Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a debilitating disease for cats, leading to severe consequences on the animal health.
Moreover, it takes also a toll on the mental fitness of owners, who often feel shocked and unprepared to deal with the condition.
A large body of research has been collected on the topic, and in this week’s edition Jonathan Elliot and colleagues bring to the point the role of FGF23, a growth factor produced by Osteocytes.
This underlines once again the role that studying and modelling diseases with a multi-organ approach has in understanding the disease itself.
And of course, in finding diagnostic and therapeutic solutions as well.
Enjoy this week’s newsletter!
In Vitro
Preliminary Study on the Effects of Cannabidiol and Terpenes on Lymphocytes from Atopic and Healthy Dogs
The study by Jani and colleagues from the University of Florida , USA, explores how certain compounds derived from cannabis and plants affect immune cells (lymphocytes) in dogs, particularly those with allergies (atopic) compared to healthy dogs. The research aimed to understand how cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and β-caryophyllene influence lymphocytes, which are crucial for the immune response. This is particularly relevant for dogs with atopic dermatitis, a common allergic condition. The study involved taking lymphocytes from both atopic and healthy dogs and exposing them to different concentrations of CBD, CBDA, and β-caryophyllene in a controlled laboratory setting (in vitro). Researchers then measured the effects on cell activity and function.
The results indicated that these compounds could modulate the activity of lymphocytes. Specifically, they showed potential anti-inflammatory effects, which might help in managing allergic reactions in dogs. The compounds appeared to influence how immune cells respond to allergens, which is beneficial for atopic dogs. This preliminary study suggests that CBD, CBDA, and β- caryophyllene may have therapeutic potential for treating allergic conditions in dogs by affecting immune cell behavior. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore their practical applications in veterinary medicine.
Jani, T., D. Santoro and J. Shmalberg. Investigation of the in vitro effects of cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid, and the terpene β-caryophyllene on lymphocytes harvested from atopic and healthy dogs: A preliminary study, Research in Veterinary Science, Volume 182, 2025, 105483, ISSN 0034-5288, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105483.
Diagnostics & Biomarkers
YKL-40 Levels in Canine Mast Cell Tumors: Prognostic Importance
The study by Kuo and colleagues from the 國立臺灣科技大學 , Taiwan, investigates the role of a protein called YKL-40 in predicting the outcomes for dogs with mast cell tumors, which are common skin cancers in dogs. YKL-40 is a protein that is often associated with inflammation and cancer. The study examines how its levels in the blood relate to the severity and progression of mast cell tumors in dogs. Researchers collected blood samples from 82 dogs diagnosed with various types of cancer, including mast cell tumors, and compared their YKL-40 levels to those of 20 healthy dogs.
Dogs with cancer had significantly higher levels of YKL-40 compared to healthy dogs. Among dogs with mast cell tumors, those with higher YKL-40 levels were more likely to experience tumor relapse or metastasis (spread of cancer) after treatment. Specifically, dogs with YKL-40 levels above 180 pg/mL had much higher rates of relapse (67.5%) and metastasis (42.5%) than those with lower levels. The study suggests that measuring YKL-40 levels could help veterinarians assess the prognosis for dogs with mast cell tumors.
Kuo, CC., Huang, WH., Yang, SY. et al. Prognostic significance of YKL-40 expression in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors. BMC Vet Res 20, 537 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04385-1
Clinical
Alopecia Linked to Cancer in a Cat with Apocrine Adenocarcinoma
Lupion and colleagues from the Veterinary Hospital in Feevale, Campo Bom, Brazil, investigated a rare case of hair loss (alopecia) in a cat that is believed to be related to an underlying cancer, specifically apocrine gland adenocarcinoma. Apocrine gland adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that affects the sweat glands and can occur in various locations on a cat’s body, including the anal sac. It is known to be relatively uncommon in cats but can lead to significant health issues.
The study details the condition of a specific cat diagnosed with this type of cancer, which exhibited alopecia as a potential paraneoplastic syndrome. Paraneoplastic syndromes are conditions caused by cancer that can affect different body systems, including skin changes. The cat showed notable hair loss, which prompted further investigation into the relationship between the alopecia and the cancer. This case highlights how certain tumors can lead to systemic effects that manifest as skin problems. The findings suggest that alopecia in this cat could be linked to the cancer, emphasizing the need for veterinarians to consider underlying malignancies when presented with unusual skin conditions in pets.
Lupion, C. G., Bazotti, M. S., Dos Santos, I. R., Pavarini, S. P., Trindade-Gerardi, A. B., & Gerardi, D. G. (2024). Putative paraneoplastic alopecia in a cat with apocrine adenocarcinoma. Veterinary dermatology, 10.1111/vde.13313. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13313
Review of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23: Its Role in Phosphate Balance in Cats
The study by Jonathan Elliot from the Royal Veterinary College , United Kingdom, examines the role of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in managing phosphate levels in cats, particularly how it affects their overall health. The study discusses how phosphate homeostasis involves multiple organs, including the kidneys, bones, and intestines. FGF23 works alongside other hormones, such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitriol (active vitamin D), to control how much phosphate is absorbed from food and how much is excreted by the kidneys. In healthy cats, FGF23 helps prevent excessive phosphate buildup, which can lead to health issues. It signals the kidneys to excrete more phosphate when levels are high and reduces its absorption from the diet.
The review also highlights how disruptions in FGF23 levels can contribute to health problems, particularly in conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD). In CKD, phosphate levels can become elevated, leading to complications such as mineral imbalances and soft tissue calcification. Understanding FGF23’s role is important for managing feline health, especially in older cats or those with kidney issues. Monitoring FGF23 levels could help veterinarians assess and treat conditions related to phosphate imbalance more effectively.
Elliott, J. and P.K. Tang. Fibroblast growth factor 23 – A review with particular reference to the physiology and pathophysiology of phosphate homeostasis in the cat. The Veterinary Journal, Volume 309, 2025, 106271, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106271.
Pilot Study on the Quality of Life Benefits of Donor Cat Stem Cells for Osteoarthritis in Cats
The study by Mitani et al. from J-ARM Co., Ltd., Japan, explores the potential benefits of using stem cells derived from fat tissue to improve the quality of life in cats suffering from osteoarthritis. The research aimed to assess whether injections of allogeneic (donor-derived) adipose mesenchymal stem cells could alleviate symptoms and enhance the overall well-being of cats with osteoarthritis. The study involved administering stem cell treatments to a group of cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The researchers monitored changes in pain levels, mobility, and overall quality of life after the treatment.
Preliminary results indicated that the stem cell therapy had a positive impact on the cats’ quality of life. Many cats showed improvements in pain management and increased activity levels, suggesting that stem cells can help repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. This pilot study supports the idea that allogeneic adipose mesenchymal stem cells could be a promising treatment option for osteoarthritis in cats, potentially leading to better pain control and improved mobility. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish long-term effects.
Mitani, K., Ito, Y., Takene, Y., & @Inaba, T. (2024). Evaluation of the quality of life-enhancing effect of allogeneic feline adipose mesenchymal stem cells in cats with osteoarthritis: A pilot study. Research in veterinary science, 182, 105470. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105470
