Search Results (93)

Feline urinary tract infections (UTIs) present a common challenge in veterinary practice, underscoring the importance of understanding local bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study determined bacterial prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility in cats at Kasetsart University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Of the 543 cystocentesis urine samples collected from 428 cats, 115 (21.2%) tested positive for bacterial cultures, leading to a diagnosis of UTIs in 95 cats (22.2%). The most prevalent isolates included Escherichia coli (24.8%), Staphylococcus species (19.2%), Proteus mirabilis (13.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.0%), and Enterococcus species (12.0%). Staphylococcus felis (8.8%) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (5.6%) were the predominant Staphylococcus species. Rare pathogens such as Corynebacterium urealyticum and Lactococcus garvieae were also identified. Antimicrobial testing revealed alarming resistance, with 69.2% of isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDR). Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis showed high resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) (45.2–70.6%) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SXT) (51.6–52.9%). Enterococcus faecium exhibited 85.7% resistance to AMC. Methicillin resistance was identified in 41.7% of Staphylococcus isolates, particularly high in Staphylococcus epidermidis (75.0%) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (71.4%). High fluoroquinolone resistance among MDR isolates further exacerbates AMR concerns. These results indicate that MDR Gram-negative, Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus species complicate the empirical treatment of feline UTIs, highlighting significant implications for AMR in veterinary practice. Full article

CKD is a leading cause of illness in older cats, but early detection is challenging due to the limitations of conventional biomarkers. This study evaluated the clinical utility of the UAC for identifying early-stage renal dysfunction in cats and proposed a diagnostic matrix incorporating the UAC with other biomarkers. Blood and urine samples from 59 healthy cats and 190 cats with CKD were analyzed, and UAC levels were compared with symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). UAC values were significantly elevated in cats with CKD, including those in stage 1. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a UAC cut-off of 16.3 mg/g, yielding 100% specificity and 43.7% sensitivity for early-stage CKD classification. The UAC showed significant correlations with other renal biomarkers and was incorporated into a multi-parameter matrix to support disease staging. These findings suggest that the UAC may be a promising supplementary biomarker for evaluating renal function in cats and could aid clinical decision-making when interpreted in conjunction with established diagnostic parameters. Full article

Urine, which has a high concentration of urea, can be used as a sustainable resource for nutrient recovery and sustainable energy. However, urea undergoes hydrolysis, catalyzed by urease, generating ammonia and carbon dioxide. As ammonia is released during hydrolysis in stored urine, the pH rises progressively until the pK_a of ammonium is reached (i.e., 9.3). At elevated pH levels, struvite and other related precipitates are formed. These reactions lower the efficiency of ammonia and urea nitrogen recovery and often cause scaling, pipe blockage, and odors. Herein, we explore an approach to stabilize urea, using pharmaceuticals and their metabolites that are commonly present in human urine. Based on a survey of the urease inhibitory effects of twenty-three pharmaceuticals and metabolites, we determined that the polyphenolic and disulfide-containing compounds had the highest urease inhibition efficiency. Specifically, outstanding inhibitors include catechol (CAT), hydroquinone (HYD), and disulfiram (DSF). Furthermore, when added to urine, these compounds resulted in the retardation of urease-catalyzed hydrolysis, leading to longer-term urine stabilization upon storage. Reaction mechanisms for urease inhibition by polyphenolics and disulfiram are proposed. Evidence is provided that pharmaceutical metabolites can stabilize urea and thus could lead to a sustainable method for nitrogen nutrient recovery from stored urine. Full article

Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone synthesised in the adrenal cortex, is essential for maintaining electrolyte balance and fluid homeostasis. Its role in feline physiology remains underexplored, despite its importance in regulating sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion via mineralocorticoid receptors in renal tubules. This study is warranted given aldosterone’s importance in cats, particularly in light of their unique physiological traits, including highly concentrated urine and sensitivity to hydration status. Primary hyperaldosteronism, the most common feline adrenocortical disorder, contributes to arterial hypertension and chronic kidney disease, yet often remains underdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms like hypokalaemia and hypertension. This research aimed to validate a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to measure serum aldosterone and to establish a reference interval in a population of healthy cats across a broad age range. The method demonstrated high precision and accuracy, with inter-assay coefficients of variation under 15%. Analysis of 49 healthy cats (40 young, 9 old) revealed a reference interval of 5.0–78.4 pg/mL (13.8–217.2 pmol/L). These findings provide a robust framework for diagnosing aldosterone-related disorders in cats and underscore the need for species-specific diagnostic tools. Improved understanding of aldosterone’s role could refine treatment strategies and enhance outcomes for affected feline patients. Full article

In humans, cannabidiol (CBD), the primary non-addictive component of cannabis, is known to possess considerable therapeutic potential. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CBD administration on reducing sound-induced fear in healthy domestic cats in a laboratory model of thunderstorm simulation. A total of 40 cats, each naïve to the current testing, were randomly assigned into either of two administration groups (CBD and placebo). Each group was then exposed to the thunderstorm test twice; once at the beginning of the administration (the administration of CBD at 4.0 mg/kg/day over a 2-week-period or the administration of the same amount of sunflower oil as a placebo) and once after the end of the administration. When undesirable urination was observed, occurrences of this behaviour were found to decrease significantly when CBD was administered. However, no such changes were recorded when the placebo was administered. These results indicate that CBD could be an effective option for the treatment of noise-induced fear. Full article

Few studies address behavioral changes after deslorelin treatment in cats. As increasingly more owners opt for pharmacological sterilization, understanding deslorelin effects on behavior is critical. This multicentric study compared behavioral changes in cats that were surgically sterilized with those that were treated with deslorelin using an anonymous survey of 19 behavioral changes. Owners of deslorelin-implanted cats completed two questionnaires related to the flare-up and downregulation periods, while owners of gonadectomized cats completed only one questionnaire. A total of 66 answers were collected (24 for surgical sterilization, 24 for flare-up, and 18 for downregulation). Decrease in urine marking, excessive vocalization, intact male cat urine odor, and disobedience were significantly higher in downregulated cats compared to gonadectomized ones. In the flare-up group, 68% of females exhibited behavioral manifestation of induced heat. Males displayed flare-up behaviors less frequently and intensively than females after implantation with deslorelin. Age at sterilization exerted a significant effect on five behaviors in deslorelin-implanted cats. Owners of deslorelin treated cats in the downregulation phase reported a more pronounced decrease in undesirable behaviors than the owners of surgically sterilized cats. Full article

Case summary: A 2-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with a progressive history of tetraparesis, ataxia, and inappetence over 4 days. A physical exam revealed mucopurulent nasal discharge and stertor. A neurologic exam revealed a multifocal neurolocalization. The cat was non-ambulatory tetraparetic and developed seizures while in hospital. Hematologic assessment revealed anemia, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed multifocal meningeal contrast enhancement in the brainstem and cervical spine, as well as mandibular and retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy. Cerebrospinal fluid revealed marked neutrophilic pleocytosis; no infectious organisms were seen. Toxoplasma IgG/IgM and Cryptococcus antigen latex agglutination were negative. Mandibular and abdominal lymph nodes were aspirated, and cytology revealed mixed inflammation. The cat was suspected to have feline infectious peritonitis, and to aid in clinical diagnosis he was enrolled in research study—with targeted Nanopore-based sequencing specifically identifying and characterizing FCoV-1 RNA in spinal fluid and anal swab, but not in urine. The cat was treated with anticonvulsants (phenobarbital and levetiracetam), an antibiotic (ampicillin/clavulanic acid), and GS-441524. Neurologic signs did not improve on an antibiotic alone but improved significantly after two subcutaneous injections of GS-441524. The cat received an 84-day course of GS-441524 and, at the time of manuscript preparation (over 12 months after diagnosis), remains ambulatory and seizure-free without recurrence of neurologic signs and no detectable viral shedding in feces. Full article

Urban free-roaming cats present challenges like noise, urination, defecation, property damage, public health risks, and wildlife predation. Traditional enforcement methods, such as containment laws and impounding, are ineffective, especially in low-income areas, where many free-roaming cats live. These cats are often cared for by “semi-owners”, who feed them without formal ownership. Financial barriers to sterilization for owned and semi-owned cats in these areas result in unplanned litters, sustaining the free-roaming population and burdening local authorities and animal welfare organizations. Cats causing complaints are frequently impounded and euthanized, affecting the mental health of veterinary, shelter, and council staff. This paper critiques punitive, compliance-driven strategies and highlights the success of assistive Community Cat Programs offering free sterilization, microchipping, and registration. In Banyule, Victoria, such a program reduced cat impoundments by 66%, euthanasia by 82%, and complaints by 36% between 2013 and 2021. Two other programs in large cities and rural towns in NSW and a rural town in Queensland have now reported similar results. Based on the One Welfare framework, these programs address the interconnectedness of animal welfare, human well-being, and environmental health. By removing financial barriers, they build trust between authorities and caregivers, improving compliance and welfare for cats, communities, and wildlife. However, following the loss of key program staff and the reintroduction of financial barriers in Banyule, cat intake rose by 140% between 2022 and 2024, demonstrating the detrimental impact of financial barriers and punitive approaches. This underscores the importance of sustained, community-based solutions and legislative reforms that prioritize humane, barrier-free strategies. Understanding the critical success factors for Community Cat Programs is essential for effective cat management. 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

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), caused by infection with the SFTS virus, is an emerging fatal tick-borne zoonosis endemic to East Asia. Although SFTS is a tick-borne disease, the virus can be transmitted from animals with SFTS without a tick bite. Direct transmission of the SFTS virus from animals to humans has been reported; however, the transmission route is unclear in some cases. Therefore, this study focused on the possibility of SFTS virus transmission through urine and attempted to isolate the infectious virus from the urine of animals with SFTS. Since more efficient cell isolation is needed to determine whether the SFTS virus is present, we first expressed dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), the major receptor for the virus, in Vero cells (Vero-DC-SIGN cells) using a retroviral vector. When inoculated with equal amounts of the SFTS virus strain and SFTS-virus-infected animal serum, Vero-DC-SIGN cells had 42–136% and 20–85% more foci, respectively, than their parent Vero cells. After confirming that Vero-DC-SIGN cells were more suitable for the isolation of the SFTS virus, we investigated whether it could be isolated from the urine of eight cats and two dogs with SFTS. The virus was isolated from 25 μL of urine from two cats with SFTS. Considering that cats excrete 50–100 mL of urine per day, the transmission of the SFTS virus via the urine of cats with SFTS cannot be ruled out. Individuals examining or caring for cats suspected of having SFTS should be aware of the possibility of viral transmission via urine. Full article

Background: It has been documented that radiation can influence the pharmacokinetics of chemotherapy drugs, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In clinical practice, a considerable number of cancer patients undergo radiotherapy, and those with comorbid hypertension required antihypertensive drugs, including valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker. However, there is no research investigating whether radiotherapy poses a risk of altering the pharmacokinetics. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of X-ray abdominal irradiation on the pharmacokinetics of valsartan and to preliminarily elucidate the underlying mechanism. Methods: The pharmacokinetics of valsartan after X-ray irradiation was investigated in rats and in vitro by detecting the concentration of valsartan in biological samples by LC-MS/MS. The oxidative stress in the intestine and the mRNA expression of partial transporters and Nrf2 in the liver and small intestine were detected by biochemical reagent kit or RT-qPCR. Results: In vivo studies showed that X-ray irradiation resulted in a significant decrease in the AUC and C_max of valsartan, and the cumulative fractional excretion of valsartan in bile and urine, although there was no significant change in fecal excretion. In vitro studies showed that the uptake of valsartan by both intestine and Caco-2 cells decreased after irradiation, and the cellular uptake could be restored by Mrp2 inhibitor MK571. The levels of GSH, SOD, and CAT in the intestine decreased after irradiation. The mRNA expressions of Mrp2 and P-gp in the intestine or Caco-2 cells were significantly upregulated after irradiation while there was a downregulation of Mrp2 and oatp1b2 in liver. Nrf2 and HO-1 in the intestine were also significantly upregulated, which clarified the involvement of Mrp2 and the possible molecular mechanism. Conclusions: Abdominal X-ray irradiation can cause oxidative stress and upregulate intestinal Mrp2, which may be related to oxidative stress and upregulation of Nrf2, reducing intestinal absorption of valsartan and leading to a significant decrease in the blood concentration of valsartan. Full article

Mammals, including humans, sense smell by the responses of odorant receptors (ORs) to odor molecules. We have developed an effective method to identify novel antagonists capable of suppressing the pungent odor of cat urine by targeting specific ORs. Since odors are typically complex mixtures of multiple volatile compounds, olfactory perception can vary depending on the composition. We analyzed the response of ORs to cat urine odor using vapor stimulation assays to identify the responding ORs. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was then performed to identify compounds eliciting responses from these ORs. Trace-amine-associated receptor 5 (TAAR5) demonstrated a significant response associated with the odor intensity of cat urine, identifying trimethylamine as a major contributor to the strong odor. From hundreds of candidate compounds, we identified several novel antagonists that exhibited greater efficacy than a known TAAR5 antagonist. These compounds not only reduced the responses of TAAR5-expressing cells to cat urine odor but also significantly reduced odor intensity and improved sensory pleasantness in human tests. Our findings suggest that targeting ORs responsive to specific odors, without isolating their individual components, is a promising strategy for developing deodorizing agents against complex malodors like cat urine odor. This study emphasizes the value of using real odor mixtures to enhance our understanding of odor perception. Full article

The isolation of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria from the urinary tracts of pets is increasingly common, particularly in animals with concurrent health conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is one of the most significant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria affecting cats and dogs within the European Union (EU). This study aims to review the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of PA isolated from urine samples of small animals globally. This pathogen is known for its opportunistic infections and is a significant concern in veterinary medicine due to its inherent resistance to multiple antibiotics and its ability to acquire additional resistance mechanisms. This review seeks to enhance educational initiatives regarding the management of emerging MDR bacteria. Full article

Background and Objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common comorbidity in diabetic patients, making up one of the causes of sepsis. This study aims to develop a nomogram to predict the risk probability of sepsis in diabetic patients with UTI (DPUTIs). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. Clinical data for DPUTIs were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. Eligible DPUTIs were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. Independent prognostic factors for sepsis risk were determined using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression. A corresponding nomogram based on these factors was constructed to predict sepsis occurrence in DPUTIs. The discrimination of the nomogram was assessed by multiple indicators, including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). In addition, a calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. Results: A total of 1990 DPUTIs were included. Nine independent prognostic factors were identified as predictive factors for sepsis risk in DPUTIs. The prognostic factors included urine red blood cell classification (urine RBC cat), urine white blood cell classification (urine WBC cat), blood glucose, age, temperature, white blood cells (WBCs), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, lymphocytes, and hematocrit. The AUC, NRI, and IDI of the nomogram indicated robust discrimination. The calibration curve and Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed good calibration of the nomogram. The DCA curve demonstrated a better clinical utility of the nomogram. Conclusions: The nomogram established in this study helps clinicians predict the probability of sepsis in DPUTIs, providing evidence for optimizing the management of related risk factors. Full article

Background: Gentamicin (GM) is extensively used as an antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines are implicated in GM-induced renal damage. Chrysin (CH), also known as 5,7-dihydroxyflavone, has been used in traditional medicine to treat various kidney disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of CH against nephrotoxicity induced by GM. Methods: Male rats were separated into four equal groups: a negative control group (NC), a CH-treated group (100 mg/kg/day per os), a group treated with GM (100 mg/kg/day IM), and a group treated with both GM and CH (100 mg/kg/day), for 10 days. Blood and urine renal markers were investigated. Results: GM caused increases in the serum creatinine and urea levels and decreases in creatinine clearance, urine flow, and urine volume in the GM-treated rats. Moreover, there were increases in the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18, and MDA in the renal tissues, with an augmented expression of NF-κB/KIM-1, as well as decreases in antioxidant marker (GSH, GPx, CAT, and SOD) activities and decreased expressions of the anti-inflammatory transcription factors Nrf2 and AKT. The simultaneous treatment with CH in the GM-treated group protected renal tissues against the nephrotoxicity induced by GM, as demonstrated by the normalization of renal markers and improvement in histopathological damage. Conclusions: This study reveals that CH may attenuate GM-induced renal toxicity in rats. Full article