1
|
van Leeuwen E, Ter Mors E, Stolting M. How Cat-Behavior Advisors Can Improve Clients' Willingness to Adopt their Advice: An Investigation of Advice Severity, Advisor Credibility, and Clients' Self-Identity. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024; 27:266-280. [PMID: 35485746 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2070845] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Feline behavioral problems can be treated successfully by good advice from cat-behavior advisors, but guardians often do not comply with their advice. An experimental survey under 703 cat guardians was used to investigate what advisors can do to increase their clients' compliance with environmental enrichment advice. By systematically varying the credibility of the advisor and the severity of their advice, the hypothesis was confirmed that highly credible advisors elicit more positive attitudes and compliance intentions than less credible advisors. Also as expected, mild advice resulted in stronger compliance intentions than severe advice because guardians believed they were better able to incorporate the required actions. Finally, guardians who more strongly thought of themselves as cat guardians were more likely to adopt the advice because they believed that other cat guardians would do the same. The investigation of factors that can increase cat guardians' compliance with advisors' recommendations for the treatment of behavioral problems is crucial because the wellbeing of domestic cats lies in the hands of their guardians. Several practical recommendations for cat-behavior advisors are offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther van Leeuwen
- Department of social, economic, and organisational psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Ter Mors
- Department of social, economic, and organisational psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marcellina Stolting
- Department of social, economic, and organisational psychology Kattengedragsadviesbureau (Cat-Behavior Consultancy), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Spitzer HB, Meagher RK, Lynne O’Sullivan M, Montelpare W, Gordon MB, McKenna SLB, Proudfoot KL. The effect of a hiding space on the behaviour and heart rate variability of dairy calves during temporary separation from the dam. Anim Welf 2024; 33:e2. [PMID: 38487788 PMCID: PMC10936337 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
In natural settings, newborn calves hide for several days before joining the herd. It is unclear whether dairy calves housed indoors would show similar hiding behaviour. This study aimed to describe the use of an artificial hide provided to calves during temporary separation from the dam and assess the effect it has on lying and sleep-like behaviour, as well as heart rate variability (HRV). Twenty-eight cow-calf pairs were randomly assigned to having a hide (n = 14), or no hide (n = 14). Hide use (n = 14), as well as lying and sleep-like behaviour (n = 28), were recorded continuously via video camera during the first hour after the dam was removed for morning milking on day three to seven. Heart rate and R-R intervals were recorded using Polar equine monitors for a subsample of 12 calves (n = 6 per treatment) on day six. Descriptive statistics were calculated for hide use. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were used to evaluate whether having a hide affected lying and sleep-like behaviours as well as HRV. Hide use decreased over days and was highly variable between calves. Lying behaviour did not differ between treatments. Duration of sleep-like behaviour was higher for calves without a hide compared to those with a hide. Calves with a hide tended to show signs of higher HRV and parasympathetic activity compared to calves without a hide. Results suggest that providing a hiding space to young calves may be beneficial during periods when the cow is removed from the pen for milking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B Spitzer
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Rebecca K Meagher
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, 62 Cumming Drive, Bible Hill, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - M Lynne O’Sullivan
- Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - William Montelpare
- Health Research Network, Applied Human Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Miriam B Gordon
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, 62 Cumming Drive, Bible Hill, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Shawn LB McKenna
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Kathryn L Proudfoot
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Couture M, Stellato AC, Moody CM, Niel L. Owner Perspectives of Cat Handling Techniques Used in the Veterinary Clinic. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024; 27:46-56. [PMID: 35188008 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2039144] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
An online cross-sectional survey was used to assess cat owner attitudes towards 12 cat handling techniques used during veterinary appointments. Likert-scale questions were designed to assess level of agreement with handling techniques when the participants' cat is calm, fearful, or aggressive. We examined the influence of participant's cat attachment and demographic information on agreement towards common handling techniques. Overall, participants (n = 1754) disagreed with higher restraint techniques such as full body with scruffing, and agreed with lower restraint methods such as minimal restraint and use of towels, regardless of cat demeanor. Logistic regression models revealed that participants were more likely to disagree with the use of full body restraint with scruff on fearful cats if they had a higher pet attachment score (p = 0.002), were residents of the US (p = 0.003), or were between the ages of 51-70 years of age (p = 0.001). Owner agreement with techniques involving a lower degree of restraint during routine veterinary procedures provides further support for current recommendations encouraging handlers to use these techniques with cats, and to avoid methods requiring a higher degree of restraint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madalyn Couture
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Carly M Moody
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lee Niel
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marangoni S, Beatty J, Steagall PV. An ethogram of acute pain behaviors in cats based on expert consensus. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292224. [PMID: 37768967 PMCID: PMC10538801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An improved understanding of behaviors reflecting acute pain in cats is a priority for feline welfare. The aim of this study was to create and validate a comprehensive ethogram of acute pain behaviors in cats that can discriminate painful versus non-painful individuals. An inventory of behaviors (ethogram) with their respective descriptors was created based on a literature review of PubMed, Web of Science and CAB Abstracts databases. The ethogram was divided into ten behavior categories that could be evaluated by duration and/or frequency: position in the cage, exploratory behaviors, activity, posture and body position, affective-emotional states, vocalization, playing (with an object), feeding, post-feeding and facial expressions/features. Thirty-six behaviors were analyzed independently by four veterinarians with postgraduate qualifications in feline medicine and/or behavior as (1) not relevant, (2) somewhat relevant, (3) quite relevant or (4) highly relevant and used for content (I-CVI) and face validity. Items with I-CVI scores > 0.67 were included. Twenty-four behaviors were included in the final ethogram. Thirteen items presented full agreement (i.e., I-CVI = 1): positioned in the back of the cage, no attention to surroundings, feigned sleep, grooming, attention to wound, crouched/hunched, abnormal gait, depressed, difficulty grasping food, head shaking, eye squinting, blepharospasm and lowered head position. Seven descriptors were reworded according to expert suggestions. The final ethogram provides a detailed description of acute pain behaviors in cats after content and face validity and can be applied to the characterization of different acute painful conditions in hospitalized cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Marangoni
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Département de Sciences Cliniques, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Julia Beatty
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Centre for Companion Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paulo V. Steagall
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Département de Sciences Cliniques, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Centre for Companion Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Smit M, Ikurior SJ, Corner-Thomas RA, Andrews CJ, Draganova I, Thomas DG. The Use of Triaxial Accelerometers and Machine Learning Algorithms for Behavioural Identification in Domestic Cats ( Felis catus): A Validation Study. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:7165. [PMID: 37631701 PMCID: PMC10458840 DOI: 10.3390/s23167165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Animal behaviour can be an indicator of health and welfare. Monitoring behaviour through visual observation is labour-intensive and there is a risk of missing infrequent behaviours. Twelve healthy domestic shorthair cats were fitted with triaxial accelerometers mounted on a collar and harness. Over seven days, accelerometer and video footage were collected simultaneously. Identifier variables (n = 32) were calculated from the accelerometer data and summarized into 1 s epochs. Twenty-four behaviours were annotated from the video recordings and aligned with the summarised accelerometer data. Models were created using random forest (RF) and supervised self-organizing map (SOM) machine learning techniques for each mounting location. Multiple modelling rounds were run to select and merge behaviours based on performance values. All models were then tested on a validation accelerometer dataset from the same twelve cats to identify behaviours. The frequency of behaviours was calculated and compared using Dirichlet regression. Despite the SOM models having higher Kappa (>95%) and overall accuracy (>95%) compared with the RF models (64-76% and 70-86%, respectively), the RF models predicted behaviours more consistently between mounting locations. These results indicate that triaxial accelerometers can identify cat specific behaviours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Smit
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hajzler I, Nenadović K, Vučinić M. Health changes of old cats. J Vet Behav 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
|
7
|
Jahn K, DePorter T. Feline Stress Management During air Travel: A Multimodal Approach. J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X221145521. [PMID: 36622769 PMCID: PMC10812047 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221145521] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE More cats are travelling by air every year; however, air travel involves several common causes of stress for cats, such as environmental changes and a lack of control and predictability. The use of a multimodal stress management protocol for all stages of the relocation process, including appropriate and effective anxiolytic medication where necessary, is therefore important in order to safeguard the cat's welfare while travelling. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Cats may be presented to veterinarians for the purpose of preparing them and/or their documentation for air travel. Maintaining and protecting a cat's physical, mental and emotional health in a stressful environment, while subjected to likely unfamiliar sights, noises, smells and the movement of the aircraft, and additionally dealing with international legislation, regulations and documents, can pose a complex challenge to veterinarians. AIMS This review describes the importance of stress management during air travel for cats, aims to raise awareness about the often poorly understood challenges involved, and outlines effective and airline-compliant stress management modalities. While the discussion is focused on air travel specifically, the stress management methods described can be applied to all types of longer distance travel, such as a long road trip or a ferry crossing, as well as a stay in a holiday home. EVIDENCE BASE There are currently no studies specifically on air travel in cats and, similarly, there are also limited data on air travel in other species. Many of the recommendations made in this review are therefore based on the authors' extensive experience of preparing pets for travel, supported by published data when available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Jahn
- DrMedVet, CertVA, MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour), MRCVS* German Veterinary Clinic, Villa 112, 39th Street, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Theresa DePorter
- BSc, DVM, MRCVS, DECAWBM, DACVB, MRCVS Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, 1400 S Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Paz JEG, da Costa FVA, Nunes LN, Monteiro ER, Jung J. Evaluation of music therapy to reduce stress in hospitalized cats. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:1046-1052. [PMID: 34930057 PMCID: PMC10812302 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211066484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the use of two different types of music - cat-specific music and classical music - compared with no music, to reduce stress in cats during hospitalization. METHODS Thirty-five hospitalized cats were randomly divided into three groups and each group received a different stimulus - cat-specific music, classical music or no music (control) - throughout their hospitalization. Respiratory rate, salivary cortisol and social interaction were documented. A blinded researcher performed the Cat Stress Score (CSS) during the video analysis of recordings at five specific times over 31 h of hospitalization. RESULTS There was no difference in the mean CSS between cats listening to cat-specific music, classical music and control throughout the five evaluations. Cat-specific music had a higher percentage of positive social interactions than the other groups on the first evaluation (P <0.05). The average respiratory rate was significantly lower in the classical music group vs control on the fourth evaluation (P <0.05). Although statistically insignificant, the average respiratory rate decreased only in the classical music group during the five evaluations. Cortisol quantification did not seem to follow the CSS results. However, owing to the low and unrepresentative number of samples, it was not possible to perform statistical analysis on these results or a group sample comparison. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Both cat-specific music and classical music seem to have some benefit to hospitalized cats. The salivary cortisol analysis was not adequate nor useful to measure stress in hospitalized cats in our study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliane EG Paz
- Veterinary Science Post Graduation Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernanda VA da Costa
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luciana N Nunes
- Department of Statistics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo R Monteiro
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jenifer Jung
- Veterinary Clinics Hospital, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Karn-Buehler J, Kuhne F. Perception of stress in cats by German cat owners and influencing factors regarding veterinary care. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:700-708. [PMID: 34493102 PMCID: PMC10812282 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211041307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Visiting the veterinarian is generally perceived as a stressful situation for cats. Previous studies have shown that the perception of stress may influence cats' healthcare. In order to minimise stress in cats during the veterinary consultation, feline-friendly handling has gained importance and is increasingly being used. The aim of this study was to find out whether cats experience stress during a visit to the veterinarian (and, if so, to what extent), and which factors influence the perception of stress and whether feline-friendly handling techniques have an impact. METHODS An online survey was conducted among German cat owners. In total, 889 questionnaires were evaluated. The results were analysed with binary logistic regression and a χ² test. A principal component analysis was used to detect the main influencing factors on the perception of stress. RESULTS Most of the cats (88.7%, n = 732/825) were perceived as stressed during a veterinary consultation, while only about half of the owners (50.8%, n = 419/824) stated that they felt stressed themselves. The cat owners (n = 819) who perceived visiting the veterinarian as a stressful situation also described their cat as stressed significantly more often compared with owners who did not feel stressed (χ² = 101.113, P <0.001). The probability that owners experienced stress themselves was significantly increased if they perceived their cat to be stressed too (odds ratio 0.073, 95% confidence interval 0.016-0.328). One factor that influenced whether an owner was stressed was the stress behaviour of their cat (P <0.001). Furthermore a feline-friendly demeanour by the veterinarian led to less stress in the owners (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The owner's stress influences the perception of their cat's stress. By adhering to feline-friendly handling guidelines, veterinarians can reduce owner stress associated with veterinary visits, thereby promoting optimal veterinary care and health for their feline patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Karn-Buehler
- Working Group of Applied Ethology and Animal Behaviour Therapy, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - Franziska Kuhne
- Working Group of Applied Ethology and Animal Behaviour Therapy, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shu H, Gu X. Effect of a synthetic feline facial pheromone product on stress during transport in domestic cats: a randomised controlled pilot study. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:691-699. [PMID: 34493099 PMCID: PMC10812279 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211041305] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transport can be a stressful experience for domestic cats. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new synthetic feline facial pheromone product on relieving stress in domestic cats during short-distance transport. METHODS A randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted. Prior to baseline screening, cat owners were trained via online meetings in the assessment of stress-related behaviours and overall stress visual analogue scoring. All assessments were completed 30 mins after the start of transport. A total of 150 domestic cats exhibiting stress-related behaviours during baseline screening were recruited and randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n = 75) or the placebo group (n = 75). For the placebo-controlled intervention, the product and placebo, which were identical in appearance, were provided to the treatment and placebo groups, respectively. Fifteen minutes after spraying the carriers with the product or placebo, cat owners were required to take their cat out and complete the same assessments (baseline screening). RESULTS After the intervention, the performance of the stress-related behaviours curling, lack of motion and meowing during transport outside the home was significantly reduced in the treatment group compared with the placebo group (P <0.05). When the baseline stress visual analogue scale (VAS) score was >2.94 cm, cats in the treatment group had significantly lower post-intervention stress VAS scores compared with those in the placebo group (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A synthetic feline facial pheromone product can alleviate short-distance transport-related stress in domestic cats with higher stress scores. This finding will benefit domestic cats during transport outside of the home.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Shu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianhong Gu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Köse Sİ, Sağkan Öztürk A, Uyanik G. How did SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affect the cats' health in Hatay Province? A retrospective study. Top Companion Anim Med 2022; 50:100696. [PMID: 35918018 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2022.100696] [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: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected not only the physical and emotional health of human beings but also cats. Restrictions put into effect during the pandemic resulted in changes in the daily routine of pet cats and the number of new pet owners. The current study aimed to evaluate the diseases induced by stress in cats, such as gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and urinary tract diseases. To this end, the study evaluated the pre-pandemic (n: 52) (March 2019-Feb 2020) and pandemic (n: 95) (March 2020-March 2021) diagnosis data of cats (n: 147) with gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and urinary system diseases admitted to the Internal Medicine Department of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Veterinary Health, Practice and Research Center between March 2019 and March 2021. There was no statistically significant difference between the sexes of the cats admitted to the clinic in both periods. There was a significant change in cat breeds during the pandemic, except for the mixed-breed and Ankara breeds. The age (mean ± SEM) of the cats admitted to the clinic was 30.14 ± 4.24 months before the pandemic and 30.45 ± 3.43 during the pandemic. Distributions of gastrointestinal diseases in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods were determined as 35.7% and 64.3%, respectively. During the pandemic, the number of gastritis cases was lower than that in the pre-pandemic period, and the number of gastroenteritis cases was higher than that in the pre-pandemic period. Except for gastrointestinal diseases (P<0.05), a statistical difference between the periods was not found. The changes, especially influencing the daily routine of cats and causing stress, seem to have had significant effects on the gastrointestinal health of domestic cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serkan İrfan Köse
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, 31060, Hatay, Turkey.
| | - Aliye Sağkan Öztürk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, 31060, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Uyanik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, 31060, Hatay, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Taylor S, Chan DL, Villaverde C, Ryan L, Peron F, Quimby J, O’Brien C, Chalhoub S. 2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on Management of the Inappetent Hospitalised Cat. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:614-640. [PMID: 35775307 PMCID: PMC11107985 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221106353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Inappetence may have many origins and, as a presenting sign or observation in the hospitalised patient, is common in feline practice. Nutritional assessment of every patient is encouraged, to identify the need for, and appropriate type of, intervention indicated. The impact of malnutrition may be significant on the feline patient, perpetuating illness, delaying recovery, slowing wound healing and negatively impacting gut health and immunity. Delayed intervention may result in the cat's deterioration; hence prompt control of contributing factors such as the underlying illness, pain, nausea, ileus and stress is vital to optimise voluntary food intake. Management is multimodal, comprising reduction of stress, medications and assisted nutrition in the form of tube feeding or parenteral nutrition. Use of antiemetic, analgesic, prokinetic and appetite stimulant medications may restore appetite, but placement of feeding tubes should not be delayed. Feeding tubes are generally well tolerated and allow provision of food, water and medication with minimal stress, although clinicians must be aware of complications such as stoma site infections and refeeding syndrome. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Cats are vulnerable to malnutrition owing to their unique metabolism and specific nutritional requirements. Moreover, their nature as a species means they are susceptible to stress in the hospital environment, which may result in reduced food intake; previous negative experiences may compound the problem. In particular, an inappropriate clinic environment and/or handling may cause or exacerbate inappetence in hospitalised patients, with negative impacts on recovery. Postponing interventions such as feeding tube placement to await improvement, owing to clinician or caregiver apprehension, may hinder recovery and worsen nutritional deficits. EVIDENCE BASE The 2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on Management of the Inappetent Hospitalised Cat have been created by a panel of experts brought together by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). Information is based on the available literature, expert opinion and the panel members' experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Taylor
- International Society of Feline Medicine, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Daniel L Chan
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - Linda Ryan
- Inspiring Pet Teaching, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, UK
| | | | - Jessica Quimby
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Carolyn O’Brien
- Melbourne Cat Vets, 157 Westgarth Street, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Serge Chalhoub
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tuleski GLR, Pscheidt MJGR, dos Santos JP, Sousa MG. Timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution influences cardiac function in healthy cats. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:e57-e69. [PMID: 35470745 PMCID: PMC11104227 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221083372] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of a drop of timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution on the systolic function of the left ventricle (LV) and left atrium (LA), and to confirm if timolol helped appraisal of diastolic function by reducing heart rate (HR) and separating the transmitral outflow waves from tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). METHODS A total of 41 client-owned healthy cats underwent two echocardiograms 20 mins apart. The timolol group (33 cats) received a drop of timolol solution after the first examination. Standard and speckle-tracking echocardiography evaluated the LV and LA function of both groups at the two time points evaluated. RESULTS Timolol reduced HR (19%), and fractional shortening from LV (20.3%) and LA (16.6%). Septal S' decreased by 51% (from 7.7 to 5.2 cm/s) and lateral S' dropped by 43.1% (7.3 to 5.1 cm/s). Most longitudinal techniques did not change after timolol, including the mitral annular plane systolic excursion from the interventricular annulus, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, LV longitudinal strain and LV tissue motion annular displacement. The isovolumic relaxation time increased by 15.2% (from 54 to 64.6 ms), with most cats presenting this variable above the reference (>60 ms). Timolol did not support diastolic assessment, enabling evaluation in only 2/11 cats when using lateral TDI and 1/9 cats using septal TDI. Regarding side effects, miosis occurred in 18 cats (54.5%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Timolol reduced systolic function, decreasing standard echocardiographic variables. Regarding diastolic evaluation, although timolol decreased HR, it did not separate the mitral diastolic waves, as expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovana LR Tuleski
- Laboratory of Comparative Cardiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Júlio Pereira dos Santos
- Laboratory of Comparative Cardiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marlos Gonçalves Sousa
- Laboratory of Comparative Cardiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Giannetto C, Acri G, Pennisi M, Piccione G, Arfuso F, Falcone A, Giudice E, Di Pietro S. Short Communication: Use of Infrared Thermometers for Cutaneous Temperature Recording: Agreement with the Rectal Temperature in Felis catus. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101275. [PMID: 35625121 PMCID: PMC9137465 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The recording of body temperature by rectal temperature assessments is a stressful procedure for cats. For this purpose, alternative methods for using rectal digital thermometers to monitor body temperature were investigated. Skin temperature was recorded in 20 cats, in 5 different body regions, and compared with the rectal temperature. The obtained data indicated that the cutaneous temperature recorded by the infrared thermometers was not in agreement with the data recorded by the digital thermometer in the rectum. Abstract In veterinary medicine, the gold standard for assessing body temperature is rectal temperature assessment. Considering that this procedure is stressful for many species, in particular for cats, it could be clinically important to consider an alternative approach for the monitoring of core body temperature. The aim of this study was to test if cutaneous temperature measurements by means of different infrared thermometers are in agreement with the most commonly used method for body temperature measurement in cats. The cutaneous temperature was recorded in the jugular, shoulder, rib, flank, and inner thigh, using three different non-contact infrared thermometers (IR1, IR2, and IR3) in 20 cats. The cutaneous temperature was then compared to the rectal temperature, recorded by means of a digital thermometer. The obtained data indicated that the cutaneous temperature recorded by the infrared thermometers was not in agreement with the data recorded by the digital thermometer in the rectum. In cats, the use of non-contact infrared thermometers gave no reproducible or constant data to justify their application for the recording of body temperature instead of rectal temperature recording. In addition, the infrared temperature measurement devices generated results that were not in good agreement among themselves, providing a novel result of clinical importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Acri
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Melissa Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Annastella Falcone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Simona Di Pietro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
López MC, Aybar V, Zatelli A, Vila A, Vega JJ, Hernando E, Jiménez A, Roura X. Is proteinuria a rare condition in apparently healthy and sick cats? A feline practice experience (2007-2018). Open Vet J 2021; 11:508-516. [PMID: 34722216 PMCID: PMC8541710 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2021.v11.i3.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Proteinuria is assumed to be less frequent in cats than in dogs and is mainly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate and compare urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) values retrospectively in cats visited for comprehensive annual health check or for presenting systemic clinical signs related to CKD. Methods: UPC ratio was retrospectively evaluated in 112 owned cats, out of which 51 (45.5%) were apparently healthy cats according to their owners who visited for comprehensive annual health checks and 61 (54.5%) sick cats, presenting systemic clinical signs suggesting CKD, such as weight loss or polyuria/polydipsia, among others. Results: Based on UPC, the present study found that 54.5% of all cats included were borderline proteinuric or proteinuric, having increased UPC (UPC ≥ 0.2), with 35.7% included in the sick group and 18.7% in the health-check group. Increased UPC was also statistically associated with azotemia and isosthenuria (urinary-specific gravity between 1,008 and 1,035) in both sick and health-check groups of cats. Conclusion: Independent of the reason for their medical visit, it could be concluded that borderline proteinuria and proteinuria were statistically mainly related to CKD in cats. Furthermore, the measurement of UPC could be very useful in the detection and management of CKD in apparently healthy cats during a medical visit for annual health check irrespective of the age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina López
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | | | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Anna Vila
- Hospital Veterinario San Vicente Mártir, Universidad Católica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Eduard Hernando
- Hospital Veterinario San Vicente Mártir, Universidad Católica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Jiménez
- Facultat de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Griffin FC, Mandese WW, Reynolds PS, Deriberprey AS, Blew AC. Evaluation of clinical examination location on stress in cats: a randomized crossover trial. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:364-369. [PMID: 33054492 PMCID: PMC10812216 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20959046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of owner separation and physical examination location on fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) behavioral indicators in cats. METHODS The study was a prospective, non-blinded, randomized, two-period, two-treatment crossover trial. Healthy adult cats presenting for wellness or dental evaluations at a single veterinary teaching hospital received three physical examinations: a baseline assessment (owner present) followed by physical examinations in both a treatment area (owner absent [TAOA]) and an examination room (owner present [EROP]). The physical examination sequence order was randomized. Low-stress handling techniques were used for all examinations. The primary endpoints were heart rate (HR; beats per min [bpm]) and total FAS scores. HR was measured by auscultation, and FAS by five specific behaviors scored as 0/1 and summed for each assessment period. RESULTS Twenty-one healthy cats were enrolled. HR measured at entry (baseline) was a significant determinant of subsequent HR readings. HR measured during examinations conducted in both EROP and TAOA were elevated to levels indicative of stress (>180 bpm). HR was significantly higher for TAOA relative to EROP (30 bpm, 95% confidence interval 18-43; P <0.001). Behavioral FAS scores showed no statistically significant effects of sequence or room. FAS scores for TAOA assessments were clinically elevated relative to baseline (1.5 FAS, SE 0.7; P = 0.05); EROP FAS scores relative to baseline did not differ statistically (0.5 units, SE = 0.5; P = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Owner separation coupled with physical examination location can result in clinically significant increases in perceived stress in cats, and compromise vital sign assessments. Whenever possible, physical examinations and procedures should take place with the owner present with separation from unfamiliar dogs and cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca C Griffin
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Wendy W Mandese
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Penny S Reynolds
- Department of Anesthesiology, Statistics in Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Core, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alexis S Deriberprey
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alyssa C Blew
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mills DS, Demontigny-Bédard I, Gruen M, Klinck MP, McPeake KJ, Barcelos AM, Hewison L, Van Haevermaet H, Denenberg S, Hauser H, Koch C, Ballantyne K, Wilson C, Mathkari CV, Pounder J, Garcia E, Darder P, Fatjó J, Levine E. Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E318. [PMID: 32085528 PMCID: PMC7071134 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We argue that there is currently an under-reporting of the ways in which pain can be associated with problem behavior, which is seriously limiting the recognition of this welfare problem. A review of the caseloads of 100 recent dog cases of several authors indicates that a conservative estimate of around a third of referred cases involve some form of painful condition, and in some instances, the figure may be nearly 80%. The relationship is often complex but always logical. Musculoskeletal but also painful gastro-intestinal and dermatological conditions are commonly recognized as significant to the animal's problem behavior. The potential importance of clinical abnormalities such as an unusual gait or unexplained behavioral signs should not be dismissed by clinicians in general practice, even when they are common within a given breed. In general, it is argued that clinicians should err on the side of caution when there is a suspicion that a patient could be in pain by carefully evaluating the patient's response to trial analgesia, even if a specific physical lesion has not been identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Mills
- Animal Behavior, Cognition & Welfare Group, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (K.J.M.); (A.M.B.); (L.H.); (H.V.H.); (J.P.)
| | | | - Margaret Gruen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA;
| | - Mary P. Klinck
- Veterinary Behavior Consultant, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X0A6, Canada;
| | - Kevin J. McPeake
- Animal Behavior, Cognition & Welfare Group, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (K.J.M.); (A.M.B.); (L.H.); (H.V.H.); (J.P.)
| | - Ana Maria Barcelos
- Animal Behavior, Cognition & Welfare Group, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (K.J.M.); (A.M.B.); (L.H.); (H.V.H.); (J.P.)
| | - Lynn Hewison
- Animal Behavior, Cognition & Welfare Group, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (K.J.M.); (A.M.B.); (L.H.); (H.V.H.); (J.P.)
| | - Himara Van Haevermaet
- Animal Behavior, Cognition & Welfare Group, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (K.J.M.); (A.M.B.); (L.H.); (H.V.H.); (J.P.)
| | - Sagi Denenberg
- Langford Veterinary Services, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK;
- North Toronto Veterinary Behavior Specialty Clinic, Thornhill, ON L3T 2K9, Canada
| | - Hagar Hauser
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Colleen Koch
- Animal Behavior Services, Lincoln Land Animal Clinic, Jacksonville, IL 62650, USA;
| | - Kelly Ballantyne
- Insight Animal Behavior Services, P.C., 815 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
| | | | - Chirantana V Mathkari
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Julia Pounder
- Animal Behavior, Cognition & Welfare Group, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (K.J.M.); (A.M.B.); (L.H.); (H.V.H.); (J.P.)
| | - Elena Garcia
- Ars Veterinaria Hospital. Carrer dels Cavallers, 37, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (E.G.); (P.D.); (J.F.)
| | - Patrícia Darder
- Ars Veterinaria Hospital. Carrer dels Cavallers, 37, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (E.G.); (P.D.); (J.F.)
| | - Jaume Fatjó
- Ars Veterinaria Hospital. Carrer dels Cavallers, 37, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (E.G.); (P.D.); (J.F.)
| | - Emily Levine
- Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey, 240 Humphrey St, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA;
| |
Collapse
|