ABSTRACT OF THE WEEK

Journal of veterinary internal medicine/ American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Volume 38 | Issue 4 (2024 Jul-Aug)

Value of repeated health screening in 259 apparently healthy mature adult and senior cats followed for 2 years.

J Vet Intern Med. 2024 Jul-Aug;38(4):2089 - 2098.

Femke Mortier¹, Sylvie Daminet², Sofie Marynissen³, Pascale Smets⁴, Dominique Paepe⁵

¹ Small Animal Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.; ² Small Animal Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.; ³ Small Animal Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.; ⁴ Small Animal Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.; ⁵ Small Animal Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Although regular health screening is recommended, long-term follow-up data in healthy aged cats are lacking.

OBJECTIVES:Determine the most common conditions in a large group of apparently healthy older cats and which diseases are manifested within 2 years in cats confirmed to be healthy based on extensive health screening.

ANIMALS:Client-owned cats.

METHODS:Prospective study. Thorough history, physical examination, blood tests, and urinalysis were performed in 259 apparently healthy mature adult (7-10 years) and senior (>10 years) cats. Semi-annual follow-up examinations were performed in 201 confirmed healthy cats.

RESULTS:At baseline, 21% of apparently healthy cats were not considered healthy but were diagnosed with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) ≥ stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD; 7.7%) or hyperthyroidism (4.6%), among other disorders. Disease occurred significantly more frequently in senior cats compared with mature adult cats. In addition, 40% cats were overweight, 35% had moderate to severe dental disease, and 22% had abnormal cardiac auscultation findings. Within 2 years, 28% of mature adult and 54% of senior cats that were confirmed healthy at inclusion developed new diseases, most commonly IRIS ≥ stage 2 CKD (cumulative incidence, 13.4%), hyperthyroidism (8.5%), chronic enteropathy, hepatopathy or pancreatitis (7.5%), or neoplasia (7%).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:The high prevalence and 2-year incidence of physical examination abnormalities and systemic diseases in apparently healthy older cats argue for regular health screening in cats ≥7 years of age. Although more common in senior cats, occult disease also occurs in mature adult cats, and owners should be informed accordingly.

Keywords

chronic kidney disease; feline; geriatric; hyperthyroidism; incidence; prevalence;

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Grants:

BOF.STG.2019.0013.01 Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds UGent

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