| 1. |
- Anagrius, Kerstin, et al.
(författare)
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Facial conformation characteristics in Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. - 1098-612X .- 1532-2750.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectivesThe primary objectives of the study were to examine the diversity in facial conformation characteristics within a group of Persian (PER) and Exotic Shorthair (EXO) show cats, and to contrast the results to findings within a group of non-purebred domestic shorthair (DSH) and domestic longhair (DLH) cats. The secondary objectives were to determine the PER/EXO show cat owners' perceptions of the breathing status of their cats, and to evaluate if remarks from the cat show judges concerning the cats' head and facial conformation were exclusively related to the aesthetic features of the cats.MethodsSixty-four PER and 12 EXO show cats were prospectively examined at five international cat shows, and 20 DSH/DLH cats were examined at an animal hospital. Facial conformation characteristics were evaluated by examining photos of the cats. Owners of the PER/EXO show cats answered a questionnaire concerning their cats' health status, and they were encouraged to send in the judges' score sheets from the cat shows.ResultsThe PER/EXO show cats had higher diversity in facial conformation characteristics than the DSH/DLH cats, and high incidences of hypoplasia of the nose leather (95%), the nose leather top positioned above the level of the lower eyelid (93%), moderate-to-severe stenotic nares (86%), epiphora (83%) and entropion (32%). Owners of 6/76 PER/EXO show cats stated that their cat had increased respiratory sounds and/or trouble breathing at least once a week. The cat show judges' written comments were exclusively related to aesthetic features of the cats' head and facial conformation details.Conclusions and relevanceHypoplasia of the nose leather, high position of the nose leather top, stenotic nares, epiphora and entropion were common findings in the PER/EXO show cats but not in the DSH/DLH cats. Few of the cat owners perceived that their cat had problems related to the airways.
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| 2. |
- Axner, Eva
(författare)
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A questionnaire on survival of kittens depending on the blood groups of the parents
- 2014
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Ingår i: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. - 1098-612X .- 1532-2750. ; 16, s. 781-787
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cats more than 2 months of age have alloantibodies against the blood type antigen that they do not possess. Maternal antibodies, including alloantibodies against blood groups, are transferred to the kittens' systemic circulation when they suckle colostrum during the first 12-16 h after birth. If kittens with blood group A or AB nurse from a mother with blood group B they may develop neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI). Breeders can prevent kittens at risk of NI from nursing during the first 16-24 h; after this period it is safe to let them nurse. Kittens depend, however, on the passive transfer of antibodies from the colostrum for early protection against infections. Although it is known that kittens deprived of colostrum will also be deprived of passive systemic immunity, it is not known if this will affect their health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate kitten mortality in litters with B-mothers and A-fathers compared to litters with A-mothers. In addition, the aim was to evaluate the effects of colostrum deprivation on the health of the mothers, and the breeders' opinions and experiences of these combinations of breedings. A web-based questionnaire was constructed and distributed to breeders. The results indicate that there is no difference in mortality between planned litters that have mothers with blood group A and litters with mothers that have blood group B and fathers that have blood group A. When managing blood group incompatibility in cats, all factors affecting the health of the cats, including genetic variation, should be considered.
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| 3. |
- Axner, Eva
(författare)
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An internet survey of breeders' and cat rescue organisations' opinions about early castration of cats
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. - 1098-612X .- 1532-2750. ; 14, s. 849-856
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There has been concern that early castration of pedigree kittens may lead to a depletion of gene pools. Web-based questionnaires on early castration were distributed to breeders and cat rescue organisations. One of the reasons that breeders used early castration was to counteract what they considered irresponsible breeding, such as overuse of strains within the breed or production of cross-breeds. Of all pedigree kittens, 45.1% were kept intact while 54.9% were neutered before re-homing. Nineteen (65.5%) of the cat rescue organisations believed that early castration could be beneficial in reducing the number of homeless cats, but only six (20.6%) had applied early castration. Three organisations replied that their veterinarian declined to do early castration and two believed that it was not safe for the kittens. There does not, necessarily, seem to be conflicting interests between keeping genetic variation in pedigree breeds and the possibility of limiting the population of homeless cats.
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| 4. |
- Axner, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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Dystocia in the cat evaluated using an insurance database
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. - 1098-612X .- 1532-2750. ; 19, s. 42-47
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of feline dystocia with respect to breed.Methods The data used were reimbursed claims for veterinary care insurance and/or life insurance claims in cats registered in a Swedish insurance database from 1999-2006.Results The incidence rates for dystocia were about 22 cats per 10,000 cat-years at risk, 67 per 10,000 for purebred cats and seven per 10,000 for domestic shorthair cats. The median age was 2.5 years. A significant effect of breed was seen. An incidence rate ratio (IRR) that was significantly higher compared with other purebred cats was seen in the British Shorthair (IRR 2.5), the Oriental group (IRR 2.2), Birman (IRR 1.7), Ragdoll (IRR 1.5) and the Abyssinian group (IRR 1.5). A significantly lower IRR was seen in the Norwegian Forest Cat (IRR 0.38), the Maine Coon (IRR 0.48), the Persian/Exotic group (IRR 0.49) and the Cornish Rex (IRR 0.50). No common factor among the high-risk breeds explained their high risk for dystocia. There was no effect of location; that is, the incidence rate did not differ depending on whether the cat lived in an urban or rural area. Caesarean section was performed in 56% of the cats with dystocia, and the case fatality was 2%.Conclusions and relevance The incidence rate for dystocia was of a similar magnitude in purebred cats as in dogs. The IRR varied significantly among breeds, and the main cause for dystocia should be identified separately for each breed. A selection for easy parturitions in breeding programmes is suggested.
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| 5. |
- Belak, Sandor
(författare)
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Bordetella Bronchiseptica Infection in Cats: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. - : SAGE Publications. - 1098-612X .- 1532-2750. ; 11, s. 610-614
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Overview Bordetella bronchiseptica is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonises the respiratory tract of mammals and is considered to be a primary pathogen of domestic cats. It is sensible to consider B bronchiseptica as a rare cause of zoonotic infections. The bacterium is susceptible to common disinfectants. Infection The bacterium is shed in oral and nasal secretions of infected cats. Dogs with respiratory disease are an infection risk for cats. The microorganism colonises the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract of the host, establishing chronic infections. Disease signs A wide range of respiratory signs has been associated with B bronchiseptica infection, from a mild illness with fever, coughing, sneezing, ocular discharge and lymphadenopathy to severe pneumonia with dyspnoea, cyanosis and death. Diagnosis Bacterial culture and PCR lack sensitivity. Samples for isolation can be obtained from the oropharynx (swabs) or via transtracheal wash/ bronchoalveolar lavage. Disease management Antibacterial therapy is indicated, even if the signs are mild. Where sensitivity data are unavailable, tetracyclines are recommended. Doxycycline is the antimicrobial of choice. Cats with severe B bronchiseptica infection require supportive therapy and intensive nursing care. Vaccination recommendations In some European countries an intranasal modified-live virus vaccine is available. The modified-live product is licensed for use as a single vaccination with annual boosters. Cats should not be routinely vaccinated against B bronchiseptica (non-core), since the infection generally causes only a mild disease
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| 6. |
- Belak, Sandor
(författare)
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Chlamydophila felis infection ABCD guidelines on prevention and management
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. - : SAGE Publications. - 1098-612X .- 1532-2750. ; 11, s. 605-609
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Overview Chlamydophila felis is a Gram-negative bacterium and its primary target is the conjunctiva. The bacterium does not survive outside the host. Infection Transmission requires close contact between cats; ocular secretions are probably the most important body fluid for infection. Most cases occur in cats under 1 year of age. Chlamydophila felis is the infectious organism most frequently associated with conjunctivitis. Disease signs Unilateral ocular disease generally progresses to become bilateral. There can be intense conjunctivitis with extreme hyperaemia of the nictitating membrane, blepharospasm and ocular discomfort. Transient fever, inappetence and weight loss may occur shortly after infection, although most cats remain well and continue to eat. Diagnosis PCR techniques are now preferred for diagnosing C felis infection. Ocular swabs are generally used. In unvaccinated cats, antibody detection can be used to indicate infection. Disease management Tetracyclines are generally regarded as the antibiotics of choice. Doxycycline has the advantage of requiring only single daily administration and is given at a dose of 10 mg/kg orally. Vaccination should be considered if there is a history of confirmed chlamydial disease in a shelter. Single housing and routine hygiene measures should suffice to avoid cross-infection. Cats maintained together for longer terms should be vaccinated regularly. In breeding catteries where C felis infection is endemic, the first step should be to treat all cats with doxycycline for at least 4 weeks. Once clinical signs have been controlled, the cats should be vaccinated. Vaccination recommendations Vaccination should be considered for cats at risk of exposure to infection. Vaccination generally begins at 8–10 weeks of age, with a second injection 3–4 weeks later. Annual boosters are recommended for cats at continued risk of exposure
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| 7. |
- Belak, Sandor
(författare)
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Feline Calicivirus Infection: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. - : SAGE Publications. - 1098-612X .- 1532-2750. ; 11, s. 556-564
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Overview Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly variable virus. More severe, systemic forms of FCV infection have been observed recently.Infection Sick, acutely infected or carrier cats shed FCV in oronasal and conjunctival secretions. Infection occurs mainly through direct contact.Disease signs The main clinical signs are oral ulcers, upper respiratory signs and a high fever. Feline calicivirus may be isolated from nearly all cats with chronic stomatitis or gingivitis. Cats with,virulent systemic FCV disease' variably show pyrexia, cutaneous oedema, ulcerative lesions on the head and limbs, and jaundice. Mortality is high and the disease is more severe in adult cats.Diagnosis Diagnosis of FCV can be achieved by virus isolation or reverse-transcriptase PCR. Viral RNA can be detected in conjunctival and oral swabs, blood, skin scrapings or lung tissue using PCR. Positive PCR results should be interpreted with caution, as these may be a consequence of low-level shedding by persistently infected carriers. The diagnosis of virulent systemic FCV disease relies on clinical signs and isolation of the same strain from the blood of several diseased cats.Disease management Supportive therapy (including fluid therapy) and good nursing care are essential. Anorexic cats should be fed highly palatable, blended or warmed food. Mucolytic drugs (eg, bromhexine) or nebulisation with saline may off er relief. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be dministered to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Feline calicivirus can persist in the environment for out 1 month and is resistant to many common disinfectants.
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| 8. |
- Belak, Sandor
(författare)
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Feline Herpesvirus Infection: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. - : SAGE Publications. - 1098-612X .- 1532-2750. ; 11, s. 547-555
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Overview Feline viral rhinotracheitis, caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV), is an upper respiratory tract disease that is often associated with feline calicivirus and bacteria. In most cats, FHV remains latent after recovery, and they become lifelong virus carriers. Stress or corticosteroid treatment may lead to virus reactivation and shedding in oronasal and conjunctival secretions. Infection Sick cats shed FHV in oral, nasal and conjunctival secretions; shedding may last for 3 weeks. Infection requires direct contact with a shedding cat. Disease signs Feline herpesvirus infections cause acute rhinitis and conjunctivitis, usually accompanied by fever, depression and anorexia. Affected cats may also develop typical ulcerative, dendritic keratitis. Diagnosis Samples consist of conjunctival, corneal or oropharyngeal swabs, corneal scrapings or biopsies. It is not recommended that cats recently vaccinated with a modified-live virus vaccine are sampled. Positive PCR results should be interpreted with caution, as they may be produced by low-level shedding or viral latency. Disease management ‘Tender loving care’ from the owner, supportive therapy and good nursing are essential. Anorexic cats should be fed blended, highly palatable food – warmed up if required. Mucolytic drugs (eg, bromhexine) or nebulisation with saline may offer relief. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be given to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Topical antiviral drugs may be used for the treatment of acute FHV ocular disease. The virus is labile and susceptible to most disinfectants, antiseptics and detergents. Vaccination recommendations Two injections, at 9 and 12 weeks of age, are recommended, with a first booster 1 year later. Boosters should be given annually to at-risk cats. For cats in low-risk situations (eg, indoor-only cats), 3-yearly intervals suffice. Cats that have recovered from FHV-associated disease are usually not protected for life against further disease episodes; vaccination of recovered cats is therefore recommended
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| 9. |
- Belak, Sandor
(författare)
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Feline Immunodeficiency: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. - : SAGE Publications. - 1098-612X .- 1532-2750. ; 11, s. 575-584
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Overview Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus closely related to human immunodeficiency virus. Most felids are susceptible to FIV, but humans are not. Feline immunodeficiency virus is endemic in domestic cat populations worldwide. The virus loses infectivity quickly outside the host and is susceptible to all disinfectants. Infection Feline immunodeficiency virus is transmitted via bites. The risk of transmission is low in households with socially well-adapted cats. Transmission from mother to kittens may occur, especially if the queen is undergoing an acute infection. Cats with FIV are persistently infected in spite of their ability to mount antibody and cell-mediated immune responses. Disease signs Infected cats generally remain free of clinical signs for several years, and some cats never develop disease, depending on the infecting isolate. Most clinical signs are the consequence of immunodeficiency and secondary infection. Typical manifestations are chronic gingivostomatitis, chronic rhinitis, lymphadenopathy, weight loss and immune-mediated glomerulonephritis. Diagnosis Positive in-practice ELISA results obtained in a low-prevalence or low-risk population should always be confirmed by a laboratory. Western blot is the ‘gold standard’ laboratory test for FIV serology. PCR-based assays vary in performance. Disease management Cats should never be euthanased solely on the basis of an FIV-positive test result. Cats infected with FIV may live as long as uninfected cats, with appropriate management. Asymptomatic FIV-infected cats should be neutered to avoid fighting and virus transmission. Infected cats should receive regular veterinary health checks. They can be housed in the same ward as other patients, but should be kept in individual cages. Vaccination recommendations At present, there is no FIV vaccine commercially available in Europe. Potential benefits and risks of vaccinating FIV-infected cats should be assessed on an individual cat basis. Needles and surgical instruments used on FIV-positive cats may transmit the virus to other cats, so strict hygiene is essential
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| 10. |
- Belak, Sandor
(författare)
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Feline Infectious Peritonitis: ABCD Guidelines on Prevention and Management
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. - : SAGE Publications. - 1098-612X .- 1532-2750. ; 11, s. 594-604
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Overview Feline coronavirus infection is ubiquitous in domestic cats, and is particularly common where conditions are crowded. While most FCoV-infected cats are healthy or display only a mild enteritis, some go on to develop feline infectious peritonitis, a disease that is especially common in young cats and multi-cat environments Up to 12% of FCoV-infected cats may succumb to FIP, with stress predisposing to the development of disease.Disease signs The 'wet' or effusive form, characterised by polyserositis (abdominal and/or thoracic effusion) and vasculitis, and the 'dry' or non-effusive form (pyogranulomatous lesions in organs) reflect clinical extremes of a continuum. The clinical picture of FIP is highly variable, depending on the distribution of the vasculitis and pyogranulomatous lesions. Fever refractory to antibiotics, lethargy, anorexia and weight loss are common non-specific signs. Ascites is the most obvious manifestation of the effusive form.Diagnosis The aetiological diagnosis of FIP ante-mortem may be difficult, if not impossible. The background of the cat, its history, the clinical signs, laboratory changes, antibody titres and effusion analysis should all be used to help in decision-making about further diagnostic procedures. At the time of writing, there is no non-invasive confirmatory test available for cats without effusionDisease management In most cases FIP is fatal. Supportive treatment is aimed at suppressing the inflammatory and detrimental immune response. However, there are no controlled studies to prove any beneficial effect of corticosteroids.
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