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Ferreira B, Girling S, Guthrie A, Milnes E, Stidworthy MF, Bacon A. MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY REVIEW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM EX SITU POPULATION OF EUROPEAN WILDCATS ( FELIS SILVESTRIS) BETWEEN 2000 AND 2021. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:369-380. [PMID: 38875193 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The Scottish population of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), the only remaining native felid species in the United Kingdom, is critically endangered and was declared functionally extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2019. This retrospective study investigated the causes of morbidity and mortality reported in the United Kingdom captive wildcat population from 01 January 2000 to 31 December 2021. The aim was to assess the health and welfare of ex situ wildcats and, by making recommendations for management based on study findings, contribute to the sustainability of the population under managed care. Younger wildcats accounted for 85.7% of all morbidity cases (kittens, 7/77; young adults, 59/77), and the gastrointestinal (67.5% [52/77]), musculoskeletal (10.4% [8/77]), and integumentary (5.2% [4/77]) systems were most affected. Mortality was primarily associated with disease of the gastrointestinal (13.5% [12/89]), respiratory (13.5% [12/89]), neurological (5.6% [5/89]), and renal (5.6% [5/89]) systems. One quarter of all the histopathology examinations reported gastritis with associated Helicobacter-like organisms, often combined with pancreatitis or cholangiohepatitis. Neonates represented 25% (22/89) of all deaths, a high percentage compared with that of previous reviews in other nondomestic felids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Ferreira
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, United Kingdom,
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London NW1 0TU, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Girling
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, United Kingdom
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, Kingussie PH21 1NL, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Guthrie
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Ellie Milnes
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Mark F Stidworthy
- International Zoo Veterinary Group, Keighley BD21 4NQ, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Bacon
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, Kingussie PH21 1NL, United Kingdom
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2
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Rivas VN, Crofton AE, Jauregui CE, Wouters JR, Yang BS, Wittenburg LA, Kaplan JL, Hwee DT, Murphy AN, Morgan BP, Malik FI, Harris SP, Stern JA. Cardiac myosin inhibitor, CK-586, minimally reduces systolic function and ameliorates obstruction in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12038. [PMID: 38802475 PMCID: PMC11130313 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62840-3] [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] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains the most common cardiomyopathy in humans and cats with few preclinical pharmacologic interventional studies. Small-molecule sarcomere inhibitors are promising novel therapeutics for the management of obstructive HCM (oHCM) patients and have shown efficacy in left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) relief. The objective of this study was to explore the 6-, 24-, and 48-hour (h) pharmacodynamic effects of the cardiac myosin inhibitor, CK-586, in six purpose-bred cats with naturally occurring oHCM. A blinded, randomized, five-treatment group, crossover preclinical trial was conducted to assess the pharmacodynamic effects of CK-586 in this oHCM model. Dose assessments and select echocardiographic variables were assessed five times over a 48-h period. Treatment with oral CK-586 safely ameliorated LVOTO in oHCM cats. CK-586 treatment dose-dependently eliminated obstruction (reduced LVOTOmaxPG), increased measures of systolic chamber size (LVIDs Sx), and decreased select measures of heart function (LV FS% and LV EF%) in the absence of impact on heart rate. At all tested doses, a single oral CK-586 dose resulted in improved or resolved LVOTO with well-tolerated, dose-dependent, reductions in LV systolic function. The results from this study pave the way for the potential use of CK-586 in both the veterinary and human clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor N Rivas
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Amanda E Crofton
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Carina E Jauregui
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jalena R Wouters
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Betty S Yang
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Luke A Wittenburg
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Joanna L Kaplan
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Darren T Hwee
- Research and Non-Clinical Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anne N Murphy
- Research and Non-Clinical Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bradley P Morgan
- Research and Non-Clinical Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fady I Malik
- Research and Non-Clinical Development, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Joshua A Stern
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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Neumann S, Siegert S. Investigation of α-Klotho Concentrations in Serum of Cats Affected by Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Vet Sci 2024; 11:184. [PMID: 38787156 PMCID: PMC11125955 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11050184] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Being involved in various physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms (ageing, kidney damage, cardiovascular diseases, etc.), Klotho is a parameter of increasing interest. Studies in veterinary medicine are still rare, but it is exciting to find out whether the findings obtained can be transferred to animals. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate Klotho in cats. This study addressed α-Klotho concentrations in the serum of two groups of cats: one diseased group affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 27) and one healthy control group (n = 35). α-Klotho concentrations in serum were measured using an ELISA. The results were evaluated in the context of several echocardiographic measurement parameters in the diseased group. No significant difference between α-Klotho concentrations in the two groups was found. A slight negative correlation was found between α-Klotho concentrations and the relation of left atrium/aorta (La/Ao) in the diseased group. Gaining initial information on α-Klotho in cats, it was not possible to draw definite conclusions concerning cardiomyopathies in this species. The assessment of Klotho should be considered in terms of its broad implications in disease processes, but it is also recommended to focus on specific disease features. Both approaches might be promising as possible applications of Klotho in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Neumann
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077 Goettingen, Germany;
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Jaturanratsamee K, Jiwaganont P, Panprom C, Petchdee S. Rivaroxaban versus enoxaparin plus clopidogrel therapy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-associated thromboembolism in cats. Vet World 2024; 17:796-803. [PMID: 38798301 PMCID: PMC11111715 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.796-803] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Cardiogenic embolism (CE) is a common complication of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), leading to severe clinical symptoms. This study compared the effects of rivaroxaban and enoxaparin combined with clopidogrel on cats. Materials and Methods This was a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial. In this study, rivaroxaban or enoxaparin plus clopidogrel was prescribed to 23 cats for at least one of the following events: Abnormal movement of the anterior mitral leaflet during systole, enlargement of the left atrium, spontaneous echocardiographic contrast, or presence of arterial thromboembolism. Oral rivaroxaban (2.5 mg, q24 h) was prescribed to six cats. Subcutaneous injections of enoxaparin (1 mg/kg, q24 h) plus oral clopidogrel (3 mg/kg, PO q24 h) for 60 days were administered to 17 cats. Renal insufficiency and bleeding complications were observed. Plasma concentrations of D-dimer, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time, and international normalized ratio (INR) were evaluated. We analyzed the relationship between echocardiography parameters and the effects of coagulation. Blood samples were collected from all cats at baseline and at 1 and 2 months post-treatment. Results Rivaroxaban alone and in combination with enoxaparin and clopidogrel significantly affected PT and INR. In cats treated with 2.5 mg/kg rivaroxaban for 60 days, no bleeding or recurrence of thrombus formation was observed. These data support the use of rivaroxaban for the treatment of HCM-associated thromboembolism in cats. Conclusion Treatment of HCM-associated thromboembolism with rivaroxaban alone demonstrated clinical effectiveness with no clinical complications in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotchapol Jaturanratsamee
- Bio-Veterinary Science Program, Graduate School, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| | - Palin Jiwaganont
- Veterinary Clinical Studies Program, Graduate School, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
| | - Chattida Panprom
- Department of Livestock Development, Supphaya District Livestock Office, Supphaya, Chai Nat, Thailand
| | - Soontaree Petchdee
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart, University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand
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Kuo MYW, Häggström J, Gordon SG, Höglund K, Côté E, Lu TL, Dirven M, Rishniw M, Hung YW, Ljungvall I. Veterinary echocardiographers' preferences for left atrial size assessment in cats: the BENEFIT project. J Vet Cardiol 2023; 51:145-156. [PMID: 38128420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2023.11.001] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Veterinary echocardiographers' preferences for left atrial (LA) size assessment in cats have not been systematically investigated. The primary aim of this prospective exploratory study was to investigate echocardiographers' preferences concerning LA size assessment in cats. A secondary aim was to investigate echocardiographers' preferences for assessing LA size in subgroups based on geographic, demographic, and professional profiles. ANIMALS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS An online survey instrument was designed, verified, and distributed globally to veterinary echocardiographers. RESULTS A total of 655 veterinary echocardiographers from six continents and 54 countries, working in specialty practice (56%) and in general practice (38%), provided data. Linear two-dimensional (2D) technique was favored by most echocardiographers (n = 612) for LA size assessment. Most commonly, respondents combined linear 2D with subjective assessment (n = 227), while 209 used linear 2D-based methods alone. Most echocardiographers using linear 2D-based methods preferred the right parasternal short-axis view and to index the LA to the aorta (Ao). Approximately 10% of the respondents obtained LA dimensions from a right parasternal long-axis four-chamber view. Approximately one-third of echocardiographers that made linear measurements from 2D echocardiograms shared the same preferences regarding cat position, acquisition view, indexing method and time point identification for the LA measurement. The responses were comparably homogeneous across geographic location, level of training, years performing echocardiography, and type of practice. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Most veterinary echocardiographers assessed LA size in cats using linear 2D echocardiography from a right parasternal short-axis view, and indexed LA to Ao. Respondents' preferences were similar over geographic, demographic, and professional backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y-W Kuo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - J Häggström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - S G Gordon
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - K Höglund
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E Côté
- Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - T-L Lu
- Chuan Animal Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - M Dirven
- Evidensia Södra Animal Hospital, Kungens Kurva, Sweden
| | - M Rishniw
- Veterinary Information Network, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Y-W Hung
- Cardiospecial Veterinary Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I Ljungvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Kaplan JL, Rivas VN, Connolly DJ. Advancing Treatments for Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The Role of Animal Models and Targeted Therapeutics. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023; 53:1293-1308. [PMID: 37414693 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.05.011] [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: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Feline HCM is the most common cardiovascular disease in cats, leading to devastating outcomes, including congestive heart failure (CHF), arterial thromboembolism (ATE), and sudden death. Evidence demonstrating long-term survival benefit with currently available therapies is lacking. Therefore, it is imperative to explore intricate genetic and molecular pathways that drive HCM pathophysiology to inspire the development of novel therapeutics. Several clinical trials exploring new drug therapies are currently underway, including those investigating small molecule inhibitors and rapamycin. This article outlines the key work performed using cellular and animal models that has led to and continues to guide the development of new innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L Kaplan
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Victor N Rivas
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - David J Connolly
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
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Santos LD, Walker AL. The Role of Autoantibodies in Companion Animal Cardiac Disease. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023; 53:1367-1377. [PMID: 37423843 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.05.018] [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: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Clinical studies exploring the role of autoimmune diseases in cardiac dysfunction have become increasingly common in both human and veterinary literature. Autoantibodies (AABs) specific to cardiac receptors have been found in human and canine dilated cardiomyopathy, and circulating autoantibodies have been suggested as a sensitive biomarker for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in people and Boxer dogs. In this article, we will summarize recent literature on AABs and their role in cardiac diseases of small animals. Despite the potential for new discoveries in veterinary cardiology, current data in veterinary medicine are limited and further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Dos Santos
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Ashley L Walker
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, 1 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA 9561, USA
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Kaplan JL, Rivas VN, Walker AL, Grubb L, Farrell A, Fitzgerald S, Kennedy S, Jauregui CE, Crofton AE, McLaughlin C, Van Zile R, DeFrancesco TC, Meurs KM, Stern JA. Delayed-release rapamycin halts progression of left ventricular hypertrophy in subclinical feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: results of the RAPACAT trial. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2023; 261:1628-1637. [PMID: 37495229 PMCID: PMC10979416 DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.04.0187] [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] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains a disease with little therapeutic advancement. Rapamycin modulates the mTOR pathway, preventing and reversing cardiac hypertrophy in rodent disease models. Its use in human renal allograft patients is associated with reduced cardiac wall thickness. We sought to evaluate the effects of once-weekly delayed-release (DR) rapamycin over 6 months on echocardiographic, biochemical, and biomarker responses in cats with subclinical, nonobstructive HCM. ANIMALS 43 client-owned cats with subclinical HCM. METHODS Cats enrolled in this double-blinded, multicentered, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial were allocated to low- or high-dose DR rapamycin or placebo. Cats underwent physical examination, quality-of-life assessment, blood pressure, hematology, biochemistry, total T4, urinalysis, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and cardiac troponin I at baseline and days 60, 120, and 180. Fructosamine was analyzed at screening and day 180. Echocardiograms were performed at all time points excluding day 120. Outcome variables were compared using a repeated measures ANCOVA. RESULTS No demographic, echocardiographic, or clinicopathologic values were significantly different between study groups at baseline, confirming successful randomization. At day 180, the primary study outcome variable, maximum LV myocardial wall thickness at any location, was significantly lower in the low-dose DR rapamycin group compared to placebo (P = .01). Oral DR rapamycin was well tolerated with no significant differences in adverse events between groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results demonstrate that DR rapamycin was well tolerated and may prevent or delay progressive LV hypertrophy in cats with subclinical HCM. Additional studies are warranted to confirm and further characterize these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L. Kaplan
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Victor N. Rivas
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Ashley L. Walker
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | | | | | | | | | - Carina E. Jauregui
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Amanda E. Crofton
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Chris McLaughlin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Rachel Van Zile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Teresa C. DeFrancesco
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Kathryn M. Meurs
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Joshua A. Stern
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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Rivas VN, Stern JA, Ueda Y. The Role of Personalized Medicine in Companion Animal Cardiology. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023; 53:1255-1276. [PMID: 37423841 PMCID: PMC11184409 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.05.016] [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: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies remain one of the most common inherited cardiac diseases in both human and veterinary patients. To date, well over 100 mutated genes are known to cause cardiomyopathies in humans with only a handful known in cats and dogs. This review highlights the need and use of personalized one-health approaches to cardiovascular case management and advancement in pharmacogenetic-based therapy in veterinary medicine. Personalized medicine holds promise in understanding the molecular basis of disease and ultimately will unlock the next generation of targeted novel pharmaceuticals and aid in the reversal of detrimental effects at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor N Rivas
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1038 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Joshua A Stern
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1038 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Yu Ueda
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1038 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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Rivas VN, Kaplan JL, Kennedy SA, Fitzgerald S, Crofton AE, Farrell A, Grubb L, Jauregui CE, Grigorean G, Choi E, Harris SP, Stern JA. Multi-Omic, Histopathologic, and Clinicopathologic Effects of Once-Weekly Oral Rapamycin in a Naturally Occurring Feline Model of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3184. [PMID: 37893908 PMCID: PMC10603660 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203184] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains the single most common cardiomyopathy in cats, with a staggering prevalence as high as 15%. To date, little to no direct therapeutical intervention for HCM exists for veterinary patients. A previous study aimed to evaluate the effects of delayed-release (DR) rapamycin dosing in a client-owned population of subclinical, non-obstructive, HCM-affected cats and reported that the drug was well tolerated and resulted in beneficial LV remodeling. However, the precise effects of rapamycin in the hypertrophied myocardium remain unknown. Using a feline research colony with naturally occurring hereditary HCM (n = 9), we embarked on the first-ever pilot study to examine the tissue-, urine-, and plasma-level proteomic and tissue-level transcriptomic effects of an intermittent low dose (0.15 mg/kg) and high dose (0.30 mg/kg) of DR oral rapamycin once weekly. Rapamycin remained safe and well tolerated in cats receiving both doses for eight weeks. Following repeated weekly dosing, transcriptomic differences between the low- and high-dose groups support dose-responsive suppressive effects on myocardial hypertrophy and stimulatory effects on autophagy. Differences in the myocardial proteome between treated and control cats suggest potential anti-coagulant/-thrombotic, cellular remodeling, and metabolic effects of the drug. The results of this study closely recapitulate what is observed in the human literature, and the use of rapamycin in the clinical setting as the first therapeutic agent with disease-modifying effects on HCM remains promising. The results of this study establish the need for future validation efforts that investigate the fine-scale relationship between rapamycin treatment and the most compelling gene expression and protein abundance differences reported here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor N. Rivas
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Joanna L. Kaplan
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | | | - Amanda E. Crofton
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | | | - Carina E. Jauregui
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Gabriela Grigorean
- Proteomics Core Facility, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Eunju Choi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Samantha P. Harris
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine-Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Joshua A. Stern
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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Brložnik M, Lunka E, Avbelj V, Nemec Svete A, Domanjko Petrič A. Cardiac Electromechanical Activity in Healthy Cats and Cats with Cardiomyopathies. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:8336. [PMID: 37837166 PMCID: PMC10574989 DOI: 10.3390/s23198336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Optimal heart function depends on perfect synchronization between electrical and mechanical activity. In this pilot study, we aimed to investigate the electromechanical activity of the heart in healthy cats and cats with cardiomyopathy with phonocardiography (PCG) synchronized to an electrocardiography (ECG) pilot device. We included 29 cats (12 healthy cats and 17 cats diagnosed with cardiomyopathy) and performed a clinical examination, PCG synchronized with ECG and echocardiography. We measured the following durations with the pilot PCG device synchronized with ECG: QRS (ventricular depolarization), QT interval (electrical systole), QS1 interval (electromechanical activation time (EMAT)), S1S2 (mechanical systole), QS2 interval (electrical and mechanical systole) and electromechanical window (end of T wave to the beginning of S2). The measured parameters did not differ between healthy cats and cats with cardiomyopathy; however, in cats with cardiomyopathy, EMAT/RR, QS2/RR and S1S2/RR were significantly longer than in healthy cats. This suggests that the hypertrophied myocardium takes longer to generate sufficient pressure to close the mitral valve and that electrical systole, i.e., depolarization and repolarization, and mechanical systoles are longer in cats with cardiomyopathy. The PCG synchronized with the ECG pilot device proved to be a valuable tool for evaluating the electromechanical activity of the feline heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Brložnik
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (E.L.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Ema Lunka
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (E.L.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Viktor Avbelj
- Department of Communication Systems, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Alenka Nemec Svete
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (E.L.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Aleksandra Domanjko Petrič
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (E.L.); (A.N.S.)
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Anderson EL, Côté É, Burton S, Saleh T. Serum C-terminal telopeptide of Type-I collagen (CTx) concentration and myocardial hyperechogenicity in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2023; 64:864-870. [PMID: 37663017 PMCID: PMC10426254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective This study sought to determine the serum concentrations of C-terminal telopeptide of Type-I collagen (CTx), a marker of collagen degradation, in a hospital population of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The study also evaluated the prevalence of myocardial hyperechogenicity of the left ventricle (LV) in the same cats. Animals and procedure Cats brought to a university veterinary cardiology service entered the study when they had an echocardiographic diagnosis of HCM; echocardiographically normal cats served as controls. Serum CTx concentrations were assessed using ELISA. Results There was no difference in serum CTx concentrations between cats with HCM and controls (HCM: median 0.248 ng/mL, controls: median 0.253 ng/mL; P = 0.4). Significantly more cats with HCM (60%) showed echocardiographic LV myocardial hyperechogenicity compared to normal controls (17%; P = 0.0057), but serum CTx concentrations were not different between these 2 groups. Conclusion and clinical relevance These results indicate that, as in human patients with HCM and in contrast to earlier feline studies, there was no evidence of enhanced collagen degradation indicated by serum CTx concentrations in cats with HCM compared to normal controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Anderson
- Departments of Companion Animals (Anderson, Côté), Pathology and Microbiology (Burton), and Biomedical Sciences (Saleh), Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3
| | - Étienne Côté
- Departments of Companion Animals (Anderson, Côté), Pathology and Microbiology (Burton), and Biomedical Sciences (Saleh), Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3
| | - Shelley Burton
- Departments of Companion Animals (Anderson, Côté), Pathology and Microbiology (Burton), and Biomedical Sciences (Saleh), Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3
| | - Tarek Saleh
- Departments of Companion Animals (Anderson, Côté), Pathology and Microbiology (Burton), and Biomedical Sciences (Saleh), Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3
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Mandour AS, Farag A, Helal MAY, El-Masry G, Al-Rejaie S, Takahashi K, Yoshida T, Hamabe L, Tanaka R. Non-Invasive Assessment of the Intraventricular Pressure Using Novel Color M-Mode Echocardiography in Animal Studies: Current Status and Future Perspectives in Veterinary Medicine. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2452. [PMID: 37570261 PMCID: PMC10417806 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The assessment of diastolic function has received great interest in order to comprehend its crucial role in the pathophysiology of heart failure and for the early identification of cardiac events. Silent changes in the intraventricular flow (IVF) dynamics occur before the deterioration of the cardiac wall, although they cannot be detected using conventional echocardiography. Collective information on left ventricular (LV) pressures throughout the cardiac cycle has great value when dealing with patients with altered hemodynamics. Accurate pressure measurement inside the ventricle can be obtained by invasive methods to determine the LV diastolic pressures, which reflect the myocardial relaxation and compliance. However, catheterization is only feasible in the laboratory setting and is not suitable for clinical use due to its disadvantages. In contrast, echocardiography is simple, safe, and accessible. Color M-mode echocardiography (CMME) is an advanced cardiac evaluation technique that can measure the intraventricular pressure differences (IVPDs) and intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPGs) based on the Doppler shift of the IVF. Recently, the assessment of IVPD and IVPG has gained growing interest in the cardiovascular literature in both animal and human studies as a non-invasive method for the early diagnosis of cardiac dysfunctions, especially diastolic ones. The usability of IVPD and IVPG has been reported in various surgically induced heart failure or pharmacologically altered cardiac functions in rats, dogs, cats, and goats. This report aims to give an overview of the current studies of CMME-derived IVPD and IVPG in animal studies and its feasibility for clinical application in veterinary practice and to provide the prospects of the technique's ability to improve our understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S. Mandour
- Department of Animal Medicine (Internal Medicine), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
- Veterinary Surgery, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0054, Japan
| | - Ahmed Farag
- Veterinary Surgery, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0054, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A. Y. Helal
- Veterinary Surgery, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0054, Japan
- Animal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Benha 13736, Egypt
| | - Gamal El-Masry
- Agricultural Engineering Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Salim Al-Rejaie
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ken Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Yoshida
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Division of Veterinary Research, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Lina Hamabe
- Veterinary Surgery, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0054, Japan
| | - Ryou Tanaka
- Veterinary Surgery, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0054, Japan
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Cheng WC, Lawson C, Liu HH, Wilkie L, Dobromylskyj M, Luis Fuentes V, Dudhia J, Connolly DJ. Exploration of Mediators Associated with Myocardial Remodelling in Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2112. [PMID: 37443910 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132112] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) affects both humans and cats and exhibits considerable interspecies similarities that are exemplified by underlying pathological processes and clinical presentation to the extent that developments in the human field may have direct relevance to the feline disease. Characteristic changes on histological examination include cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial and replacement fibrosis. Clinically, HCM is characterised by significant diastolic dysfunction due to a reduction in ventricular compliance and relaxation associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling and the development of ventricular hypertrophy. Studies in rodent models and human HCM patients have identified key protein mediators implicated in these pathological changes, including lumican, lysyl oxidase and TGF-β isoforms. We therefore sought to quantify and describe the cellular location of these mediators in the left ventricular myocardium of cats with HCM and investigate their relationship with the quantity and structural composition of the ECM. We identified increased myocardial content of lumican, LOX and TGF-β2 mainly attributed to their increased expression within cardiomyocytes in HCM cats compared to control cats. Furthermore, we found strong correlations between the expressions of these mediators that is compatible with their role as important components of cellular pathways promoting remodelling of the left ventricular myocardium. Fibrosis and hypertrophy are important pathological changes in feline HCM, and a greater understanding of the mechanisms driving this pathology may facilitate the identification of potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ching Cheng
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Charlotte Lawson
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Hui-Hsuan Liu
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Lois Wilkie
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | | | - Virginia Luis Fuentes
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jayesh Dudhia
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - David J Connolly
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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15
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Bastos RF, Tuleski GLR, Sousa MG. QT interval instability and QRS interval dispersion in healthy cats and cats with a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype. J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X231151479. [PMID: 36745542 PMCID: PMC10812083 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x231151479] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats. Electrocardiographic (ECG) analysis can help with the diagnosis of HCM and also in the investigation of the secondary consequences of the disease. This study investigated ECG markers of QT interval variability (total instability [TI], short-term instability [STI], long-term instability [LTI], QT variance [QTv]), mean QT interval (QTa) and QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTac), as well as the duration (QRSd) and dispersion (QRSv) of the QRS interval in healthy cats and in those with HCM. METHODS Data were collected from 63 domestic cats: 40 in the control group and 23 in the HCM group. Fifty consecutive QT intervals were recorded for all cats and then QTa, QTac, QTv, TI, LTI and STI were calculated. QRSd and QRSv were also obtained for all animals. A Mann-Whitney U-test was used for group comparison. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of all markers for HCM. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risks of cats having HCM, based on the studied indexes. RESULTS QTa (P <0.01), QTac (P <0.01), QRSd (P <0.01) and STI (P = 0.02) were higher in the HCM group. QTa >158.8 ms, QTac >27.4 ms and QRSd >0.045 s had an accuracy of 77.4%, 68.2% and 80.9%, respectively, in detecting HCM. Logistic regression showed that cats with QTa >158 ms, QTac >27.4 ms and QRSd >0.045 s had a 1.58-, 1,23- and 6.5-fold higher risk, respectively, of developing HCM. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Cats with HCM had higher ventricular instability as assessed by STI and showed a prolongation of the QT and QRS intervals via the QTa, QTac and QRSd markers. These markers show potential as ancillary screening tools for identifying the presence of HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Franco Bastos
- Laboratory of Comparative Cardiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Giovana LR Tuleski
- Laboratory of Comparative Cardiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Marlos Gonçalves Sousa
- Laboratory of Comparative Cardiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
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Romito G, Fracassi F, Cipone M. Transient myocardial thickening associated with acute myocardial injury and congestive heart failure in two Toxoplasma gondii-positive cats. JFMS Open Rep 2022; 8:20551169221131266. [PMID: 36339325 PMCID: PMC9629561 DOI: 10.1177/20551169221131266] [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: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
CASE SERIES SUMMARY In this report, we provide detailed clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic descriptions of two Toxoplasma gondii-positive cats diagnosed with transient myocardial thickening (TMT) and acute myocardial injury (MI). In both cases, aetiological diagnosis was based on the antibody screening test (all cats had IgM titres ⩾1:64) and MI was demonstrated by a concomitant severe increase of the serum concentration of cardiac troponin I (5.1-23.6 ng/ml; upper hospital limit <0.2 ng/ml). In both cats, TMT and MI were aggravated by left atrial dilation and dysfunction, as well as congestive heart failure. In one cat, atrial standstill was also documented, while the other cat showed an intracardiac thrombus. Both cats underwent an extensive diagnostic work-up aimed at excluding additional comorbidities that could contribute to able to contribute to TMT and MI, and received appropriate antiprotozoal (ie, clindamycin) and cardiovascular therapy (eg, furosemide, pimobendan and clopidogrel). This was followed by a simultaneous decline in T gondii serology titres, normalisation of troponin level and the resolution of clinical, electrocardiographic, radiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities. In the light of these results, therapies were interrupted and subsequent controls ruled out any disease relapse. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION Although T gondii represents an often-cited cause of myocarditis in feline medicine, the existing literature on the demonstration of T gondii-associated cardiac compromise in cats is extremely limited. Accordingly, this report provides a useful contribution to pertinent scientific literature since it describes TMT and acute MI in two T gondii-positive cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Romito
- Giovanni Romito DVM, MSc, PhD, Dipl ECVIM-CA (Cardiology), Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia 40064, Italy
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Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Heart Murmurs Detected on Cardiac Auscultation in 856 Cats. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9100564. [PMID: 36288177 PMCID: PMC9611806 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9100564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Heart murmurs are a common finding in cats and, in many cases, the presence of an audible murmur on cardiac auscultation does not necessarily imply the presence of an underlying heart disease. Several studies have been published in the past to address the prevalence and clinical significance of heart murmurs in cats, but very few have looked into the exact origin of the blood flow turbulence responsible for this finding. We retrospectively reviewed clinical records and echocardiographic examinations of 856 cats with heart murmur and found that the majority of murmurs are caused by systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) (39.2%) and dynamic right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (DRVOTO) (32%). These causes of murmur do not appear associated with a structural cardiac abnormality in 56.1% (SAM) and 85.0% (DRVOTO) of murmurs. This study also demonstrated that some heart murmur characteristics (timing, intensity and location) can occasionally discriminate between normal cats and cats with underlying heart disease, with the exception of loud and palpable murmurs, which are inevitably associated with significant cardiac abnormalities. However, since the majority of heart murmurs in cats appear to be systolic and mild–moderate in loudness, echocardiography should always be considered following identification of a heart murmur on physical examination in cats. Abstract Background: Cardiac auscultation is one of the most important clinical tools to identify patients with a potential heart disease. Although several publications have reported the prevalence of murmurs in cats, little information is available in relation to the exact origin of the blood flow turbulences responsible for these murmurs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of murmurs detected during physical examination in cats. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of clinical records and echocardiographic examinations performed in cats for investigation of heart murmurs; Results: Records of 856 cats with full clinical information were available for review. The cause of murmur was identified in 93.1% of cases (72.3% with single blood flow turbulence, 26.4% with two, and 1.3% with three identifiable sources of murmur). Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) was the primary cause of murmur in this population (39.2%), followed by dynamic right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (DRVOTO) (32%) and flow murmurs (6.9%). Most cats with a murmur (56.7%) did not present any structural cardiac abnormality. Conclusions: This study indicates that some heart murmur characteristics (timing, loudness and point of maximal intensity) can potentially predict the presence of an underlying cardiac disease.
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18
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Rishniw M. Should we be screening cats for cardiomyopathy? If so, how? J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 260:1626-1630. [PMID: 35905152 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.06.0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Occult feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can result in unexpected sudden death or congestive heart failure (CHF) following routine interventions such as anesthesia, fluid administration, or, potentially, administration of corticosteroids. Consequently, clinicians would like to be able to screen at-risk cats to detect occult HCM and either avoid the risky intervention or attempt to reduce the risk of death or CHF. Currently, the feline N-terminal-proBrain natriuretic peptide test is the only potential screening test for detecting occult HCM. However, some cardiologists have pointed out the poor sensitivity of the test precludes its use as a screening test. This interpretation appears somewhat flawed. Using the current rapid test will allow clinicians to correctly identify half of the cats with moderate-to-severe occult HCM. A small number of cats without HCM will also test positive, necessitating an ultimately needless echocardiographic evaluation to demonstrate their disease-free status. However, the low prevalence of HCM in the general cat population and the apparently much lower rate of adverse events than would be predicted brings into question whether clinicians should bother screening. Therefore, until a more sensitive and accurate screening test becomes available, clinicians will have to decide for themselves whether identifying half of the at-risk cats of sudden death and CHF with this test is better than identifying none of them.
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Santoro F, Castineiras D, Kaartinen J. Intra- and postoperative opioid-sparing analgesia in a cat undergoing pelvic limb amputation. JFMS Open Rep 2022; 8:20551169221116868. [PMID: 36017136 PMCID: PMC9397374 DOI: 10.1177/20551169221116868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary A combination of preoperative epidurally administered morphine, peripheral nerve blocks and postoperative wound irrigation with ropivacaine is described as an opioid-sparing analgesic protocol for a feline immunodeficiency virus-positive cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy undergoing hindlimb amputation. The reported strategy resulted in a lack of intraoperative sympathetic response, haemodynamic stability and adequate postoperative analgesia. No rescue analgesia was needed at any point. Relevance and novel information This report represents an example of how several locoregional techniques can be effectively combined to minimise the perioperative use of systemic opioids and their potential side effects in selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Santoro
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Diego Castineiras
- Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, Solihull, Birmingham, UK
| | - Johanna Kaartinen
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
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Schipper T, Ohlsson Å, Longeri M, Hayward JJ, Mouttham L, Ferrari P, Smets P, Ljungvall I, Häggström J, Stern JA, Lyons LA, Peelman LJ, Broeckx BJG. The TNNT2:c.95-108G>A variant is common in Maine Coons and shows no association with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Anim Genet 2022; 53:526-529. [PMID: 35634705 DOI: 10.1111/age.13223] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common and potentially fatal heart disease in many cat breeds. An intronic variant in TNNT2, c.95-108G>A, was recently reported as the cause of HCM in the Maine Coon. The aim of this study was to determine this variant's allele frequency in different populations and its possible association with HCM. Based on 160 Maine Coon samples collected in Belgium, Italy, Sweden and the USA, the variant's allele frequency was estimated to be 0.32. Analysis of the 99 Lives feline whole genome sequencing database showed that the TNNT2 variant also occurs in other breeds, as well as mixed-breed cats. Comparison of 31 affected and 58 healthy cats did not reveal significantly increased odds for HCM in homozygotes. Based on the combined evidence and in agreement with the standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants, this variant is currently classified as a variant of unknown significance and should not be used for breeding decisions regarding HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Schipper
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Åsa Ohlsson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Longeri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Jessica J Hayward
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Lara Mouttham
- Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Paolo Ferrari
- Osservatorio Veterinario Italiano Cardiopatie, Azzano S. Paolo, Italy
| | - Pascale Smets
- Small Animal Department, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Ljungvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jens Häggström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joshua A Stern
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California - Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Leslie A Lyons
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Luc J Peelman
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart J G Broeckx
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (FHCM). FOLIA VETERINARIA 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2022-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of many cardiac diseases known in domestic animals, and it is especially frequent in cats of all ages. HCM is the most common heart disease in cats, affecting almost 15 % of the feline population. The Maine Coon and the Ragdoll breeds of domestic cats are shown to have a special gene that is responsible for the appearance of HCM in these breeds. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be detected by: echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), radiography, genetic testing, and a test including N- terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The most frequently used method used for clinical purposes is echocardiography. Patients with HCM will most of the time not have any clinical signs of the disease, which makes it difficult for the owner to detect that there is something wrong with their cat. Some cats, on the other hand, will get heart arrhythmias which can cause sudden death. There are several prognosis-worsening findings that may occur due to the hypertrophy of the ventricles. These include: Feline Arterial Thromboembolism (FATE), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), and the Dynamic Obstruction of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (DOLVOT). The prognosis for HCM depends on the stage of the disease. In some cats, they are well-tolerated and are associated with normal life expectancy, but in other cats they can result in congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism or sudden death.
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