Chest deformities in Bengal kittens

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Charlesworth TM, Sturgess CP. Increased incidence of thoracic wall deformities in related Bengal kittens. J Feline Med Surg 2012;14:365-368.



There are several thoracic wall deformities described in kittens, including pectus excavatum (PE), flat-chest defect, scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, pectus carinatum, and missing or extra ribs or thoracic vertebrae. In this study, clinical records made during examinations for routine vaccinations were evaluated in populations of domestic shorthair (DSH) kittens and Bengal kittens. The records for 244 Bengal kittens were reviewed and compared to those of 1748 DSH kittens. No thoracic wall abnormalities were recorded in the DSH kittens compared with 12 cases in the Bengal kittens. Among the 12 cases in Bengal kittens, the deformities detected were pectus excavatum (5), unilateral thoracic wall concavity (6), and scoliosis (1). There was a high degree of common ancestry found in analyzing five-generation pedigrees and this indicates a familial cause is likely. The data presented supports the hypothesis that these deformities are more common within the study’s examined population of Bengal kittens than a DSH population. Data also suggests that thoracic wall deformities may be a relatively common familial defect in Bengal kittens. Bengal kittens should have their thoracic wall carefully evaluated during routine clinical evaluation. [VT]

See also: Yoon H, Mann F, Jeong S. Surgical correction of pectus excavatum in two cats. J Vet Sci 2008;9:335-337. [free, full text article]

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Pneumothorax in cats

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Mooney ET, Rozanski EA, King RG and Sharp CR. Spontaneous pneumothorax in 35 cats (2001-2010). J Feline Med Surg. 2012; 14: 384-91.
 
Pneumothorax, or free air in the pleural (thoracic) space, is usually the result of trauma but it can appear to be spontaneous. This study reviewed 35 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) in cats over a 10-year period. The objective was to identify causes, evaluate treatment options, and report the case outcomes. The majority of the cats were male with a median age of 8 years. The most common presenting complaint was acute onset of respiratory distress. In all the cases of cats with an established etiology, SP was associated with lung disease. The underlying associated diseases included inflammatory airway disease (most common), neoplasia, heartworm infection, pulmonary abscess, and lungworm infection. Many of the patients were managed successfully with only observation or needle thoracocentesis to remove air, and specific treatment for their primary lung disease. In contrast to dogs, surgery was associated with a poor outcome in 4 of 5 cats. [VT]

See also: White H, Rozanski E, Tidwell A, Chan D and Rush J. Spontaneous pneumothorax in two cats with small airway disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003; 222: 1573-5.

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Examining a cat mummy

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Gnudi G, Volta A, Manfredi S, Ferri F and Conversi R. Radiological investigation of an over 2000-year-old Egyptian mummy of a cat. J Feline Med Surg. 2012; 14: 292-4.

The mummy of a cat was examined radiographically to determine the content and to describe how cats were wrapped and mummified in ancient Egypt. The mummy is part of the Egyptian collection of the National Archaeological Museum in Parma, Italy. From the time of 1350 BC, cats were occasionally buried with their owners. In later dynasties (945-715 BC), many animals were thought to be the embodiment of gods and goddesses. Female cats were believed to represent the goddess Bastet. From approximately 332 to 30 BC, animals were raised near the temples for the specific purpose of being mummified and left at the temple as offerings. This mummy contained the complete skeleton of a 4 to 5-month old cat. Radiology revealed the cat’s body was wrapped to occupy the smallest space possible. This cat mummy was not buried with its owner and most likely it was an offering to the goddess Bastet. It is considered a high quality archeological finding. [VT]

See also: Falke TH, Zweypfenning-Snijders MC, Zweypfenning RC and James AE, Jr. Computed tomography of an ancient Egyptian cat. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1987; 11: 745-7.

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Raw food diets for kittens–final project report

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Final report, Winn grant W09-002
Nutritional adequacy and performance of raw food diets in kittens
Investigators: Beth Hamper, Claudia Kirk, Joe Bartges
University of Tennessee
 
The researchers in this study investigated the effects of raw diets on health and well-being of kittens. While both benefits and costs have been claimed for raw diets, little work has been done on specific effects of the raw diet on cats. In this study, kittens were fed either a commercial processed diet, commercial raw diet, or home-prepared raw diet.

Growth performance was similar on all three diets. Nutritionally, there was neither an advantage nor disadvantage among any of the diets, as all three were nutritionally adequate. The raw food diets were associated with higher digestibility and decreased fecal matter, although a direct health benefit of this difference was not observed. Overgrowth of fecal bacteria was noted in cats fed both control and raw foods. Salmonella spp. was definitively isolated from the feces of one kitten fed the homemade raw diet and undetermined in another instance. Exposure to pathogenic bacteria from raw foods and contaminated commercial diets have been reported in other studies Future research on methods to reduce pathogen load while minimizing processing of animal tissue proteins is recommended. [MK]

Read the interim project report from March 2012

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Let's immune system help

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Imatinib potentiates antitumor T cell responses in gastrointestinal stromal tumor through the inhibition of Ido, 
Vinod P Balachandran, et al. Nature Medicine17 (2011) 


I would like to hilight this paper to our readership, as many of your are involved in the design of clinical trials and selection of potential biomarkers. This report is one of a handful of high impact papers that report the coperative role that inflammatory infiltrate and non cell autonomous effectors play in modulating response to established agents. This study demonstrates an interesting immunological mechanism of Imatininb  that contributes to the antitumor effect in a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) mouse model. Inflammatory infiltrate is a known finding in GIST specimens (including intratumoral CD8+ Tcells, Treg cells and macrophages). Acording to the authors, Imatinib activates CD8+ T cells and induces Treg cells apoptosis within the tumor. Imatinib is therefore able to reduce the expression of 2,3-dioxygenase (Ido) of tumor cells. Ido enzyme is involved in the catayzation of immunosuppressive metabolites from tryptophan and therefore mediates downstream immunological response. Interestingly Imatininb resistant tumors, generally as a result of a second KIT mutation, restore the overexpression of IDO and combination of Imatinib with CTLA-4 blockade (a well established immunotherapeutic strategy) act synergistically. This insight provides some hints on something we have been suspecting for a long time. It is easy to predict consequences for rational design of combination therapies and strategies to overcome resistance in Imatinib resistant tumors.TweetShare

Treatment of feline upper respiratory tract disease

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Litster AL, Wu CC and Constable PD. Comparison of the efficacy of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefovecin, and doxycycline in the treatment of upper respiratory tract disease in cats housed in an animal shelter. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012; 241: 218-26.
 
Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is one of the most common causes of disease in cats and also among the most common causes of euthanasia in animal shelters. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefovecin, and doxycycline in shelter-housed cats with clinical signs of URTD. Cats were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups of 16 cats each. Conjunctival and nasal swab specimens were obtained for culture and susceptibility testing. Different parameters - oculonasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, dyspnea, demeanor, and food intake - were scored twice daily for 14 days. 

The most common bacterial isolates found were Mycoplasma spp. (n=22) and Bordetella bronchiseptica (n=9). The cats treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or doxycycline had significantly increased body weight by the end of the study. The cats receiving doxycycline had significantly lower oculonasal discharge scores than the ones treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or cefovecin. Those treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or doxycycline had significantly lower sneezing scores than the cats receiving cefovecin. All of the Bordetella isolates in this study were resistant to cefovecin in vitro. Oral administration of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or doxycycline appeared to be more effective than a single subcutaneous injection of cefovecin in treating shelter cats with signs of URTD. [VT]

See also: Tanaka A, Wagner DC, Kass PH and Hurley KF. Associations among weight loss, stress, and upper respiratory tract infection in shelter cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012; 240: 570-6.

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Contraceptive implants for cats

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Ackermann CL, Volpato R, Destro FC, et al. Ovarian activity reversibility after the use of deslorelin acetate as a short-term contraceptive in domestic queens. Theriogenology. 2012; 78: 817-22.
 
Deslorelin is a drug classed as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue. It has been used in various species, usually as a long-lasting implant, to control fertility. The drug is currently not licensed for this use in dogs or cats in Canada or the United States. However, several studies have evaluated the use of deslorelin implants to control fertility in domestic queens. Estrus behavior and estrogen secretion can be suppressed for more than 1 year after the implant is placed.

The goal of this study was to determine if the effect of the drug on ovarian activity is truly reversible, thereby allowing for only temporary suppression of reproduction when desired. Ten mature queens were given deslorelin implants and monitored with vaginal cytology for 90 days, after which the implants were removed. Ten days later, the queens were treated to induce estrus and ovulation and then spayed. As has been documented previously, some queens went into estrus shortly after the implant was placed but then estrus was suppressed in all queens. Following implant removal, all queens responded to treatment to induce estrus and ovulation and oocytes were recovered from the ovaries at surgery. The researchers conclude that deslorelin implants can be used as reversible, short-term contraception in queens. [SL]

See also: Toydemir TSF, Kılıçarslan MR and Olgaç V. Effects of the GnRH analogue deslorelin implants on reproduction in female domestic cats. Theriogenology. 2012; 77: 662-74.

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Pimobendan for feline heart disease

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Gordon SG, Saunders AB, Roland RM, et al. Effect of oral administration of pimobendan in cats with heart failure. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012; 241: 89-94.
 
In cats, heart disease involving congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized predominantly by diastolic dysfunction. Pimobendan is a drug with predominantly inodilator properties that has been used in dogs with CHF to prolong survival time and reduce signs of illness. 

This study’s objective was to determine the effect of oral administration of pimobendan on clinical and echocardiographic variables and survival time in cats with heart failure typified by ventricular systolic dysfunction. Twenty-seven client-owned cats with different types of heart disease were treated with pimobendan. All of the cats had ventricular systolic dysfunction. The median survival time was 167 days. The authors concluded that pimobendan appears to be well tolerated in cats with heart failure characterized by ventricular systolic dysfunction. However, cats with systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve may develop systemic hypotension when treated with pimobendan. Additional studies to determine dosages for pimobendan and its effects are needed. [VT]

See also: MacGregor JM, Rush JE, Laste NJ, et al. Use of pimobendan in 170 cats (2006–2010). J Vet Cardiol. 2011; 13: 251-60.

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Call for proposals in feline health for 2013 funding

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Winn grant review panel meeting

The Winn Feline Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that funds research into health issues affecting cats. Since its inception in 1968, grants totaling over $4 million have been awarded by the Foundation for scientific studies, encouraging veterinarians and researchers to focus attention on the needs of cats. Studies applicable to all cats are encouraged. The Winn Feline Foundation is also interested in projects that address issues in individual breeds, nutrition, and behavior. Although we are interested in all areas of feline health, we also have dedicated funds for research in feline infectious peritonitis (the Bria Fund) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (the Ricky Fund). Applicants may be faculty veterinarians, post-doctoral fellows, practicing veterinarians or veterinary students.

Dr. Brian Holub (L), Dr. Melissa Kennedy (R)

In February 2012, Winn funded 10 new feline medical research projects for a total of $174,018 in areas such as heart disease, feline infectious peritonitis, progressive retinal atrophy, cancer, chronic pain, behavior disorders, chronic kidney disease, and infectious diseases.

Successful recipients in our regular grant program are selected by our grant review panel at a meeting each February. The deadline for receipt of proposals for funding in 2013 is Mon. Dec. 10, 2012. Please note that Winn is now accepting all proposals electronically. The maximum grant award is $25,000 (US).

For more information, including full grant application guidelines, see:
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Pages/Researchers.html

Questions? Contact us at: grants@winnfelinehealth.org

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Let's immune system help

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Imatinib potentiates antitumor T cell responses in gastrointestinal stromal tumor through the inhibition of Ido, 
Vinod P Balachandran, et al. Nature Medicine17 (2011) 


I would like to hilight this paper to our readership, as many of your are involved in the design of clinical trials and selection of potential biomarkers. This report is one of a handful of high impact papers that report the coperative role that inflammatory infiltrate and non cell autonomous effectors play in modulating response to established agents. This study demonstrates an interesting immunological mechanism of Imatininb  that contributes to the antitumor effect in a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) mouse model. Inflammatory infiltrate is a known finding in GIST specimens (including intratumoral CD8+ Tcells, Treg cells and macrophages). Acording to the authors, Imatinib activates CD8+ T cells and induces Treg cells apoptosis within the tumor. Imatinib is therefore able to reduce the expression of 2,3-dioxygenase (Ido) of tumor cells. Ido enzyme is involved in the catayzation of immunosuppressive metabolites from tryptophan and therefore mediates downstream immunological response. Interestingly Imatininb resistant tumors, generally as a result of a second KIT mutation, restore the overexpression of IDO and combination of Imatinib with CTLA-4 blockade (a well established immunotherapeutic strategy) act synergistically. This insight provides some hints on something we have been suspecting for a long time. It is easy to predict consequences for rational design of combination therapies and strategies to overcome resistance in Imatinib resistant tumors.TweetShare

Anesthesia safety for cats with heart disease

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Final report, Winn/Miller Trust grant MT10-001
Does treatment of anesthetic-induced hypotension with dopamine or phenylephrine cause myocardial damage in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Investigators: Bruno Pypendop, Ashley Wiese, Linda Barter, Jan Ilkiw
University of California, Davis

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease of cats. The development and complications of hypotension (low blood pressure) in anesthetized cats is a concern for both healthy cats and cats with HCM. Persistent hypotension in healthy anesthetized cats is treated with the administration of drugs such as dopamine. Blood pressure can also be increased by administration of another type of drug, phenylephrine. The effects of these drugs on cardiac output (CO) and blood pressure have not been investigated in anesthetized cats with HCM. 

The investigators studied the cardiopulmonary effects of dopamine and phenylephrine during isoflurane-induced hypotension in 6 cats with severe naturally occurring HCM. The results indicated that both dopamine and phenylephrine induced dose-dependent increases in systemic and pulmonary blood pressure, yet only dopamine resulted in increased cardiac output. Anesthesia-induced hypotension and the infusions of dopamine and phenylephrine caused a significant increase in cardiac troponin I, a sensitive and specific biochemical marker for myocardial damage. The authors suggest that based on the study results, dopamine is superior to phenylephrine if the goal of treatment of inhalation anesthetic-induced hypotension in cats with non-obstructive HCM is to restore blood pressure through an increase in cardiac output. [VT]

Wiese AJ, Barter LS, Ilkiw JE, Kittleson MD and Pypendop BH. Cardiovascular and respiratory effects of incremental doses of dopamine and phenylephrine in the management of isoflurane-induced hypotension in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Am J Vet Res. 2012; 73: 908-16.

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Blood glucose monitoring in cats

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Hoenig M, Pach N, Thomaseth K, DeVries F and Ferguson DC. Evaluation of long-term glucose homeostasis in lean and obese cats by use of continuous glucose monitoring. Am J Vet Res. 2012; 73: 1100-6.
Diabetes mellitus is of increasing concern in both humans and cats. Obese cats are found to be at higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Information has not been available on whether glucose concentrations in obese cats differ from those in lean cats throughout the course the course of a day during their regular activities, including consuming food. 

This study evaluated intra-day and inter-day variations in glucose concentrations in lean and long-term (>5 years) obese cats during a 156-hour period and tested the utility of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS). A CGMS is used frequently in humans with diabetes. The investigators did not detect differences in glucose concentrations between lean and obese cats during the study periods. They also did not detect differences in daily variations in glucose concentrations between lean and obese cats. The results indicate that the CGMS can be useful in evaluating the long term effects of drugs or diet on glucose homeostasis in cats. [VT]

See also: Dietiker-Moretti S, Müller C, Sieber-Ruckstuhl N, et al. Comparison of a continuous glucose monitoring system with a portable blood glucose meter to determine insulin dose in cats with diabetes mellitus. J Vet Intern Med. 2011; 25: 1084-8.

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Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma

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Final report, Winn grant W09-032
Molecular pathology of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
Investigators: Susan M. LaRue, E.J. Ehrhart
Colorado State University

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a devastating disease in cats and accounts for approximately 10% of all feline tumors. The goal of the study’s investigators was to establish protocols for molecular biomarkers and to characterize the nature of this tumor so a better treatment protocol could be developed in the future.
They first developed protocols for immune staining of tissues and antibodies against three different biological markers. 

One important detail learned was that sample processing is one of the most important factors affecting immunoreactivity of feline tissues. Due to this important finding, immunohistochemical techniques will be used only in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues that do not undergo bone decalcification. The study results also noted that cats with high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression had a tendency toward a shorter overall survival. This may suggest a possible usefulness for anti-EGFR therapy in future studies. 

Finally, there was statistically significant correlation between one biomarker score, Ki67, and another marker, mitotic indexes. This relationship has not been reported previously in feline OSCC and suggests that these particular cancer cells with Ki67 can keep proliferating without going into a rest or dying phase. Such a result could go a long way to explaining the impression that feline OSCC is a fast-growing cancer. [VT]

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Winn & the American Veterinary Medical Assoc. Convention

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San Diego harbor (by Steve Dale)

The American Veterinary Medical Assoc. convention was held Aug 3-7 in San Diego. It was jam-packed with continuing education opportunities for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, as well as several associated meetings. Winn board members were busy representing the Foundation and participating in several events.

Winn board member and board certified feline specialist Dr. Susan Little presented lectures on feline medicine topics, including feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, cats with chronic sneezing, feline clinical procedures. Winn-funded research has played a role in improving diagnosis or treatment for these problems.

Steve Dale & Joan Embery (of the San Diego Zoo)

Winn board member Steve Dale, covered the news highlights of the meeting, and attended the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Symposium. Steve took the opportunity to interview veterinary experts to get answers to common questions from pet owners.

Winn president and board certified feline specialist Dr. Vicky Thayer was busy attending the President’s Installation and Excellence in Veterinary Medicine Awards Luncheon. At this meeting, Winn and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation present a veterinary student scholarship and the Excellence in Feline Research Award. Dr. Thayer and Dr. Little also attended a meeting of the Animal Health Network, a coalition of organizations dedicated to improved research funding for companion animals.

As well, Winn was represented at the Partners for Healthy Pets meeting and lectures. Winn is an associate member of this organization dedicated to ensuring pets receive the preventive healthcare they deserve through regular visits to a veterinarian.

(L to R) Dr. Susan Little, Dr. Vicki Thayer, Joan Miller

On a social note, an informal gathering at the home of Winn past president Joan Miller afforded a rare opportunity for three of Winn’s presidents (past and present) to get together.

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Dental Did You Know: The Price of John Lennon's Tooth.

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Apparently, John Lennon's molar was sold for about $31000 at the Omega Auction House on November 4th. It went for double its listed price and was originally given by him to his former housekeeper. It is also reported to be now in the possession of a Canadian dentist (not confirmed and not me :)

Source: Rolling Stone Magazine (Online), November 6th, Read November 7th, http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/john-lennons-tooth-sells-for-more-than-31-000-at-auction-20111106


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

2012 Veterinary scholarship awarded

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The Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) announced their annual joint Student Scholarship Award to Alison McKay, a fourth year student at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University, during the American Veterinary Medical Assoc. convention in San Diego. Ms. McKay intends to become board certified in small animal internal medicine and hopes to work in a university teaching hospital or feline clinic. Alison McKay is the secretary for the Shelter Medicine Club at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University, and has helped organize several low-cost pet wellness clinics for senior citizens in her community.

Long committed to volunteerism, Ms. McKay has worked with a number of rescue organizations and free clinics for the pets of the homeless including the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, Portland Animal Welfare Team, Salem Friends of Felines, and Pro-Bone-O of Eugene, Oregon. She will be traveling to Nicaragua this summer on a veterinary service trip where she will provide surgical and basic wellness care to animals and investigate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis, internal parasites, feline leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats on Ometepe Island.

She is currently working to organize a run/walk event which will benefit animal welfare in Uzhgorod, Ukraine.

Asked about plans for her continuing studies, Ms. McKay stated “During my clinical year of veterinary school, I will be completing my preceptorships at Corvallis Cat Care and West Vet, an internal medicine and emergency practice near Boise, Idaho. I also plan to spend two weeks at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, spending one week on cardiology and one week on internal medicine. I am very interested in feline medicine, therefore my senior project will focus on CT imaging of cats with feline asthma.”

Previous Winn/AVMF scholarship winners include:

• Adam Breiteneicher, Auburn University (2010)
• Jessica Balter, Cornell University (2011)

Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation are pleased to collaborate in this effort to focus attention on care for “Every Cat, Every Day.”

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Is carnitine effective for feline weight loss?

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Center SA, Warner KL, Randolph JF, Sunvold GD and Vickers JR. Influence of dietary supplementation with l-carnitine on metabolic rate, fatty acid oxidation, body condition, and weight loss in overweight cats. Am J Vet Res. 2012; 73: 1002-15.
 
In the world of feline nutrition, L-carnitine is a conditionally essential nutrient that plays a pivotal role in fatty acid metabolism. The investigators in this study wanted to determine whether L-carnitine as a dietary supplement would facilitate weight loss in overweight cats fed a weight-reduction diet on an unrestricted or restricted basis. As well, they wanted to evaluate retention of lean body mass (LBM) during weight loss, and preferential treatment use of fat for energy expenditure. Thirty-two healthy adult colony cats were fattened by being fed an unrestricted, energy-dense diet for 6 months. The cats were randomly assigned to 4 groups and fed a weight reduction diet supplemented with O, 50, 100, or 150 µg of carnitine/g of diet (unrestricted for 1 month, then restricted). After weight loss, the cats were allowed unrestricted feeding of the energy-dense diet to study weight gain after feeding the test diet ceased. 

Overall, the collective findings regarding absolute weight reduction do not suggest an obvious benefit of dietary carnitine supplementation in this respect. The results did indicate though that dietary L-carnitine supplementation appeared to have a metabolic effect in overweight cats undergoing rapid weight loss that facilitated fatty acid oxidation. This might explain why observations of supplementation with L-carnitine improved the probability of survival time in cats severely affected with hepatic lipidosis. A final phase of the study demonstrated the rapid rebound weight gain that may occur after substantial weight loss upon reinstitution of unrestricted feeding of an energy-dense diet. Some cats regained all weight lost during the study within 35 days after reinstitution of the energy-dense diet. [VT]

See also: Ibrahim W, Bailey N, Sunvold G and Bruckner G. Effects of carnitine and taurine on fatty acid metabolism and lipid accumulation in the liver of cats during weight gain and weight loss. Amer J Vet Res. 2003; 64: 1265-77.

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Dental Did You Know: The Price of John Lennon's Tooth.

To contact us Click HERE
Apparently, John Lennon's molar was sold for about $31000 at the Omega Auction House on November 4th. It went for double its listed price and was originally given by him to his former housekeeper. It is also reported to be now in the possession of a Canadian dentist (not confirmed and not me :)

Source: Rolling Stone Magazine (Online), November 6th, Read November 7th, http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/john-lennons-tooth-sells-for-more-than-31-000-at-auction-20111106


Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Dental Implant Care and Inflammation

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It is very important to take care of your dental implants through regular hygiene at home and at the dental office. The long-term prevalence of peri-implant mucositis (inflammation) is as high as 76.6%, which ultimately can affect the retention of the implant.

Source: Massad J, Implant Home Hygiene, Oral Health, July 2012, Vol 102, No 7, pg 49-54.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: Second Hand Smoke and Periodontal Disease

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A recent study found that periodontal (bone loss/inflammation) disease was found 1.6 times more frequently in non-smokers with self reported exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

Source: Sevels I, Clinical Abstracts, Ontario Dentist, July/August 2012, Vol 89, No 6, pg 38-39.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Improving treatment for feline oral cancer

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Final report, Winn grant W10-043
PET-CT of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
Investigator: Elissa Randall, Colorado State University
 
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not only the most common oral tumor in cats, but it accounts for about 10% of all feline tumors. To date, treatments have had limited success and short survival times. This study was designed to evaluate an imaging method used in human medicine for head and neck cancers called positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). PET imaging provides functional information about biological activity in the tumor and tissues, while CT imaging provides anatomic information. Twelve cats with OSCC had PET-CT performed: 7 cases prior to stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with a second PET-CT after therapy, and 5 cases with imaging performed prior to SRT only.

All the tumors were found to be hypermetabolic on PET scans. Metastasis in local and somewhat distant lymph nodes was detected by PET-CT. Meeting these two objectives indicates that PET-CT is a valid potential tool for tumor staging in cats with OSCC. All the tumors were identified and well-visualized with post-treatment PET-CT. However, residual tumor could not be differentiated from reactive tissue when PET-CTs were performed one month after radiation treatment.

There were no major complications noted in any of the cats during the imaging studies and associated biopsies. PET-CT was found to offer a major benefit in cats with OSCC through better detection and delineation of the primary tumor. This allowed for the development of better treatment plans by radiation oncologists in the study. [VT]

See also: Final report, Winn grant W09-032 (Molecular pathology of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma)

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2012 Excellence in Feline Research Award

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Niels Pedersen, DVM, PhD, is the winner of the 2012 Excellence in Feline Research Award from Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Dr. Pedersen was recognized due in large part to his work as a pioneer in infectious diseases in cats having produced 220 research publications and authored a number of textbooks on feline husbandry and infectious diseases. As a member of the faculty at the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California at Davis, Pedersen is currently a distinguished professor and director of both the Center for Companion Animal Health and Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.

Winn President, Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP, made the announcement and was at the presentation of the $2,500 award, given along with a crystal cat award at the annual convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association held August 7th in San Diego.

Dr. Thayer commented that “Dr. Pedersen is well known for his support for research into feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and working with volunteers at SOCK FIP (Save Our Cats and Kittens) which currently focuses on FIP research. The Winn Board of Directors is pleased to honor Dr. Pedersen for a lifetime of achievement and as a long time friend of Winn and supporter of our mission. We were also pleased to have him present information on FIP research at Winn’s Annual Symposium in 2011 to excellent reviews.”

Dr. Pedersen, Winn past president Joan Miller, 1981

According to Dr. Pedersen, his most satisfying achievements have involved the creation of the Center for Comparative Medicine, The Center for Companion Animal Health and the Koret Shelter Medicine Program. His single most rewarding experience has been directing the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) at UC-Davis  since 1997 and using the resources of the VGL to develop a broad based and internationally recognized veterinary genetics research program.

Pedersen graduated from UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1967 and interned in small animal medicine and surgery at Colorado State University. He was awarded a PhD in Experimental Pathology and Immunology from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University in 1972. Dr. Pedersen was active in clinics for 17 years, specializing in infectious and immunologic diseases of dogs and cats. He taught infectious diseases, clinical immunology and feline medicine for 22 years.

He holds honorary doctorates from the Universities of Zurich and Utrecht and has received several awards for his research on feline infectious diseases. Although he has worked on many different diseases of cats and dogs, his lifelong interest has been with feline infectious peritonitis, which continues to both excite and frustrate him with its complexities.

Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation are pleased to collaborate in this effort to focus attention on the importance of feline health studies and the committed researchers who conduct these lifesaving investigations into the prevention and care of feline disease for “Every Cat, Every Day.”

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library 
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Investigating new drugs for feline diabetes mellitus

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Final report, Winn grant W10-020
Pharmacokinetics of pioglitazone in lean and obese cats
Investigators: Levent Dirikolu, Margarethe Hoenig, Duncan Ferguson; University of Illinois
 
Diabetes mellitus and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are common problems in feline medicine. Both diseases are associated with obesity and may be prevented by maintaining an ideal body weight. However, weight control is difficult in many cats and once these diseases develop, specific treatment is needed. Current treatment for diabetes mellitus in cats is either insulin or drug therapy with glipizide, along with dietary modification. The only treatment available for hepatic lipidosis is aggressive nutritional support, often with a feeding tube. In human medicine, new anti-diabetic drugs called thiazolidinediones such as pioglitazone improve insulin sensitivity and reverse fatty changes in the liver. The purpose of this project was to begin investigation of pioglitazone in cats so that it may be evaluated in clinical trials in the future.

The investigators’ objectives in this study were to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of this drug in lean and obese cats in an effort to provide a foundation for assessment of its effects on insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. Pioglitazone was administered intravenously (median dose 0.2 mg/kg) or orally (3 mg/kg) to six healthy lean cats and six obese cats. There were no statistically significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between lean and obese cats subsequent to either oral or intravenous administration. No adverse effects were noted with oral dosing in any of the cats. It appears that achieving therapeutic concentrations of pioglitazone, potentially at a dose of 3 mg/kg, appears feasible. [VT]

Clark MH, Hoenig M, Ferguson DC and Dirikolu L. Pharmacokinetics of pioglitazone in lean and obese cats. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2012.

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Leptospirosis in cats

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Arbour J, Blais M-C, Carioto L and Sylvestre D. Clinical leptospirosis in three cats (2001–2009). J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2012; 48: 256-60.

Leptospira species are an important zoonotic bacterium harbored by some species of wildlife, including rodents. The bacteria are shed in urine from infected animals. Infection of cats with the spirochete bacteria Leptospira occurs but cats have always been thought to be resistant to development of clinical signs following infection. This report describes three confirmed cases of leptospirosis in cats with disease. All three cases were indoor/outdoor cats that were known to hunt.

All three cases presented with kidney disease, but no involvement of the liver as is sometimes seen in dogs. Symptoms included lethargy, anorexia, frequent urination, and excessive drinking. One cat had blood in the urine, and also inflammatory involvement of the right eye. Two of the cats responded well to treatment, but one continued to deteriorate and had to be euthanized.

Interestingly, these cats developed disease several months after the known exposure to rodents, implying a longer incubation period than is seen in dogs, which is usually a few days. The authors conclude that while disease due to Leptospira infection in cats is rare, it must be considered in cases of kidney disease. Further work is needed to determine the ability of cats to carry and shed the bacteria asymptomatically. [MK]

See also: Markovich JE, Ross L and McCobb E. The prevalence of leptospiral antibodies in free roaming cats in Worcester County, Massachusetts. J Vet Intern Med. 2012; 26: 688-9.

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Let's immune system help

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Imatinib potentiates antitumor T cell responses in gastrointestinal stromal tumor through the inhibition of Ido, 
Vinod P Balachandran, et al. Nature Medicine17 (2011) 


I would like to hilight this paper to our readership, as many of your are involved in the design of clinical trials and selection of potential biomarkers. This report is one of a handful of high impact papers that report the coperative role that inflammatory infiltrate and non cell autonomous effectors play in modulating response to established agents. This study demonstrates an interesting immunological mechanism of Imatininb  that contributes to the antitumor effect in a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) mouse model. Inflammatory infiltrate is a known finding in GIST specimens (including intratumoral CD8+ Tcells, Treg cells and macrophages). Acording to the authors, Imatinib activates CD8+ T cells and induces Treg cells apoptosis within the tumor. Imatinib is therefore able to reduce the expression of 2,3-dioxygenase (Ido) of tumor cells. Ido enzyme is involved in the catayzation of immunosuppressive metabolites from tryptophan and therefore mediates downstream immunological response. Interestingly Imatininb resistant tumors, generally as a result of a second KIT mutation, restore the overexpression of IDO and combination of Imatinib with CTLA-4 blockade (a well established immunotherapeutic strategy) act synergistically. This insight provides some hints on something we have been suspecting for a long time. It is easy to predict consequences for rational design of combination therapies and strategies to overcome resistance in Imatinib resistant tumors.TweetShare

Dental Did You Know: Lack of Brushing and Dementia

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A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and summarized in the National Post newspaper showed that those reporting to brush less that once a day had a 65% increase in the incidence of dementia versus those who brushed daily.

Source: National Post Online, http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/08/21/good-oral-health-linked-to-reduced-risk-of-dementia/, read and published on August 21, 2012.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Cyclosporine in cats

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Final report, Winn grant W09-028
Pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine after intravenous and subcutaneous administration in cats
Investigators: Sandra Diaz, David Panciera, James Meldrum; Virginia_Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immune-modulating drug that has traditionally been used for kidney transplantation in cats. In recent years, CsA has been reported to be effective in the management of several skin diseases, including allergic skin disease. CsA is typically given by mouth, but absorption of the drug is variable and not all owners can give oral medication to their cats long term. The objective of this study was to determine if subcutaneous administration of CsA would give predictable blood concentrations of the drug. If so, this route of drug administration could be easier for some cat owners, and may reduce side effects and reduce the need for blood monitoring of drug levels.

This study looked at the pharmacokinetic profile of CsA after intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SQ) administration. Five healthy adult cats were given a single IV bolus of CsA. After two weeks, they received a dose of CsA SQ every 48 hours for 14 days. Blood samples were taken and measured. No adverse effects were observed in any cat. The results indicated that SQ CsA bioavailability is very good. The SQ route could represent a promising route of administration in cats in the future. [VT]

See also: Heinrich NA, McKeever PJ and Eisenschenk MC. Adverse events in 50 cats with allergic dermatitis receiving ciclosporin. Vet Dermatol. 2011; 22: 511-20.

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Acromegaly in cats

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Greco DS. Feline acromegaly. Top Companion Anim Med. 2012; 27: 31-5.

From Dr. Mark Peterson: endocrinevet.blogspot.com

Acromegaly (or hypersomatotropism) is a disease that derives its name from two Greek words: ‘acro’ (meaning extremity) and ‘megale’ (meaning great). The disease has been known in humans for at least 100 years, and has been identified in cats starting in the 1980s. The disease is caused by a tumor (adenoma) of the pituitary gland in the brain that leads to excessive secretion of growth hormone. The effects of excessive growth hormone include the development of diabetes mellitus and increase in size of certain parts of the body (e.g., jaw, skull, limbs). Internal organs (e.g., heart, liver, kidney) may also be increased in size. 

The typical feline patient is an older male cat with diabetes mellitus that is difficult to manage. The disease is diagnosed by finding increased blood levels of growth hormone and/or insulin-like growth factor as well as demonstration of a pituitary mass using magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Few treatments are available for this disease in cats; to date, the most effective approach has been radiation therapy. Most affected cats eventually die of congestive heart failure, chronic kidney failure, or complications of the growing pituitary tumor. [SL]

See also: 

• Niessen SJM. Feline acromegaly: An essential differential diagnosis for the difficult diabetic. J Feline Med Surg. 2010; 12: 15-23.
• Final report, Winn grant W10-017: Evaluation of a long-acting somatostatin receptor ligand for the treatment of feline acromegaly
• Insights into veterinary endocrinology: Dr. Mark E. Peterson

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New approaches to treatment of feline diabetes mellitus

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Final report, Winn grant W09-015
The incretin effect: A potential role for GLP-1 analogues in the treatment of feline diabetes?
Investigators: Chen Gilor, Thomas Graves; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
 
A compelling animal model for diabetes is the cat because cats develop a spontaneous form of diabetes that closely resembles human type 2 diabetes. Incretin hormones are secreted from the intestines in response to specific nutrients. They potentiate insulin secretion and offer beneficial effects of glucose homeostasis. Two incretin hormones, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), account for the incretin effect in humans. One goal of this study was to determine whether the incretin effect occurs in cats by comparing the effect of oral glucose, lipids, or amino acids on serum concentrations of insulin, GIP, and GLP-1 in 10 healthy cats. The results indicated that the incretin effect does exist in cats but the effect on glucose-dependent insulin secretion is not as substantial as it is in people. They also noted that this potentiated effect is mediated by GLP-1 but not GLP. This lack of GIP response and a weak incretin effect could make the cat relatively glucose intolerant and might lead to inappropriate glycemic control in cats fed a diet high in carbohydrates.
 
Exenatide is a GLP-1 mimetic drug that has a glucose-dependent insulinotropic effect. In people with type 2 diabetes, exenatide is effective in controlling blood glucose with minimal side effects. The other goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of exenatide on insulin secretion during euglycemia and hyperglycemia in 9 young, healthy cats. The results indicate that exenatide in cats does stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion that is similar to the effect of exenatide in people. Further evaluation of the results did not show improved glucose tolerance with exenatide because its duration of effect was too short. The investigators feel that GLP-1-based medications have potential in treatment of diabetes in cats. Though exenatide will most likely not be clinically useful in cats, other drugs with a similar mechanism of action but longer duration of effect may be helpful. Such drugs would likely promote insulin secretion but may be safer than insulin injections because of the reduced likelihood of hypoglycemia. [VT]
 
Gilor, C., T. K. Graves, et al. (2011). The GLP-1 mimetic exenatide potentiates insulin secretion in healthy cats. Domest Anim Endocrinol 41(1): 42-49.

Gilor, C., T. K. Graves, et al. (2011). The incretin effect in cats: comparison between oral glucose, lipids, and amino acids. Domest Anim Endocrinol 40(4): 205-212.

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Let's immune system help

To contact us Click HERE

Imatinib potentiates antitumor T cell responses in gastrointestinal stromal tumor through the inhibition of Ido, 
Vinod P Balachandran, et al. Nature Medicine17 (2011) 


I would like to hilight this paper to our readership, as many of your are involved in the design of clinical trials and selection of potential biomarkers. This report is one of a handful of high impact papers that report the coperative role that inflammatory infiltrate and non cell autonomous effectors play in modulating response to established agents. This study demonstrates an interesting immunological mechanism of Imatininb  that contributes to the antitumor effect in a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) mouse model. Inflammatory infiltrate is a known finding in GIST specimens (including intratumoral CD8+ Tcells, Treg cells and macrophages). Acording to the authors, Imatinib activates CD8+ T cells and induces Treg cells apoptosis within the tumor. Imatinib is therefore able to reduce the expression of 2,3-dioxygenase (Ido) of tumor cells. Ido enzyme is involved in the catayzation of immunosuppressive metabolites from tryptophan and therefore mediates downstream immunological response. Interestingly Imatininb resistant tumors, generally as a result of a second KIT mutation, restore the overexpression of IDO and combination of Imatinib with CTLA-4 blockade (a well established immunotherapeutic strategy) act synergistically. This insight provides some hints on something we have been suspecting for a long time. It is easy to predict consequences for rational design of combination therapies and strategies to overcome resistance in Imatinib resistant tumors.TweetShare

Let's immune system help

Imatinib potentiates antitumor T cell responses in gastrointestinal stromal tumor through the inhibition of Ido, 
Vinod P Balachandran, et al. Nature Medicine17 (2011) 


I would like to hilight this paper to our readership, as many of your are involved in the design of clinical trials and selection of potential biomarkers. This report is one of a handful of high impact papers that report the coperative role that inflammatory infiltrate and non cell autonomous effectors play in modulating response to established agents. This study demonstrates an interesting immunological mechanism of Imatininb  that contributes to the antitumor effect in a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) mouse model. Inflammatory infiltrate is a known finding in GIST specimens (including intratumoral CD8+ Tcells, Treg cells and macrophages). Acording to the authors, Imatinib activates CD8+ T cells and induces Treg cells apoptosis within the tumor. Imatinib is therefore able to reduce the expression of 2,3-dioxygenase (Ido) of tumor cells. Ido enzyme is involved in the catayzation of immunosuppressive metabolites from tryptophan and therefore mediates downstream immunological response. Interestingly Imatininb resistant tumors, generally as a result of a second KIT mutation, restore the overexpression of IDO and combination of Imatinib with CTLA-4 blockade (a well established immunotherapeutic strategy) act synergistically. This insight provides some hints on something we have been suspecting for a long time. It is easy to predict consequences for rational design of combination therapies and strategies to overcome resistance in Imatinib resistant tumors.TweetShare

2012 Excellence in Feline Research Award

Niels Pedersen, DVM, PhD, is the winner of the 2012 Excellence in Feline Research Award from Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Dr. Pedersen was recognized due in large part to his work as a pioneer in infectious diseases in cats having produced 220 research publications and authored a number of textbooks on feline husbandry and infectious diseases. As a member of the faculty at the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California at Davis, Pedersen is currently a distinguished professor and director of both the Center for Companion Animal Health and Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.

Winn President, Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP, made the announcement and was at the presentation of the $2,500 award, given along with a crystal cat award at the annual convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association held August 7th in San Diego.

Dr. Thayer commented that “Dr. Pedersen is well known for his support for research into feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and working with volunteers at SOCK FIP (Save Our Cats and Kittens) which currently focuses on FIP research. The Winn Board of Directors is pleased to honor Dr. Pedersen for a lifetime of achievement and as a long time friend of Winn and supporter of our mission. We were also pleased to have him present information on FIP research at Winn’s Annual Symposium in 2011 to excellent reviews.”

Dr. Pedersen, Winn past president Joan Miller, 1981

According to Dr. Pedersen, his most satisfying achievements have involved the creation of the Center for Comparative Medicine, The Center for Companion Animal Health and the Koret Shelter Medicine Program. His single most rewarding experience has been directing the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) at UC-Davis  since 1997 and using the resources of the VGL to develop a broad based and internationally recognized veterinary genetics research program.

Pedersen graduated from UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1967 and interned in small animal medicine and surgery at Colorado State University. He was awarded a PhD in Experimental Pathology and Immunology from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University in 1972. Dr. Pedersen was active in clinics for 17 years, specializing in infectious and immunologic diseases of dogs and cats. He taught infectious diseases, clinical immunology and feline medicine for 22 years.

He holds honorary doctorates from the Universities of Zurich and Utrecht and has received several awards for his research on feline infectious diseases. Although he has worked on many different diseases of cats and dogs, his lifelong interest has been with feline infectious peritonitis, which continues to both excite and frustrate him with its complexities.

Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation are pleased to collaborate in this effort to focus attention on the importance of feline health studies and the committed researchers who conduct these lifesaving investigations into the prevention and care of feline disease for “Every Cat, Every Day.”

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library 
Find us on Facebook 
Follow us on Twitter 
Join us on Google+