Feline Focus

Feline medicine DE course

Case discussions flow at Amsterdam workshop

The second of two workshops for the 2010 ISFM/Centre for Veterinary Education distance education course in feline medicine was held in Amsterdam, over the weekend of September 17–18, presented by tutors Richard Malik, Andrea Harvey and Ross Tiffin. With 10 delegates, drawn from the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Eire, the UK and as far away as Japan, the workshops have been resoundingly successful. This, say the tutors, is largely down to the immense enthusiasm of the delegates, and their willingness to engage and share ideas and experiences in feline medicine.

The friendly and informal atmosphere of these workshops really creates an ideal environment in which delegates of all nationalities feel at ease, becoming involved in case discussions, which in turn enhances their learning experience.

The complexities of the cat … Featuring among the case discussions at the workshop were (clockwise from top left): Bianchina, ‘the little stray cat’; Barbara, ‘a sweet nice Peterbald’; Napoleone the Big; and Fleur

The workshops are great fun (for delegates and tutors alike!) and tutors have been immensely impressed with the delegate case presentations, and the care and commitment they show to their patients. The workshops are run with a very flexible approach to give delegates the choice about what they want to discuss, and allows plenty of opportunity for delegates to quiz tutors about any aspect of feline medicine, any areas that have thrown up questions in their private study, or any of their own cases that they have questions about. Delegates really get to know each other, and the tutors, during the workshops, forming close networks with like-minded colleagues working in many different nations, all with a passion for feline medicine.

NSAID GUIDELINES.

The ISFM and AAFP's consensus guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats, published in the July 2010 issue of JFMS, have been translated into Spanish and French. The translations are available for download from the ISFM website (www.isfm.net)

Can you help?

Feline pancreatic neoplasia

Investigators in the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, are looking for the help of feline practitioners in a project investigating feline pancreatic neoplasia. Their goal is to find a protein biomarker in plasma that would allow the diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasia and differentiate it from pancreatitis. This would allow both the veterinarian and the owner to make informed decisions regarding patient care, and potentially avoid costly or invasive procedures such as fine-needle aspiration or surgical biopsy.

Clinicians are being asked to collect sodium citrated plasma samples (2 ml blue-topped tubes) from cats with pancreatic tumors. Neoplasia should be confirmed either ante-mortem by cytology/histology, or post mortem by necropsy. Further details regarding sample collection can be forwarded to interested clinicians. Financial assistance to cover the cost of biopsy and/or necropsy for cases of suspected neoplasia may also be available (subject to prior approval from the investigators).

For further details, contact Dr Melissa Meachem, DVM, Email melissa.meachem@usask.ca, telephone +1 (306) 966 7288.

AAFP Position Statement

Transport of cats

The primary welfare concerns with transportation of cats are safety, alleviation of fear and prevention of stress. The following principles are recommended to ensure the process of travel is a positive experience for cats and their owners.

From time to time the AAFP will respond to emerging new knowledge or issues that are of concern to veterinary professionals caring for cats. Our position statements, which represent the views of the association, are available at: www.catvets.com/professionals/guidelines/position/

Containment methods

Acceptable containment methods

• Sturdy, impact-resistant plastic or fiberglass commercial animal carriers are preferred. They offer the best impact protection, cannot collapse, generally have sides that offer a visual shield, can be positioned safely on a floorboard or level seat, where they can be secured with a seatbelt, and are easy to clean.

• Coated wire- or cage-type animal carriers are acceptable; they offer good impact protection, but generally do not provide the cat with visual privacy.

• Soft-sided, luggage/purse-type, basket-type or cardboard commercial animal carriers are acceptable as long as at least two sides have mesh or holes as ventilation. However, they offer minimal impact protection, may collapse or crush, and may be difficult to clean.

• Carriers that have both a top and a front opening for access are best. Top-loading carriers allow for minimal stress during the cat's placement in and removal from the carrier. ¹ An opening in the front allows the cat to come and go as it pleases (especially important in crate-trained cats).

• Carriers that are constructed so that the top half may be removed permit the cat to remain protected in the bottom half of the carrier during veterinary exams. The cat may feel more secure and experience less anxiety.

• Carriers that offer visual security (at least two solid sides with minimal fenestrations) are ideal, as the cat may feel more secure and may be less likely to experience motion-induced anxiety or gastrointestinal distress.

• The carrier should have a leak-proof bottom, covered with plenty of absorbent material. ²

• The carrier should be labeled with the owner's name and contact information as well as with the cat's name.

• Commercial, humane animal traps are acceptable for feral cats.

Unacceptable containment methods

• Pillowcases or other ‘sack-like’ enclosures may offer minimal ventilation, cannot be secured for stability and do not offer impact protection.

• Luggage or purses not manufactured for animal transport offer minimal ventilation, cannot be secured and offer little impact protection.

• Seatbelt harness restraint systems marketed for dogs are seldom effective. Due to the cat's flexible nature, these products cannot be relied upon to provide safe restraint. In addition, this type of restraint may cause discomfort and anxiety in a cat unaccustomed to wearing a harness.

• Allowing the cat to roam free within the automobile is inappropriate. ^3,4 This creates an extremely dangerous scenario for both the cat and driver. The cat is unsecured and, therefore, is subject to severe injury in the event of an accident. The cat may interfere with the driver's hands, feet and vision, thus potentially compromising the ability of the driver to safely operate the vehicle.

• Cats must be confined to a carrier both during travel and when proceeding from the vehicle to the destination. This further ensures the safety of the cat by preventing injury or escape.

Carriers that have both a top and a front opening for access are best. This cat was trained as a kitten to use the carrier as a safe haven. Courtesy of Dr Ilona Rodan

Adjusting the cat to the carrier

Get the cat used to the cat carrier well before travel ^4–6

• Leave the open carrier sitting out in the home so that the cat can explore it on his own.

• Place catnip or treats in the carrier.

• Place the carrier out permanently as a bed or hiding place for the cat. ⁷

• Use a synthetic feline hormone spray in the carrier routinely to minimize anxiety associated with the carrier. ^8,9

Get the cat used to going for rides in the carrier ^4,5

• Once the cat is comfortable in the carrier, take the cat (with a favorite treat, toy or other item from home) for brief test drives. Ensure that these drives are positive experiences. Initially, only drive a short distance (eg, one or two blocks). Gradually increase the distance as the cat's anxiety decreases. The goals are to allow the cat to become comfortable with car travel, and to minimize fear or anxiety by teaching the cat that a ride in the carrier does not always end at the veterinary hospital.

• Reward the cat verbally during travel. ^4,10

General welfare considerations for transport

Space, feeding and use of sedatives

• Use a carrier of appropriate size. The cat must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably in a natural position within the carrier. ²

• Whenever possible, and with the exception of a queen and her litter, avoid placing more than one cat in the carrier. Providing a carrier for each cat helps prevent redirected aggression that may occur if a cat becomes fearful.

• Avoid the use of sedatives or tranquilizers prior to travel. An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the carrier is moved. In addition, it is more difficult to visually monitor the cat for any adverse effects of the sedative when the pet is enclosed in the carrier. ^2,3 Finally, tranquilizers may reduce inhibitions, leading to a more aggressive cat.

• Avoid feeding prior to travel. It is generally recommended that the cat travels on an empty or near-empty stomach. ³

Carriers that are constructed so that the top half may be removed permit the cat to remain protected in the bottom half of the carrier during veterinary exams. Courtesy of Dr Ilona Rodan

Transportation of feral, stray and shelter cats.

• These types of cats should be transported in covered humane traps, in appropriate impact-resistant commercial carriers (as described under ‘Acceptable containment methods’), or in feral cat dens.

• Animal control officers, whenever possible, should avoid transporting cats within sight, sound or scent of dogs.

• Carriers, traps and vehicle cargo compartments should be cleaned and disinfected with products effective against feline panleukopenia virus and calicivirus routinely after each use, and against dermatophytes when indicated.

Minimize fear, stress and anxiety ^1,10

• Minimize noise (turn the car stereo volume down or off; avoid honking; avoid slamming doors).

• Close the car windows (to minimize noise and drafts).

• Avoid sudden starts and stops; avoid fast or sharp turns.

• Minimize motion sickness by keeping carrier on the floorboard, or cover one or two sides (always ensuring adequate ventilation) to block outside scenery.

• Speak to the cat in soft, reassuring tones. Reaching for or petting the cat while operating a vehicle is distracting and can be dangerous.

• Use a synthetic feline hormone spray in the carrier at least 30 minutes prior to travel. ^7–9

• Avoid ‘dumping’ a cat out of its carrier. ⁴

• Bring favorite toys, treats or familiar bedding. ^1,4

• Transport the queen and her kittens in the same carrier.

Minimize physical and thermal discomfort, pan and injury ^5,6,10,11

• Once outside of the garage, bring the interior of the car to a comfortable air temperature (preferably one that is similar to that in the home) prior to placing the cat and carrier in the car. Maintain this temperature during the trip.

• Position the carrier away from direct flow from air vents.

• Never put a cat in a hot car.

• Never leave a cat in a parked car.

• Place absorbent pads or soft towels in the bottom of the carrier. Bring extra absorbent materials in the event the cat soils the carrier.

• Ensure that the carrier is clean before use.

• Avoid swinging the carrier when holding it.

• Ensure that there are no loose knobs, sharp surfaces, cracks or other objects in the carrier that could injure the cat. Ensure doors and removable tops are tight, functional and secure.

• Ensure that the carrier is sitting on a level surface at all times. Stabilize or secure the carrier in the car (latch with seatbelt, use weighted items to prevent sliding, etc.)

• Never place the cat on the bed of a pickup truck or similar exterior surface.

Book review

Feline dentistry: oral assessment, treatment, and preventative care

Jan Bellows DVM DACVD FAVD DABVP. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (2010). ISBN: 978-0-8138-1613-5.

Feline Dentistry is a handsome, hardcover text that plunges straight to the heart of the subject matter. Beginning with a heartfelt dedication by Dr Bellows to Dr Colin E Harvey, a lifelong supporter of dentistry as a genre of veterinary medicine as well as the editor of Veterinary Surgery (5 years) and the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry (6 years), one begins to get a feel for the enthusiasm of the author. Dr Harvey's own interest in feline dentistry comes through in his own carefully written preface. His enchanting words: ‘Ah cats. What would veterinary dentistry be without them?’ causes the reader to become instantly engaged in the topic even if they have never cleaned a cat's tooth before in their life.

The book is divided into three sections: Oral Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention; the sections encompass a total of 15 chapters. The text is written in simple yet straightforward scientific language with beautiful full color pictures of a variety of oral studies. The use of labels within the pictures enables the veterinarian or veterinary technician to prop the book up next to a case study and easily identify the various anatomical structures of the oral cavity. The anatomical section contains diagrams of oral anatomy from the outer mucosa down to the skull itself and everything in between. In addition to color photographs there are also radiographs of dental interest to study and use as a comparison. Pictures represent not only healthy specimens but injured and diseased dental subjects as well.

There are also a few line drawings scattered through the text to illustrate tooth parts. The bulk of illustrations, however, are medical photographs and radiographs. The lack of line drawings does not, however, take away from this book in any way. In addition to the aforementioned photos there are also a great many photographs depicting proper positioning of instruments, machinery (both hand-held and mechanical) and animal patient during examination and cleaning. This is most helpful for beginners.

The section on radiographs covers both non-digital and digital usage with software pictures showing the complete expected computer screen. This section is well written with much attention to detail, making it invaluable for any technician striving to take the ‘purrfect’ feline radiograph. Other sections cover such diverse issues as dental anesthesia, charting, treatment of oral trauma, and endodontic disease.

As textbooks go, this is one that the reviewer recommends for students interested in learning dental techniques and practitioners who are looking for a refresher on feline dentistry or a review book for their staff; and it is most definitely a ‘must have’ for the technician who is interested in becoming a veterinary dental technician or qualifying for a dental specialty. While the photographs are at times graphic in nature, the reviewer finds that no-one can afford to be without this text if they are truly interested in learning feline dental techniques from beginning to end.

Dr Oreta M Samples VT MPH DHSc

This book review first appeared on the Veterinary Information Network (www.vin.com) and is reprinted with permission

With this issue of JFMS you have received a copy of the proceedings of an infectious disease symposium hosted by Merial in conjunction with the 2010 ISFM feline congress in Amsterdam.

Margie Scherk, Editor of JFMS, writes: When I had a chance to sit quietly and read the booklet, I found the content both interesting and informative. Hoping that the effort put into writing these notes and collating these topics topics would be made available to many colleagues, I was delighted that Merial and Elsevier were willing to include them in this mailing.

With cats and their people travelling and moving around the world as never before, it can be a challenge to remain current on infectious, and potentially zoonotic, diseases that these patients may present to us with.

The five briefs are written by experts in veterinary infectious and zoonotic disease. An article on Bartonella infections provides a balanced perspective on an oft-sensationalized topic. The article on hemoplasmas and mycoplasmas provides a succinct synopsis of the hemotropic organisms and also of other forms of illness they may induce. Two types of agents that we might be less familiar with include rickettsial infection, with fleas, ticks and mites as vector, and numerous fungal diseases. Finally, potential zoonoses our veterinary team and our clients may be exposed to is an important topic we have a responsibility to stay current in.

I hope that you, like me, find this series of papers to be a useful reference.