Rational use of gastroprotectants in cats: An evidence-based approach.

Practical Relevance: Acid-related disorders including esophagitis and gastroduodenal ulceration are uncommon in the cat. However, when they occur, they can have devastating consequences and require targeted intervention, including the use of gastroprotectants. Careful consideration of the causes of esophagitis and gastroduodenal ulceration can help the clinician to determine which gastroprotectant to use, and when to begin and end gastroprotective therapy.

Fecal microbiota and concentrations of long-chain fatty acids, sterols, and unconjugated bile acids in cats with chronic enteropathy.

Feline chronic enteropathies (FCE) are common causes of chronic gastrointestinal signs in cats and include different diseases such as food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITL). Although changes in intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolites have been reported in dogs and humans with chronic enteropathy, research in cats has been limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the fecal microbiota and lipid-related fecal metabolites in cats with FCE to a clinically healthy comparison group (CG).

Characterization of the Fecal Microbiome in Dogs Receiving Medical Management for Congenital Portosystemic Shunts.

Background: The GI microbiome has not been characterized in dogs being medically managed for congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS).

Objectives: To characterize the fecal microbiome in a population of dogs being medically managed for CPSS.

Animals: 27 client-owned dogs.

Efficacy of the broad-spectrum antiviral compound BCX4430 against Zika virus in cell culture and in a mouse model.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is currently undergoing pandemic emergence. While disease is typically subclinical, severe neurologic manifestations in fetuses and newborns after congenital infection underscore an urgent need for antiviral interventions. The adenosine analog BCX4430 has broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of RNA viruses, including potent in vivo activity against yellow fever, Marburg and Ebola viruses.

Evaluation of the effect of orally administered acid suppressants on intragastric pH in cats.

Background: Acid suppressant drugs are a mainstay of treatment for cats with gastrointestinal erosion and ulceration. However, clinical studies have not been performed to compare the efficacy of commonly PO administered acid suppressants in cats.

Hypothesis/objectives: To compare the effect of PO administered famotidine, fractionated omeprazole tablet (fOT), and omeprazole reformulated paste (ORP) on intragastric pH in cats.