Welfare of cats 5-29 months after perineal urethrostomy: 74 cases (2015-2017).

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term quality of life in cats following perineal urethrostomy.

Methods: This study comprised a retrospective case series of 74 cats with urinary obstructions that received perineal urethrostomies at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Hospital between September 2015 and July 2017. Medical records were reviewed for information on the number of obstructions prior to surgery, urinary tract problems at the time of surgery and other potential factors influencing long-term welfare.

Assessment of owner willingness to treat or manage diseases of dogs and cats as a guide to shelter animal adoptability.

Objective: To determine community approaches to medical and behavioral diseases in dogs and cats.

Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Sample: 97 companion animal veterinarians and 424 animal owners.

The emerging role of Wolbachia species in heartworm disease.

Heartworm disease was first recognized in dogs more than 100 years ago and is still prevalent among dogs and found in cats worldwide. The complications of heartworm disease can be devastating, and treatment carries risks. Wolbachia spp are gram-negative bacteria that infect filarial nematodes, including Dirofilaria immitis, and elicit an inflammatory response in cats and dogs.