Abstract
ISFM Congress poster session
A total of 12 clinical/research abstracts were accepted for presentation at the poster session held during the 2022 ISFM Feline Congress, 30 June to 3 July. The poster session continues to be available as part of the ISFM Virtual Congress until 31 May 2023. Visit icatcare.org/isfm2022congress-virtual for more information.
PUTATIVE CEREBRAL MICROBLEEDS IN CATS UNDERGOING MRI OF THE HEAD: PREVALENCE, ASSOCIATIONS AND POTENTIAL CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Katia Marioni-Henry1, Marybeth Tan1, Joanna Lodzinska2
1The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, UK
2Consultant Radiologist, Ávila, Castilla and Leon, Spain
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Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are small haemosiderin deposits, most readily viewed by gradient echo (GE) T2* sequences. In humans, risk factors for CMBs include hypertension, renal disease, proteinuria and proinflammatory states. CMBs have been reported in 9.3% of dogs undergoing head MRI. Affected dogs were older and more likely to present with vestibular signs. The presence of CMBs was associated with a shorter survival time and proteinuria.
The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of CMBs in cats undergoing head MRI and investigate the possible associations with systemic disease. The inclusion criteria were the availability of T1-weighted, T2-weighted and GE T2* sequences.
One hundred and five MRI studies were reviewed. The prevalence of CMBs in the population of cats was 6.6% (7/105). The median age of the seven cats with CMBs was 9 years (range 6-23); 5/7 cats with CMBs were male and 6/7 were neutered. Five out of seven cats had CMBs identified in the deep hemispheric structures (basal nuclei and surrounding white matter and thalamus), one cat had a single lobar (subcortical) CMB and one had a mixed pattern with multiple deep and lobar CMBs. Seizure-like episodes were reported in 5/7 cats, vestibular signs in 4/7 and tremors and weakness in two cats each. Three cats were diagnosed with a confirmed or suspected neoplasia, and two cats had concurrent chronic kidney disease and hypertension. The cause of the neurological signs reported in three cats with CMBs was not identified despite an extensive diagnostic work-up. The clinical significance of CMBs in cats warrants further investigation.
SURVEY OF THE USE OF DESLORELIN IMPLANTS IN CATS
Bruna D Mendes1, Nathalie Dowgray2, Christelle Fontaine3
1École Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons Alfort, France
2International Cat Care, Tisbury, UK
3GMBO Virbac, Carros, France
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The deslorelin acetate implant (Suprelorin; Virbac) is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist used for temporary fertility suppression in male dogs and ferrets. Licensed since June 2022 for use in male cats from 3 months of age, the efficacy and safety of deslorelin implants in cats have been demonstrated in the scientific literature. The aim of this study was to gather data about the use of this implant in cats.
An online survey was sent to ISFM veterinary members in November 2021. Results obtained were analysed anonymously and in aggregate, and only one reply per practice was included.
A total of 25 surveys were completed from 18 countries, of which 19/25 (76%) had used deslorelin implants at least once in a cat; of these, 12 (63%) reported placing implants in >1 cat and three (16%) had placed implants in >10 cats.
Use was more commonly reported in intact males (17/18, 94%) than in intact females (7/18, 39%), and 2/18 (11%) practices reported having placed implants in neutered cats. The main reasons for using deslorelin implants are presented in the table.
Reasons for placing deslorelin implants 1
Most practices reported not using any type of anaesthesia (13/19, 68%), and many practices reported placing the implant in the interscapular region, not clipping the hair and choosing to disinfect the area before the implant was placed (12/19, 63%, for each). Most practices (17/19, 90%) did not report any local reactions or short-term side effects after administration except for pain and increased sexual behaviour. Long-term side effects reported were an increased appetite (3/19, 16%), and corresponding weight gain (in two of these three cats).
In males, the reported mean ± SD minimum length of action of a deslorelin implant was 9 ± 3 months (n = 10) and the maximum length of action was 13 ± 5 months (n = 9). Over half of the practices (10/19, 53%) re-implanted cats; of these, 60% (6/10) had placed up to two implants and 20% (2/10) had placed more than four implants in a single cat.
Overall, the majority of practitioners reported that they were satisfied (11/19, 58%), very satisfied (6/19, 32%) or somewhat satisfied (2/19, 10%) with the use of deslorelin implants in cats, while most owners were very satisfied (12/19, 63%), satisfied (6/19, 32%) or somewhat satisfied (1/19, 5%).
Deslorelin implants were used by veterinarians mainly for suppression of fertility and libido in intact male cats and for fertility suppression and oestrus prevention in female cats. The implants may be a safe and reversible alternative to surgical neutering when this is not an option.
IN VITRO SUPPRESSION OF FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS VIRUS INFECTION BY RIBONUCLEOSIDE ANALOG EIDD-1931
Petra Černá, William Wheat, Michael R Lappin, Maggie Williams, Steven Dow
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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The ribonucleoside analog EIDD-1931 is an RNA polymerase inhibitor and a broad-spectrum antiviral nucleotide that has been shown to inhibit replication of RNA viruses such as hepatitis C virus, Ebola virus, and human and animal coronaviruses.
To assess the ability of EIDD-1931 to suppress feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) replication in vitro, a feline macrophage cell line (fcwf-4) was infected with FIPV for 2 h and exposed to a range of EIDD-1931 concentrations, and the cells were cultured with agarose overlays for 96 h before using visual cell imaging to quantitate reduction in viral cytopathic effects (CPEs). An IncuCyte (Sartorius, Essen Bioscience, USA) instrument was used to quantify cell confluence after fixation and crystal violet staining.
The results showed that 100 nM and 10 nM concentrations of EEID-1931 significantly reduced the viral CPEs when compared with infected cultures without the drug (Figure 1). In addition, these drug concentrations were not cytopathic to the cultured fcwf-4 cells. Based on these findings: (1) the ribonucleoside analog EIDD-1931 is effective at suppressing FIPV replication in cells; and (2) the drug does not kill fcwf-4 cells at concentrations with strong antiviral activity. Thus, EIDD-1931 warrants further evaluation as a new agent for treatment of FIP in cats.
Protection of fcwf-4 cells from feline infectious peritonitis virus-mediated cytopathic effect (CPE) by EIDD-1931. Significant differences observed in viral CPE were compared using an ordinary one-way ANOVA with P values of ≤0.05 (*), ≤0.01 (**) and ≤0.005 (***). Error bars represent the range of values obtained in these analyses. ROC = red object count
EFFICACY OF SUBCUTANEOUS HYDROXOCOBALAMIN ADMINISTRATION IN CATS WITH CHRONIC ENTEROPATHIES
Dimitra A Karra1, Jonathan A Lidbury2, Jörg M Steiner2, Jan S Suchodolski2, Panagiotis G Xenoulis1,2
1Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece 2Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Hypocobalaminaemia is common in cats with chronic enteropathies (CEs) and injectable cobalamin supplementation is often recommended as part of the treatment plan for these cats. The protocols, frequency of administration, efficacy and route of administration have not been standardised and may vary among different cobalamin preparations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) hydroxocobalamin (HOCb [Articlox; Uni-Pharma]) (two doses with a 2-week interval) in normalising serum cobalamin concentrations in cats with CE.
Twelve cats with clinical signs of CE and serum cobalamin concentrations within or below the lower quarter of the reference interval (RI; <447 ng/l, RI 290-1500) were included in the study. At enrolment, serum cobalamin concentrations were below the detection limit of the assay (<150 ng/l) in three cats, below the lower limit of the RI (<290 ng/l but >150 ng/l) in five cats and between 290 ng/l and 447 ng/l in four cats. All cats underwent upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic biopsies were collected. Five cats were diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and seven cats had alimentary lymphoma. All cats had normal serum total thyroxine and trypsin-like immunoreactivity concentrations.
Each cat was administered two SC injections of HOCb at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg with a 2-week interval between injections, and serum cobalamin concentrations were measured 2 weeks after the second injection.
Median (range) serum cobalamin concentrations were 119 ng/l (150-430) before treatment and 1000 ng/l (825-1000) after treatment. Serum cobalamin concentrations significantly increased after HOCb administration (P = 0.0005). All cats had a serum cobalamin concentration within the upper half of or above the RI after treatment.
Two doses of SC HOCb significantly increased and normalised serum cobalamin concentrations in cats with inflammatory bowel disease or alimentary lymphoma. Further studies are needed to investigate the duration of this effect.
RECORDING OF BODY WEIGHT AND BODY CONDITION SCORE OF CATS IN ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS FROM UK VETERINARY PRACTICE
Samantha Taylor1,2, Georgina Roberts3, Marcus Evans4, Alexander J German5
1International Cat Care, Tisbury, UK
2Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, Alton, UK
3School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
4CVS Group, Norfolk, UK
5Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Both obesity and underweight condition may have negative effects on feline health. Regular assessment of body weight and body condition score (BCS) are important for establishing a cat’s health status and accurate medication dosing.
Electronic health records from CVS practices in the UK were searched during two time periods (final quarters of 2019 and 2020). Data were extracted to confirm if body weight and/or BCS had been recorded in the clinical record at routine and non-routine consultations. Whether a weight-related term (overweight or weight loss) was used in the notes was also recorded. Linear mixed-effects models were created to examine associations between body weight and variables; mixed effects logistic regression was used to determine associations between the recording of either weight or BCS and the same variables.
The statistical data set comprised 217,292 visits from 129,076 cats at 361 different veterinary centres. Weight was recorded at 95.2% visits but BCS was only recorded at 22.5% of visits. Terms associated with weight loss and overweight status were recorded in 10.0% and 7.2% of the free-text records, respectively. Where BCS was recorded, approximately one third of cats had an overweight score (8% of total visits). Between 2019 and 2020, the body weight of cats significantly increased. Increased odds of recording body weight and BCS were associated with morning consultations (>afternoon >out-of-hours) and use of weight loss or overweight terms in the free-text records. Recording both parameters was less likely in non-routine consultations and for pedigree cats. If body weight was recorded, BCS was less likely to be recorded; similarly, if BCS was recorded, body weight was less likely to be recorded. BCS was more likely to be recorded in 2020 than 2019.
Cats are regularly weighed in UK first-opinion practice, but BCS is infrequently recorded. Recording of overweight terms is likely less common than presentation of overweight cats, and a nutritional assessment including both body weight and BCS should be encouraged in every consultation.
✜ Since being accepted for the 2022 ISFM Feline Congress, this abstract has been published as a full paper at jfms.com. DOI: 10.1177/1098612X221117348.
OESOPHAGEAL HISTIOCYTIC SARCOMA WITH METASTATIC INVOLVEMENT OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN IN A 14-YEAR-OLD DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR CAT
Daniel M Sones, Marta H Perez, Stephanie M Sorrell Glasgow University Small Animal Hospital, Glasgow, UK
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A 14-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat presented with a 2-3-week history of polyphagia, weight loss, lethargy and acute-onset regurgitation. Haematology and biochemistry demonstrated a moderate anaemia (21.6%, reference interval [RI] 30-45) and mild elevations in alkaline phosphatase (ALKP; 159 U/l, RI 0-100), alanine transaminase (ALT; 44 U/l, RI 0-35) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 51 U/l, RI 0-30). Feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus were negative on an in-house ELISA test (IDEXX SNAP combo). On physical examination the cat had a poor body condition score (1/5) and weighed 2.9 kg. Thoracic auscultation was unremarkable. Abdominal palpation was unremarkable and non-painful. Mucous membranes were pale with a capillary refill time of less than 2 s. Peripheral lymph nodes were unremarkable.
During hospitalisation, the patient was polyphagic; however, regurgitation was noted immediately after eating or drinking. Trial therapy with Hartmann’s fluids, maropitant and metoclopramide was unsuccessful. Further investigations were performed under sedation and general anaesthesia. Thoracic radiographs showed a mild pleural effusion. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated splenomegaly with a heterogeneous echogenicity and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes.
Fine-needle aspirates were taken from the spleen and lymph nodes, and a diagnostic ultrasound-guided thoracocentesis was performed. Splenic aspirates showed a monomorphic population of spindloid to round cells consistent with a histiocytic sarcoma. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed immediately after imaging, and this revealed a large irregular mass invading the oesophageal lumen resulting in a complete obstruction. Owing to the presence of a suspected aggressive and metastatic neoplasm and an absence of viable treatment options, the patient was euthanased under anaesthesia.
Histopathology slide of (a) a transverse section of the oesophageal mass, including oesophagus and trachea, that shows effacement of the oesophagus by (b) a periesophageal soft tissue neoplasm composed of sheets of large pleomorphic round cells. Haematoxylin and eosin stain
Post-mortem examination confirmed a histiocytic sarcoma originating from the oesophagus with invasion into the paraoesophageal tissues (Figure 1). Metastatic disease was present in the liver and spleen. The pleural effusion was a modified transudate and was likely due to mechanical obstruction of the thoracic duct by the oesophageal mass causing impaired lymphatic drainage.
Histiocytic sarcoma is a rarely encountered neoplasm in cats and originates from dendritic cells. The disease can manifest as either a localised or disseminated process, with the most commonly reported primary sites in dogs being the spleen, lung and bone marrow. The disease can be further categorised into non-haemophagic and haemophagic forms, with the latter carrying a poorer prognosis. Surgery for local disease with adjuvant lomustine or sole agent chemotherapy with lomustine are the most commonly reported treatments. Unfortunately in this case these treatments were not viable options.
EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TIGOLANER 97.90 MG/ML, EMODEPSIDE 20.35 MG/ML, PRAZIQUANTEL 81.40 MG/ML SPOT-ON SOLUTION FOR CATS IN THE TREATMENT OF EAR AND HEAD MITES (OTODECTES CYNOTIS AND NOTOEDRES CATI) IN CATS
Katrin Blazejak1, Dejan Cvejić2, Gabriele Petry3, Hannah Ringeisen3, Hannah Hamburg3, Alta Viljoen4, Norbert Mencke1
1Vetoquinol SA, Paris, France
2Klifovet, Munich, Germany
3Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Elanco Animal Health Company, Germany
4Clinvet, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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A novel spot-on solution for cats containing tigolaner 97.90 mg/ml, emodepside 20.35 mg/ml and praziquantel 81.40 mg/ml (Felpreva; Vetoquinol) was evaluated to prove its efficacy and safety for the treatment of Otodectes cynotis and Notoedres cati in cats. Tigolaner is a novel acaricide and insecticide (chemical class of bispyrazoles).
Two dose confirmation studies (SI and SII) demonstrated a high efficacy of the triple combination against O cynotis (SI 100% [P <0.05] and SII 99.6% [P <0.0001] on study day [SD] 28). SII was conducted as a non-interference study with two additional study groups (tigolaner-mono spot-on and Profender spot-on; Vetoquinol), resulting in high efficacy for tigolaner-mono (99.9%, P <0.0001) but inefficacy for the Profender treatment (31.6%, P >0.05) vs placebo on SD 28.
A multicentre, multiregional field study confirmed the safety and high efficacy of the triple combination against natural infections with O cynotis in cats. Cats included in the study were either treated with tigolaner/emodepside/praziquantel (T1) or a control product (selamectin/sarolaner [T2]). An improvement of the mean Otodectes species-induced ear lesion score of 100% for T1 vs 98.6% for T2 was achieved with all cats being cured on SD 28 (± 2 days).
Additionally, a field study with client-owned cats was conducted using tigolaner/emodepside/ praziquantel (G1) vs placebo (G2) for safety and efficacy evaluation against natural infections with feline scabies (N cati). The study resulted in 100% efficacy and clinical cure, with no viable N cati mites in G1 on SD 28.
The studies demonstrated that a single dose of Felpreva is highly efficacious and safe in the treatment of O cynotis and N cati infestations in cats.
FAST ONSET OF EFFICACY OF TIGOLANER 97.90 MG/ML, EMODEPSIDE 20.35 MG/ML, PRAZIQUANTEL 81.40 MG/ML SPOT-ON SOLUTION IN THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF FLEA (CTENOCEPHALIDES FELIS) INFESTATION IN CATS
Norbert Mencke1, Katrin Blazejak1, Gabriele Petry2, Hannah Hamburg2, Hannah Ringeisen2, Carolin Remer2, Ashley B Smith2, Alta Viljoen3
1Vetoquinol SA, Paris, France
2Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Elanco Animal Health Company, Germany
3Clinvet, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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An innovative spot-on solution for cats containing tigolaner 97.90 mg/ml, emodepside 20.35 mg/ml and praziquantel 81.40 mg/ml has recently been marketed (Felpreva; Vetoquinol). Tigolaner is a novel active molecule (chemical class of bispyrazole) that is effective against ectoparasites. Any active flea treatment in cats should both control an existing flea infestation (therapeutic efficacy) and persist for a prolonged period of time against flea reinfestation (preventive efficacy). Fast onset of flea efficacy, so-called speed of flea kill, is of clinical relevance to reduce exposure to flea saliva (flea allergic dermatitis) and transmission of pathogens (vector-borne diseases).
The speed of flea kill was evaluated in cats experimentally infested with fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). The aim was to determine the onset of efficacy against an existing flea infestation, as well as the efficacy against any reinfestation over time. In this study, the flea efficacy was evaluated at 8 h, 12 h and 24 h after infestation throughout the study on days 0, 28, 56 and 91. In cats already infested with fleas, the efficacy was 100% 12 h after treatment. The efficacy against flea reinfestation was 100% and 98.9% for study days 28 and 56, respectively. At study day 91 the flea efficacy was 49.5%, 68.8% and 96.3% at 8 h, 12 h and 24 h, respectively. Further studies were conducted to examine the overall duration of flea efficacy. Tigolaner was 98.9% effective at study day 91 (13 weeks) against flea reinfestation.
Tigolaner, the insecticidal component in Felpreva, acts as a therapeutic in cats with flea infestation and as a preventive against reinfestation with fleas for 3 months.
EFFECT OF ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENT ON SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF FELINE PANCREATIC LIPASE IMMUNOREACTIVITY, FELINE TRYPSIN-LIKE IMMUNOREACTIVITY AND COBALAMIN IN YOUNG CATS
Evangelia M Stavroulaki1, Matina G Pitropaki1, Kassiopi Christina G Kokkinaki1, Manolis N Saridomichelakis1, Jonathan A Lidbury2, Joerg M Steiner2, Jan S Suchodolski2, Panagiotis G Xenoulis1,2
1Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Greece
2Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI), feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) and cobalamin are commonly used serum markers in cats with gastrointestinal signs. However, the effects of antimicrobials on serum concentrations of these markers have not yet been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of antimicrobial administration at a young age on serum concentrations of fPLI, fTLI and cobalamin in cats over a time period of 10 months.
Blood samples were collected from 15 kittens that received amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (20 mg/kg q12h) for 20 days (AMC) and 15 kittens that received doxycycline (10 mg/kg q24h) for 28 days (DOX) as part of the standard treatment of upper respiratory tract disease. In addition, serum samples were collected from 15 healthy control kittens that did not receive antimicrobials (CON). All kittens were approximately 2 months of age at enrolment and were randomly allocated to receive one of the two antimicrobials. In addition, all kittens were on the same diet and antiparasitic treatment protocol for the duration of the study period. Samples were collected on days 0 (baseline), 20 or 28 (AMC or DOX, respectively; last day of treatment), and 60, 120 and 300. Data were assessed for normality and non-parametric tests were used for between and within group comparisons, followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test with Bonferroni correction. Statistical significance was set at P <0.05.
There were no significant differences in serum fPLI and fTLI concentrations among the groups. Serum cobalamin was significantly lower in AMC cats compared with DOX cats on day 0 (P = 0.024). There were also no significant differences in serum fPLI and fTLI concentrations over time in any of the groups. Serum cobalamin concentrations significantly decreased from 2 to 3 months of age in cats of all groups (CON P = 0.005; AMC P = 0.041; DOX P = 0.032). Overall, hypocobalaminaemia was present in 43.2-88.9% of cats (depending on the time point) between 2 to 6 months of age. At 1 year of age, 25.6% of cats still had hypocobalaminaemia.
In the present study, antimicrobials did not affect serum concentrations of fPLI, fTLI and cobalamin. However, age was found to significantly affect serum concentrations of serum cobalamin. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of these findings.
✜ This abstract won the Scientific Committee Best Abstract Award.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOME FELINE STRESS SCORE AS A TOOL FOR ASSESSING OWNER PERCEPTION OF STRESS IN THEIR CATS AT HOME
Magdalena J Glebocka1, Marina Domingues1, Olivia J Donoghue1, Amy C Miele1, Sarah MA Caney2, Danielle A Gunn-Moore1
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK
2Vet Professionals, Edinburgh, UK
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The initial aim of the study was to evaluate owners’ recognition of behavioural signs associated with stress in their cats. This revealed the need to establish an evidence-based feline stress scoring system for owners to use within their home.
Using questions published in previous studies, an online survey of owners was undertaken to determine which signs of stress they recognised in their cats. A three-stage Delphi process followed with feline behaviour/medicine experts. Outcomes of the owners’ questionnaire and the Delphi process were compared with each other using standard formulas for descriptive statistics.
The questionnaire was fully completed by 841 owners who gave details on 1701 cats. The results showed that owners appeared to be good at recognising signs of stress in their cats; however, the questionnaire needed to be validated.
A three-stage Delphi process was undertaken. Round 1, using the Vet Professionals and ISFM websites, was replied to by 96 veterinary professionals. This identified 13 experts to be involved in rounds 2 and 3 (based on their postgraduate degrees in animal behaviour and/or feline medicine). It also identified 15 separate behaviours that scored the most highly as being associated with stress at home. These were then reassessed in round 2, after which the list of behaviours was reduced to 10. Round 3 validated the top five and 10 separate behaviours that were strongly associated with stress at home (91% agreement), establishing the final Home Feline Stress Score for owners (top five behaviours) and the Extended Home Feline Stress Score for veterinary professionals (additional five behaviours), respectively (see table).
Behaviours included in the Home and Extended Home Feline 1 Stress Scores H
The Home Feline Stress Score will be an invaluable tool to assess feline stress and will contribute to improving the quality of life for cats worldwide.
✜ This abstract won both the Scientific Committee Best Abstract Award and the Delegates’ Choice Best Poster Award.
ARE THESE CATS PLAYING? A BEHAVIOURAL ANALYSIS OF INTERCAT INTERACTIONS
Noema Gajdoš-Kmecova1-3, Barbara Pet’ková2, Luciana S de Assis3, Daniel S Mills3, Vicky Halls4, Celia Haddon5
1Applied Research Centre, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia
2Institute of Applied Ethology and Professional Ethics, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovakia
3Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Group, Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, UK
4International Cat Care, Tisbury, UK
5Cirencester, Gloucestershire, UK
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Agonistic and playful intercat interactions can be easily confused by owners, and there is little scientific evidence to guide the professional distinction of these phenomena. One of the possible reasons for the difficulty in distinguishing playful from agonistic interactions is perhaps the occurrence of both within the context of intercat play bouts – agonism may, for example, be used to terminate an otherwise playful bout of ‘rough and tumble’.
Behavioural observations of 105 videos of unique dyadic interactions in cats were conducted and the frequency and duration of six behavioural elements were assessed. The data set was reduced using Principal Component Analysis, with varimax rotation and factor scores used to classify the population using hierarchical cluster analysis. To validate the identified clusters, the distributions of the factors were compared between the clusters and the data on interactions labelled by four cat behaviour experts as ‘playful’, ‘intermediate’ or ‘agonistic’. Preliminary linear discriminant analysis, followed by an ordinal regression, were used to evaluate the properties of the manually labelled groups.
Cluster factor characteristics matched with the three expert-labelled groups, while playfully interacting cats were characterised by wrestling, non-vocalising and reciprocity. Vocalisation and chasing were associated with the agonistic group, and the intermediate group showed elements of both of the other two. This supports the hypothesis that true agonism may occur within the context of intercat play; that is, play may escalate into agonism, and that a simple binary distinction between agonistic and playful interaction is false.
IMPACT OF THE SARS-COV-2 PANDEMIC ON FELINE LOWER URINARY TRACT SIGNS
Carolina CL Paulino, Joana T Oliveira, David W Ramilo Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal
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On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak to be a global pandemic. Restrictions were imposed to mitigate the transmission of the virus, and people’s daily routines were interrupted. This exposed both cat caregivers and, potentially, their cats to additional stress factors, such as psychosocial stress.
Lower urinary tract signs (LUTS) are common in domestic cats and can include some or different combinations of the following clinical signs: dysuria, haematuria, periuria, pollakiuria, stranguria and obstruction. Environmental and management factors, such as indoor environments and an increase in stressors, have been identified as predisposing factors to LUTS. This retrospective study attempted to assess the effects of the pandemic and cat caregiver’s confinement at home, which may be considered a stressor, thus triggering more cases of LUTS in cats.
The study included 298 cats that were presented to the Veterinary Hospital of Associaição Zoofila Portuguesa, Lisbon, between 2019 and 2021. A group from the pre-pandemic period (PPP; control group) contained 142 cats and a group from the period during the pandemic (PDP; study group) contained 156 cats.
In the PDP group there were decreases in LUTS relapses and subsequent obstructions (P <0.01) and mortality rate (P <0.05) compared with the PPP group. A statistically significant difference was also observed in terms of the number of episodes of LUTS, with the PPP group associated with two episodes and the PDP group more frequently seen with only one episode (P <0.01).
The results appear to demonstrate a positive effect of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic on LUTS. This is perhaps owing to the increased wellbeing of the cats due to the increased amount of time caregivers spent with their cats. This might mean they were better able to observe and meet their cats’ needs, thus reducing the cats’ stress during the period of the pandemic-related restrictions.
