Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery

Volume 9, Issue 6, December 2007, Pages 458–465

Bacteriuria in cats with feline lower urinary tract disease: a clinical study of 134 cases in Norway

• Anna V. Eggertsdóttir, DVM, PhD^1, , , 
• Heidi S. Lund, DVM¹, 
• Randi Krontveit, DVM¹, 
• Henning Sørum,DVM, PhD²

• ¹ Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway
• ² Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway

• http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2007.06.003, How to Cite or Link Using DOI

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Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is considered to be one of the most common diagnoses in feline patients. Several authors have concluded that feline idiopathic cystitis is the most common cause of FLUTD, whereas infectious cystitis is diagnosed in only 2% of the cases. In the period from January 2003 to February 2005, 134 cats that presented with signs of lower urinary tract disorders were included in a study at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science. Ninety-seven percent were first opinion cases. All the cats went through a physical examination, and blood samples were collected for haematology and clinical chemistry. The urine analysis included urine stix, specific gravity, microscopic examination of the sediment and microbiological culturing. The urine samples were collected as voided mid-stream urine samples, by catheter or by cystocentesis and the method used was registered. Of the 134 cats included in the study, 37% were diagnosed as having obstructive and 63% as having non-obstructive FLUTD. In total 44 cats (33%) were diagnosed with bacteriuria, exceeding 10³ colony forming units per millilitre (cfu/ml) and 33 (25%) of these cats had bacterial growth exceeding 10⁴ cfu/ml, either alone or in combination with crystals and/or uroliths. Six cats (18%) with bacterial growth exceeding 10⁴ cfu/ml were older than 8 years. No significant difference was found between the sampling methods performed with regard to bacteriuria. This study indicates that bacteriuria may have been underdiagnosed in Norwegian cats with clinical signs of FLUTD. It also confirms the importance of microbiological culturing in first opinion cases with FLUTD and that a skilled operator can get representative samples regardless the choice of method.

Cytokines as Immunological Markers for Systemic Inflammation in Dogs with Pyometra

1. I Karlsson¹, 
2. R Hagman^2,*, 
3. A Johannisson¹, 
4. L Wang¹, 
5. E Karlstam³, 
6. S Wernersson¹

Article first published online: 24 DEC 2012

DOI: 10.1111/rda.12034

© 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH

Issue

Reproduction in Domestic Animals

Special Issue: Canine and Feline Reproduction VII: Reproductive Biology and Medicine of Domestic and Exotic Carnivores. Proceedings of the 7^thQuadrennial International Symposium on Canine and Feline Reproduction. Whistler, Canada. 26-29 July 2012.

Volume 47, Issue Supplement s6, pages 337–341,December 2012

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Contents

Pyometra is a disease in dogs caused by bacterial infection of the uterus and resulting in SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) in nearly 6 of 10 cases. Clinical diagnostic criteria for SIRS are relatively unspecific, and biomarkers for the diagnosis of pyometra and SIRS in dogs are needed. Serum samples from 32 dogs were used in this study and grouped into dogs with pyometra and SIRS, dogs with pyometra without SIRS and healthy controls. The serum concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18 and TNF-α were measured using multiplex analyses. The serum concentrations of CRP (C-reactive protein) were determined using sandwich ELISA. IL-7, IL-8, IL-15, IL-18 and TNF-α were detected in >94% of samples. IL-10 was detected in 28% of samples, and IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-γ were undetectable. Higher serum concentrations of IL-7 (p < 0.05) were detected in SIRS-positive dogs with pyometra (n = 13) as compared with healthy controls (n = 11). The concentrations of IL-8 were higher in SIRS-positive dogs with pyometra compared to the SIRS-negative group (n = 8; p < 0.05). Positive correlations of IL-15 with IL-18 (p < 0.0001) and with the concentrations of IL-7 (p < 0.0001 for both) were found, although there was no significant difference between groups. Furthermore, IL-15 correlated with concentrations of CRP (p < 0.05), which were higher in dogs with pyometra compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Our data suggest a role of several cytokines in the development of a systemic disease in dogs with pyometra and a possible diagnostic value for serum CRP, IL-7, IL-15 and IL-18 in canine SIRS caused by pyometra.

Effect of intraurethral administration of atracurium besylate in male cats with urethral plugs

1. F. Galluzzi¹, 
2. F. De Rensis², 
3. A. Menozzi², 
4. G. Spattini¹

Article first published online: 2 JUL 2012

DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2012.01239.x

© 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

Issue

Journal of Small Animal Practice

Volume 53, Issue 7, pages 411–415, July 2012

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Objective

To evaluate the effect of intraurethral administration of atracurium besylate for urinary obstruction resulting from urethral plugs in male cats.

Methods

Forty-five male cats were divided into the treatment group (n=25), in which 4 mL atracurium besylate solution (0·5 mg/mL) was injected into the urethral lumen, and the control group (n=20), treated with saline. All cats were then submitted to retrograde flushing until the removal of the occlusion was obtained.

Results

The percentage of cats in which the plug was removed at the first attempt was significantly (P<0·05) higher in the treatment group (64%) than in the control group (15%). Moreover, the mean (±SD) time required for the removal of the urethral obstruction was significantly shorter in the treatment group than in the control group (21·1 ±16·2 seconds versus 235·2 ±132·4 seconds; P<0·001).

Clinical Significance

The results of this study indicate that in adult male cats with urethral plugs, urethral administration of atracurium besylate increases the proportion of animals in which the obstruction is removed at the first attempt and reduces the time required to remove the urethral plugs

Acid-base and biochemical stabilization and quality of recovery in male cats with urethral obstruction and anesthetized with propofol or a combination of ketamine and diazepam.

Can J Vet Res. 2012 Jul;76(3):201-8.

Acid-base and biochemical stabilization and quality of recovery in male cats with urethral obstruction and anesthetized with propofol or a combination of ketamine and diazepam.

Freitas GC, da Cunha MG, Gomes K, da Cunha JP, Togni M, Pippi NL, Carregaro AB.

Source

Rural Science Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.

Abstract

This study compared acid-base and biochemical changes and quality of recovery in male cats with experimentally induced urethral obstruction and anesthetized with either propofol or a combination of ketamine and diazepam for urethral catheterization. Ten male cats with urethral obstruction were enrolled for urethral catheterization and anesthetized with either ketamine-diazepam (KD) or propofol (P). Lactated Ringer's solution was administered by intravenous (IV) beginning 15 min before and continuing for 48 h after relief of urethral obstruction. Quality of recovery and time to standing were evaluated. The urethral catheter was maintained to measure urinary output. Hematocrit (Hct), total plasma protein (TPP), albumin, total protein (TP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), chloride, base excess, anion gap, sodium, potassium, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide in mixed venous blood (pvCO2) were measured before urethral obstruction, at start of fluid therapy (0 h), and at subsequent intervals. The quality of recovery and time to standing were respectively 4 and 75 min in the KD group and 5 and 16 min in the P group. The blood urea nitrogen values were increased at 0, 2, and 8 h in both groups. Serum creatinine increased at 0 and 2 h in cats administered KD and at 0, 2, and 8 h in catsreceiving P, although the values were above the reference range in both groups until 8 h. Acidosis occurred for up to 2 h in both groups. Acid-base and biochemical stabilization were similar in cats anesthetized with propofol or with ketamine-diazepam. Cats that received propofol recovered much faster, but the ketamine-diazepam combination was shown to be more advantageous when treating uncooperative cats as it can be administered by intramuscular (IM) injection.

Abstract Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association March 1, 2001, Vol. 218, No. 5, Pages 736-739 doi: 10.2460/javma.2001.218.736 Clinical outcome and diseases associated with extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis in cats: 104 cases (1991–1999) Michael D. Lucroy, DVM, MS, DACVIM Bruce R. Madewell, VMD, MS, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616. (Lucroy, Madewell); Present address is the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078. (Lucroy) Objective To describe diseases, prognosis, and clinical outcomes associated with extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis in cats. Design Retrospective study. Animals 104 cats with extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis. Procedure Medical records from 1991 to 1999 were examined to identify cats that had ≥ 50,000 WBC/µl with ≥ 50% neutrophils. Signalment, absolute and differential WBC counts, rectal temperature, clinical or pathologic diagnosis, duration and cost of hospitalization, and survival time were reviewed. Results Mean age of cats was 8.3 years, mean WBC count was 73,055 cells/µl, and mean absolute neutrophil count was 59,046 cells/µl. Mean duration of hospitalization was 5.9 days, and mean cost of hospitalization was $2,010. Twenty-nine (28%) cats were febrile, and 63 (61%) cats died. Overall median survival time was 30 days. Cats with neoplasia were nearly 14 times as likely to die unexpectedly as cats with other diseases. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis was associated with a high mortality rate. The prognostic importance of extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis should not be overlooked. Cats and dogs have similar diseases, mortality rates, and treatment costs associated with extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;218:736–739)

A case-controlled retrospective study of the causes and implications of moderate to severe leukocytosis in dogs in South Africa

1. Sandra M. Weltan¹, 
2. Andrew L. Leisewitz²,
3. Amelia Goddard³

Article first published online: 2 JUN 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-165X.2008.00037.x

©2008 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology

Issue

Veterinary Clinical Pathology

Volume 37, Issue 2, pages 164–172, June 2008

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Keywords:

• Dog;
• hypoalbuminemia;
• lymphocytosis;
• monocytosis;
• neutrophilia;
• thrombocytopenia

Background: Previous studies showed that dogs with extreme leukocytosis had specific types of diseases, long hospitalization times, and high mortality rates.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether dogs with moderate to severe leukocytosis are likely to have similar results compared with age-matched control dogs.

Methods: Records at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, were examined retrospectively from dogs with ≥35 × 10⁹ WBC/L (Leukocytosis Group) and dogs with ≤30 × 10⁹ WBC/L and ≤0.5 × 10⁹ band neutrophils/L (Control Group). Hematologic and serum protein data, final diagnosis, and effect of glucocorticoid treatment were compared between groups.

Results: One hundred eighty-two dogs were included in the Leukocytosis Group and 179 in the Control Group. Compared with dogs in the Control Group, significantly more dogs in the Leukocytosis Group had infections, babesiosis, immune-mediated hematologic disease, and necrosis. Hospitalization time and neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts were significantly higher and HCT, eosinophil count, platelet count, and serum albumin concentration were lower in dogs in the Leukocytosis Group (P<.0001). There was no difference in leukocyte counts between glucocorticoid-treated and non-glucocorticoid-treated dogs. Survival did not differ between Leukocytosis and Control Groups; however, a significant relationship was found between total neutrophil (mature+band) count and survival (P=.01).

Conclusions: Dogs with leukocytosis of ≥35 × 10⁹/L are more likely to have bacterial and fungal infections, complicated babesiosis, immune-mediated hematologic disease, and necrosis. The total neutrophil count has a significant impact on outcome

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology

Volume 144, Issues 3–4, 15 December 2011, Pages 346–354

High intravascular tissue factor expression in dogs with idiopathic immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia

• C.J. Piek^a, , , 
• B. Brinkhof^a, 
• E. Teske^a, 
• J. Rothuizen^a, 
• A. Dekker^b, 
• L.C. Penning^a

• ^a Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht, Utrecht University, PO Box 80154, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
• ^b Central Institute for Animal Disease Control, PO Box 2004, 8203 AA Lelystad, The Netherlands

• Abstract

  A high mortality occurs in dogs with idiopathic immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) during the first 2 weeks after the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the inflammatory response and coagulation abnormalities in dogs with IMHA in relation to the prognosis and to establish the contribution of whole blood tissue factor (TF) and IL-8 gene expressions.
  Gene expressions in dogs with IMHA were compared to healthy dogs, dogs with DIC, dogs with sepsis, and in two groups of dogs that underwent intensive care treatment but had no evidence for either DIC or sepsis. The whole blood TF and IL-8 expressions were up regulated in all non-IMHA groups. Similarly, the TF expression in IMHA dogs was high, but the intravascular IL-8 expression was not increased.
  The dogs with IMHA had a pronounced inflammatory response that included a high WBC, left shift and monocytosis in comparison to the other disease groups. Coagulation factor activities in IMHA dogs were decreased fitting consumptive coagulopathy and the acute phase proteins FVIII and fibrinogen were increased. The platelet parameters suggested platelet activation and high platelet turnover in IMHA dogs. The model that best explained mortality contained monocytosis, increased activated partial thromboplastin time and elevated creatinine.
  Whole blood TF gene expression is up regulated and may contribute to consumptive coagulopathy in dogs with IMHA. Increased TF expression by activated platelets is an alternative explanation and should be investigated.
  
  
  
  
  

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association July 15, 2012, Vol. 241, No. 2, Pages 227-232 doi: 10.2460/javma.241.2.227 Erythrocyte-bound immunoglobulin isotypes in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: 54 cases (2001–2010) Kenneth R. Harkin, DVM, DACVIM; Jill A. Hicks, DVM; Melinda J. Wilkerson, DVM, PhD, DACVP

Address correspondence to Dr. Harkin (harkin@vet.k-state.edu).

Objective

To identify erythrocyte-bound immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes in dogs with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).

Design 

Retrospective case series.

Animals

54 dogs with IMHA.

Procedures

Medical records of dogs with IMHA diagnosed between January 2001 and April 2010 were examined. Immunoglobulin isotype (tested via direct immunofluorescence by flow cytometry to identify erythrocyte-bound Ig), Hct, serum bilirubin concentration, presence of autoagglutination, degree of spherocytosis, duration of hospitalization, and 90-day outcome were recorded.

Results

The Hct on admission was significantly lower in dogs with IgG and IgM isotypes bound to erythrocytes, compared with dogs with a single Ig isotype, and the degree of spherocytosis was greater in dogs with IgG and IgM bound to erythrocytes, compared with dogs that only had IgM. Dogs with only IgM were not more likely to have autoagglutination, compared with dogs that only had IgG on the erythrocyte surface. Although Ig isotype was not associated with survival time, initial serum total bilirubin concentration was higher in nonsurvivors.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Results suggested that dogs with IMHA with ≥ 2 Ig isotypes bound to erythrocytes, particularly IgG and IgM, are likely to have a more severe degree of anemia, spherocytosis, and autoagglutination.

American Journal of Veterinary Research September 2012, Vol. 73, No. 9, Pages 1403-1409 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.73.9.1403 Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies in dogs infected with various vector-borne pathogens and in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia Anna E. Karagianni, DVM, MRes; Laia Solano-Gallego, DVM, PhD; Edward B. Breitschwerdt, DVM; Frédéric P. Gaschen, Dr med vet, Dr habil; Michael J. Day, BVMS, PhD, DSc; Michele Trotta, DVM, PhD; Barbara Wieland, Dr med vet, PhD; Karin Allenspach, Dr med vet, PhD

Address correspondence to Dr. Allenspach (kallenspach@rvc.ac.uk).

Objective

To determine the prevalence of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (pANCA) in dogs with confirmed or suspected immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) or dogs infected with various vector-borne pathogens, including Rickettsia rickettsii, Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii, Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Leishmania infantum.

Animals

55 dogs with confirmed or suspected IMHA, 140 dogs seroreactive for vector-borne pathogens, and 62 healthy dogs and dogs seronegative for vector-borne pathogens.

Procedures

Samples were allocated to subgroups on the basis of the health status of the dogs and the degree of seroreactivity against various vector-borne pathogens. Serum samples were tested retrospectively via indirect immunofluorescence assay to determine pANCA status.

Results

26 of 55 (47%) dogs with confirmed or suspected IMHA and 67 of 140 (48%) dogs seroreactive for vector-borne pathogens had positive results when tested for pANCA. Serum samples with the highest antibody concentrations against L infantum antigen had the highest proportion (28/43 [65%]) that were positive for pANCA. One of 20 (5%) dogs seronegative for tick-borne pathogens and 8 of 22 (36%) dogs seronegative for L infantum had positive results for pANCA. One of 20 (5%) healthy dogs had serum antibodies against pANCA.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

pANCA were detected in a high percentage of dogs with IMHA and vector-borne infectious diseases. Therefore, pANCA may be a relatively nonspecific marker for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease, although they could represent a biomarker for immune-mediated diseases and infections.

Retrospective Study

Retrospective evaluation of presenting temperature of urethral obstructed male cats and the association with severity of azotemia and length of hospitalization: 243 cats (2006–2009)

1. Mitchell Fults DVM^*, 
2. Lee V. Herold DVM, DACVECC

Article first published online: 21 MAY 2012

DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00733.x

© Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2012

Issue

Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

Volume 22, Issue 3, pages 347–354, June 2012

Additional Information(Show All)

Keywords:

• azotemia;
• lower urinary tract;
• renal/urinary tract;
• small animal;
• urethral obstruction

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate whether the presenting rectal temperature and level of azotemia predicts the length of hospitalization (LOH) in a population of obstructed male cats. To describe the relationships between physical examination parameters, blood electrolytes, and azotemia in a clinical population of obstructed male cats.

Design

Retrospective clinical study.

Setting

Emergency and referral specialty hospitals.

Animals

Two hundred and forty-three male cats that presented with urethral obstruction between 2006 and 2009.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

No significant association between the hours of hospitalization and rectal temperature was detected (P = 0.39). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) concentrations were positively correlated with LOH (P < 0.01). BUN and CREA were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for the hypothermic group compared to the normothermic group. Potassium was negatively correlated to heart rate and rectal temperature but positively correlated to BUN and CREA.

Conclusion

No association with regard to rectal temperature and LOH could be demonstrated in this population of cats. However, the presence of azotemia in obstructed male cats appears to provide the clinician with additional information regarding the necessary LOH and eventual cost to the client.