methodologies used for detection, but worldwide distribution of FeMV has been shown. Experimental studies have confirmed previous field observations that higher viral loads are present in the urine compared to other tissues, and renal TIN lesions associated with FeMV antigen have been demonstrated, alongside virus lymphotropism and viraemia-associated lymphopenia. Longitudinal field studies have revealed persistent viral shedding in urine, although infection can be cleared spontaneously.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis and Description of Purine Content of Diets Suitable for Dogs with Leishmania Infection during Allopurinol Treatment-A Pilot Trial.

Reducing the alimentary purine intake contributes to the prevention of purine (especially xanthine) urolith formation, a common adverse effect of allopurinol treatment in dogs with Leishmania infections. Analyses of the purine content are not required in order to advertise a diet as low in purine. Due to different analytical methods, data provided on purine content are barely comparable. The aim of this study was to investigate the total purine content of 12 different dog diets. For this, the purine bases adenine, guanine, xanthine, and hypoxanthine were determined by standardised high performance liquid chromatography in commercially available urinary diets (n = 4), kidney diets (n = 2), low protein diets (n = 3), 1 vegan diet, 1 regular diet for healthy adult dogs, and 1 homemade low purine diet. Total purine amounts ranged between 10.2 and 90.9 mg/100 g of dry matter. The daily purine intake calculated for a 20 kg standard dog with the analysed diets ranged between 21.9 and 174.7 mg. The lowest daily purine intakes were achieved by 2 urinary urate diets, followed by the homemade diet. Differences in the purine content of commercially available diets need to be considered. Awareness has to be raised when selecting diets for dogs with Leishmania infections during allopurinol treatment in order to minimise the risk of urolith formation.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis: European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases Guidelines.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a ubiquitous RNA virus of cats, which is transmitted faeco-orally. In these guidelines, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) presents a comprehensive review of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FCoV is primarily an enteric virus and most infections do not cause clinical signs, or result in only enteritis, but a small proportion of FCoV-infected cats develop FIP. The pathology in FIP comprises a perivascular phlebitis that can affect any organ. Cats under two years old are most frequently affected by FIP. Most cats present with fever, anorexia, and weight loss; many have effusions, and some have ocular and/or neurological signs. Making a diagnosis is complex and ABCD FIP Diagnostic Approach Tools are available to aid veterinarians. Sampling an effusion, when present, for cytology, biochemistry, and FCoV RNA or FCoV antigen detection is very useful diagnostically. In the absence of an effusion, fine-needle aspirates from affected organs for cytology and FCoV RNA or FCoV antigen detection are helpful. Definitive diagnosis usually requires histopathology with FCoV antigen detection. Antiviral treatments now enable recovery in many cases from this previously fatal disease; nucleoside analogues (e.g., oral GS-441524) are very effective, although they are not available in all countries.

Serum amyloid A in cats with renal azotemia.

Background and Aim: The concentration of the feline acute-phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) increases in cats with acute inflammatory diseases. However, it is unclear whether SAA concentration increases in cats with azotemic kidney disease or whether it can aid in differentiating acute kidney injury (AKI) from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Similarly, whether SAA concentration can be used as a prognostic marker is also unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the SAA concentrations in cats with azotemic kidney disease and determine whether SAA concentrations can be used to differentiate between AKI, CKD, and "acute on CKD" (AoC). In addition, we evaluated whether SAA concentration could serve as a prognostic parameter. Moreover, we determined the correlations between SAA concentration and temperature; creatinine, urea, and albumin concentrations; leukocyte count; and urine protein/creatinine (UP/C). Materials and Methods: Forty-eight client-owned azotemic cats (creatinine >250 µmol/L) were included in this prospective study. Cats with pre- and post-renal azotemia were excluded from the study. The causes of azotemia were differentiated into AKI, CKD, and AoC. The SAA concentrations were analyzed through turbidimetric immunoassay at the time of admission. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-Square, Fisher's exact, and Spearman correlation tests. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Serum amyloid A concentration increased in 5/12 cats with AKI, 7/22 cats with CKD, and 9/14 cats with AoC (p = 0.234). The median SAA concentration in cats with AKI, CKD, and AoC whose SAA concentration was ≥5 mg/L was 174 mg/L (10-281 mg/L), 125 mg/L (6-269 mg/L), and 143 mg/L (7-316 mg/L), respectively (p = 0.697), with no significant differences observed between the groups. The median SAA concentration did not differ significantly between survivors (125 mg/L, 10-316 mg/L) and non-survivors (149 mg/L, 6-281 mg/L; p = 0.915) with SAA concentration ≥5 mg/L. Conclusion: Serum amyloid A concentration increased in 44% of the cats with azotemia. However, it cannot be used to differentiate AKI from CKD or as a prognostic marker. Serum amyloid A concentration was correlated with neutrophil count, albumin concentration, and UP/C, and the presence of comorbidities may influence SAA concentration.

Hemostatic and thromboelastographic parameters in dogs with renal azotemia.

Background and Aim: Humans and dogs with azotemia can develop coagulation disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the coagulation profiles and thromboelastographic parameters in dogs with acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 31 client-owned dogs with renal azotemia (creatinine >220 µmol/L) were enrolled. Clinical signs of hemostatic disorders, complete blood count, coagulation profile, D-dimers, thromboelastography, and 28-day survival data were obtained and analyzed using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Seventeen dogs with AKI, 10 with CKD, and four with acute-on-chronic kidney injury (AoC) were enrolled. Ten dogs (AKI, 8/17; CKD, 2/10) had thrombocytopenia. Prothrombin time was prolonged in four dogs with AKI and longer in dogs with AKI than in dogs with CKD (p = 0.004). The activated partial thromboplastin time was prolonged in 23 dogs (AKI, 14/17; CKD, 7/10; AoC, 3/4) and was longer in azotemic dogs than in healthy control dogs (p = 0.003). Thromboelastographic tracings were hypocoagulable in three dogs with AKI and hypercoagulable in 16 dogs (AKI 4/17, CKD 9/10, AoC 3/4). The thromboelastographic values for maximum amplitude (p < 0.001) and global clot strength (p < 0.001) were lower in dogs with AKI than in those with CKD. Conclusion: Hypercoagulable thromboelastographic tracings were observed in dogs with CKD, whereas coagulation times were prolonged in dogs with AKI. However these findings should be validated by further studies.

Case series: Heinz body formation in 13 multimorbid dogs following metamizole administration.

Background: Heinz Body (HB) anemia is a result of oxidative damage and is an uncommon condition in dogs relative to cats. In this retrospective case series, clinical features, laboratory values, concurrent diseases, and outcomes of 13 multimorbid dogs that developed HBs after receiving metamizole are reported. Case description: Of the 13 dogs in this case series that developed HBs, 10 were older and multimorbid, but the only feature that all the dogs had in common was receiving metamizole. HBs were detected in 7 out of 13 dogs within a few days (3-10 days) after starting metamizole treatment. The metamizole dose was 38-159 mg/kg/day. The highest percentage of HBs detected was 28-95% (mean, 46%). There was no correlation between the percentage of HBs and the daily dose of metamizole. All but 1 dog had mild-to-severe anemia at the time of the highest HB appearance. The number of HBs did not correlate with the hematocrit at that time. In 8/12 dogs, no stress leukogram was present. Approximately half of the dogs with HBs also had evidence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, which could have masked additional oxidative damage. Conclusion: In multimorbid dogs that develop regenerative anemia after receiving metamizole, hemolysis due to HB development caused by oxidative damage should be considered as an important differential diagnosis.

Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma and Other Adverse Reactions to Vaccination in Cats.

Vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAEs), including feline injection-site sarcomas (FISSs), occur only rarely but can be severe. Understanding potential VAAEs is an important part of informed owner consent for vaccination. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of feline medicine experts, presents the current knowledge on VAAEs in cats, summarizing the literature and filling the gaps where scientific studies are missing with expert opinion to assist veterinarians in adopting the best vaccination practice. VAAEs are caused by an aberrant innate or adaptive immune reaction, excessive local reactions at the inoculation site, an error in administration, or failure in the manufacturing process. FISS, the most severe VAAE, can develop after vaccinations or injection of other substances. Although the most widely accepted hypothesis is that chronic inflammation triggers malignant transformation, the pathogenesis of FISS is not yet fully understood. No injectable vaccine is risk-free, and therefore, vaccination should be performed as often as necessary, but as infrequently as possible. Vaccines should be brought to room temperature prior to administration and injected at sites in which FISS surgery would likely be curative; the interscapular region should be avoided. Post-vaccinal monitoring is essential.

Prevalence of Different Courses of Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection in Four European Countries.

Prevalence of progressive feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection is known to still be high in cats in Europe, especially in Southern Europe, but the prevalence of other outcomes of FeLV infection has not been determined in most countries. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of progressive, regressive, abortive, and focal infection in four European countries, two with a high (Italy, Portugal) and two with a low expected prevalence (Germany, France). Blood samples of 934 cats (Italy: 269; Portugal: 240; France: 107; Germany: 318) were evaluated for the p27 antigen, as well as anti-whole virus, anti-SU, and anti-p15E antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in serum and for proviral DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in whole blood. Positive p27 antigen ELISA results were confirmed by reverse transcriptase-qPCR (RT-qPCR) detecting viral RNA in saliva swabs and/or blood. The outcome of FeLV infection was categorised as progressive (antigen-positive, provirus-positive), regressive (antigen-negative, provirus-positive), abortive (antigen- and provirus-negative, antibody-positive), and focal (antigen-positive, provirus-negative) infection. Overall FeLV prevalence was 21.2% in Italy, 20.4% in Portugal, 9.5% in Germany, and 9.3% in France. Prevalence of progressive, regressive, abortive, and focal infection in Italy was 7.8%, 4.5%, 6.3%, and 2.6%; in Portugal 3.8%, 8.3%, 6.7%, and 1.7%; in Germany 1.9%, 1.3%, 3.5%, and 2.8%; in France 1.9%, 3.7%, 2.8%, and 0.9%, respectively. In conclusion, overall FeLV prevalence is still very high, especially in Southern European countries. Therefore, testing, separation of infected cats, and vaccination are still important measures to reduce the risk of FeLV infection.

Long-term follow-up of cats in complete remission after treatment of feline infectious peritonitis with oral GS-441524.

OBJECTIVES: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a common disease in cats caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV), is usually fatal once clinical signs appear. Successful treatment of FIP with oral GS-441524 for 84 days was demonstrated recently by this research group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome in these cats. METHODS: A total of 18 successfully treated cats were followed for up to 1 year after treatment initiation (9 months after completion of the antiviral treatment). Follow-up examinations were performed at 12-week intervals, including physical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry, abdominal and thoracic ultrasound, FCoV ribonucleic acid (RNA) loads in blood and faeces by reverse transciptase-quantitative PCR and anti-FCoV antibody titres by indirect immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: Follow-up data were available from 18 cats in week 24, from 15 cats in week 36 and from 14 cats in week 48 (after the start of treatment), respectively. Laboratory parameters remained stable after the end of the treatment, with undetectable blood viral loads (in all but one cat on one occasion). Recurrence of faecal FCoV shedding was detected in five cats. In four cats, an intermediate short-term rise in anti-FCoV antibody titres was detected. In total, 12 cats showed abdominal lymphadenomegaly during the follow-up period; four of them continuously during the treatment and follow-up period. Two cats developed mild neurological signs, compatible with feline hyperaesthesia syndrome, in weeks 36 and 48, respectively; however, FCoV RNA remained undetectable in blood and faeces, and no increase in anti-FCoV antibody titres was observed in these two cats, and the signs resolved. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Treatment with GS-441524 proved to be effective against FIP in both the short term as well as the long term, with no confirmed relapse during the 1-year follow-up period. Whether delayed neurological signs could be a long-term adverse effect of the treatment or associated with a 'long FIP syndrome' needs to be further evaluated.

Patterns of Feline Coronavirus Shedding and Associated Factors in Cats from Breeding Catteries.

(1) Background: In households in which feline coronavirus (FCoV) is present, three patterns of FCoV shedding are described: non-shedders, intermittent (low-intensity) shedders, or persistent (high-intensity) shedders. It was the aim of this study to describe FCoV shedding patterns in cats from catteries in which FCoV infection is endemic. Additionally, risk factors for high-intensity FCoV shedding or non-shedding were analyzed. (2) Methods: Four fecal samples of 222 purebred cats from 37 breeding catteries were examined for FCoV RNA by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). High-intensity shedders were defined as cats positive for FCoV RNA in at least 3/4 fecal samples; non-shedding cats were defined as cats negative in all four fecal samples. Risk factor analysis was performed using information obtained by questionnaire. (3) Results: Of the 222 cats, 125 (56.3%) were considered high-intensity shedders, while 54/222 cats (24.3%) were FCoV non-shedders. The Persian breed was associated with a higher risk of high-intensity shedding in multivariable analysis, while Birman and Norwegian Forest Cats were more likely to be FCoV non-shedders. Cats living together with other cats were more likely to be FCoV shedders. (4) Conclusions: The proportion of both high-intensity shedders and non-shedding cats was higher than previously reported, which possibly can be explained by housing conditions, different genetic susceptibility, or differences in the study period. The risk of high-intensity shedding is higher in certain breeds. However, it cannot be excluded that the individual hygiene procedure of each breeder influenced FCoV-shedding frequency. A smaller group size is a protective factor against FCoV shedding.

Influence of intravenous 10% amino acids infusion on serum albumin concentration in hypoalbuminemic dogs.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of parenteral amino acid application in hospitalized hypoalbuminemic dogs. Materials and methods: Medical records of client-owned hypoalbuminemic dogs (albumin ≤ 25 g/L) were analyzed. Dogs receiving amino acids for only 1-2 days, receiving transfusions or surgery, or <6 months of age were excluded. Dogs were grouped as those receiving intravenous amino acids (AA, 80 dogs) over 3 days and longer, and those without additional amino acid treatment (CON, 78 dogs). Duration of hospitalization, albumin, and total protein concentrations were compared between groups by Mann-Whitney U test. Course of albumin and total protein concentration was evaluated by Friedman test and Dunn's multiple comparison test. Significance was set to p ≤ 0.05. Results: Dogs in group AA received 10% amino acid solution intravenously over median 4 days (3-11 days). No significant differences regarding survival and adverse effects were observed between groups. Dogs of group AA had significantly longer duration of hospitalization (median 8 days; 3-33 days) compared to group CON dogs (median 6 days, 3-24 days; p < 0.001). Initial albumin concentration was lower in group AA compared to CON (p < 0.001). This difference was no longer present on day 2 (p = 0.134). Conclusions and clinical relevance: Intravenous application of 10% amino acid solution in hypoalbuminemic dogs can improve albumin concentration after 2 days, but does not influence outcome.

[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.

[Parvovirus infections in cats in animal shelters]. / Parvovirus-Infektionen bei Katzen in Tierheimen.

Due to widespread vaccination programs against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), the disease associated with this virus infection, feline panleukopenia, is rarely seen in privately owned cats in Germany. In contrast, the situation in animal shelters differs due to the constant intake of new cats that are often unprotected. In such facilities, panleukopenia outbreaks are common and often accompanied by a high number of fatalities. Due to the high contagiosity of the virus, some shelters do not accept cats with clinical signs suspicious for panleukopenia, since these animals can pose a risk to the shelter population. However, not only cats with panleukopenia shed parvovirus, but also healthy, asymptomatic cats can and thus contribute to risk of infection. Nevertheless, the risk for panleukopenia outbreaks in animal shelters can be reduced by rigorous outbreak management. This includes hygiene measures using correctly applied cleaning and disinfection protocols, quarantine measures, separate isolation units, as well as specific prophylactic measures, such as identification of infected animals and immunization of susceptible groups.

Field Performance of a Rapid Test to Detect Progressive, Regressive, and Abortive Feline Leukemia Virus Infections in Domestic Cats in Australia and Germany.

Different feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection outcomes are possible in cats following natural exposure, such as progressive infections (persistent viremia), regressive infections (transient or no viremia followed by proviral persistence) and abortive infections (presence of only antibodies). Laboratory-based testing is currently required for categorization of infection outcomes in cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the field performance of a novel, rapid, combination point-of-care (PoC) test kit commercially available in Europe (v-RetroFel®Ag/Ab; 2020-2021 version) to determine different FeLV infection outcomes by concurrent detection of FeLV antigen (p27) and antibodies against FeLV transmembrane envelope protein (p15E). A secondary aim was to evaluate the performance of the same test kit (v-RetroFel®FIV) to determine positive/negative feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection status by the detection of antibodies to FIV capsid protein (p24) and transmembrane glycoprotein (gp40). Two cohorts of domestic cats were recruited and tested with v-RetroFel® using plasma or serum, including cats in Australia (n = 200) and cats in Germany (n = 170). Results from p27 antigen PoC testing, proviral DNA PCR, and neutralizing antibody testing or testing for antibodies against non-glycosylated surface unit envelope protein (p45) were used to assign cats to groups according to different FeLV infection outcomes. Testing with a laboratory-based FeLV p15E antibody ELISA was also performed for comparison. In the first cohort, v-RetroFel®Ag/Ab correctly identified 89% (109/122) FeLV-unexposed cats and 91% (21/23) progressive infections, but no regressive (0/23) or abortive (0/32) infections. In the second cohort, v-RetroFel®Ag/Ab correctly identified 94% (148/158) FeLV-unexposed cats and 100% (4/4) progressive infections, but no regressive (0/2) and only 17% (1/6) abortive infections. There was test agreement between v-RetroFel®Ab and the p15E laboratory ELISA in 58.9% of samples. As a secondary outcome of this study, the sensitivity and specificity of v-RetroFel®FIV testing in cohort 1 were 94.7% (18/19) and 98.3% (178/181), and in cohort 2, 30.0% (3/10) and 100.0% (160/160), respectively. Prior history of FIV vaccination did not produce any false-positive FIV results. In conclusion, v-RetroFel®Ag/Ab (2020-2021 version) was unable to accurately determine different FeLV infection outcomes in the field. Improvements of the test prior to application to field samples are required.