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Teng KTY, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, O’Neill DG. Life tables of annual life expectancy and risk factors for mortality in cats in the UK. J Feline Med Surg 2024; 26:1098612X241234556. [PMID: 38714312 PMCID: PMC11156239 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x241234556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the present study were to generate the first life tables for the UK companion cat population overall as well as broken down by sex and breed status, and to quantify associations between mortality and traits such as sex, neuter status, breed status and body weight in relation to mortality. METHODS Life table construction and modelling included data on 7936 confirmed deaths in cats under primary veterinary care at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme in 2019. The life tables were built for cats overall, female and male cats, and crossbred and purebred cats. Multivariable generalised linear regression models were generated to explore the risk factors for a shortened lifespan. RESULTS Life expectancy at age 0 for UK companion cats overall was 11.74 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.61-11.87). The probability of death at each year interval increased with age from year interval 3-4, with the probability value not exceeding 0.05 before year 9. Female cats (12.51 years; 95% CI 12.32-12.69) had a 1.33-year longer life expectancy than male cats (11.18 years; 95% CI 11.01-11.38) at age 0. Among the 12 breeds (including crossbred) analysed, Burmese and Birman had the longest life expectancy at year 0, showing 14.42 years (95% CI 12.91-15.93) and 14.39 years (95% CI 12.87-15.91), respectively. Sphynx had the shortest life expectancy at year 0 among the analysed breeds at 6.68 years (95% CI 4.53-8.83). Being entire, purebred and with a non-ideal body weight were significantly linked to a decreased lifespan. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The life tables presented here for companion cats in the UK overall, by sex, and by crossbred and purebred cats can contribute to a better understanding of the life trajectory of cats, helping with evidence-based decision-making for cat owners and the veterinary profession. We have also provided an updated life expectancy at age 0 for various cat breeds for 2019 and showed evidence of the association between non-ideal weight and a decreased lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendy Tzu-yun Teng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Dave C Brodbelt
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - David B Church
- Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Dan G O’Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
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2
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Delsart A, Otis C, Leung VSY, Labelle É, Moreau M, Frezier M, Drag M, Martel-Pelletier J, Pelletier JP, Troncy E. Concurrent Validation of MI-CAT(V), a Clinical Metrology Instrument for Veterinarians Assessing Osteoarthritis Pain in Cats, through Testing for Firocoxib Analgesic Efficacy in a Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Blinded Study. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:711. [PMID: 38473097 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Veterinarians face the lack of a rapid, reliable, inexpensive, and treatment-sensitive metrological instrument reflecting feline osteoarthritis (OA) pain. The Montreal Instrument for Cat Arthritis Testing, for Use by Veterinarians (MI-CAT(V)) has been refined in 4 sub-sections, and we proposed its concurrent validation. Cats naturally affected by OA (n = 32) were randomly distributed into 4 groups of firocoxib analgesic (Gr. A: 0.40; B: 0.25; C: 0.15, and P: 0.00 mg/kg bodyweight). They were assessed during Baseline, Treatment, and Recovery periods using MI-CAT(V) and objective outcomes (effort path, stairs assay compliance, and actimetry). The MI-CAT(V) total score correlated to the effort path and actimetry (RhoS = -0.501 to -0.453; p < 0.001), also being sensitive to treatment responsiveness. The pooled treatment group improved its total, gait, and body posture scores during Treatment compared to the Baseline, Recovery, and placebo group (p < 0.05). The MI-CAT(V) suggested a dose-(especially for Gr. B) and cluster-response. Cats in the moderate and severe MI-CAT(V) clusters responded to firocoxib with a remaining analgesic effect, while the mild cluster seemed less responsive and experienced a negative rebound effect. The MI-CAT(V) was validated for its OA pain severity discriminatory abilities and sensitivity to firocoxib treatment, providing a new perspective for individualized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliénor Delsart
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Colombe Otis
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Vivian S Y Leung
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Émilie Labelle
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Maxim Moreau
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Marilyn Frezier
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Marlene Drag
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Fulton, MO 65251, USA
| | - Johanne Martel-Pelletier
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Pelletier
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Eric Troncy
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale du Québec (GREPAQ), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
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3
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Abstract
Aging is often associated with chronic inflammation and declining health. Both veterinarians and owners of aging dogs and cats are interested in nutritional solutions and strategies to prevent signs of age-related disease, increase longevity, and improve quality of life. Physiological decreases in muscle mass, decreased immunity, and a decrease in sense acuity are some of the changes often seen in otherwise healthy senior pets; however, there may also be an increase in risk for pathologies such as renal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neoplastic diseases. Aging may also lead to cognitive decline and even cognitive dysfunction. Some nutritional strategies that may be helpful with the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases include supplementation with ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant nutrients that can help modulate inflammation and benefit osteoarthritis, renal disease, cancer, and more. Supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides shows promise in the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction as these may be metabolized to ketone bodies that are utilized as an alternative energy source for the central nervous system. Additionally, a high intake of dietary phosphorus in soluble and bioavailable forms can lead to renal disease, which is of greater concern in senior pets. There are no published guidelines for nutritional requirements specific to senior pets and as a result, products marketed for senior dogs and cats are highly variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Stockman
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Old Brookville, NY, 11548, US.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, US.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, US.
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4
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Sánchez-Montes S, Rendón-Franco E, Muñoz-García CI, Chagoya-Flores NE, Onofre-de Jesús MDLÁ, Chagoya-Fuentes JL, Bravo-Ramos JL, Solís-Cortés M, Lara-Castillo JJ, Becker I, Ballados-González GG. New records, and molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens in Felicola subrostratus from eastern Mexico. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2145-2152. [PMID: 37470941 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The study of lice associated with domestic cats is a neglected area of veterinary parasitology. In particular, the presence of the cat louse Felicola subrostratus, a small Ischnoceran species found in the fur of the domestic cat, is rarely recognized. In America, this species has been reported across six countries. Although it was also recently reported in Mexico, no studies on the molecular identification of the specimens or the monitoring of potential bacterial, and protozoan pathogens have been carried out. Thus, this work aimed to collect, and identify lice associated with domestic and free ranging cats from the states of Veracruz and Tabasco, using amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and the ribosomal 18S rDNA genes, and to monitor selected vector-borne bacterial (Bartonella, Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia) and protozoan (Babesia, and Hepatozoon) agents. Only entire lice were used for molecular host and pathogen identification. Eighty-one lice, identified as F. subrostratus, were recovered from five infested cats, and 30 were selected for molecular identification and pathogen surveillance. Analysis of the COI and 18S rDNA partial sequences showed a similarity of 96.79%-100% with sequences of F. subrostratus from the US. Mycoplasma haemofelis and Hepatozoon canis DNA was detected in three and four samples, respectively. This work provides new collection locations for F. subrostratus, and the first sequences of the COI and 18S rDNA genes from Mexico. It also reports two pathogenic microorganisms found in the lice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias Región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, México
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Emilio Rendón-Franco
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col. Villa Quietud, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04960, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Irais Muñoz-García
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col. Villa Quietud, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04960, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Norma Edith Chagoya-Flores
- Programa Educativo de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias Región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, México
| | - María de Los Ángeles Onofre-de Jesús
- Programa Educativo de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias Región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, México
| | - Jorge Luis Chagoya-Fuentes
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias Región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, México
| | - José L Bravo-Ramos
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Miguel Ángel de Quevedo S/N, Esq. Yáñez, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Marlene Solís-Cortés
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | | | - Ingeborg Becker
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Gerardo G Ballados-González
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Miguel Ángel de Quevedo S/N, Esq. Yáñez, Veracruz, Mexico.
- Hospital Veterinario Small Animal Center, Veracruz, México.
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5
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Lue PY, Oliver MH, Neeff M, Thorne PR, Suzuki-Kerr H. Sheep as a large animal model for hearing research: comparison to common laboratory animals and humans. Lab Anim Res 2023; 39:31. [PMID: 38012676 PMCID: PMC10680324 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-023-00182-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), caused by pathology in the cochlea, is the most common type of hearing loss in humans. It is generally irreversible with very few effective pharmacological treatments available to prevent the degenerative changes or minimise the impact. Part of this has been attributed to difficulty of translating "proof-of-concept" for novel treatments established in small animal models to human therapies. There is an increasing interest in the use of sheep as a large animal model. In this article, we review the small and large animal models used in pre-clinical hearing research such as mice, rats, chinchilla, guinea pig, rabbit, cat, monkey, dog, pig, and sheep to humans, and compare the physiology, inner ear anatomy, and some of their use as model systems for SNHL, including cochlear implantation surgeries. Sheep have similar cochlear anatomy, auditory threshold, neonatal auditory system development, adult and infant body size, and number of birth as humans. Based on these comparisons, we suggest that sheep are well-suited as a potential translational animal model that bridges the gap between rodent model research to the clinical use in humans. This is especially in areas looking at changes across the life-course or in specific areas of experimental investigation such as cochlear implantation and other surgical procedures, biomedical device development and age-related sensorineural hearing loss research. Combined use of small animals for research that require higher throughput and genetic modification and large animals for medical translation could greatly accelerate the overall translation of basic research in the field of auditory neuroscience from bench to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yi Lue
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Eisdell Moore Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark H Oliver
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Ngapouri Research Farm Laboratory, University of Auckland, Waiotapu, New Zealand
| | - Michel Neeff
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter R Thorne
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Eisdell Moore Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Section of Audiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Haruna Suzuki-Kerr
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Eisdell Moore Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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6
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Murphy BJ, Stevenson MA, Mansfield CS. Bodyweight and body condition scores of Australian British shorthaired cats, 2008-2017. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1241080. [PMID: 37885615 PMCID: PMC10598769 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1241080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is the most common nutritional problem in companion animals today, and Australian British shorthair (BSH) cats have been shown to have a greater likelihood of being overweight relative to other cat breeds. The objectives of this research were to quantify bodyweight (BW) and body condition scores (BCSs) of BSH cats attending first opinion practice in Australia for the period 2008-2017 and to determine if: (1) being classified as overweight was associated with geographical location (urban versus rural and socio-economic index); and (2) BW recorded in the first 12 months of life was associated with length of life beyond 12 months. Electronic medical records from BSH cats were obtained from VetCompass Australia and used for BW and BCS analysis. Desexed males (n = 971) had the highest mean BW followed by entire males (n = 79), desexed females (n = 815), and entire females (n = 82). The desexed males, desexed females, and entire females had a mean BCS classified as overweight using a 1-to-9 point BCS scale. The entire male population was the only group with a mean BCS classified as ideal. No statistically significant association between BW and urban-rural status and no consistent trend between BW and socioeconomic deprivation was found. For cats with at least one BW measurement in the first 12 months of life that was ≤3.3 kg, the age when 20 percent of the group had died or were euthanised was 12.3 (95% CI 11.7 to 13.1) years. For cats with at least one BW measurement in the first 12 months of life that was ≥3.3 kg age, the age when 20 percent of the group had died or were euthanised was 6.6 (95% CI 5.2 to 6.6) years. This was a substantial clinical difference in survival. The study concluded that a large proportion of BSH cats attending first opinion veterinary clinics in Australia between 2008 and 2017 (48%) were classified as overweight. Cats less than 12 months of age that were greater than 3.3 kg had a shortened lifespan beyond 12 months of age compared with cats that were less than 3.3 kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. J. Murphy
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
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7
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Bonecka J, Skibniewski M, Zep P, Domino M. Knee Joint Osteoarthritis in Overweight Cats: The Clinical and Radiographic Findings. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2427. [PMID: 37570234 PMCID: PMC10417339 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a high prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) reported in the domesticated cat population, studies on feline knee joint OA are scarcer. Knee joint OA is a painful, age-related, chronic degenerative joint disease that significantly affects cats' activity and quality of life. In dogs and humans, one may consider overweight as a risk factor for the development and progression of knee joint OA; therefore, this study aims to assess the severity of knee joint OA in the body-weight-related groups of cats concerning clinical symptoms and radiographic signs. The study was conducted on sixty-four (n = 64) cats with confirmed OA. The demographic data on sex, neutering, age, and breed were collected. Then, the body condition score (BCS) was assessed, and each cat was allocated to the underweight, normal-weight, or overweight group. Within clinical symptoms, joint pain, joint swelling, joint deformities, lameness, reluctance to move, and apathy were graded. Based on the radiographic signs, minor OA, mild OA, moderate OA, and severe OA were scored. Prevalence and co-occurrence of the studied variables were then assessed. Joint pain was elicited in 20-31% of the OA-affected joints, joint deformities in 21-30%, and lameness in 20-54%, with no differences between weight-related groups. Severe OA was detected in 10-16% of the OA-affected joints, with no differences between weight-related groups. Severe OA in feline knee joints appears with similar frequency in overweight, underweight, and normal-weight cats. However, the general prevalence of clinical symptoms and radiographic signs is different in overweight cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bonecka
- Department of Small Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Skibniewski
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Zep
- OchWET Veterinary Clinic, 02-119 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Deabold K, Montalbano C, Miscioscia E. Feline Osteoarthritis Management. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023; 53:879-896. [PMID: 36964025 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Feline osteoarthritis is common; despite vague clinical signs, it can result in mobility impairment and quality of life concerns. An integrative approach to management may include analgesic medications, dietary modifications, nutraceuticals, environmental modifications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, and regenerative medicine. Management of concurrent disease and consideration for patient tolerance and owner compliance are critical in formulating a treatment plan in cats with osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Deabold
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | | | - Erin Miscioscia
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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Dhaliwal R, Boynton E, Carrera-Justiz S, Cruise N, Gardner M, Huntingford J, Lobprise H, Rozanski E. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2023; 59:1-21. [PMID: 36584321 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-7343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Veterinary professionals are taught to recognize that "old age is not a disease." However, clients may have the perception that older dogs and cats undergo an unavoidable physical, mental, and behavioral decline attributable simply to old age. The veterinary team's role includes providing medical care and support to senior pets to maintain their quality of life, as well as supporting and educating clients on proper senior animal care and addressing any misconceptions about the aging process. These Guidelines describe a systematic approach to the healthcare of the senior pet that is based on an evidence-guided assessment of both healthy and unhealthy canine and feline patients. By using evidence-guided medicine, which may include conventional and integrative approaches as well as environmental management for the senior pet, the patient's quality of life can be enhanced and potentially extended during this vulnerable life stage. Developing a senior program for the veterinary practice requires appropriate training of the entire healthcare team and includes a robust client education program that focuses on the wellbeing of the senior pet. Palliative and hospice care should be included in the education and information provided for both the veterinary team and the families of senior pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Dhaliwal
- MedVet Silicon Valley Veterinary Specialists, San Jose, California (R.D.)
| | | | | | - Nicole Cruise
- Northcentral Technical College, Wausau, Wisconsin (N.C.)
| | | | | | - Heidi Lobprise
- Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital, Kerrville, Texas (H.L.)
| | - Elizabeth Rozanski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Massachusetts (E.R.)
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10
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Montoya M, Morrison JA, Arrignon F, Spofford N, Charles H, Hours MA, Biourge V. Life expectancy tables for dogs and cats derived from clinical data. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1082102. [PMID: 36896289 PMCID: PMC9989186 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1082102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
There are few recent and methodologically robust life expectancy (LE) tables for dogs or cats. This study aimed to generate LE tables for these species with clinical records from >1,000 Banfield Pet hospitals in the USA. Using Sullivan's method, LE tables were generated across survey years 2013-2019, by survey year, and for subpopulations defined by sex, adult body size group (purebred dogs only: toy, small, medium, large and giant), and median body condition score (BCS) over life. The deceased population for each survey year comprised animals with a recorded date of death in that year; survivors had no death date in that year and were confirmed living by a veterinary visit in a subsequent year. The dataset totaled 13,292,929 unique dogs and 2,390,078 unique cats. LE at birth (LEbirth) was 12.69 years (95% CI: 12.68-12.70) for all dogs, 12.71 years (12.67-12.76) for mixed-breed dogs, 11.18 years (11.16-11.20) for cats, and 11.12 (11.09-11.14) for mixed-breed cats. LEbirth increased with decreasing dog size group and increasing survey year 2013 to 2018 for all dog size groups and cats. Female dogs and cats had significantly higher LEbirth than males: 12.76 years (12.75-12.77) vs. 12.63 years (12.62-12.64), and 11.68 years (11.65-11.71) vs. 10.72 years (10.68-10.75), respectively. Obese dogs (BCS 5/5) had a significantly lower LEbirth [11.71 years (11.66-11.77)] than overweight dogs (BCS 4/5) [13.14 years (13.12-13.16)] and dogs with ideal BCS 3/5 [13.18 years (13.16-13.19)]. The LEbirth of cats with BCS 4/5 [13.67 years (13.62-13.71)] was significantly higher than cats with BCS 5/5 [12.56 years (12.45-12.66)] or BCS 3/5 [12.18 years (12.14-12.21)]. These LE tables provide valuable information for veterinarians and pet owners and a foundation for research hypotheses, as well as being a stepping-stone to disease-associated LE tables.
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11
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Kent MS, Karchemskiy S, Culp WTN, Lejeune AT, Pesavento PA, Toedebusch C, Brady R, Rebhun R. Longevity and mortality in cats: A single institution necropsy study of 3108 cases (1989-2019). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278199. [PMID: 36580443 PMCID: PMC9799304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Client-owned cats who underwent a post-mortem examination (n = 3,108) at a veterinary medical teaching hospital between 1989 and 2019 were studied to determine longevity and factors affecting mortality. Demographic factors, environmental factors, age, and causes of death were assessed. Sexes included 5.66% intact females, 39.86% spayed females, 6.95% intact males and 47.49% neutered males. 84.2% were mixed breed cats. Age at death was known for 2,974 cases with a median of 9.07 years. Cancer was the most common pathophysiologic cause of death (35.81%) and was identified in 41.3% of cats. When categorized by organ system, mortality was most attributed to multiorgan/systemic (21.72%). Renal histologic abnormalities were noted in 62.84% of cats but was considered the primary cause of death in only 13.06% of cats. Intact female and male cats had significantly shorter lifespans than their spayed or neutered counterparts. FeLV positive status was associated with decreased longevity (P<0.0001) while FIV status was not. This study reports on risk factors associated with mortality and highlights areas of research that may contribute to improved lifespan in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Kent
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sophie Karchemskiy
- William T. Prichard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - William T. N. Culp
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Amandine T. Lejeune
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Patricia A. Pesavento
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Christine Toedebusch
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Rachel Brady
- William T. Prichard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Robert Rebhun
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
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12
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Gaillard V, Chastant S, England G, Forman O, German AJ, Suchodolski JS, Villaverde C, Chavatte-Palmer P, Péron F. Environmental risk factors in puppies and kittens for developing chronic disorders in adulthood: A call for research on developmental programming. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:944821. [PMID: 36619947 PMCID: PMC9816871 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.944821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many dogs and cats are affected by chronic diseases that significantly impact their health and welfare and relationships with humans. Some of these diseases can be challenging to treat, and a better understanding of early-life risk factors for diseases occurring in adulthood is key to improving preventive veterinary care and husbandry practices. This article reviews early-life risk factors for obesity and chronic enteropathy, and for chronic behavioral problems, which can also be intractable with life-changing consequences. Aspects of early life in puppies and kittens that can impact the risk of adult disorders include maternal nutrition, establishment of the gut microbiome, maternal behavior, weaning, nutrition during growth, growth rate, socialization with conspecifics and humans, rehoming and neutering. Despite evidence in some species that the disorders reviewed here reflect the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), developmental programming has rarely been studied in dogs and cats. Priorities and strategies to increase knowledge of early-life risk factors and DOHaD in dogs and cats are discussed. Critical windows of development are proposed: preconception, gestation, the suckling period, early growth pre-neutering or pre-puberty, and growth post-neutering or post-puberty to adult size, the durations of which depend upon species and breed. Challenges to DOHaD research in these species include a large number of breeds with wide genetic and phenotypic variability, and the existence of many mixed-breed individuals. Moreover, difficulties in conducting prospective lifelong cohort studies are exacerbated by discontinuity in pet husbandry between breeders and subsequent owners, and by the dispersed nature of pet ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Gaillard
- Research and Development Center, Royal Canin, Aimargues, France,*Correspondence: Virginie Gaillard ✉
| | - Sylvie Chastant
- NeoCare, Université de Toulouse, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), Toulouse, France
| | - Gary England
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Forman
- Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. German
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences of Small Animal Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | | | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Institut National de Recherche Pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Biologie de la Reproduction, Environnement, Epigénétique et Développement (BREED), Jouy-en-Josas, France,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Franck Péron
- Research and Development Center, Royal Canin, Aimargues, France
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13
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Taylor S, Roberts G, Evans M, German AJ. Recording of body weight and body condition score of cats in electronic health records from UK veterinary practices. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:e380-e393. [PMID: 36044185 PMCID: PMC10812309 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221117348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine how frequently body weight, body condition score (BCS) and terms pertaining to weight status are recorded in the electronic health records (EHRs) of veterinary practices in the UK, as well as to examine the variables affecting recording and associated with body weight, where recorded. METHODS Data recorded in EHRs were searched in two 3-month periods in 2019 and 2020. For each visit, variables including type and time of consultation, signalment, recording of body weight, recording of BCS, weight (kg), BCS value and whether an overweight or weight-loss term was used in free text were recorded. Linear mixed-effects models were created to examine associations between body weight and variables, while mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine associations between the same variables and weight or BCS recording. RESULTS The statistical data set comprised 129,076 visits from 129,076 cats at 361 practices. Weight was recorded at most (95.2%) visits, BCS was recorded at only 22.5% of visits, and terms associated with weight loss and overweight status were recorded in 10.0% and 7.2% of free-text records, respectively. Where BCS was recorded, approximately one-third of cats had an overweight score (8.0% of total visits). Using either an overweight term (P <0.001) or weight-loss term (P <0.001) was associated with increased odds of body weight being recorded, while being an out-of-hours (P <0.001) or non-routine consultation (P <0.001) were associated with decreased odds. Increasing age (P <0.001), using a weight-loss term (P <0.001) and using an overweight term (P <0.001) were associated with increased odds of BCS being recorded, while being a non-routine consultation (P <0.001) was associated with decreased odds. Recording BCS was negatively associated with recording body weight and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Cats are regularly weighed in UK practice, but BCS is less frequently recorded, and both are less often recorded in non-routine consultations. To improve both the treatment and assessment of health and nutrition in cats, veterinary professionals should record body weight and BCS concurrently at every consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Taylor
- International Cat Care, Tisbury, UK
- Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, Alton, UK
| | - Georgina Roberts
- School of Veterinary Science, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Alexander J German
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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14
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Thuesen IS, Agerholm JS, Mejer H, Nielsen SS, Sandøe P. How Serious Are Health-Related Welfare Problems in Unowned Unsocialised Domestic Cats? A Study from Denmark Based on 598 Necropsies. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050662. [PMID: 35268230 PMCID: PMC8909710 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Free ranging unsocialised domestic cats are widely believed to suffer from a high load of welfare problems. We assessed the validity of this belief by performing necropsies on the corpses of 598 unsocialised cats, originating from all parts of Denmark, that had been euthanised by two Danish cat welfare organisations. We selected a number of variables for health-related cat welfare that could be assessed through necropsy (e.g., gross lesions, ectoparasites and body condition) or by laboratory analysis (e.g., infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and by feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)). Each finding was classified as having either a major or minor welfare impact on the cat. More than 83% of the cats had no major finding, and 54% had no finding indicating a welfare issue at all. More than 83% of the cats had a body condition within normal range. Only 0.3% were emaciated. The most common finding was infestation with ectoparasites, with 15.9% infected with lice, 12.3% with fleas, 4.7% with ticks, and 6.7% with ear mites. FIV and FeLV were detected in 9.2% and 1.2% of the cases, respectively. The most common lesion related to the cats’ teeth. Overall, unsocialised cats in Denmark have a moderate level of health-related welfare problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Sofie Thuesen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
| | - Jørgen Steen Agerholm
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2630 Tåstrup, Denmark;
| | - Helena Mejer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
| | - Søren Saxmose Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
| | - Peter Sandøe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-21497292
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15
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Ladiges W. The unrecognized potential of pet cats for studying aging and age-related diseases. AGING PATHOBIOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 3:134-135. [PMID: 35083457 PMCID: PMC8789195 DOI: 10.31491/apt.2021.12.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Old cats develop chronic diseases similar to diseases in older people. One-fourth of American households own cats, and almost half are more than 7 years old. Cats share the same environment and are exposed to many of the same chemical stresses. In addition, genomic diversity and population stratification are similar to that occurring in people. With these comparative features, the aging cat represents a geroscience model to investigate the pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions for aging. However, cats are generally not recognized as a translational model for aging research mainly because of the lack of knowledge and appreciation within the scientific community. In addition, cat owners are not aware of any research programs designed to enhance healthy aging in their pets because none exist. Much work is needed to inform and educate the scientific community as well as cat owners about the power of aging cats as a transformative model to investigate aging and age-related diseases that will benefit both human and feline health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Ladiges
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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16
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Wolf AM. Rodent diet aids and the fallacy of caloric restriction. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 200:111584. [PMID: 34673082 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of normal aging is a prerequisite to significantly improving human health span. Caloric restriction (CR) can delay aging and has served as a yardstick to evaluate interventions extending life span. However, mice given unlimited access to food suffer severe obesity. Health gains from CR depend on control mice being sufficiently overweight and less obese mouse strains benefit far less from CR. Pharmacologic interventions that increase life span, including resveratrol, rapamycin, nicotinamide mononucleotide and metformin, also reduce body weight. In primates, CR does not delay aging unless the control group is eating enough to suffer from obesity-related disease. Human survival is optimal at a body mass index achievable without CR, and the above interventions are merely diet aids that shouldn't slow aging in healthy weight individuals. CR in humans of optimal weight can safely be declared useless, since there is overwhelming evidence that hunger, underweight and starvation reduce fitness, survival, and quality of life. Against an obese control, CR does, however, truly delay aging through a mechanism laid out in the following tumor suppression theory of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Wolf
- Laboratory for Morphological and Biomolecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Japan.
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17
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The Diets of Companion Cats in Aotearoa New Zealand: Identification of Obesity Risk Factors. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102881. [PMID: 34679902 PMCID: PMC8532602 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
One in four New Zealand cats are overweight or obese, conditions associated with poor health outcomes. As part of an online survey that was conducted from January 2019 to March 2019, NZ residents aged ≥18 years were asked demographic questions along with questions related to the body condition, breed and diet of their cat/s. From the responses, possible owner-related risk factors for developing obesity were identified. Of the respondents, 65.5% (n = 1537) owned cat/s; the owners being more likely to be female, live rurally, or live with children. Most of the respondents fed their cat/s biscuits from the supermarket (63%) and wet food (57%). Almost half (45%) fed their cat/s specialised food from a pet shop or veterinary clinic and gave them treats, with 31% of respondents feeding their cat/s raw meat. Feeding cats a variety of food types may make it difficult to estimate the appropriate amount of each needed to avoid excess caloric intake. In addition, approximately 30% of the respondents did not agree with the correct body condition statement, revealing a need for owner education. These findings highlight important areas of cat nutrition requiring future research to better inform the development of healthy weight interventions for NZ cats.
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18
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French SK, Pearl DL, Lem M, Kilborn S, Donnelly B, Slater M. Understanding the associations between owner and pet demographics on pet body condition among those experiencing homelessness and housing vulnerability in Canada. Prev Vet Med 2021; 195:105454. [PMID: 34391080 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 35 000 people experience homelessness in some form each night in Canada, with similar rates (approximately 1/200 individuals) among developed countries. Ten to twenty percent of those individuals are pet owners. Animal companionship provides a variety of mental and physical benefits to people who are living homeless or vulnerably housed, but many in the non-vulnerable sector, including veterinary professionals and animal welfare advocates, express concern for the health and welfare of these animals. We describe the demographics of a population of animals owned by individuals experiencing homelessness and housing vulnerability, and investigate animal and owner factors influencing body condition score and over-conditioning using data collected from Community Veterinary Outreach (CVO). Community Veterinary Outreach is a registered charity focused on improving the health and welfare of people and their pets who are experiencing homelessness and housing vulnerability. The organization provides free services to clients in ten Canadian communities. Data associated with 636 owners and 946 animals were collected during clinics held between April 2018 and March 2020, representing a total of 1124 visits. The population of dogs and cats seen by CVO was demographically similar to populations seen in general companion animal veterinary practice and were in similar health. For both species, the mean body condition score was 5.4/9, where an ideal score is five for cats and four to five for dogs, and 38 % of animals were considered over-conditioned (overweight/obese). Risk factor analysis demonstrated significant associations between being over-conditioned and pet age and the reason for the veterinary visit for cats, and pet age, the number of abnormal findings on physical exam, and a previous CVO visit for dogs. Pet age, sex-neuter status, disease of the oral cavity, and a previous CVO visit were significantly associated with body condition score in cats. Body condition score in dogs was associated with owner age, and with interactions between pet age and breed size group, and between sex-neuter status and owner-reported housing security. These findings suggest that animals owned by those experiencing homeless and housing vulnerability are generally in good health and similar factors influence body condition score and over-conditioning as animals seen in general companion animal veterinary practice. Further efforts to provide support to pet owners within these communities by veterinarians will help support the good health of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon K French
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - David L Pearl
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Michelle Lem
- Community Veterinary Outreach, PO Box 75, Carp, ON, K2T1E3, Canada.
| | - Susan Kilborn
- Community Veterinary Outreach, PO Box 75, Carp, ON, K2T1E3, Canada.
| | - Blánaid Donnelly
- Community Veterinary Outreach, PO Box 75, Carp, ON, K2T1E3, Canada.
| | - Margaret Slater
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY, 10028, United States.
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19
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Ray M, Carney HC, Boynton B, Quimby J, Robertson S, St Denis K, Tuzio H, Wright B. 2021 AAFP Feline Senior Care Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:613-638. [PMID: 34167339 PMCID: PMC10812122 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211021538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The '2021 AAFP Feline Senior Care Guidelines' are authored by a Task Force of experts in feline clinical medicine and serve as an update and extension of those published in 2009. They emphasize the individual patient evaluation and the process of aging, with references to other feline practice guidelines for a more complete discussion of specific diseases. Focusing on each cat encourages and empowers the owner to become a part of the cat's care every step of the way. A comprehensive discussion during the physical examination and history taking allows for tailoring the approach to both the cat and the family involved in the care. Videos and analysis of serial historical measurements are brought into the assessment of each patient. These Guidelines introduce the emerging concept of frailty, with a description and methods of its incorporation into the senior cat assessment. Minimum database diagnostics are discussed, along with recommendations for additional investigative considerations. For example, blood pressure assessment is included as a minimum diagnostic procedure in both apparently healthy and ill cats. Cats age at a much faster rate than humans, so practical timelines for testing frequency are included and suggest an increased frequency of diagnostics with advancing age. The importance of nutrition, as well as senior cat nutritional needs and deficiencies, is considered. Pain is highlighted as its own syndrome, with an emphasis on consideration in every senior cat. The Task Force discusses anesthesia, along with strategies to allow aging cats to be safely anesthetized well into their senior years. The medical concept of quality of life is addressed with the latest information available in veterinary medicine. This includes end of life considerations like palliative and hospice care, as well as recommendations on the establishment of 'budgets of care', which greatly influence what can be done for the individual cat. Acknowledgement is given that each cat owner will be different in this regard; and establishing what is reasonable and practical for the individual owner is important. A discussion on euthanasia offers some recommendations to help the owner make a decision that reflects the best interests of the individual cat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hazel C Carney
- WestVet Emergency and Specialty Center, Garden City, ID, USA
| | - Beth Boynton
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Quimby
- The Ohio State University, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sheilah Robertson
- Senior Medical Director, Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, Lutz, FL, USA
| | | | - Helen Tuzio
- Forest Hills Cat Hospital, Middle Village, NY, USA
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20
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Quimby J, Gowland S, Carney HC, DePorter T, Plummer P, Westropp J. 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:211-233. [PMID: 33627003 PMCID: PMC10812130 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x21993657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The guidelines, authored by a Task Force of experts in feline clinical medicine, are an update and extension of the AAFP-AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines published in 2010. The guidelines are published simultaneously in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (volume 23, issue 3, pages 211-233, DOI: 10.1177/1098612X21993657) and the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (volume 57, issue 2, pages 51-72, DOI: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7189). A noteworthy change from the earlier guidelines is the division of the cat's lifespan into a five-stage grouping with four distinct age-related stages (kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior) as well as an end-of-life stage, instead of the previous six. This simplified grouping is consistent with how pet owners generally perceive their cat's maturation and aging process, and provides a readily understood basis for an evolving, individualized, lifelong feline healthcare strategy. The guidelines include a comprehensive table on the components of a feline wellness visit that provides a framework for systematically implementing an individualized life stage approach to feline healthcare. Included are recommendations for managing the most critical health-related factors in relation to a cat's life stage. These recommendations are further explained in the following categories: behavior and environmental needs; elimination; life stage nutrition and weight management; oral health; parasite control; vaccination; zoonoses and human safety; and recommended diagnostics based on life stage. A discussion on overcoming barriers to veterinary visits by cat owners offers practical advice on one of the most challenging aspects of delivering regular feline healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Quimby
- DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Co-Chair of 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines Task Force The Ohio State University, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shannon Gowland
- DVM, DABVP, Co-Chair of 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines Task Force OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hazel C Carney
- DVM, MS, DABVP, WestVet Emergency and Specialty Center, Garden City, Idaho, USA
| | - Theresa DePorter
- DVM, MRCVS, DACVB, DECAWBM, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA
| | - Paula Plummer
- LVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jodi Westropp
- DVM, PhD, DACVIM, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
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21
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Abstract
Senior dogs and cats commonly present to veterinary clinics for wellness examinations and for illness. Nutritional needs change in healthy elder pets compared with the young adult life stage. Veterinary health care teams must provide nutritional assessments and individual recommendations, recognizing there is no defined nutrient profile for seniors. Individual variation prevents a one-size-fits-all approach. Advancing age places pets at risk for developing medical conditions. Early detection can lead to earlier nutritional intervention to support recovery, health, and quality of life. However, comorbidities may present a nutritional conundrum, requiring prioritization of problems and nutritional triage to balance needs.
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22
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Quimby J, Gowland S, Carney HC, DePorter T, Plummer P, Westropp J. 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2021. [PMID: 33627003 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-7189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The guidelines, authored by a Task Force of experts in feline clinical medicine, are an update and extension of the AAFP-AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines published in 2010. The guidelines are published simultaneously in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (volume 23, issue 3, pages 211-233, DOI: 10.1177/1098612X21993657) and the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (volume 57, issue 2, pages 51-72, DOI: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7189). A noteworthy change from the earlier guidelines is the division of the cat's lifespan into a five-stage grouping with four distinct age-related stages (kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior) as well as an end-of-life stage, instead of the previous six. This simplified grouping is consistent with how pet owners generally perceive their cat's maturation and aging process, and provides a readily understood basis for an evolving, individualized, lifelong feline healthcare strategy. The guidelines include a comprehensive table on the components of a feline wellness visit that provides a framework for systematically implementing an individualized life stage approach to feline healthcare. Included are recommendations for managing the most critical health-related factors in relation to a cat's life stage. These recommendations are further explained in the following categories: behavior and environmental needs; elimination; life stage nutrition and weight management; oral health; parasite control; vaccination; zoonoses and human safety; and recommended diagnostics based on life stage. A discussion on overcoming barriers to veterinary visits by cat owners offers practical advice on one of the most challenging aspects of delivering regular feline healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Quimby
- DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Co-Chair of 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines Task Force The Ohio State University, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shannon Gowland
- DVM, DABVP, Co-Chair of 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines Task Force OVC Smith Lane Animal Hospital, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hazel C Carney
- DVM, MS, DABVP, WestVet Emergency and Specialty Center, Garden City, Idaho, USA
| | - Theresa DePorter
- DVM, MRCVS, DACVB, DECAWBM, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA
| | - Paula Plummer
- LVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jodi Westropp
- DVM, PhD, DACVIM, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
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23
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Dowgray N, Comerford E. Feline musculoskeletal ageing: How are we diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal impairment? J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:1069-1083. [PMID: 33100170 PMCID: PMC10814220 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20965832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE An understanding of the process of musculoskeletal ageing - which all senior and geriatric cats will experience - is vital to maintaining the health and welfare of our ageing cat population. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Assessment of the feline musculoskeletal system is not always straightforward. Diagnosis of impairment relies on input from owners and veterinarians in terms of visual observation, and clinical and orthopaedic examination, in addition to diagnostic imaging. AUDIENCE This review is written for the primary care veterinary team. AIMS The goals are to raise awareness and improve clinical diagnosis of musculoskeletal impairment as a result of ageing. The article also reviews therapeutic options and considers the evidence available for the prevention/deceleration of musculoskeletal ageing and impairment. EVIDENCE BASE There is good evidence of a high prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) and degenerative joint disease (DJD) in older cats. There is also good evidence to indicate that functional impairment and chronic pain are sequelae of musculoskeletal disease. However, there is a paucity of information for what is best practice for the management and treatment of musculoskeletal impairment in a clinical situation. There is also a lack of evidence on how prevention of central stimulation of the nervous system caused by musculoskeletal impairment and, in turn the development of chronic pain, can be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eithne Comerford
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, UK
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24
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Vojtkovská V, Voslářová E, Večerek V. Methods of Assessment of the Welfare of Shelter Cats: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091527. [PMID: 32872242 PMCID: PMC7552334 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
At any moment, there are millions of cats housed in foster care facilities for abandoned and stray animals for various reasons worldwide. Care, management and regulation among these facilities differ. Moreover, shelters can never substitute the full comfort of a good home for the animal, and the welfare of cats in shelters is a subject of discussion in many respects. Cats are animals sensitive to changes; for most of them, placement in a shelter is a stressful experience because of changes in routine, environment and the presence of other animals. Stress is reflected in changes in behaviour, causes fluctuations in physiological values and disrupts the immune system, which is a predisposition to the development or reactivation of disease. Evaluation of the presence and intensity of negative impacts is possible through the use of evaluation tools based on indicators that help set the environment and management of keeping so as to disrupt the quality of life as little as possible. Although a comprehensive and valid welfare tool that would evaluate animal-based and at the same time resource-based (or management-based) indicators of cats in shelters is not currently available, it is possible to use partial evaluation of individual welfare indicators to assess welfare. This review aims to provide the readers with an insight into current options of assessment of the welfare of cats in shelters with an emphasis on behavioural, physiological and health indicators with an application in both practical and scientific contexts.
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Laflamme DP. Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Healthy Cats and Those with Diet-Sensitive Conditions. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:905-924. [PMID: 32646606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Diets for cats must provide complete nutrition and meet the needs of the individual patient. There is no single diet that is perfect for all cats, and veterinarians must consider the needs of the cat as well as the preferences of the owners when making dietary recommendations. This article focuses on the interface between animal factors and nutritional needs in cats and is divided into 3 sections. Section 1 addresses the dietary needs of healthy cats, including differences among life stages. Section 2 addresses common myths regarding feline nutrition. Section 3 addresses common nutrient-sensitive conditions in cats, including sarcopenia of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dottie P Laflamme
- Veterinary Communications, 473 Grandma's Place, Floyd, VA 24091, USA.
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Teng KT, McGreevy PD, Toribio JALML, Dhand NK. Positive attitudes towards feline obesity are strongly associated with ownership of obese cats. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234190. [PMID: 32584825 PMCID: PMC7316328 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Overweight and obesity (O&O) is a risk factor for several health conditions and can result in a shorter lifespan for cats. The objectives of this study were to investigate (a) cat owners’ attitudes towards feline O&O and their associations with O&O in their cats; and (b) the risk factors for feline O&O and underweight, particularly those involving owner practice. An online survey comprising questions related to cat owners’ attitudes towards feline O&O, owner-reported body weight and body condition of their cat, and potential risk factors for feline O&O was conducted. Primarily targeting the Australian population, the survey attracted 1,390 valid responses. In response to ten attitude-related questions, more participants (percentage range among the ten questions: 39.1–76.6%) held a disapproving attitude towards feline O&O than a neutral (17.1–31.9%) or approving attitude (3.9–27.7%). A greater proportion of participants had a more disapproving attitude towards obesity than towards overweight. Cats belonging to owners with an approving attitude towards O&O were more likely to be overweight or obese than cats belonging to owners with a disapproving attitude towards O&O. The cats had particularly high odds of overweight or obesity if their owner agreed that ‘being chubby says that the cat has a quality life’ (OR: 3.75, 95% CI: 2.41–5.82) and ‘being fat says that the cat has a quality life’ (OR: 4.98, 95%CI: 2.79–8.91). This study revealed, for the first time, that begging for food was a risk factor for O&O in cats. Other important feline risk factors for O&O identified included being middle-aged, being mixed-breed, dry food as the major diet, the amount of feed not being quantified, and frequently spending time indoors. Being over 11 years, receiving no dry food and receiving measured amounts of feed were associated with an increased odds of underweight in cats. As specific attitudes often lead to certain behaviours, reducing approving attitudes towards feline O&O may potentially reduce the frequency of O&O and the risks of O&O-related disorders in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendy T. Teng
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Paul D. McGreevy
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny-Ann L. M. L. Toribio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Navneet K. Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Rioja-Lang F, Bacon H, Connor M, Dwyer CM. Determining priority welfare issues for cats in the United Kingdom using expert consensus. Vet Rec Open 2019. [PMID: 31798909 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2019-000365.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cats are the most popular pets in the UK, yet relatively little research has been conducted into the welfare of cats living in a home environment. The purpose of this study was to determine and prioritise welfare issues for cats using a Delphi method. Methods Cat welfare experts (n=14) were asked to identify and rank welfare issues for cats in the UK. An initial list of 118 welfare issues was generated by an anonymous online discussion board of experts and thematic analysis using NVivo. Subsequently experts ranked the list of welfare issues according to severity, duration and prevalence using a 6-point Likert scale. All issues with a median score of 3 or above (n=43) were included in the second survey to determine agreement on the rankings of issues. Finally, a subsection of experts attended a two-day workshop to discuss the welfare rankings and determine the final prioritised list of welfare issues. Results The issues considered to be the most severe and/or likely to cause prolonged cat suffering included social behaviour issues, diseases of old age, obesity, owners not seeking veterinary care and poor pain management. The welfare issues perceived to be most prevalent included neglect/hoarding, delayed euthanasia, inherited conformational defects/diseases, social or environmental restriction, and poor pain management. Conclusions The outcomes suggested that, although issues such as cat behaviour required further research, owner education was an important factor in improving cat welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Rioja-Lang
- Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, The University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Heather Bacon
- Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, The University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Melanie Connor
- Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, The University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Cathy Mary Dwyer
- Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, The University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK.,Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, UK
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Rioja-Lang F, Bacon H, Connor M, Dwyer CM. Determining priority welfare issues for cats in the United Kingdom using expert consensus. Vet Rec Open 2019; 6:e000365. [PMID: 31798909 PMCID: PMC6861065 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2019-000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats are the most popular pets in the UK, yet relatively little research has been conducted into the welfare of cats living in a home environment. The purpose of this study was to determine and prioritise welfare issues for cats using a Delphi method. METHODS Cat welfare experts (n=14) were asked to identify and rank welfare issues for cats in the UK. An initial list of 118 welfare issues was generated by an anonymous online discussion board of experts and thematic analysis using NVivo. Subsequently experts ranked the list of welfare issues according to severity, duration and prevalence using a 6-point Likert scale. All issues with a median score of 3 or above (n=43) were included in the second survey to determine agreement on the rankings of issues. Finally, a subsection of experts attended a two-day workshop to discuss the welfare rankings and determine the final prioritised list of welfare issues. RESULTS The issues considered to be the most severe and/or likely to cause prolonged cat suffering included social behaviour issues, diseases of old age, obesity, owners not seeking veterinary care and poor pain management. The welfare issues perceived to be most prevalent included neglect/hoarding, delayed euthanasia, inherited conformational defects/diseases, social or environmental restriction, and poor pain management. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes suggested that, although issues such as cat behaviour required further research, owner education was an important factor in improving cat welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Rioja-Lang
- Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, The University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Heather Bacon
- Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, The University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Melanie Connor
- Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, The University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Cathy Mary Dwyer
- Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, The University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, UK
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O’Connell EM, Williams M, Holden SL, Biourge V, German AJ. Factors associated with overweight cats successfully completing a diet-based weight loss programme: an observational study. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:397. [PMID: 30547781 PMCID: PMC6295068 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1740-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most common approach for controlled weight loss in cats is dietary caloric restriction, using a purpose-formulated diet. Most previous studies have only assessed short-term outcomes, and no previous study has examined overall success (i.e. odds of reaching target weight). The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with overweight cats successfully completing a diet-based weight loss programme to reach target weight. RESULTS Sixty-two cats were included, and 28 (45%) completed their weight loss programme. The remaining 34 cats (55%) did not reach target weight, of which 2 (3%) were euthanised for unrelated reasons. Reasons for cats stopping the programme prematurely included inability to contact owner (n = 19), owner requested that the programme be completed prior to reaching target weight (n = 5), the cat developed another illness (n = 3), refusal to comply with requirements for weight management (n = 2), owner illness (n = 2), and personal issues of the owner (n = 1). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that rate of weight loss and weight loss required were positively (odds ratio [OR] 157.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.00-2492.67) and negatively (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.98) associated with the odds of completing the weight loss programme, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should consider developing better methods of supporting the owners of the most obese cats during weight management, since these cats are least likely to complete reach target weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. O’Connell
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
| | - Maria Williams
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
| | - Shelley L. Holden
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE UK
- Present address: Crown Pet Foods Ltd., Oak Tree Meadow, Blackworthy Road, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7PH UK
| | | | - Alexander J. German
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE UK
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Salt C, Morris PJ, Wilson D, Lund EM, German AJ. Association between life span and body condition in neutered client-owned dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 33:89-99. [PMID: 30548336 PMCID: PMC6335446 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is an association between overweight status and life span in kenneled dogs, but a similar association has not been reported for pet dogs. Objectives To examine the effects of being overweight in middle age on the life span of neutered client‐owned dogs. Animals Fifty‐thousand seven‐hundred eighty seven middle‐aged neutered client‐owned dogs attending a network of approximately 900 veterinary hospitals across North America. Methods Retrospective case‐control study. For each of 12 breeds, groups of dogs aged between 6.5 and 8.5 years were identified as being in “overweight” or “normal” body condition. Within each breed and sex, differences in life span between dogs in normal body condition and overweight body condition in the 2 groups were then analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models. Results For all breeds, instantaneous risk of death for dogs in overweight body condition was greater than those in normal body condition throughout the age range studied, with hazard ratios ranging from 1.35 (99.79% confidence interval [CI] 1.05‐1.73) for German Shepherd dog to 2.86 (99.79% CI 2.14‐3.83) for Yorkshire Terrier. In all breeds, median life span was shorter in overweight compared with normal weight dogs, with the difference being greatest in Yorkshire Terriers (overweight: 13.7 years, 99.79% CI 13.3‐14.2; normal: 16.2 years, 99.79% CI 15.7‐16.5) and least in German Shepherd dogs (overweight: 12.1 years, 99.79% CI 11.8‐12.4; normal: 12.5 years, 99.79% CI 12.2‐12.9). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Veterinary professionals should consider promoting healthy body condition for dogs, particularly from midlife onward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Salt
- WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Melton Mowbray, United Kingdom
| | | | - Derek Wilson
- WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Melton Mowbray, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexander J German
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Cheshire, United Kingdom
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Kipperman BS, German AJ. The Responsibility of Veterinarians to Address Companion Animal Obesity. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:E143. [PMID: 30134516 PMCID: PMC6162666 DOI: 10.3390/ani8090143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a modern-day epidemic in both people and companion animals. A summary of the current research on the causes, risk factors, consequences, and implications of overweight and obesity, and the compliance of small-animal practitioners in recognizing and addressing pet obesity, is provided. Ethical and animal welfare concerns are raised regarding these findings. We argue that a patient advocacy posture compels the veterinary profession to confront this issue more reliably. Evidence is presented to support obesity as a One-Health problem, and discrete and practical recommendations for preventing and addressing companion animal obesity are proposed. The One-Health perspective encourages coordinated action by veterinary healthcare professionals in order to address overweight and obesity in companion animals as a public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry S Kipperman
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | - Alexander J German
- Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Neston CH60 5SZ, UK.
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston CH60 5SZ, UK.
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Teng KT, McGreevy PD, Toribio JALML, Raubenheimer D, Kendall K, Dhand NK. Associations of body condition score with health conditions related to overweight and obesity in cats. J Small Anim Pract 2018; 59:603-615. [PMID: 30033652 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the associations of cat body condition score with various health conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, dermatological conditions and hypertension, that have been shown to relate to overweight and/or obesity in cats, dogs or humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS Electronic patient records between January 3, 2005 and June 21, 2015 were obtained from a cat-focused primary accession clinic in metropolitan Sydney where the body condition score of cats was routinely evaluated. Binomial logistic regression modelling was conducted to investigate the associations, after adjusting for age, sex and breed, between 21 health conditions and body condition score recorded on a 9-point scale. RESULTS Fourteen of the 21 health conditions examined showed significant associations with an increased body condition score, particularly those of 7 and above. These were dermatological conditions, atopic dermatitis, musculoskeletal conditions, arthritis, hypertension, respiratory conditions, asthma, oral conditions, diarrhoea, general and lower urinary tract conditions, ophthalmic conditions, diabetes mellitus and allergic conditions. Additionally, cats with body condition score of 8 or 9 had significantly higher odds for gastrointestinal conditions and upper urinary tract conditions when compared with cats with body condition score of 5. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE As far as we know, this is the first study reporting positive associations of high body condition score with atopic dermatitis, hypertension, asthma, diarrhoea, ophthalmic conditions and allergic conditions in cats. A large number of positive associations between health conditions and high body condition score indicates that excess fat mass should be given a greater emphasis in preventive health care for cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- K T Teng
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - P D McGreevy
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - J A L M L Toribio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - D Raubenheimer
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - K Kendall
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - N K Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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