Abstract
Retrospective Study Of Feline Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia Based On Histopathology Submissions To A Diagnostic Laboratory
1Histopathology Department, Finn Pathologists, Diss, UK
2School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
Email:
Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF) is a distinctive clinicopathological entity that primarily, but not exclusively, affects the gastrointestinal tract and associated lymph nodes. The condition is characterised by predominantly eosinophilic inflammation associated with a varied degree of fibroplasia, which together form a mass. Since the first reports more than 10 years ago, the number of cases has slowly increased, although FGESF is still considered a relatively uncommon differential for an abdominal mass. The aim of this study was to identify and characterise a large cohort of cases diagnosed as FGESF via biopsy.
Cats with a diagnosis of FGESF based on histopathology samples submitted to a large commercial diagnostic laboratory between February 2014 and December 2022 were identified by searching the database for the keywords ‘eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia’. This retrieved 102 ‘hits’, for which the histopathology reports were reviewed and 78 cases were deemed suitable for inclusion in this study. The signalment of the cats, the anatomical location of the lesion(s), any clinical history on the submission form and any concurrent findings were recorded.
The median age of cases was 8 years, 11 months and slightly more male (62%) than female cats were affected. The Ragdoll and Birman breeds appeared more frequently affected compared with the background breed prevalence. The most common sites for lesions were the mesenteric lymph nodes, the root of the mesentery, the stomach (often the pylorus) and the ileocaecocolic junction. More unusual sites included the rectum, caecum and perirenal lymph node, and some cases had more than one lesion. Reported clinical signs varied widely, and included a palpable mass, vomiting, diarrhoea, anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, jaundice, lymphadenomegaly, rectal prolapse, lethargy, pyrexia, weight loss, anorexia/hyporexia and obstruction. In a small proportion of cases, bacteria were identified, with a range of different organisms seen. These results are generally supportive of previous published findings, and represent a large cohort of cases, potentially setting the stage for further in-depth studies into the underlying aetiopathogenesis of this intriguing feline disease entity.
Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia In Cats With Feline Infectious Peritonitis
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
2Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
3Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, UK
4Linnaeus Veterinary, Solihull, West Midlands, UK
5The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK
6Independent researcher, San Jose, CA, USA
7Woodcroft Veterinary Group, Handforth, Wilmslow, UK
8Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic, Little Rock, AR, USA
Email:
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by feline coronaviruses. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) arises due to immune-mediated erythrocyte destruction and can be non-associative (primary) or associative with disease processes such as FIP (secondary).
Medical records were reviewed to find cats with FIP and associative IMHA based on exclusion of other causes of anemia and a positive saline agglutination test or Coombs test.
The inclusion criteria were met for five cats with non-effusive FIP and two cats with effusive FIP. The mean hematocrit at presentation was 14.1% and anemia was non-regenerative in 5/6 cats with low reticulocyte counts. Two of the seven cats had concurrent thrombocytopenia, and anemia associated with congestive heart failure was suspected in one cat.
Blood transfusions were administered to five cats. All cats were treated with nucleoside analogs and glucocorticoids. For two cats, glucocorticoids were added 14-38 days later after anemia persisted with antiviral therapy alone. One of the seven cats was euthanized due to FIP. Long-term FIP remission occurred in five cats and one cat relapsed after 8 months. Long-term IMHA remission was achieved for three cats, one cat relapsed with IMHA twice despite being in FIP remission, one cat relapsed with IMHA when FIP relapsed and one cat never achieved IMHA remission despite being in FIP remission.
Although FIP is an uncommon cause of associative IMHA, as more cats with FIP are successfully treated with antiviral therapy, it is important to consider IMHA as a possible cause of anemia with FIP.
Factors Associated With Leishmania Infantum Infection In Italian Cats
1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
2Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
3Dipartimento di Prevenzione UOC Sanita Animale, Igiene degli Allevamenti e delle Produzioni Zootecniche, ASL Latina, Italy
Email:
Between 2020 and 2023, Leishmania infantum infection was investigated in 1262 cats using an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) (n = 1232) and real-time PCR (qPCR) on blood (n = 764) and lymph node aspirates (n = 296). Cats with an IFAT titre ^1:80 and/or positive qPCR were considered infected. The season of sampling, origin (north, central and south Italy), lifestyle (owned, stray, shelter), breed (European or not), hair length (short, medium/long hair), sex (male, female), neuter status (intact, neutered), age (kitten, adult, senior), prophylaxis against ectoparasites (none, regular, irregular), outdoor access (indoor, outdoor, indoor/outdoor), cohabitation with dogs, clinical status (weight loss, ocular and cutaneous signs, lymphadenomegaly) and retroviral status (feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV] and feline leukaemia virus [FeLV] seropositivity) were evaluated as potential risk or protective factors for infection.
Of the 1262 cats, 98 (7.8%) were infected, 2.9%, 0.3% and 4.6% in north, central and south Italy, respectively, with a seropositivity rate of 6.5% and qPCR detection rate of 3.6%. The median IFAT titre was 1:80 (range 1:80-1:2560), and the median parasite load was 20 Leishmania/ml in blood (range 5-84,400) and 25 in lymph node (range 6-60). Logistic regression analysis found risk factors for infection were sampling in autumn (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.7-5.7, P = 0.0002) and winter (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1-6.3, P = 0.0212), and FIV seropositivity (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.7, P = 0.0233), while origin from central Italy was a protective factor (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.05-0.6, P = 0.0061).
Feline L infantum infection is an emerging disease that is commonly detected at high levels in Italian cats, including in asymptomatic cats from areas not considered endemic, such as northern Italy. Some infected cats showed parasitaemia with a high parasite load, especially immediately after the season of activity for the sandfly vector.
Assessment Of Left Ventricular-Arterial Coupling By Echocardiography In Cats With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Email:
Ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) is the interaction between the ventricle and the arterial system, and an indicator of cardiovascular performance. It is estimated by the ratio between effective arterial elastance (Ea) and left ventricular end-systolic elastance (Ees). Inappropriate VAC has been associated with more advanced heart disease severity and a poorer prognosis. However, no study has been performed on VAC in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is the most prevalent feline cardiac disease. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to explore the echocardiographically estimated VAC in cats with HCM. Data on 39 healthy cats and 77 cats diagnosed with HCM were included. The HCM group was further divided into stage B1 (n = 19), B2 (n = 17) and C (n = 41) according to consensus guidelines from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Echocardiographic profiles of each cat were then used to estimate the Ea and Ees to calculate the VAC index (see table).
The VAC value of cats in the HCM stage B2 group was significantly different from that of the healthy control group (P <0.001) and the HCM stage C group (P = 0.006). A decrease in VAC from healthy cats to HCM stage B1, possibly due to left ventricular stiffness from hypertrophy, may aid in differentiating between the two stages. VAC had a strong negative correlation with fractional shortening (P <0.001, r = -0.691), a moderate positive correlation with left ventricular internal diameter (P <0.001, r = 0.358) and a weak negative correlation with the thickness of both the interventricular septum (P = 0.007, r = -0.249) and left ventricular free wall (P = 0.012, r = -0.231), indicating that there is a correlation between VAC and ventricular wall thickening in HCM.
VAC determined by echocardiography
Different superscripts indicate differences in VAC value between the groups (P < 0.05)
VAC = ventricular–arterial coupling; Ea = arterial elastance; Ees = end-systolic elastance; HCM = hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Epidemiology Of Pathogenic Retroviruses And Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus In Client-Owned And Free-Roaming Cats In Hong Kong
Yan Ru Choi1, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann2, Omid Nekouei3, Vanessa R Barrs1,
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences & Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
2Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
3Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Email:
Feline patients comprise 40% of veterinary consultations in Hong Kong. Understanding the threat posed by feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) requires local data. Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), an emerging hepatitis B-like virus linked to liver disease, is reported in 11% of client-owned cats in Hong Kong but its molecular prevalence in free-roaming cats is unknown. This study investigated the serological prevalence of FeLV and FIV in client-owned cats and in cats enrolled in a trap-neuter-release (TNR) programme, and the molecular prevalence of DCH in TNR cats, in Hong Kong.
Residual blood samples were stored at -80°C and age, sex and source were recorded. Results of retrovirus serology (performed using IDEXX SNAP Combo) and DCH real-time PCR (qPCR) were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Among client-owned cats (n = 415, median age 121 months [range 2-254 months], male:female ratio 1.71:1), 5/415 (1.2%) tested FeLV p27 positive and 13/415 (3.1%) tested FIV antibody positive. Among TNR cats (n = 298, median age 18 months [range 5-96 months], male:female ratio 0.75:1), 0/298 (0%) tested FeLV p27 positive, 46/298 (15.4%) tested FIV antibody positive and 34/193 (17.6%) were positive for DCH by qPCR.
FeLV antigenaemia is uncommon in cats in Hong Kong and qPCR confirmation of positive p27 results is advised. Compared with other regions, TNR cats in Hong Kong acquire FIV at a relatively young age and infection frequency is high. The molecular prevalence of DCH is similar in TNR and client-owned cats in Hong Kong, and high compared with regions such as the USA and Japan.
Epidemiology Of Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus, Feline Leukaemia Virus And Feline Immunodeficiency Virus In Santiago, Chile
Yan Ru Choi1, Maria Paz Iturriaga2, Omid Nekouei3,
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences & Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
2Small Animal Unit, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Andres Bello University, Santiago, Chile
3Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Email:
Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) is an emerging hepatitis B-like virus that has been linked to feline liver disease in some studies. Global DCH molecular prevalence varies widely, from 1% to 18%, and retrovirus coinfection is a risk factor. DCH DNA detection is not yet reported in South America. This study investigated the epidemiology of DCH, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in cats in Santiago, Chile.
Residual diagnostic paired serum/blood samples were stored at -80°C. The age, sex, breed, health status, outdoor access and origin of cats were recorded. The integrity of extracted DNA was confirmed using glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase conventional PCR (cPCR). The results of DCH cPCR, retrovirus serology and FeLV real-time PCR (qPCR) were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test.
The study population (n = 126) comprised predominantly outbred (98%), neutered (96%) cats, with a median age of 7 years (range 1-21) and female:male ratio of 1.21:1. Of the cats, 2/126 (1.59%) tested positive for DCH, confirmed on sequencing; 10/126 (7.9%) tested positive for retrovirus; 4/126 (3.2%) were FIV antibody positive; and 8/126 (6.3%) were FeLV infected (p27 and qPCR), including 2/126 (1.59%) with dual FIV/FeLV infections. No DCH/retrovirus coinfections were identified. Of the 12 cats positive for any virus, 11 were male. The risk of retrovirus infection was higher in males than females (P = 0.005).
DCH is circulating among cats in Chile, with a low molecular frequency compared with Italy and Asia. Measures to control the spread of FeLV and FIV are indicated in this population.
Transient Babesia Gibsoni Infection In A Cat With Evans Syndrome
Angel Almendros, Yan Ru Choi, Pawel Beczkowski, Kerstin Baiker, Vanessa R Barrs,
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences & Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China Email: julia.beatty@cityu.edu.hk
The tick-borne haemoparasite Babesia gibsoni commonly infects dogs in Hong Kong, either subclinically or causing babesiosis, a haemolytic anaemia and/or thrombocytopenia and inflammatory syndrome. Among cats, <20 B gibsoni infections are documented in apparently healthy cats in China, Singapore and St Kitts.
A retrospective molecular study of Babesia species in cats in Hong Kong identified B gibsoni infection in a 6-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat presenting with signs consistent with babesiosis, including weakness, melaena, severe regenerative anaemia and thrombocytopenia. An in-saline agglutination test was positive, whereas retrovirus serology and haemotropic mycoplasma PCR were negative. Thoracic and abdominal imaging revealed only mild splenomegaly.
Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia of unknown aetiology (Evans syndrome) was diagnosed. B gibsoni DNA was detected in blood taken 24 h after presentation, using Babesia species 18S rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome B PCRs, sequencing and BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) analysis. This result was confirmed on repeat DNA extraction and PCR.
Following supportive treatment and glucocorticoids, the cat was clinically stable for 3 months, although reticulocytosis persisted. On day 158, subclinical thrombocytopenia was identified. On day 180, the cat collapsed and died. A necropsy revealed severe intestinal haemorrhage and hypocellular bone marrow with megakaryocytosis. DNA from samples stored on days 158 and 180 tested negative on PCR for Babesia species.
The geographical range of feline B gibsoni infection includes Hong Kong. Although babesiosis is linked to Evans syndrome in dogs, the role of B gibsoni in the clinical presentation of this case is unclear since parasitaemia was apparently cleared, despite iatrogenic immunosuppression, when signs recurred.
Clinicopathological Findings Inseven Cats With Neutrophilic And Ulcerative Bacterial Enteritis: A Case Series
1Department of Small Animal Internal Medicine, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK
2Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
3Department of Pathological Anatomy, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK
4Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA
Email:
This case series describes a potentially novel gut condition of cats, characterised by neutrophilic and ulcerative bacterial enteritis (NUBE). The seven cats included from different geographical locations were mostly young (median 95 months of age, range 10-180); breeds included domestic shorthair (4/7) and other purebreeds (3/7). Presenting complaints were chronic insidious weight loss, diarrhoea and inappetence.
Common findings included poor body condition (6/7), pyrexia (3/7), neutrophilia with left shift (3/7), hypoalbuminaemia (4/7) and hypocobalaminaemia (5/7). Abdominal ultrasound examination revealed enlarged lymph nodes (6/7), loss of intestinal layering (2/7) and marked thickening of ileal/ileocaecocolic gut segments (4/7), with subsequent intestinal obstruction in one cat. Extensive tests for infectious agents (eg, parasites, mycobacteria, feline coronavirus) or neoplasia did not reveal a cause. Histopathology of biopsies (mucosal in all cats, additional full thickness in 2/7) was consistent with chronic active neutrophilic (7/7) to pyogranulomatous (3/7) enteritis, with granulomas (2/7) and ulcerations of the epithelium (4/7). Periodic acid-Schiff stains were negative in 4/4 cats. Fluorescent in-situ hybridisation (FISH) revealed invasive and adherent bacteria in all cases (eubacterial probe in 7/7, probes specific for Clostridium species in 4/5 and Escherichia coli in 2/2).
Aside from surgical resections of obstructive granulomas, treatments administered were varied, including antibiotics, glucocorticoids, probiotics and faecal microbiota transplantations.
Overall, responses were poor, with 4/7 cats being euthanased within a median of 7 months. NUBE does not seem compatible with other feline gut diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, feline eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia or previously reported E coli-associated granulomatous colitis. FISH should be considered in cats with unusual ileal histopathology, particularly given the poor prognosis observed.
Novel Intervention For Cat Hoarding: 3-Year Follow-Up
1University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
2Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, RSPCA, Manchester, UK
3VetPartners, York, UK
Email:
This follow-up study of a novel intervention for hoarding carried out by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Greater Manchester Animal Hospital (GMAH) aimed to determine whether observed positive cat population and welfare changes endured over a 3-year period.
A total of 79 multi-cat households were identified by RSPCA inspectors and referred for the study. Criteria for inclusion were that households had been visited on at least one occasion following a public complaint and had five or more cats of breeding age, including at least one female.
All households underwent an initial visit by a veterinary surgeon and follow-up visits at 2 and 12 months. Approximately 3 years later, an RSPCA veterinary surgeon attempted to contact all 79 participants to conduct a telephone follow-up.
A total of 13 usable data sets were obtained and analysed for distribution. Descriptive statistics were compiled using Microsoft Excel and inferential statistics were calculated using GraphPad. A Fisher’s exact test was used to compare proportions, and the cut-off for significance was P = 0.05.
This study identified a 48.4% reduction in the number of cats living in the 13 households, from 213 to 103. Significant improvements were noted in owner adherence to an effective worming (P = 0.0036) and flea (P = 0.0414) treatment protocol when compared with initial visit data.
Findings suggest that veterinary home-based welfare interventions that focus on working collaboratively with multi-cat owners are effective in improving cat welfare in the long term. This study was limited by loss of households to follow-up, which was likely due to a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nature of the population under study.
This work was supported by funding from the Animal Welfare Foundation.
Frequency Of MDR1 (ABCB1) Variant In Cats
Laboklin, Bad Kissingen, Germany
Email:
The MDR1 gene, also known as ABCB1 , encodes for the drug transporter protein P-gp, which is an important component of the blood-brain barrier. Abnormal P-gp protein synthesis leads to the accumulation of certain medications in the brain, which result in signs of neurotoxicity after drug administration.
A canine MDR1 variant has been widely described in different breeds of dogs, including mixed breeds. Recent studies found an ABCB1 variant in cats with signs of neurotoxicity.
The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of this variant, namely ABCB11930_ 1931delTC, in different cat breeds. A total of 200 cats, including 174 Maine Coon cats and 26 cats of different breeds, such as Norwegian Forest Cat, British Shorthair, Ragdoll, Russian Blue and Siberian, were screened by Sanger sequencing.
Of all tested cats, 193 (96.5%) were homozygous for the wild-type ABCB1 allele, six (3%) were heterozygous and one (0.5%) was homozygous for ABCB1 1930_1931delTC. All seven cats carrying the MDR1 variant were Maine Coon cats. The allele frequency in the Maine Coon population was 2.3%, which is in agreement with previous studies. The genetically affected cat developed confirmed signs of neurotoxicity after administration of ivermectin.
Although the frequency of the ABCB1 variant in cats is relatively low and further research is essential to confirm the allele frequency in other breeds, awareness of this disease should be spread among veterinarians and breeders to eliminate the risk of dangerous adverse drug reactions.
Efficacy Of Electrochemotherapy With Bleomycin In Feline Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
NatašaTozon1, MašaVilfan1,
1 Veterinary Faculty Ljubljana, Clinic for Small Animals, Ljubljana, Slovenia
2institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Email:
Thirty-nine cats with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were enrolled in a clinical trial between March 2016 and January 2023 to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electrochemotherapy (ECT) with intravenous bleomycin in cats. Most cats (31/39) had only one lesion and it was most frequently (32/39) located on the nasal planum. The remaining cats had lesions on the pinnae or top of the head, and two of them on the third eyelid. Around half (20/39) were treated with ECT only once, 11/39 twice, 4/39 three times, 3/39 four times and one cat was treated five times.
One month after ECT, 82% (32/39) had a complete response (CR) and 18% (7/39) had a partial response (PR), so that the objective response (OR = CR + PR) was achieved after 1 month in all cats (100%). At the end of the observation period (average 7.9 months; range 1-49), the OR was 92% (36/39), as disease had progressed in three cats. Disease progression was recorded after an average of 18 months (range 7-35). Of the 39 cats included in the study, 25 (64%) responded to regular protocol check-ups. In this group, the mean disease-free period was 6 months.
Based on promising clinical results in cats with SCC, ECT with bleomycin could be the treatment of choice for local control of smaller tumours. Further studies are needed to evaluate additional predictive factors, such as those affecting the response to treatment.
Outcome Of 307 Cats With Feline Infectious Peritonitis Treated With Legal Veterinary-Compounded Preparations Of Remdesivir And/Or Gs-441524, 2020-2022
1International Cat Care, Tisbury, UK
2Linnaeus Veterinary, Solihull, West Midlands, UK
3University of Sydney, Australia
4The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK
5Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
6Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
7University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
Email:
*Further authors: Jacqueline M Norris, David Hughes, Laura MacFarlane, Gerald McLauchlan, Emilie Royaux, Max Foreman, Isabel Calvo Saiz, Laura Espada Castro, James McMurrough, Bethany Thomas, Jos Bongers, Rachel Korman, Caroline Harlos, Xavier Salord Torres, Aimee Taylor, Emily Stacey, Carolyn O’Brien, Guido Bertoldi, Megan Work, Cameron Prior, Stephanie Sorrell
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of cats caused by feline coronavirus. Recently, the nucleoside analogues remdesivir (Rem) and GS-441524 (GS) became legally available for FIP treatment in Australia and the UK, among other countries. The current retrospective study aimed to describe the outcome of cats treated with legal veterinary-prescribed Rem and/or GS.
Inclusion criteria for cats comprised injectable Rem and/or oral GS treatment for ≥84 days, unless they died or were euthanased beforehand. Data were collected on country of origin, signalment, clinical signs, physical findings, testing, treatment and outcome.
In total, 307 cats were included (174 UK, 115 Australia, 11 Sweden, five South Africa and two Japan). Cats that were neutered (76.9%), purebred (63.4%), male (63.2%) and <12 months of age (52.4%) were most common. Most were lethargic (93.8%) and inappetent (75.5%). Pyrexia (67.3%) and abdominal distension (64.0%) were common, as were hyperglobulinaemia (74.2%) and anaemia (56.3%). Effusions were common (213/300, 71.0%) and usually abdominal in nature. Neurological signs occurred in 62/306 (20.3%) cats, diarrhoea in 46/306 (15%) and ocular signs in 40/306 (13.1%). The table summarises the treatment response.
Cats showing an incomplete response in the first 30 days of treatment had significantly shorter survival times than those that showed a complete response (P = 0.011). Adverse effects included pain on injection (Rem; 122/255, 47.8%), raised alanine aminotransferase (Rem/GS; 71/250, 28.4%), eosinophilia (Rem/GS; 38/253, 15.0%) and lymphocytosis (Rem/GS; 26/244, 10.7%). Vaccination (23 cats) and neutering (21 cats), during or after treatment, was not associated with relapse.
✜This abstract won the Scientific Committee Best Abstract Award. Since being accepted as an abstract for the 2023 ISFM Feline Congress, the study has been published as a full paper at jfms.com. DOI: 10.1177/1098612X231194460.
Response and outcome in 307 cats with feline infectious peritionitis treated with nucleoside analogues
Rem = remdesivir; GS = GS-441524
Epidemiological Investigation Of Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infection In China By A Commercially Available Method
1Experimental Animal Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
2AniCura Kleintierzentrum Heilbronn, Heilbronn, Germany
3Sichuan Tourism Institute, Chengdu, China
4Laboklin, Bad Kissingen, Germany
5GlinX Biotechnology, Shanghai, China
Email:
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), Mycoplasma felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydia felis are common pathogens in cats with upper respiratory tract disease (URTD). A commercially available real-time PCR-based assay device (GlinX inCycle) was used to rapidly screen all five URTD agents in a single specimen within 30 mins. From July 2021 to April 2022, a total of 1062 household cats exhibiting clinical signs of respiratory disease were included in this multicentre clinical trial. These cats had been referred to 12 small animal hospitals located in Beijing, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Hangzhou (two hospitals), Hefei, Qingdao, Shanghai, Xiamen, Chengdu, Chongqing and Ya’an. The clinical signs included dyspnoea, cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, ocular signs (secretions, eyelid oedema, conjunctival congestion and oedema), and oral signs (salivation, gum/tongue/hard palate ulcers and gingivitis).
Results showed that 67.7% of samples were positive for at least one of the five pathogens, with 62.0%, 47.71%, 20.94%, 9.29% and 8.04% positive for FCV, M felis, FHV-1, C felis and B bronchiseptica, respectively.
The results of inCycle were compared with Laboklin diagnostics in 44 cats: 7% FHV-1, 14% FCV and 7% M felis were positive by inCycle but negative by Laboklin, while 11% were negative by inCycle but positive by Laboklin for B bronchiseptica.
Performance Of Daily Application Of Ophytrium-Containing Pads In Atopic Cats: An Eu Multicentre Prospective Field Trial
1Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France
2Dermavet.online, Cuneo, Italy
3Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
4Clinique Vétérinaire Saint Jacques, Agen, France
Email:
Topical products are increasingly used as part of feline atopic skin syndrome management, as they bring ingredients directly where they are needed.
A multicentre prospective field study was conducted in Europe to evaluate the performance of daily application of Ophytrium-containing pads (Douxo S3 Calm Pads; Ceva Sante Animale) in cats suffering from feline atopic skin syndrome and presenting with a localised flare.
Pads were applied daily to the affected areas for 14 days. On days 0, 7 and 14 (D0, D7, D14), clinical change was evaluated by the veterinarians, using the Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD) scale as a reference (0-4 scale, assessing the severity of excoriations, miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic plaques and self-induced alopecia). Owner assessments were performed using the Visual Analog Scale feline (VAScat) dual scale, which evaluates both licking and scratching. At the end of the trial, overall assessment questionnaires were collected.
Nine different body sites from four cats were included in the analysis. The mean SCORFAD value dropped from 3.9 at D0 to 2.2 at D7 and 0.9 at D14, reaching a significant difference (P <0.01) (mean improvement: 42.2% at D7 and 78.3% at D14). VAScat scores improved from 5.5 on D0 to 3.2 at D7 and 1.5 at D14 (mean improvement: 41.3% at D7 and 73.6% at D14). Veterinarians considered the performance good or excellent in 100% of cases, while 75% of cat owners considered the response good or very good. No adverse events were reported.
In summary, the Ophytrium-containing pad application protocol quickly and significantly improved irritation scores and pruritus in atopic cats with a flare, yielding high satisfaction levels for both veterinarians and cat owners.
Comparison Of Three Different Diagnostic Assays For Determination Of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 In Cats: A Pilot Study
1Laboklin, Bad Kissingen, Germany
2Dr med Kottmann - Clinical Research Organization, Hamm, Germany
3AniCura Ahlen, Ahlen, Germany
Email:
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 is a phosphaturic hormone used for the monitoring of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans. Its value as a biomarker in feline CKD is questionable. The aim of this pilot study was to compare three diagnostic assays for FGF-23 and to evaluate the correlation of FGF-23 with renal parameters in cats.
Cats were recruited into four groups (I, creatinine <1.6 mg/dl; II-IV, creatinine according to International Renal Interest Society [IRIS] stages II-IV; n = 10 each). FGF-23 was determined in serum using two different quantitative ELISA kits (MyBioSource and FGF-23 ELISA Kit, Kainos Laboratories) and an automated assay for intact FGF-23 on the DiaSorin Liaison platform (FTSE Mid Cap).
Results for all three assays were available for 38 cats. Spearman’s rho correlation showed high (p = 0.742, P <0.001) and low (p = 0.443, P = 0.005) correlation with the Kainos ELISA for DiaSorin and MyBioSource, respectively. Results of the Kainos ELISA strongly correlated (p >0.5) with urea (p = 0.835), creatinine (p = 0.764), symmetric dimethylarginine (p = 0.580) and phosphorus (p = 0.532) (P <0.001 each), while for MyBioSource and DiaSorin, this was only the case for urea (p = 0.624 and p = 0.572, respectively) and creatinine (p = 0.622 and p = 0.510, respectively) (P = 0.001 each).
With respect to IRIS staging, the highest correlation was shown for Kainos ELISA (p = 0.806), followed by MyBioSource (p = 0.663) and DiaSorin (p = 0.580) (P <0.001 each).
In summary, the best correlation in terms of renal parameters and IRIS staging was shown for the Kainos ELISA. All three assays showed the highest correlations with urea. Serum phosphorus concentration did not correlate as well with FGF-23 as would be expected for a phosphaturic hormone.
Predictive Handling Scores On Shelter Cats: A Preliminary Study
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Email:
Twenty-four male cats from a local shelter were enrolled in a clinical trial. A questionnaire was devised for measuring a predictive cat handling score (PS). Cats were assigned scores based on social history information obtained during history-taking. A numerical score was used for qualitative assessment for each item. The final PS was the sum of these scores, with higher scores indicating that a patient would be more difficult to handle, as follows very easy (0-4), easy (5-7), difficult (8-10) and very difficult (>10).
A real-time handling score (RS) was assigned based on the cat’s response to the first human-cat interaction. Both scores (PS and RS) had the same qualitative rating. Assessment between PS and RS was performed after comparison of scores collected from the same individual. Accuracy of the PS was determined to be 87.5%. The table outlines the content used in the planning and development of the questionnaire.
Predictive cat handling scores can promote cat friendly interactions by offering an easy-to-use tool for challenging cats. This tool may be applied to different populations to that used in this study. Higher scores would require more expertise from the veterinary team, enhancing appointment efficiency, reducing fear-anxiety-stress responses and, consequently, improving feline welfare.
Content used in development of the questionnaire
Ethogram Of Acute Pain Behaviors In Cats Based On Expert Consensus
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Canada
2Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Centre of Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Email: sabrine.marangoni@umontreal.ca
This study aimed to create and validate an ethogram of acute pain behaviors in cats using expert consensus.
An inventory of behaviors was created with their respective descriptions to discriminate painful and non-painful cats based on a literature review using the PubMed, Web of Science and CAB Abstracts databases. The ethogram was subdivided into 10 categories that could be evaluated by the duration and/or frequency of behaviors (ie, repeatability): position in the cage, exploratory behaviors, activity, posture and body position, affective emotional states, vocalization, playing (with an object), feeding, post-feeding and facial expressions/features. Thirty-six behaviors were analyzed independently by four veterinarians with postgraduate degrees involving feline medicine and/or behavior as being (1) not relevant, (2) somewhat relevant, (3) quite relevant or (4) highly relevant, and used for content validity (I-CVI; number of raters who considered the item relevant [3 or 4] divided by number of raters) and face validity. Items with I-CVI scores >0.67 were included.
Twenty-four behaviors were included in the final ethogram. A total of 13 items presented full agreement (ie, I-CVI = 1): positioned in the back of the cage, no attention to surroundings, feigned sleep, grooming, attention to wound, crouched/hunched, depressed, difficulty grasping food, head shaking, eye squinting, blepharospasm, abnormal gait and lowered head position. Seven descriptors were reworded according to expert suggestions.
This ethogram provides a description of acute pain behaviors after ascertaining content and face validity. The tool may be used to determine the duration and/or frequency of specific behaviors during characterization of different acute painful conditions in hospitalized cats.
The authors are grateful to the expert panel contributing to this study: Dr Beatriz Monteiro, Dr Diane Frank, Dr Nathalie Dowgray and Dr Kelly St Denis.
Simplifying Sampling: Evaluation Of A Full-Body Sampling Method For Measurement Of Hair Cortisol In Cats
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
2Swedish Medical Products Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
3Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
Email:
With increased use of hair cortisol concentration (HCC) for evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and chronic stress in cats, more simple and owner/cat friendly ways of hair sampling are needed.
Hair was sampled from at least one location from 175 cats by clipping the dorsal aspect of the front leg (n = 117) or the ventral aspect of the abdomen (n = 29) and by combing, representing a full-body sample (n = 127). The cats differed in coat characteristics and season when sampling was performed. Cortisol concentrations in hair were analysed with an ELISA (Salimetrics Salivary Cortisol Enzyme Immunoassay Kit) and converted to pg cortisol per mg hair. Data were analysed graphically and with a 95% confidence interval using Spearman’s correlation and Bland-Altman plots for correlation and agreement between sampling locations.
The median HCC was 5.6 (Q1-Q3 4-7.2) for front leg, 6.8 (Q1-Q3 4-8.8) for abdominal and 7.2 (Q1-Q3 4.8-11.7) for full-body samples (pg/mg). A strong positive correlation was seen between HCC in samples from the front leg and the abdomen (rs = 0.76, n = 25) and there was good agreement between the front leg and the full-body sample (rs = 0.62, n = 65).
The results show that hair obtained from combing, representing a full-body sample, can be used for HCC analysis. This may increase the compliance of cat owners when sampling hair for evaluating cortisol concentrations.
Collagen Deficiency And Cutaneous Mucinosis In A Domestic Shorthair Cat: A Case Report
1Faculdade de Ciencias Médicas de Maricá, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Maricá, Brazil
2Laboratório Werner, Curitiba, Brazil
3Vet Image, Niterói, Brazil
4Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
5Clinicat, Niterói, Brazil
Email:
A 5-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was presented with extensive edema that began on the nasal planum and spread to the eyelids, cranium, rear of the head and limbs. The cat also exhibited flaccidity and hyperextensibility of the skin, without skin fragility. The redundant dorsal cervical skin caused it to hang, and the dorsal thoracic skin sagged towards the ground. The skin extensibility index was 39.2%. In addition to the cutaneous changes, the sublingual mucosa was diffusely thickened and abnormally broad. Claudication was observed, and physical examination showed joint stiffness of the right forelimb. None of the cat’s siblings and neither parent had exhibited these findings.
No follicular parasites were found on parasitological examination. A full blood count revealed leukocytosis (26,800/l), neutrophilia (22,780/l) and basophilia (536/l). Serum biochemistry revealed hypoalbuminemia only (1.98 g/dl). A feline leukemia virus antigen/feline immunodeficiency virus antibody test was negative. Radiographs revealed mineralization in the soft tissues adjacent to the scapulohumeral and radioulnar joints of the right thoracic limb. During ovariohysterectomy, inspection of the visceral peritoneum revealed multifocal areas with a linear and slightly granular appearance. Reconstructive surgery was performed to excise redundant skin and eradicate skin rashes induced by cutaneous redundancy.
About a month postoperatively, a recurrence of skin redundancy was noted. Histopathological examination showed diffuse edema and inflammatory infiltrate consistent with perivascular to diffuse dermatitis. Periodic acid Schiff/Alcian blue staining revealed the deposition of mucin in the dermis and perifollicular area, and also between the epithelial cells of the follicles. Masson’s trichrome staining showed irregularity of some of the collagen fibres. The findings suggested dermatopathy due to morphological/structural or biochemical irregularities of the collagen fibres, and cutaneous deposition of mucin.
The cat died prior to any subsequent assessment, 3 months following the initial consultation. The young age at onset of signs and the findings suggest a possible diagnosis of collagen deficiency and cutaneous mucinosis of infancy. The mechanisms of this process still require elucidation in domestic animals and humans.
Comparison Of Urinary Concentrations Of Protein And Creatinine, And Their Ratio, In Birman, Maine Coon And Domestic Shorthair Cats
1Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
2Veterinary Clinic, Ostrava, Czech Republic
Email:
The concentration of creatinine in the blood can be influenced by various factors, including breed or the amount of muscle mass. However, little is known about the impact of such factors on urinary creatinine concentration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the urinary concentrations of creatinine and protein, and their ratio, in Birman, Maine Coon and domestic shorthair (DSH) cats.
In total, 76 voided urine samples of clinically healthy cats of the three breeds were evaluated. There were 30 Birman, 20 Maine Coon and 26 DSH cats. The age of the cats ranged from 3 months to 12 years. In all samples, urine specific gravity was measured by hand refractometer and a urine dipstick test was performed. Samples positive for blood on dipstick analysis were not included in the study. Urine protein concentration was measured by the use of benzethonium chloride and creatinine concentration was measured with the Jaffe method, both in an automated biochemical analyser (Konelab 20i; Thermo Fisher Scientific). The urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) was then calculated.
There were no significant differences in urine specific gravity and urinary protein concentrations among the breeds. Statistically significantly higher urinary creatinine concentrations were found in Birman (median 35.9 mmol/l, P = 0.0302) and Maine Coon (median 38.7 mmol/l, P = 0.0475) cats when compared with DSH cats (median 24.4 mmol/l). In Maine Coon cats, the UPC was significantly lower (median 0.06) in comparison with Birman (median 0.08, P = 0.0292) and DSH (median 0.12, P = 0.0002) cats.
In summary, significant differences in urinary creatinine concentrations and UPC were found among clinically healthy Birman, Maine Coon and DSH cats. To assess the clinical significance, a larger number of samples, including proteinuric samples, are required.
Feline Injection Site-Associated Mast Cell Tumor: A Clinical And Pathological Description Of Four Cases
1Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile
2Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
Email:
Four cats were presented for a second-opinion clinical evaluation of a proliferative lesion associated with a vaccination site. Three of the four cats had been vaccinated against rabies, while the other one was vaccinated against feline leukemia virus following current recommendations for vaccination in cats. Two female cats (5 months old and 2 years old) and two male cats (4 months old and 3 years old) developed a proliferative, solitary, irregular, pleomorphic or ovoid cutaneous growth with well-defined margins, 20-30 days after vaccination. All cats underwent surgical biopsy and the histopathological findings revealed that the predominant cell type was mast cells, sometimes with mild cellular atypia, arranged as sheets of well-differentiated, slightly pleomorphic dissociated round cells (Figure 1). A variable amount of granules was detected in the cytoplasm, with occasional normal mitotic figures. Infiltration of polymorphonuclear eosinophils was present between collagen fibers surrounding groups of neoplastic cells. Also, abundant vascularization, intense hyperemia and edema, in the absence of necrosis (3/4 cases), were observed. The cutaneous growth was non-encapsulated and poorly defined, but with free surgical margins.
Macroscopic and microscopic features of a mass in a cat diagnosed with feline mast cell tumor. (1) On day 30 after inoculation with the rabies virus vaccine, the cat developed a cutaneous growth. (2-6) Photomicrographs demonstrate that the cellular type consists of mildly atypical mast cells with an isolated arrangement and infiltration of eosinophilic polymorphonuclear cells. Hematoxylin and eosin stain
Three of the four cats were diagnosed with a well-differentiated mastocytic mast cell tumor, while one had an atypical (histiocytic) mast cell tumor. None of the cats required chemotherapy treatment, and three cats remained healthy during the reporting period. One of the cats developed an alimentary lymphoma 2 months after this diagnosis; however, at the time of writing (7 years after diagnosis), it was in remission.
Use Of Norepinephrine In Critically Ill Cats: Survival Outcomes
Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Vina del Mar, Chile
Email:
A retrospective analysis was performed to investigate the use of different doses of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) in 51 critically ill feline patients. Cats were diagnosed with sepsis when they had two or more criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome and if the presence of a septic focus was confirmed by cytology or microbiology. All cats were diagnosed with dysoxic shock - a phenotype of septic shock -using the criteria of hypotension (systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg) with refractory fluid loads and euvolemia with persistent hyperlactatemia (>4 mmol/l).
Twenty-four (47.1%) females and 27 (52.9%) males were included in the study; the median age was 5.1 years (0.5-19) and the average weight was 3.7 kg (0.4-8). Only six cats were positive for retroviral diseases, three (5.8%) for feline immunodeficiency virus and three (5.8%) for feline leukemia virus, with one (1.9%) positive for both. Underlying causes for sepsis included urinary tract infections (n = 7), infected wounds (n = 18), pyothorax (n = 2), pyometra (n = 2), septic peritonitis (n = 12), bacterial cholangitis (n = 3), lumbar abscess (n = 1) and other infections (n = 6).
Despite there being a tendency for cats treated with a low dose of norephinephrine to have a higher survival rate (Figure 1), due to a lack of data, a statistical difference between the groups cannot be confirmed.
Survivor and non-survivor cats according to the dose of continuous infusion norepinephrine
Feline Leishmaniosis With Focus On Ocular Manifestations: A Case Report
1Laboklin, Bad Kissingen, Germany
2Small Animal Practice Dr Fritz GräBer, GroBostheim, Germany
3Tierärztliches Augenzentrum Frankfurt-Kalbach, Germany
4AniCura Ahlen, Ahlen, Germany
Email:
There is limited knowledge regarding pathogenesis, ocular manifestations and long-term follow-up in cats with leishmaniosis.
A cat imported from Spain to Germany was presented with lethargy, weight loss, ulcerative lesions on the limbs and high-grade uveitis after receiving local glucocorticoid therapy for management of respiratory disease. Leishmania infantum infection was diagnosed based on cytological findings of amastigotes in skin lesions, positive real-time PCR (qPCR) of EDTA blood and positive PCR of a cytobrush sample from the conjunctiva. Supportive findings included positive serology. Haematological and biochemical investigations at first presentation revealed mild leukocytosis with lymphocytosis, monocytosis and eosinopenia, as well as marked elevation of serum amyloid A (SAA) and hyperglobulinaemia. On serum protein electrophoresis, peaks in alpha-2- and gamma-globulin sections were detected. Feline leukaemia virus antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus antibody testing was positive. Treatment with allopurinol resulted in remission of the clinical signs.
Enucleation of both eyes had to be performed on day 288 due to refractory glaucoma and uveitis. The cat was already blind before enucleation.
On histological examination, high numbers of Leishmania species amastigotes were found in histiocytes. Serology and PCR were positive in the aqueous humour of both eyes.
This case report supports the hypothesis that immunosuppression increases the risk of clinical signs of leishmaniosis in cats. Alpha-2- and gamma-globulin peaks in electrophoresis proved to be supportive criteria for the diagnosis of feline L infantum infection. SAA is valuable for monitoring. For the first time, Leishmania immunoglobulin G antibodies were demonstrated in the aqueous humour in cats. More generally, cats with uveitis and glaucoma identified on ophthalmology may have a poor prognosis.
First Look At Mortality In A Young Cohort Of Domestic Pet Cats
1Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, UK
2Feline Welfare Directorate, Cats Protection, National Cat Centre, Haywards Heath, UK
3The Feline Centre, Langford Vets, Langford, Bristol, UK
Email:
The Bristol Cats Study (BCS) is a unique longitudinal study following a cohort of domestic cats in the UK throughout their lifetime. Owners complete regular questionnaires regarding various aspects of their cat’s life, which contribute to prospectively collected data. All-cause mortality data represent an important resource that can be used to improve population health, welfare and longevity. Previously, this type of data was extrapolated from veterinary records and represented cats attending veterinary clinics only. Here, causes of death recounted by cat owners are explored - hence including a previously unreported subset of the feline population.
Data were collated from the first 10 questionnaires of the BCS. Mortality classification was by system, disease or event. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the causes of mortality. Of the 2444 cats recruited into the study, at least 362 died before reaching 9 years old. The most commonly attributed causes in cats up to 8 years old were road traffic accident (RTA; 45.6%), non-specified (13.3%), renal disease (6.6%), cardiovascular disease (6.4%) and neoplasia (6.1%). Mortality causes were also assessed by life stage, as described by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. For kittens (cats <1 year old), the most common causes were RTA (60.6%), feline infectious peritonitis (13.6%), other trauma (6.1%), surgical complications (6.1%) and toxin ingestion (3.0%). The most common causes of mortality in young adult cats (1-6 years old) were RTA (55.3%), non-specified (15.1%), renal disease (5.5%), cardiovascular disease (4.5%) and sudden death (4.5%).
RTAs represent the most frequent cause of death during the first two life stages. Kittens are more likely to succumb to age-related infectious disease, trauma and accidents, whereas organ-specific disease starts to play a role in young adult cats. As such, this study identified important differences in causes of mortality for different life stages in a population of young cats that may not be accounted for in medical records.
Comparison Of The In Vitro Phosphate-Binding Capacity Of Lanthanum Carbonate With Three Feed Supplements Intended For This Use
Porus, Monheim, Germany
Email:
Hyperphosphataemia is a major contributor to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Intestinal phosphate binders are commonly used in these patients. The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro phosphate-binding capacity of lanthanum carbonate with a combination of calcium carbonate and chitosan, a combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, and aluminium hydroxide.
A phosphate-containing solution was prepared in ultrapure water. To simulate the acidic environment in the stomach, a pH value of 2 was set with hydrochloric acid. For each test product, one dose as recommended by the manufacturer was added to 50 ml of this solution. After 2 h, the phosphate content of each solution was analysed using ion chromatography (Dionex ICS-1000). Following the test at pH 2, the solution was adjusted to pH 8 to simulate the alkaline environment in the colon and all products were tested again.
In the acidic solution, lanthanum carbonate bound phosphate at its maximum capacity (100%). Calcium carbonate/chitosan and calcium carbonate/magnesium carbonate bound at 21.5% and 80.7% of their capacity, respectively, while aluminium hydroxide bound at 21.1% of its capacity. In total, 2.02 mmol of phosphate was bound by lanthanum carbonate compared with 0.14, 0.28 and 0.54 mmol by calcium carbonate/ chitosan, calcium carbonate/magnesium carbonate and aluminium hydroxide, respectively. In the alkaline solution, lanthanum carbonate, calcium carbonate/chitosan and calcium carbonate/ magnesium carbonate bound phosphate at their maximum capacity (100%), while aluminium hydroxide reached only 53.2% of its maximum binding capacity. In total, 2.02 mmol of phosphate was bound by lanthanum carbonate compared with 0.67, 0.35 and 1.35 mmol by calcium carbonate/ chitosan, calcium carbonate/magnesium carbonate and aluminium hydroxide, respectively.
Lanthanum carbonate was found to be superior to calcium carbonate/chitosan, calcium carbonate/ magnesium carbonate and aluminium hydroxide in binding phosphate in the acid environment (stomach), as well as in the alkaline environment (colon).
Hematologic, Blood Biochemistry And Urinary System Ultrasound Abnormalities In Overweight And Obese Cats
Consuélo Pérez, Pedro Sáez, Marla Astudillo, Rafael Gálvez, Claudia Saavedra, Cristóbal Alcántara,
Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile
Email:
Being overweight or obese generates physiological alterations that are reflected in hematologic and blood biochemistry analysis. Additionally, being overweight or obese predisposes to other pathologies, such as urinary tract disease. Urinary system alterations can be detected through clinical examination, blood analysis and ultrasound; however, few studies have attempted to characterize the hematologic, blood biochemistry and ultrasound abnormalities of the urinary system observed in overweight and obese cats. This study, therefore, focused on determining these.
A total of 60 (20 overweight, 20 obese and 20 healthy weight) asymptomatic cats, ≥3 years old, which had been overweight for at least 1 year, were examined, and a blood sample for hematologic and biochemistry analysis was collected. Fructosamine and urine glucose levels were measured to exclude diabetes. Ultrasonography was performed to evaluate the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra.
Low mean cell hemoglobin concentration, high mean cell volume, leukocytosis with eosinophilia, hypophosphatemia, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, high levels of amylase, triglycerides and alkaline phosphatase, and a high albumin/globulin ratio were observed in the overweight and obese cats; two cats had high levels of fructosamine (see table). Among the ultrasonographic findings were a hyperechoic renal cortex, loss of corticomedullary demarcation, irregularities in the renal contour, increased thickness of the bladder wall and sediment.
Overweight and obese cats have hematologic and biochemical alterations. Ultrasonographic abnormalities are compatible with a loss of renal morphology, episodes of cystitis and the presence of sediment. For these reasons, it is important to carry out a blood analysis and ultrasound evaluation of the urinary tract in overweight and obese cats in order to prevent, detect and treat associated pathologies such as urinary tract disease.
Perioperative Anaesthetic Complications In Healthy Cats Undergoing Anaesthesia For Neutering In First-Opinion Practice
1CVS Group, Diss, UK
2School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, UK
Email:
The objective of this retrospective study was to identify the prevalence of common perioperative anaesthetic complications in cats undergoing anaesthesia for neutering in three UK first-opinion practices.
All cats anaesthetised for neutering at practices 1 and 2 between 09/12/2017 and 02/02/2021 and at practice 3 between 09/03/2020 and 07/01/2021 were identified by searching practice management software. Patient characteristics and anaesthetic data were extracted from patient records and entered into an Excel spreadsheet. Complications were defined after reviewing the literature and their prevalence determined from the data. Comparisons between different groups of cats in the study were made using a chi-squared test for homogeneity of variance or Fisher’s exact tests to identify factors associated with increased prevalence of complications.
Data from 1019 cats were included in the study. Anaesthetic-related mortality was 1/1019 (0.10%), with one cat suffering irreversible respiratory arrest in the postoperative period. The most common complications were hypotension (22.6%), bradycardia (16.7%) and hypothermia (13.79%). Factors associated with increased risk of hypotension were acepromazine pre-anaesthetic medication, higher maximum isoflurane dose, longer anaesthetic duration and lower body weight. Factors associated with increased risk of bradycardia were medetomidine pre-anaesthetic medication, longer anaesthetic duration and higher body weight. Factors associated with increased risk of hypothermia were higher maximum isoflurane dose, increased anaesthetic duration and lower body weight.
In summary, anaesthetic complications were frequently observed in this study, with complications documented in 53.4% of the cats. The information in this study may help to guide prioritisation of monitoring in feline anaesthesia.
Summary of hematologic and biochemistry abnormalities in overweight: and obese cats
MCHC = mean cell hemoglobin concentration; MCV = mean cell volume; AP = alkaline phosphatase; A/G = albumin/globulin Values represent the mean ± SD.
P <0.05 vs normal weight cats. †P <0.05 vs overweight cats
✜This abstract won the Delegates’ Choice Best Poster Award.
ANZCVS ABSTRACT
Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists abstract 2023
Successful Treatment Of Feline Pancreatolithiasis Using A Novel Surgical Technique
Jun Ren Loh
Veterinary Specialist Services, Queensland, Australia
Email:
A 12-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat presented with a 4-day history of lethargy, inappetence and vomiting. Physical examination revealed a grade 2/6 heart murmur and cranial abdominal pain. Serum biochemistry revealed elevated total bilirubin and liver enzymes. Abdominal ultrasound showed multiple pancreatoliths, cholelithiasis and dilation of the common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatic duct.
During exploratory laparotomy, catheterisation of the pancreatic duct with retrograde and normograde flushing to remove the pancreatoliths was performed via enterotomy and left apical partial pancreatectomy, respectively. Catheterisation and flushing of the CBD were performed to confirm patency prior to cholecystectomy. Bacterial culture of pancreatoliths, pancreatic tissue and bile produced a growth of Providencia rettgeri. Fluorescent immunostaining histopathology revealed clusters of bacteria within the pancreatic parenchyma and gallbladder mucosa. The patient received pradofloxacin for 2 weeks. A 2-week course of pradofloxacin was given. The patient made a complete recovery and was well at a 6-month follow-up.
Partial pancreatectomy at the apex of the pancreatic lobes allows hydropulsion of the pancreatic duct for pancreatolith removal and also sampling of pancreatic tissue for histopathology and culture. Bacterial culture of the pancreas and pancreatoliths should be considered in feline patients undergoing surgery to remove pancreatoliths or pancreatic biopsy.
✜ This abstract has not been through peer review for JFMS, but was selected by a conference scientific panel.