2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Whole blood samples (n = 292) were obtained from cats that presented to the Iowa State University feral cat trap-neuterrelease program from August 2012-April 2014. Cats were of variable health status. Caretakers of the cats signed a waiver for blood (1 mL) to be drawn for minimal laboratory and infectious disease screening, including PCR for C. felis. All samples were negative for C. felis. Since C. felis is an emerging infectious disease, continued surveillance is prudent. As the range of A. americanum continues to expand, veterinarians in Iowa and other states that border C. felis enzootic areas must remain vigilant for prompt diagnosis and treatment of patients. A role for type A Clostridium perfringens in acute hemorrhagic and necrotizing gastroenteritis in dogs and in necrotizing enterocolitis in foals has long been suspected but not confirmed and characterized.