BACKGROUND:Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) cause a wide range of diseases. No studies have been performed on the prevalence of CVBPs in shelter dogs in Cyprus, despite the regular exporting of dogs from Cypriot shelters for rehoming. METHODS:From August 2017 to August 2019, a cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in dogs from three shelters in Cyprus. Quantitative PCRs for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (CMhp), Mycoplasma haemocanis, Leishmania spp. and Babesia spp. and conventional PCRs and sequencing for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon spp. were performed on DNA extracted from EDTA blood samples. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify any risk factors associated with CVBPs PCR-positive status. RESULTS:Of samples collected from 145 dogs, eight were excluded from further analysis due to the presence of PCR inhibitors. Of the remaining 137, 76 (55.5%) were PCR-positive for at least one CVBPs, of which 21 dogs had more than one pathogen. The infections comprised 62/137 (45.3%) Hepatozoon canis, 14/137 (10.2%) Anaplasma platys, 13/137 (9.5%) M. haemocanis, 9/137 (6.6%) Leishmania spp., and 2/137 (1.5%) CMhp. All dogs tested negative for Babesia spp.. Regression analysis showed that positive-PCR status for A. platys was positively associated with the presence of ectoparasites, co-infection with H. canis, and the shelter being located in Paphos compared to the shelters in Nicosia, whilst age was positively associated with M. haemocanis positive-PCR status. CONCLUSIONS:The overall prevalence of CVBPs is high in Cypriot shelter dogs, including some with zoonotic potential. CVBPs pose a threat to the canine population in Cyprus, and further action is needed by local carers and veterinary authorities to contain their spread by limiting exportation or ensuring testing before travelling for export to avoid infection spread by the movement of dogs.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease arising as a result of feline coronavirus infection. It used to be regarded a fatal disease, with euthanasia commonly recommended following diagnosis due to its very poor prognosis. The availability of effective antiviral therapies, particularly nucleoside analogues such as oral GS-441524, has fundamentally changed the outlook for cats with FIP. FIP is now a treatable and frequently curable disease. In these revised guidelines, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) presents an update on the treatment of FIP, incorporating the findings of new studies including the range of available treatments (such as GS-441524, remdesivir and molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) and its active metabolite EIDD-1931), which varies globally, as well as suggestions for monitoring and prognostic indicators. Tables are used to present easy-to-find information on antiviral and supportive treatments for cats with FIP. GS-441524 is the most extensively studied antiviral for FIP with treatment success rates often exceeding 90%. Remdesivir is primarily reserved as an injectable antiviral for severely affected cats unable to tolerate oral medication; it is usually replaced by oral medication as soon as, and when, possible. Although 84-day treatment courses have historically been used, emerging evidence suggests that shorter regimens of 42 days can be equally effective.

Objectives The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency and clinical significance of discordant serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and creatinine concentrations relative to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in mature and senior hyperthyroid cats treated with radioactive iodine (RAI). Secondary aims of the study were to compare the sensitivity and specificity of two SDMA upper reference intervals (RIs; >14 and ⩾18 µg/dl) and creatinine (⩾175 µmol/l) for detecting decreased GFR and to evaluate the intra-individual variability of both biomarkers. Methods A prospective longitudinal study of 27 client-owned hyperthyroid cats receiving low-dose RAI therapy was conducted. At baseline, 1, 6 and 12 months after RAI, cats were evaluated for thyroid status, GFR, SDMA and creatinine concentrations. Discordance was defined as one renal biomarker exceeding its RI with the other within/below the RI, using laboratory and age-specific SDMA RIs. In euthyroid cats, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of SDMA/creatinine for decreased GFR and intra-individual variability were determined. Results Discordance between SDMA and creatinine was in the range of 10–75% and was highest with the SDMA limit >14 µg/dl. SDMA-GFR discordance exceeded creatinine-GFR discordance at all time points and was highest at baseline, when all cats were hyperthyroid. In cats with euthyroid status at 12 months, SDMA >14 µg/dl was more sensitive (83%) but less specific (50%) for decreased GFR than SDMA ≥18 µg/dl (sensitivity 50%, specificity 71%) and creatinine (sensitivity 50%, specificity 85%). Intra-individual variability was similar for both biomarkers (~15%). Conclusions and relevance Discordant SDMA and creatinine concentrations are frequent in older hyperthyroid cats and are influenced by thyroid status and SDMA RIs, complicating interpretation. The SDMA limit ≥18 µg/dl improves specificity for decreased GFR and is more appropriate for senior cats. SDMA concentrations in the range of 15–18 µg/dl are less likely to reflect true GFR reduction when creatinine is normal; therefore, non-renal influences such as hyperthyroidism should be considered and ongoing monitoring of renal parameters is recommended.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by mutated feline coronaviruses. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) arises due to immune-mediated erythrocyte destruction and can be non-associative or associative with diseases such as FIP. Records of cats with FIP were reviewed to find those with associative IMHA based on exclusion of other causes of anemia and a positive saline agglutination test and/or Coombs test. The inclusion criteria were met for 45 cats (26 (58%) cats with effusive and 19 (42%) with non-effusive FIP). Median hematocrit was 18% (interquartile range [IQR] 13–20). Anemia was non-regenerative in 36 (80%) cats and regenerative in 5 (11%) cats; 4 (9%) cats had no reticulocyte count available. Concurrent thrombocytopenia was present in 18 (40%) cats. All 45 cats were treated with nucleoside analogs, and 44 (98%) cats with glucocorticoids; in 5 (11%) cats, glucocorticoids were added after starting antiviral treatment due to persistent anemia. Median follow-up was 72 days (IQR 14–246); at the time of last follow-up 33 (73%) cats had survived while 12 (27%) had died or were euthanized. Of the 33 surviving cats, 17 achieved remission of both FIP and IMHA. In three cats, FIP remission was achieved, but IMHA relapsed; in one of these, IMHA relapsed twice. FIP relapsed without IMHA in two cats, and both FIP and IMHA relapsed in one cat. In 9 cats the antiviral and glucocorticoid treatment is still ongoing at the time of the publication. Although FIP is likely an uncommon cause of associative IMHA, as more cats with FIP are treated with antiviral therapy, it is important to consider IMHA as a possible cause of anemia in cats with FIP.

Different types of feline papillomaviruses (PVs) are associated with a variety of skin lesions and neoplasia, such as papillomas and cell carcinomas, but the virus can also be found in healthy skin. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of veterinary experts on feline infectious diseases from 11 European Countries, discusses the current knowledge of feline PV infections. Cats most likely become infected through lesions or abrasions of the skin. Most PV infections remain asymptomatic. Besides cat-specific PVs, DNA sequences most closely related to human and bovine PVs have been detected in feline skin lesions. Diagnosis is supported by the histological detection of PV-induced cell changes and intralesional detection of viral antigen (immunostaining) or viral DNA (in situ hybridization). Immunostaining of p16CDKN2A protein (p16) can be performed as a proxy marker for PV-induced neoplasms. There is no specific treatment for PV-induced skin lesions. Spontaneous regression commonly occurs. In the case of invasive squamous cell carcinoma (ISCC), complete excision should be considered, if possible.

Limited socialisation can contribute to the development of undesirable dog behaviours. The COVID-19 lockdown potentially limited socialisation opportunities, which may negatively impact the future behaviour of puppies raised during lockdown. Data were gathered from longitudinal study participants in the United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland via multiple questionnaires between May 2016 and November 2022. The impact of age and lockdown phase (pre-, during, and post-) on the types of socialisation experiences of 8-to-19-week-old puppies and the recency of socialisation experiences of approximately 6-month-old puppies were examined. Puppies under 19-weeks had significantly more types of socialisation experiences (from a predefined list) as they aged, and pre-lockdown compared to post-lockdown, but not between other lockdown phases. Most 6-month-old puppies had met a new adult or dog outside the household, a familiar dog, and/or a child within the last 1–7 days, and this was similar between lockdown phases. During lockdown, 6-month-old puppies experienced longer periods between meeting a new adult in their home. Puppies were hypothesised to have had fewer experiences during lockdown, but this was not found. However, the quantity and quality of these experiences may have been affected. Future research within this longitudinal study will explore relationships between the timing and type of experiences had by puppies and their subsequent behaviour.

Vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAEs), including feline injection-site sarcomas (FISSs), occur only rarely but can be severe. Understanding potential VAAEs is an important part of informed owner consent for vaccination. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of feline medicine experts, presents the current knowledge on VAAEs in cats, summarizing the literature and filling the gaps where scientific studies are missing with expert opinion to assist veterinarians in adopting the best vaccination practice. VAAEs are caused by an aberrant innate or adaptive immune reaction, excessive local reactions at the inoculation site, an error in administration, or failure in the manufacturing process. FISS, the most severe VAAE, can develop after vaccinations or injection of other substances. Although the most widely accepted hypothesis is that chronic inflammation triggers malignant transformation, the pathogenesis of FISS is not yet fully understood. No injectable vaccine is risk-free, and therefore, vaccination should be performed as often as necessary, but as infrequently as possible. Vaccines should be brought to room temperature prior to administration and injected at sites in which FISS surgery would likely be curative; the interscapular region should be avoided. Post-vaccinal monitoring is essential.

Objectives Feline herpesvirus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and Chlamydia felis are common causes of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in cats. Their prevalence in the UK pet cat population has not been reported and little is known regarding the risk factors for their oral carriage. Methods Total nucleic acid was extracted from owner‐collected buccal swabs (n=600) from cats enrolled in a self‐selected longitudinal cohort study. Duplex quantitative PCRs for the detection of FHV and C. felis genomic DNA and reverse‐transcriptase quantitative PCRs for the detection of FCV genomic RNA were performed. Duplicates, swabs with insufficient host DNA/RNA, and cats with missing data were excluded. Selected epidemiological data were interrogated using univariable and multi‐variable logistic regression modelling to identify risk factors. Results Data from 430 cats were included in the final statistical model. Of these, 2.1% (n=9/430; 95% CI 1.0% to 3.9%) were positive for FHV, 13.3% (n=57/430; 95% CI 10.2% to 16.8%) positive for FCV and 1.2% (n=5/430; 95% CI 0.4% to 2.7%) positive for C. felis . FCV co‐infection was present in five (44%) FHV‐positive cats and three (60%) C. felis ‐positive cats. FCV carriage was more frequent in purebred cats (odds ratio 2.48; 95% CI 1.37 to 4.49) and in cats with current or historical clinical signs compatible with URTD (odds ratio 2.98; 95% CI 1.22 to 7.27). Clinical Significance FCV was the most frequently encountered URTD pathogen in this sample of cats; this should be noted for disinfectant choice. In cats suspected of having FHV or C. felis infection, assessment for co‐infection with FCV is recommended.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a ubiquitous RNA virus of cats, which is transmitted faeco-orally. In these guidelines, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) presents a comprehensive review of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FCoV is primarily an enteric virus and most infections do not cause clinical signs, or result in only enteritis, but a small proportion of FCoV-infected cats develop FIP. The pathology in FIP comprises a perivascular phlebitis that can affect any organ. Cats under two years old are most frequently affected by FIP. Most cats present with fever, anorexia, and weight loss; many have effusions, and some have ocular and/or neurological signs. Making a diagnosis is complex and ABCD FIP Diagnostic Approach Tools are available to aid veterinarians. Sampling an effusion, when present, for cytology, biochemistry, and FCoV RNA or FCoV antigen detection is very useful diagnostically. In the absence of an effusion, fine-needle aspirates from affected organs for cytology and FCoV RNA or FCoV antigen detection are helpful. Definitive diagnosis usually requires histopathology with FCoV antigen detection. Antiviral treatments now enable recovery in many cases from this previously fatal disease; nucleoside analogues (e.g., oral GS-441524) are very effective, although they are not available in all countries.

Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF) is a distinctive clinicopathological entity that primarily, but not exclusively, affects the gastrointestinal tract and associated lymph nodes. The condition is characterised by predominantly eosinophilic inflammation associated with a varied degree of fibroplasia, which together form a mass. Since the first reports more than 10 years ago, the number of cases has slowly increased, although FGESF is still considered a relatively uncommon differential for an abdominal mass. The aim of this study was to identify and characterise a large cohort of cases diagnosed as FGESF via biopsy. Cats with a diagnosis of FGESF based on histopathology samples submitted to a large commercial diagnostic laboratory between

Objectives Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease that arises due to feline coronavirus infection. The nucleoside analogues remdesivir and GS-441524 can be effective in its treatment, but most studies have used unregulated products of unknown composition. The aim of the present study was to describe the treatment of FIP using legally sourced veterinary-prescribed regulated veterinary compounded products containing known amounts of remdesivir (injectable) or GS-441524 (oral tablets). Methods Cats were recruited via email advice services, product sales contacts and study publicity. Cats were excluded if they were deemed unlikely to have FIP, were not treated exclusively with the veterinary compounded products, or if there was a lack of cat and/or treatment (including response) data. Extensive cat and treatment data were collected. Results Among the 307 cats recruited, the predominant type of FIP was most commonly abdominal effusive (49.5%) and then neurological (14.3%). Three treatment protocols were used; remdesivir alone (33.9%), remdesivir followed by GS-441524 (55.7%) and GS-441524 alone (10.4%). The median (range) initial treatment period duration and longest follow-up time point after starting treatment were 84 (1–330) days and 248 (1–814) days, respectively. The most common side effect was injection pain (in 47.8% of those given subcutaneous remdesivir). Of the 307 cats, 33 (10.8%) relapsed, 15 (45.5%) during and 18 (54.5%) after the initial treatment period. At the longest follow-up time point after completion of the initial treatment period, 84.4% of cats were alive. The cats achieving a complete response within 30 days of starting treatment were significantly more likely to be alive at the end of the initial treatment period than those cats that did not. Conclusions and relevance Legally sourced remdesivir and GS-441524 products, either alone or used sequentially, were very effective in the treatment of FIP in this group of cats. Variable protocols precluded statistical comparison of treatment regimens.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was first isolated in 2012 from stray cats in Hong Kong. It has been found in association with tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN), the most common cause of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, viral host spectrum and virus tropism go beyond the domestic cat and kidney tissues. The viral genetic diversity of FeMV is extensive, but it is not known if this is clinically relevant. Urine and kidney tissues have been widely tested in attempts to confirm associations between FeMV infection and renal disease, but samples from both healthy and sick cats can test positive and some cross-sectional studies have not found associations between FeMV infection and CKD. There is also evidence for acute kidney injury following infection with FeMV. The results of prevalence studies differ greatly depending on the population tested and methodologies used for detection, but worldwide distribution of FeMV has been shown. Experimental studies have confirmed previous field observations that higher viral loads are present in the urine compared to other tissues, and renal TIN lesions associated with FeMV antigen have been demonstrated, alongside virus lymphotropism and viraemia-associated lymphopenia. Longitudinal field studies have revealed persistent viral shedding in urine, although infection can be cleared spontaneously.

Owners' understanding of dog behaviour influences dog welfare. This study aimed to investigate owners' experiences of living with dogs and perceptions of dog behaviour/behaviour change. Data from an ongoing UK/ROI longitudinal study of dogs were used. Open-ended survey data (n = 3577 comments, n = 1808 dogs) when dogs were 12/16 weeks (data combined), 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were analysed to cover the dog's puppyhood/adolescence. To evaluate the usefulness of open-ended survey questions, both quantitative textual and qualitative thematic analyses were employed. Textual analysis identified an overall positive sentiment at all timepoints; the proportion of positive: negative sentiments increased with the dog's age. Words related to 'love' were the most frequent descriptors at all but the first timepoint, when 'bite' was the most frequent descriptor. Qualitative analysis helped to identify that owners attribute dog behaviour to 'Dog's biology', 'Personality/deliberate action' and 'External influences'. Analysis of open-ended survey responses helped to identify changes in perception over time. When dogs were young, owners described problematic behaviours as 'mischievous', unintentional and context-specific. Similar behaviours shown by older dogs were seen as 'deliberate'. Both positive and negative experiences of dog ownership were identified. However, as not all respondents answered open-ended questions, the generalisability of our findings is limited.

Hemoplasma infections are erythrocytic infections in both cats and dogs but are more common, and more often associated with disease, in cats. Mycoplasma haemofelis is the most pathogenic species in cats, causing hemolytic anemia and fever in immunocompetent hosts, whereas Mycoplasma haemocanis usually only results in hemolytic anemia in splenectomized or immunocompromised dogs. Diagnosis is by polymerase chain reaction on blood samples because cytology is unreliable. Prompt treatment of clinical disease with supportive care and at least 2 weeks of doxycycline is usually successful. Transmission pathways have not been confirmed, but indirect, via vectors, and direct via bites/fights/predation are likely.

Abstract Feline TB: diagnosing the hidden monster Understand the presentations of TB in cats Identify findings on routine diagnostics Understand the advanced diagnostics available for diagnosis of TB Feline TB: approaches to management What are the standard therapies for TB When should euthanasia be considered What are the real risks of zoonosis

Background There is limited information about feline leishmaniosis (FeL) management in clinical practice. Leishmania infantum is the species of Leishmania most frequently reported in both dogs and cats in countries of the Mediterranean region (henceforth ‘Mediterranean countries’), Central and South America, and Iran. This study was conducted to provide veterinary clinicians with an updated overview of evidence-based information on leishmaniosis in cats. Methods A review was performed using PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Case reports of FeL caused by L. infantum were sought for the period 1912 to 1 June 2021. Results Sixty-three case reports are included in this review. Fifty-nine out of the 63 cats were from Europe, mostly from Mediterranean countries (88.9%). Most of them were domestic short-haired cats (90%) with a mean age of 7.9 years, and had access to the outdoors (77.3%). Sixty-six percent of the cats had comorbidities, of which feline immunodeficiency virus infection was the most frequent (37.7%). Dermatological lesions (69.8%) was the most frequent clinical sign, and hyperproteinemia (46.3%) the most frequent clinicopathological abnormality. Serology was the most performed diagnostic method (76.2%) and was positive for 93.7% of cats. Medical treatment was applied in 71.4% of cats, and allopurinol was the most used drug (74.4%). Survival time was greater for treated cats (520 days; 71.4% of cats) than non-treated cats (210 days; 25.4%). Conclusions The majority of the cats had comorbidities, of which feline immunodeficiency virus was the most frequent. Dermatological lesions were frequently reported, and systemic clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities were also common. Serology may be useful for the diagnosis of FeL in clinical practice, and a positive titer of ≥ 1/40 may be a useful cut-off for sick cats. The reported treatments and dosages varied, but there was a good clinical response and longer survival in most of the cats treated with allopurinol monotherapy. Graphical abstract

BACKGROUND:Surgical neutering of dogs is common, however the average age that dogs reach sexual maturity, are neutered, and dog owners' attitudes to neutering in the UK and the Republic of Ireland have not been explored in a longitudinal study.METHODS:Owner-reported data on the timing of the first oestrus, timing of neutering and the reasons given for neutering dogs by 12 and 15 months of age were summarised. Factors associated with neutering at 15 months and factors associated with intention to neuter were quantified using multivariable logistic regression.RESULTS:At 15 months of age, 90.0% (n = 207/230) of unneutered females had had their first oestrus. By 7, 9, 12 and 15 months of age, 22.1% (n = 131/593), 32.2% (197/593), 45.4% (n = 269/593) and 59.9% (n = 352/593) of dogs were neutered, respectively. Breed purity, dog's source, owners' intentions to neuter and the number of dogs in the household were associated with neuter status at age 15 months. Dog's sex, Kennel Club registration, dog's source, dogs intended to be working dogs and previous dog ownership were associated with intentions to neuter. Preventing puppies was the most common reason for neutering.CONCLUSION:Understanding factors that shape owners' intentions to neuter can inform owner-vet discussions regarding whether to neuter a dog and the optimal age for doing so.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common pathogen in domestic cats that is highly contagious, resistant to many disinfectants and demonstrates a high genetic variability. FCV infection can lead to serious or even fatal diseases. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of experts in feline medicine from 11 European countries, presents the current knowledge of FCV infection and fills gaps with expert opinions. FCV infections are particularly problematic in multicat environments. FCV-infected cats often show painful erosions in the mouth and mild upper respiratory disease and, particularly in kittens, even fatal pneumonia. However, infection can be associated with chronic gingivostomatitis. Rarely, highly virulent FCV variants can induce severe systemic disease with epizootic spread and high mortality. FCV can best be detected by reverse-transcriptase PCR. However, a negative result does not rule out FCV infection and healthy cats can test positive. All cats should be vaccinated against FCV (core vaccine); however, vaccination protects cats from disease but not from infection. Considering the high variability of FCV, changing to different vaccine strain(s) may be of benefit if disease occurs in fully vaccinated cats. Infection-induced immunity is not life-long and does not protect against all strains; therefore, vaccination of cats that have recovered from caliciviral disease is recommended.