title: A pilot study using synthetic feline facial pheromone for the management of feline idiopathic cystitis.
abstract: Synthetic feline facial pheromone (FFP) (Feliway; Ceva Animal Health) was assessed for the management of cats with recurrent feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Nine of 12 cats completed the randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study. They had their environment treated daily with either FFP or placebo for 2 months, after which time the treatment groups were reversed. Owners used visual analogue scales to define the severity of their cat's clinical signs and behavioural changes. Five (56%) of the owners stated that their cat's overall health was better when they were using FFP. Four (44%) of the owners noticed no difference between when using the FFP and when using the placebo. While there were no statistical differences between the two treatment groups there was a trend for the cats exposed to FFP to show fewer days with clinical signs of cystitis (FFP total, mean per cat+/-standard deviation, 30, 4.3+/-6.7; placebo 69, 9.9+/-19.1), a lower overall clinical score (1667, 238+/-476; 2009, 287+/-425), a reduced number of episodes of cystitis (9, 1.3+/-2.0; 10, 1.4+/-2.1) and reduced negative behavioural traits (e.g., less aggression and fear) (-128, -18.3+/-65.8; -73, -10.4+/-35.1).
authors.affiliation: Royal (Dick) School for Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh Hospital for Small Animals, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, EH25 9RG, UK. Danielle.Gunn-Moore@ed.ac.uk
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Gunn-Moore
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Cameron
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002415:Cats; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003556:Cystitis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004609:Eliminative Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000662:veterinary; D010675:Pheromones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010675:Pheromones