Prävalenz von Infektionen mit felinen Coronaviren in deutschen Katzenzuchten und assoziierte Risikofaktoren

The aim of this prospective study was to determine prevalence and potential risk factors of feline coronavirus (FCoV) shedding. Four consecutive faecal samples of 179 cats from 37 catteries were analysed for FCoV ribonucleic acid (RNA) by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Prevalence of shedding was calculated using different numbers of faecal samples per cat (one to four) and dif-ferent sampling intervals (five to 28 days). Information on potential risk factors for FCoV shedding was obtained by a questionnaire. Risk factor analysis was per-formed using a generalised linear mixed model. Most cats (137/179; 76.5 %; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 69.8 – 82.2) shed FCoV at least once. None of the tested 37 catteries was free of FCoV. Prevalence calculated including all four (76.5%; 95% CI 69.8 – 82.2) or the last three (73.7 %; 95 % CI 66.8 – 79.7) samples per cat was significantly higher than the prevalence calculated with only the last sample (61.5 %; 95 % CI 54.2 – 68.3) (p = 0.0029 and 0.0175, respectively). Young age was significantly associated with FCoV shedding while the other factors were not. For identification of FCoV shedders in multi-cat households, at least three faecal samples per cat should be analysed. Young age is the most important risk factor for FCoV shedding.Die Ziele dieser prospektiven Studie waren die Ermittlung der Ausscheidungsprä-valenz von felinen Coronaviren (FCoV) in deutschen Katzenzuchten und die Un-tersuchung potentieller Risikofaktoren für die Ausscheidung von FCoV. Von ins-gesamt 179 Katzen aus 37 verschiedenen Katzenzuchten wurden jeweils vier auf-einander folgende Kotproben mittels quantitativer Reverse-Transkriptase-Poly-merase-Kettenreaktion auf FCoV-Ribonukleinsäure (RNA) untersucht. Die Aus-scheidungsprävalenz wurde mit unterschiedlich vielen Kotproben pro Katze (je-weils ein bis vier) und mit unterschiedlich langen zeitlichen Abständen zwischen den einzelnen Kotproben (fünf bis 28 Tage) berechnet. Die für die Ermittlung po-tentieller Risikofaktoren notwendigen Informationen über Haltung und Gesund-heitszustand der Katzen wurden mithilfe eines Fragebogens ermittelt. Die statisti-sche Analyse der Risikofaktoren wurde mittels eines generalisierten linearen ge-mischten Modells durchgeführt. Der Großteil der Katzen (137/179; 76,5 %; 95 % Konfidenzintervall (CI) 69,8 – 82,2) schied in mindestens einer von vier Kotproben FCoV aus. In allen 37 Katzenzuchten fanden sich FCoV-ausscheidende Katzen. Die Ausscheidungsprävalenz unter Einbeziehung aller vier Kotproben einer jeden Katze (76,5 %; 95 % CI 69,8 – 82,2) sowie die unter Einbeziehung der drei fri-schesten Kotproben einer jeden Katze (73,7 %; 95 % CI 66,8 – 79,7) waren signi-fikant höher als die Ausscheidungsprävalenz unter Einbeziehung von nur einer ein-zigen Kotprobe pro Katze (61,5 %; 95 % CI 54,2 – 68,3) (p = 0,0029, beziehungs-weise 0,0175). Nur das Alter der Katzen hatte einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die FCoV-Ausscheidung; Katzen unter einem Jahr schieden signifikant häufiger FCoV aus als ältere Katzen. Um dauerhaft ausscheidende Katzen innerhalb eines Mehr-katzenhaushaltes zu identifizieren, sollten mindestens drei Kotproben im Abstand von einer bis vier Wochen untersucht werden

Influence of acetate containing fluid versus lactate containing fluid on acid-base status, electrolyte level, and blood lactate level in dehydrated dogs

Background and Aim: Acetate or lactate buffered, balanced isotonic rehydration fluids are commonly used for fluid therapy in dogs and may influence acid-base and electrolyte status. This study aimed to assess acid-base status, electrolyte levels, and lactate levels in dehydrated dogs after receiving acetate or lactate-containing intravenous rehydration fluids. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomized study, 90 dehydrated dogs were included and randomized to receive acetate [Sterofundin® ISO B. Braun Vet Care (STERO), Germany) or lactate (Ringer-Lactat-Lösung nach Hartmann B. Braun Vet Care (RL), Germany] containing intravenous fluids for rehydration. The exclusion criteria were as follows: Age <6 months, liver failure, congestive heart failure, and extreme electrolyte deviation. Physical examination, venous blood gas, and lactate levels were analyzed before and after rehydration. The two groups were compared using t-test and Chi-square test. The significance level was set at p≤0.05. Results: Post-rehydration heart rate decreased in the STERO group (p<0.001) but not in the RL group (p=0.090). Lactate levels decreased in both groups STERO (p<0.001) and in group RL (p=0.014). Sodium and chloride levels increased during rehydration in group STERO (p<0.001; p<0.001) and group RL (p=0.002; p<0.001). There was a larger decrease in lactate levels in group STERO compared to group RL (p=0.047). Conclusion: Both solutions led to a mild increase in sodium and chloride levels and decreased lactate levels. The acetate-containing solution had an inferior effect on the decrease in lactate level

Influence of acetate- vs. lactate-containing fluid bolus therapy on acid-base status, electrolytes, and plasma lactate in dogs

ObjectiveAcetate- and lactate-containing fluids influence the acid-base and electrolyte status. This prospective, randomized, clinical study compared two balanced crystalloid solutions regarding their influence on acid-base status, electrolytes, and lactate values, when given to dogs as a resuscitation bolus of 30 mL/kg.Material and methodsOne hundred client-owned dogs presenting to the emergency service with signs of fluid deficits were randomly assigned to receive an intravenous bolus of 30 mL/kg of either a lactate- (LAC), or an acetate-containing solution (ACET). Before and after the bolus, vital parameters were assessed, and a venous blood gas analysis was performed.ResultsBoth solutions performed equally well in decreasing the heart rate (ACET: −10 ± 27 bpm, LAC: −12 ± 30 bpm; p = 0.737). The acetate-containing solution caused a significant decrease in plasma lactate levels (p = 0.016), anion gap (p &lt; 0.001), and potassium (p &lt; 0.001), and a significant increase in chloride (p &lt; 0.001), and ionized calcium (p = 0.014). The lactate-containing solution caused a significant decrease in anion gap (p &lt; 0.001), sodium (p = 0.016), and potassium (p = 0.001), and a significant increase in chloride (p &lt; 0.001). ACET causes a stronger decrease in plasma lactate (p = 0.015), sodium (p = 0.039), potassium (p = 0.006), and an increase in chloride (p &lt; 0.001), and ionized calcium (p = 0.016) compared to LAC.ConclusionBoth solutions caused mild changes in electrolyte concentrations and had minor influence on acid-base status when used for bolus therapy in dogs with fluid deficits. Further studies are needed to evaluate their influence on acid-base status, lactate, and electrolytes when used in larger volumes and for a longer time span

Correlation of feline coronavirus shedding in feces with coronavirus antibody titer

BACKGROUND: Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection is ubiquitous in multi-cat households. Responsible for the continuous presence are cats that are chronically shedding a high load of FCoV. The aim of the study was to determine a possible correlation between FCoV antibody titer and frequency and load of fecal FCoV shedding in cats from catteries. METHODS: Four fecal samples from each of 82 cats originating from 19 German catteries were examined for FCoV viral loads by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Additionally, antibody titers were determined by an immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: Cats with antibodies were more likely to be FCoV shedders than non-shedders, and there was a weak positive correlation between antibody titer and mean fecal virus load (Spearman r = 0.2984; p = 0.0072). Antibody titers were significantly higher if cats shed FCoV more frequently throughout the study period (p = 0.0063). When analyzing only FCoV shedders, cats that were RT-qPCR-positive in all four samples had significantly higher antibody titers (p = 0.0014) and significantly higher mean fecal virus loads (p = 0.0475) than cats that were RT-qPCR-positive in only one, two, or three samples. CONCLUSIONS: The cats' antibody titers correlate with the likelihood and frequency of FCoV shedding and fecal virus load. Chronic shedders have higher antibody titers and shed more virus. This knowledge is important for the management of FCoV infections in multi-cat environments, but the results indicate that antibody measurement cannot replace fecal RT-qPCR

Prevalence of feline coronavirus shedding in German catteries and associated risk factors

The aim of this prospective study was to determine prevalence and potential risk factors of feline coronavirus (FCoV) shedding. Four consecutive fecal samples of 179 cats from 37 German breeding catteries were analyzed for FCoV ribonucleic acid (RNA) by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Prevalence of shedding was calculated using different numbers of fecal samples per cat (1-4) and different sampling intervals (5-28 days). Information on potential risk factors for FCoV shedding was obtained by a questionnaire. Risk factor analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). Most cats (137/179, 76.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 69.8-82.2) shed FCoV at least at once. None of the tested 37 catteries was free of FCoV. Prevalence calculated including all four (76.5%, 95% CI 69.8-82.2) or the last three (73.7%, 95% CI 66.8-79.7) samples per cat was significantly higher than the prevalence calculated with only the last sample (61.5%, 95% CI 54.2-68.3; p = 0.0029 and 0.0175, respectively). Young age was significantly associated with FCoV shedding while the other factors were not. For identification of FCoV shedders in multi-cat households, at least three fecal samples per cat should be analyzed. Young age is the most important risk factor for FCoV shedding

Patterns of Feline Coronavirus Shedding and Associated Factors in Cats from Breeding Catteries

(1) Background: In households in which feline coronavirus (FCoV) is present, three patterns of FCoV shedding are described: non-shedders, intermittent (low-intensity) shedders, or persistent (high-intensity) shedders. It was the aim of this study to describe FCoV shedding patterns in cats from catteries in which FCoV infection is endemic. Additionally, risk factors for high-intensity FCoV shedding or non-shedding were analyzed. (2) Methods: Four fecal samples of 222 purebred cats from 37 breeding catteries were examined for FCoV RNA by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). High-intensity shedders were defined as cats positive for FCoV RNA in at least 3/4 fecal samples; non-shedding cats were defined as cats negative in all four fecal samples. Risk factor analysis was performed using information obtained by questionnaire. (3) Results: Of the 222 cats, 125 (56.3%) were considered high-intensity shedders, while 54/222 cats (24.3%) were FCoV non-shedders. The Persian breed was associated with a higher risk of high-intensity shedding in multivariable analysis, while Birman and Norwegian Forest Cats were more likely to be FCoV non-shedders. Cats living together with other cats were more likely to be FCoV shedders. (4) Conclusions: The proportion of both high-intensity shedders and non-shedding cats was higher than previously reported, which possibly can be explained by housing conditions, different genetic susceptibility, or differences in the study period. The risk of high-intensity shedding is higher in certain breeds. However, it cannot be excluded that the individual hygiene procedure of each breeder influenced FCoV-shedding frequency. A smaller group size is a protective factor against FCoV shedding

Role of Feline Coronavirus as Contributor to Diarrhea in Cats from Breeding Catteries

(1) Background: Feline coronavirus infection (FCoV) is common in multi-cat environments. A role of FCoV in causing diarrhea is often assumed, but has not been proven. The aim of this study was to evaluate an association of FCoV infection with diarrhea in multi-cat environments. (2) Methods: The study included 234 cats from 37 catteries. Fecal samples were analyzed for FCoV RNA by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Potential co-infections were determined by applying a qPCR panel on different potential enteropathogens and fecal flotation. A fecal scoring system was used to categorize feces as diarrheic or non-diarrheic. (3) Results: Of the 234 cats included, 23 had diarrhea. The prevalence of FCoV infection was 87.0% in cats with and 58.8% in cats without diarrhea. FCoV infection was significantly associated with diarrhea (Odds Ratio (OR) 5.01; p = 0.008). In addition, presence of Clostridium perfringens α toxin (OR 6.93; p = 0.032) and feline panleukopenia virus (OR 13.74; p = 0.004) were associated with an increased risk of diarrhea. There was no correlation between FCoV load and fecal score. FCoV-positive cats with co-infections were not more likely to have diarrhea than FCoV-positive cats without co-infections (p = 0.455). (4) Conclusions: FCoV infection is common in cats from catteries and can be associated with diarrhea

Role of Feline Coronavirus as Contributor to Diarrhea in Cats from Breeding Catteries

(1) Background: Feline coronavirus infection (FCoV) is common in multi-cat environments. A role of FCoV in causing diarrhea is often assumed, but has not been proven. The aim of this study was to evaluate an association of FCoV infection with diarrhea in multi-cat environments. (2) Methods: The study included 234 cats from 37 catteries. Fecal samples were analyzed for FCoV RNA by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Potential co-infections were determined by applying a qPCR panel on different potential enteropathogens and fecal flotation. A fecal scoring system was used to categorize feces as diarrheic or non-diarrheic. (3) Results: Of the 234 cats included, 23 had diarrhea. The prevalence of FCoV infection was 87.0% in cats with and 58.8% in cats without diarrhea. FCoV infection was significantly associated with diarrhea (Odds Ratio (OR) 5.01; p = 0.008). In addition, presence of Clostridium perfringens α toxin (OR 6.93; p = 0.032) and feline panleukopenia virus (OR 13.74; p = 0.004) were associated with an increased risk of diarrhea. There was no correlation between FCoV load and fecal score. FCoV-positive cats with co-infections were not more likely to have diarrhea than FCoV-positive cats without co-infections (p = 0.455). (4) Conclusions: FCoV infection is common in cats from catteries and can be associated with diarrhea