Search Results (3)

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a common chronic cystitis disease in cats, accounting for 55–65% of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). The common clinical symptoms of FIC include pollakiuria, periuria, hematuria, and dysuria. At present, the disease is mainly excluded by evaluating the results of blood, urine, and imaging examinations of diseased animals. There is still a lack of clear and objective indicators for the diagnosis of FIC in clinical practice. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can be used as an indicator to measure immune inflammatory response and neuroendocrine pressure. It is an economical, efficient, and simple calculation method. In this study, the correlation between NLR and FIC was analyzed by collecting the complete blood count data of FIC cats and healthy cats. The results of inter-group difference comparison showed that the LYMPH levels in the normal group were significantly higher than that in the FIC group (p < 0.001), and the NEUT levels and NLR levels were distinctly lower than those in the FIC group (p < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between NLR and FIC (r = −0.8439, p < 0.0001). ROC analysis showed that NLR had high diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing healthy cats from FIC cats (AUC = 0.9872). In general, this study preliminarily confirmed that there was a significant correlation between NLR elevation and FIC, emphasizing the prospective utility of NLR as a promising biomarker for diagnosis in FIC. Because of the lack of uniform diagnostic criteria for FIC, NLR may provide important help in the diagnosis process. Full article

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a frequent diagnosis in cats, with bacterial causes constituting a minor percentage of cases. This observational study aimed to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to FLUTD among Italian veterinarians and explore variations in different workplaces. Data were collected via an anonymous survey completed by 317 veterinarians from small clinics (SC), large clinics (LC), and veterinary hospitals (VH). Results revealed that approximately half of respondents relied on clinical signs and urinalysis for diagnosis, while fewer incorporated abdominal ultrasound. Urine culture and sensitivity (UCS) testing was infrequently performed, primarily due to financial and logistical constraints, with higher compliance in VH practitioners. Antimicrobials were widely employed, with enhanced penicillins being the most prescribed class. The frequent empirical use of quinolones raises concern regarding gaps in antimicrobial stewardship. Despite some adherence to the ISCAID guidelines, discrepancies in diagnostic rigor, antimicrobial selection, and treatment duration were observed. Larger facilities demonstrated greater alignment with evidence-based practices, emphasizing the need for widespread education on appropriate antimicrobial use. This study underscores the importance of integrating guideline-based diagnostics and stewardship in managing feline urinary tract diseases. Full article

Feline morbilliviruses (FeMV) are fairly newly discovered paramyxoviruses found in cats. The first description indicated an association with widely distributed chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the host species. In various studies, a global prevalence and a further genotype, designated FeMV-2, and the involvement of other organ systems in infected individuals were shown. Using an immunofluorescence assay, we detected an overall seroprevalence of FeMV in almost half of the cats investigated (n = 380), with a significantly increased proportion in younger animals. In comparison to European Shorthair cats, the rate of seropositivity is higher in pedigree cats. Regardless of the breed, FeMV infection was associated with increased blood creatinine concentrations, suggesting an association with CKD. Further analysis indicated that this association was the strongest in animals having high IFA titers against FeMV-2. In addition, a significant association between FeMV-positive status and the prevalence of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD, or idiopathic cystitis) was detected. This association was dominated by cats having antibodies against FeMV-1 only. To further evaluate the positive correlation between FeMV seroprevalence and CKD as well as FLUTD, consideration of additional clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters is warranted, and controlled infection studies with both FeMV genotypes are necessary. Clinicians should, however, be aware of a possible link between renal and lower urinary tract disease and FeMV infections. Full article