Uncontrolled study assessing the impact of a psyllium-enriched extruded dry diet on faecal consistency in cats with constipation.

Two field trials, involving 66 cats (15 trial 1; 51 trial 2) were conducted to assess the efficacy of a psyllium-enriched diet for management of constipation in cats. After investigations and faecal evacuation (by enema if required), all cats were fed on a moderate fibre, psyllium-enriched, dry extruded diet. Additional therapy was either not used (trial 1), or initially allowed but was subsequently withdrawn if possible (trial 2). The diet was well tolerated, and palatability was excellent. Most cases improved after initial therapy (at 2 months; trial 1: 14/15 [93%]; trial 2: 42/51 [82%]), and faecal consistency improved significantly in both trials (P < 0.001). Use of cisapride and lactulose decreased significantly in trial 2 (P < 0.001 for both). The diets used in these pilot studies were efficient in the management of recurrent feline constipation. Randomised control trials are now recommended to examine whether a clinical benefit can be proven.

Evaluation of the Logan & Boyce plaque index for the study of dental plaque accumulation in dogs.

The objectives of this study were to assess intra-examiner (experienced examiner) and inter-examiner agreements (experienced versus non-experienced examiners) of scores assessed with the Logan & Boyce plaque index and to evaluate whether a modification of this index, where anatomical landmarks are used for horizontal division [mod L&B-AL] and dye references are used for assessing intensity of dye (plaque thickness) [mod L&B-DR], would improve repeatability. The Logan & Boyce index was found to be inaccurate when scoring plaque coverage as it underestimated the total crown surface. The contribution of the gingival part to the total tooth score was minimized by the Logan & Boyce index compared to the mod L&B-AL/DR. Precision of global plaque scorings was significantly improved by the mod L&B-AL/DR. Intra-examiner agreement of plaque thickness and plaque coverage scorings on the gingival part of the tooth was significantly improved by the mod L&B-AL/DR. Studies evaluating plaque accumulation in dogs should therefore use the mod L&B-AL/DR rather than the Logan & Boyce index.