Tratamento de tromboembolismo e preparo para implantação de prótese osteointegrada com oxigenioterapia hiperbárica em uma gata / Treatment of tromboembolism and preparation for an osseointegrated prothesis fixation with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a kitten

Background: Ischemic neuromyopathy is the most common reason for amputation in cats. In veterinary medicine, the use of prosthetic limbs is not widespread; therefore, in most cases total limb amputation is indicated. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an alternative with several benefits for the treatment of vascular disorders with reperfusion, ischemia, and infection. Therefore, this study aimed to report the positive effects of HBOT on the treatment of ischemic neuromyopathy secondary to arterial thromboembolism on the patient's clinical improvement, and on the preparation of the patient for insertion of an osseointegrated prosthesis. Case: A 6-month-old mixed-breed kitten returned for treatment after undergoing surgery seven days earlier for reduction of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, during which it suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. The patient presented with acute pelvic limb paralysis with 24-h evolution, absent femoral pulse, plantar cushions and dorsal part of the limbs cold and pale. After supportive therapy and diagnosis of aortic thromboembolism by arterial Doppler, the patient started adjunctive treatment with HBOT from the first day of hospitalization. Sessions took place in an exclusive hyperbaric chamber for animals and lasted 60 min at a pressure of 2.5 absolute atmospheres and 100% oxygen, initially every 12 h. However, during the first 5 days of hospitalization, the distal region of both pelvic limbs began to show tissue devitalization and edema, and hematologic parameters showed changes on the 7th day. The right pelvic limb (RPL) showed more involvement of superficial tissues, extending to the tarsometatarsal joint region. After 8 days of hospitalization, the devitalized tissue was debrided. The RPL had an extensive devitalized area with exposed bone in the phalanges and necrosis in the pads. The left pelvic limb (LPL) suffered minor complications, with involvement of the phalangeal region. After 12 days, with HBOT every 48 h, exuberant granulation tissue was observed. After 17 days, the patient was discharged, and HBOT sessions were performed weekly. Gangrene of the midfoot and lack of proprioception were observed in RPL, while LPL showed bone divulsion of the 1st, 3rd, and 4th phalanges. Because of the poor prognosis for limb viability, the RPL was partially amputated, and a self-threaded intraosseous prosthesis was inserted. Discussion: The cardiorespiratory arrest that occurred during the surgical procedure to reduce the diaphragmatic hernia without thromboprophylaxis may have contributed to the peripheral ischemia. HBOT was proposed for the adjuvant treatment of ischemic injury because it is especially indicated for cases of ischemia-reperfusion injury. The main hematological parameters were evaluated at an average interval of 7 days. While the platelet count and hematocrit increased, the leukocytosis decreased. This demonstrates the benefit of oxygen therapy in the reported patient. The use of HBOT in orthopedic injuries is known to result mainly in stimulation of osteoblasts, promoting osseointegration of the prosthesis. We conclude that the adjuvant treatment with HBOT helped to preserve a large segment of both pelvic limbs, prevent the progression of necrosis, and provide a healthy bed for fixation of an osseointegrated prosthesis in the RPL, resulting in clinical improvement of the patient.

Hérnia diafragmática peritôniopericárdica congênita em uma gata / Congenital peritoniopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a female kitten

Background: Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a rare pathogenesis of congenital origin, which occurs due to a failure in the communication between the diaphragm and the pericardium during embryogenesis. Symptoms may be non-existent or non-specific, depending on the herniated organ involved and, in most cases, the diagnosis is incidental. Regarding the most indicated treatment, there are still divergences in the literature concerning the indication of conservative or surgical treatment. This study reports the case of a feline peritoneopericardial hernia, for which surgical correction was the treatment of choice. Case: A 3-month-old female kitten, no defined racial pattern, was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco for treatment of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia. This condition was diagnosed through radiographic examination after the patient having been submitted to pediatric castration and presented anesthetic complications in the transsurgery. Blood count, biochemical profile and Doppler echocardiogram were performed, which showed no significant changes. To obtain a better study and surgical planning, computed tomography was performed to observe the heart located cranially in the pericardial cavity. Caudally to the heart, hepatic parenchyma located in the pericardial cavity was observed; and hepatic vessels presenting slightly enlarged dimensions. These tomographic findings suggested peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia; being the liver present in the pericardial cavity and signs of congestion in the hepatic parenchyma. Due to the likelihood of future worsening of the hernia, surgical correction was performed, with an abdominal midline incision in the preumbilical region to reposition the liver to its normal anatomy, followed by diaphragm reconstitution through a herniorrhaphy. After the surgical procedure, the patient was referred for observation in internment and, after 15 days, the skin sutures were removed. Complete correction of the hernial defect was observed on radiography performed 30 days after the surgical procedure. However, the examination showed the presence of deviation/ deformity in the topography of the sternum and costal cartilages, with slight cardiac displacement to the right hemithorax, suggesting the presence of pectus excavatum. Discussion: Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is considered rare and, despite being one of the most common causes of congenital pericardial anomaly in felines, it has a low prevalence ranging from 0.06% to 1.45%. They are usually diagnosed from two years of age, with prevalence for older animals. However, due to having presented anesthetic changes, the patient of this case report could be diagnosed early. Among the most common organs that migrate to the thoracic cavity, the liver is the most commonly observed, which is also the hernia content of the present report. Peritoneopericardial hernia is often diagnosed through radiography and ultrasound, and these imaging tests proved to be sufficient for the diagnosis in this report. However, computed tomography was important for providing a better study of case and for the adoption of median celiotomy as a treatment. Associations with other malformations are described in the literature, with pectus excavatum being the most common and also observed in this report. Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a rare anomaly, rarely reported in the literature and with divergences regarding its treatment. The adoption of early surgical treatment performed in this report showed satisfactory evolution and the possibility of a favorable prognosis.

Como aumentar as chances de sobrevivência neonatal / How to increase neonatal survival chances

O aumento da taxa de sobrevivência neonatal está diretamente relacionada a medidas de prevenção de fatores que levem a morte do filhote. A viabilidade do neonato é otimizada por meio de cuidados realizados antes mesmo do acasalamento, cuidados com a gestante e o acompanhamento do desenvolvimento do feto durante a gestação. É de suma importância o reconhecimento precoce do parto distócico, e da fisiologia neonatal para a aplicação de condutas adequadas afim de se otimizar a viabilidade do recém-nascido.(AU)

The increase in the neonatal survival rate is directly related to measures to prevent factors that lead to the death of the puppy and kitten. The viability of the newborn is optimized through care provided even before mating, care for the pregnant woman and monitoring the development of the fetus during pregnancy. Early recognition of dystocia and neonatal physiology is of paramount importance for the application of appropriate conducts in order to optimize the viability of the newborn.(AU)

Bilateral inflammatory aural polyps in a kitten ­ case report / Pólipo aural inflamatório bilateral em um filhote de gato - relato de caso

Feline aural inflammatory polyps are non-neoplastic masses in the tympanic cavity or the Eustachian tube that can be observed in the ear canal of the cat and are a common cause of otitis externa and otitis media in young animals, with or without respiratory signs depending on the direction of polyp growth. Most of the polyps occurring in cats are unilateral. Otoscopy or video-otoscopy is necessary for its diagnosis, and treatment consists of the mechanical removal of the polyp and subsequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs. The aim of this paper was to report a case of bilateral inflammatory aural polyps in a kitten treated successfully by the minimally invasive technique of per-endoscopic trans-tympanic traction. A seven-month-old female mixed-breed cat, presenting bilateral ear discharge, was submitted to endoscopic examination of both ears and polypoid masses observed in each horizontal canal. Both polyps were grasped and pulled with a polypectomy snare through the otoendoscope. The patient received dexamethasone immediately after the procedure and a long-term oral corticosteroid protocol was established post-avulsion. It was concluded that otoendoscopy allowed an accurate and quick diagnosis, that the mass removal by per-endoscopic trans-tympanic traction was an effective treatment with no complications, and that bilateral occurrences could indicate a differential diagnosis, especially in young cats.(AU)

Pólipos inflamatórios aurais felinos são massas não neoplásicas na cavidade timpânica ou na tuba auditiva que podem ser observadas no canal auditivo do gato e são uma causa comum de otite externa e otite média em animais jovens, com ou sem sinais respiratórios dependendo da direção do crescimento do pólipo. A maioria dos pólipos que ocorrem em gatos é unilateral. A otoscopia ou vídeo-otoscopia é necessária para o seu diagnóstico, e o tratamento consiste na remoção mecânica do pólipo e posterior uso de anti-inflamatórios. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar um caso de pólipos aurais inflamatórios bilaterais em um felino filhote tratado com sucesso pela técnica minimamente invasiva de tração trans-timpânica perendos-cópica. Um felino fêmea de sete meses de idade, sem raça definida, apresentando secreção auricular bilateral, foi submetido a exame endoscópico de ambas as orelhas e massas polipóides foram observadas em cada canal horizontal. Ambos os pólipos foram apreendidos e puxados com uma alça de polipectomia através do otoendoscópio. O paciente recebeu dexametasona imediatamente após o procedimento e um protocolo de corticosteroide oral em longo prazo foi estabelecido após a avulsão. Concluiu-se que a otoendoscopia permitiu um diagnóstico preciso e rápido, que a retirada das massas por tração transtimpâ-nica perendoscópica foi um tratamento eficaz e sem complicações e que as ocorrências bilaterais podem indicar um diagnós-tico diferencial, principalmente em gatos jovens.(AU)

Agenesia renal unilateral em gatinha / Unilateral renal agenesis in kitten

Background: The kidneys are a pair of organs that maintain homeostasis, and perform hormonal and excretory functions; the functional unit of the kidney is the nephron. Approximately 2% of cats are born with some structural or functional anomaly, which occurs during fetal development. Unilateral renal agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly in felines, where the cat has only one kidney. This can lead to a series of dysfunctions, with clinical signs, especially when the contralateral organ does not adequately compensate, since there is more than one concomitant congenital disease like kidney dysplasia, which is the abnormal formation of the kidney structures. This study aimed to report the case of a kitten diagnosed with unilateral renal agenesis; the clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment. Case: A 2-month-old mixed breed female kitten, weighing 0.5 kg, was attended in a veterinary clinic with emesis, hyporexia, hypodipsia, normuria, and diarrhea. Upon physical examination, dehydration, hyperthermia, and renomegaly by abdominal palpation were observed. Complementary examinations such as serum urea and creatinine estimation, abdominal ultrasound, and excretory urography, were requested, and the results include hemoglobin (9 g/dL), mean corpuscular volume (26%), normocytic normochromic anemia, urea (312 mg/dL), and creatinine (3.5 mg/dL). The abdominal ultrasound showed renomegaly on the left kidney and the absence of the right kidney. The above results and excretory urography help to confirm the diagnosis of unilateral renal agenesis and suggested renal dysplasia. The patient was hospitalized to stabilize her condition. The treatment is symptomatic and supportive and aims to increase the patient’s quality of life. Treatment with metoclopramide, erythropoietin, fluid therapy with ringer’s lactate solution, and renal therapeutic feed was prescribed. After 4 days of hospitalization and treatment, the serum creatinine was within normal...

Liver cysts in a kitten with Platynosomum sp

Background: Hepatic cysts are rarely described in association with infections by Platynosomum sp. Infected animals are most often asymptomatic, and the severity of symptoms is associated with the number of biliary tract parasites, which may lead to cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis. Although platinosomiasis is often associated with cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis, it rarely is with polycystic disease. For the parasite's life cycle to occur, the infected cat must eliminate the eggs in the feces and three intermediate hosts are needed: snails, terrestrial isopods and vertebrates like the frog or the gecko. The eggs are ingested by the snails, then the miracids are released and matured into the mother sporocyst form, which originates child sporocysts containing the cercariae, that leave the mollusks for the soil and are ingested by the terrestrial isopod in which the cercariae matures until metacercariae. Vertebrates ingest terrestrial isopods and are ingested by felines. The present study aimed to report an unusual case of platinosomiasis with the development of multiple hepatic cysts. Case: A mixed breed male kitten was admitted with a history of apathy, hyporexia, increased abdominal volume and jaundice. In the ultrasound examination, we could see hepatomegaly and several hypoecogenic rounded structures, similar to cysts. There was an increase of serum concentration of the hepatic enzymes alanine transaminase and gamma glutamyl transferase enzyme. The parasite's eggs were investigated in the patient's feces using the simple sedimentation method, with a negative result. The animal was submitted to celiotomy and it was possible to observe several cystic structures in the liver. The cysts content was sent to cytology and culture. Cytology result was compatible with liver cyst and there was no bacterial growth in the culture. Bile fluid was collected and sent for Platynosomum sp. research using the centrifugal sedimentation test in formalin-ether solution, which allowed the parasite's eggs to be observed. The cat was treated with praziquantel,silymarin, S-Adenosyl methionine, and ursodeoxycholic acid. The patient gradually improved from jaundice and there was a reduction in abdominal volume. Discussion: This report describes a case of platinossomiasis associated with polycystic liver disease in a domestic cat, which seems to be an uncommon presentation. Most infected cats are asymptomatic, but some animals may exhibit anorexia, apathy, increased abdominal volume due to hepatomegaly and/or ascitis and jaundice. Although infestation in domestic cats is relatively common, its association with liver cysts is rare or poorly reported in the literature, representing a diagnostic challenge, which makes mandatory the inclusion of this differential diagnosis in polycystic liver diseases in cats. The diagnosis of this parasitosis can be made based on the association among clinical signs, laboratory tests and ultrasound examination, but the definitive diagnosis is usually made by visualizing the parasite's eggs. In the case described, it was not possible to observe parasite's eggs in the patient's feces, but in the bile. Platynosomum sp. infection should always be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of polycystic liver disease in cats, especially in countries with tropical or subtropical climate. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment were fundamental for the improvement of the patient's clinical condition.

Diabetes insipidus central em felino jovem / Central diabetes insipidus in a young feline

Background: Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is an endocrine disorder caused by the failure to produce, transport, orrelease ADH. This disease may show a primary etiology (idiopathic or congenital) or a secondary one (trauma or neoplasms). It is characterized by signs such as polyuria and polydipsia. The definitive diagnosis is obtained by the two-stepwater deprivation test; the absence of adequate urinary concentration in the first stage confirms the diagnosis of diabetesinsipidus and, in the second stage, the response to the application of synthetic desmopressin confirms a central origin.Because CDI is rare in felines, the aim of this study was to report the occurrence of a case of CDI, probably of congenitalprimary origin, in an 8-month-old kitten.Case: An 8-month-old male feline, castrated, 3.2 kg, was brought to consultation with a report of polydipsia, polyuria,smaller size and weight, and lower activity when compared to his brother, for several months. On physical examination,lethargy, body score 2/5, and mild dehydration were noted, as well as deciduous teeth that should have already been replaced. Abdominal ultrasound and laboratory tests were requested, which ruled out chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetesmellitus (DM), hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), and hyperthyroidism. Due to the fact that urinalysis evidenced hyposthenuria(urinary density [UD] 1.004), CDI was suspected. The patient underwent a water deprivation test and, after 7.5 h, lost4.7% of his initial weight, while UD was 1.012, confirming the diagnosis of DI. The investigation then proceeded to theevaluation of the response to synthetic desmopressin by the application of 5 U IM. Two h later, UD was 1.019, confirming...

Diabetes insipidus central em felino jovem / Central diabetes insipidus in a young feline

Background: Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is an endocrine disorder caused by the failure to produce, transport, orrelease ADH. This disease may show a primary etiology (idiopathic or congenital) or a secondary one (trauma or neoplasms). It is characterized by signs such as polyuria and polydipsia. The definitive diagnosis is obtained by the two-stepwater deprivation test; the absence of adequate urinary concentration in the first stage confirms the diagnosis of diabetesinsipidus and, in the second stage, the response to the application of synthetic desmopressin confirms a central origin.Because CDI is rare in felines, the aim of this study was to report the occurrence of a case of CDI, probably of congenitalprimary origin, in an 8-month-old kitten.Case: An 8-month-old male feline, castrated, 3.2 kg, was brought to consultation with a report of polydipsia, polyuria,smaller size and weight, and lower activity when compared to his brother, for several months. On physical examination,lethargy, body score 2/5, and mild dehydration were noted, as well as deciduous teeth that should have already been replaced. Abdominal ultrasound and laboratory tests were requested, which ruled out chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetesmellitus (DM), hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), and hyperthyroidism. Due to the fact that urinalysis evidenced hyposthenuria(urinary density [UD] 1.004), CDI was suspected. The patient underwent a water deprivation test and, after 7.5 h, lost4.7% of his initial weight, while UD was 1.012, confirming the diagnosis of DI. The investigation then proceeded to theevaluation of the response to synthetic desmopressin by the application of 5 U IM. Two h later, UD was 1.019, confirming...(AU)

Molecular prevalence of trichomonad species from pet shop puppies and kittens in Japan / Molecular prevalência de espécies trichomonas em filhotes de cães e gatos de pet shop no Japão

Pentatrichomonas hominis and Tritrichomonas foetus (cat genotype) have been commonly identified as intestinal trichomonads in both dogs and cats. Although P. hominis is considered as non-pathogenic protozoa in many kinds of mammals, it has the potential for zoonotic transmission. T. foetus has been recognized as the emerging causative agent of diarrhea in cats without the risk of zoonotic transmission. As pet shops are the major source of young companion animals, the present study discusses the molecular prevalence of P. hominis and T. foetus from 544 pet shop puppies and 409 kittens. The results suggest that the prevalence of P. hominis (puppies: 7.0%; kittens: 0.5%) and T. foetus (puppies: 0%; kittens: 2.4%) in pet shop young animals are low. In addition, the infections of P. hominis and T. foetus are not always associated with the clinical signs (soft or diarrhea feces).(AU)

Pentatrichomonas hominis e Tritrichomonas foetus (genótipo de gato) têm sido comumente identificados como trichomonas intestinais em cães e gatos. Apesar de P. hominis ser considerado como protozoário não patogênico em muitos tipos de mamíferos, tem potencial para transmissão zoonótica. Enquanto o T. fetus foi reconhecido como o agente causador emergente de diarreia em gatos sem o risco de transmissão zoonótica. Devido às lojas de animais serem as principais fontes de filhotes de animais domésticos, o presente estudo discute a prevalência molecular e/ou o potencial zoonótico de P. hominis e T. foetus em 544 filhotes de cachorro e 409 gatos de pet shop. Os resultados sugerem que a prevalência de P. hominis (cães: 7,0%; gatos: 0,5%) e T. foetus (cães: 0%; gatos: 2,4%) em animais jovens de pet shop é baixa. Além disso, as infecções de P. hominis e T. foetus nem sempre estão associadas aos sinais clínicos (fezes moles ou diarreia).(AU)

Enfisema subcutâneo generalizado secundário a pneumomediastino em gatinho recém-nascido / Generalized subcutaneous emphysema secondary to pneumomediastinum in a newborn kitten

Background: Pneumomediastinum is a rare entity characterized by the introduction of air into the mediastinum. Primaryor spontaneous pneumomediastinum may occur in the absence of any disease whereas secondary pneumomediastinummay be due to a number of precipitating factors. The clinical picture is severe and the onset is acute. The present reportdescribes the clinical presentation, treatment, and the findings of a forensic investigation of a case of generalized subcutaneous emphysema secundary to pneumomediastinum in a newborn kitten.Case: A newborn kitten was presented to a veterinary climic with a history of generalized air accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue of acute onset which was noted whenever the animal suckled. Clinical care and radiographic examination wereperformed. Radiographic findings included areas of radiolucency within the subcutis suggestive of generalized subcutaneousemphysema. In the thoracic cavity, there was ventral displacement of the thoracic trachea and increased radiolucency inthe cranial mediastinum suggestive of pneumomediastinum. There was loss of definition of the cervical trachea suggestive of tracheal rupture. Based on the radiographic findings, the clinician decided to aspirate the air accumated within thesubcutis using a needle and a syringe. However, this emphysema rapidly formed after the subcutaneous air was aspirated.Euthanasia was elected due to the poor prognosis and the animal was submitted for necropsy. Main gross findings includedtraumatic intercostal laceration adjacent to the lungs under the axilla and tracheal perforation. Tracheal perforation resultedin persistent air leakage from the trachea causing pneumomediastinum which evolved into generalized subcutaneous emphysema causing the animal to inflate as air became trapped within the subcutis imparting a blown up appearance to thecat. Microscopically pulmonary collapse was observed...

Enfisema subcutâneo generalizado secundário a pneumomediastino em gatinho recém-nascido / Generalized subcutaneous emphysema secondary to pneumomediastinum in a newborn kitten

Background: Pneumomediastinum is a rare entity characterized by the introduction of air into the mediastinum. Primaryor spontaneous pneumomediastinum may occur in the absence of any disease whereas secondary pneumomediastinummay be due to a number of precipitating factors. The clinical picture is severe and the onset is acute. The present reportdescribes the clinical presentation, treatment, and the findings of a forensic investigation of a case of generalized subcutaneous emphysema secundary to pneumomediastinum in a newborn kitten.Case: A newborn kitten was presented to a veterinary climic with a history of generalized air accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue of acute onset which was noted whenever the animal suckled. Clinical care and radiographic examination wereperformed. Radiographic findings included areas of radiolucency within the subcutis suggestive of generalized subcutaneousemphysema. In the thoracic cavity, there was ventral displacement of the thoracic trachea and increased radiolucency inthe cranial mediastinum suggestive of pneumomediastinum. There was loss of definition of the cervical trachea suggestive of tracheal rupture. Based on the radiographic findings, the clinician decided to aspirate the air accumated within thesubcutis using a needle and a syringe. However, this emphysema rapidly formed after the subcutaneous air was aspirated.Euthanasia was elected due to the poor prognosis and the animal was submitted for necropsy. Main gross findings includedtraumatic intercostal laceration adjacent to the lungs under the axilla and tracheal perforation. Tracheal perforation resultedin persistent air leakage from the trachea causing pneumomediastinum which evolved into generalized subcutaneous emphysema causing the animal to inflate as air became trapped within the subcutis imparting a blown up appearance to thecat. Microscopically pulmonary collapse was observed...(AU)

Arterial thromboembolism secondary to subaortic stenosis in a persian kitten

Background: Aortic stenosis refers to several types of anatomic and functional obstructions of the left ventricular outflow tract. In small animals, this anomaly is most commonly documented as either a congenital lesion or an obstruction that develops soon after birth. It is a hereditary disease, caused by a dominant autosomal gene and modifying genes that interfere with phenotype expression. Even though aortic thromboembolism may be a potential complication in cats with cardiac diseases, aortic stenosis is deemed rare in that species. In this paper, we report an unusual case of a Persian kitten with aortic stenosis that eventually developed arterial thromboembolism.Case: A 7-month-old Persian kitten (3.1 kg) was admitted to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a history of hindlimbs paralysis over the past 48 h, as well as excessive vocalization. Also, the cat presented with inappetence, adipsia, urine incontinence, and hematuria. On physical examination, we observed hypothermia and cold paws. The footpads were cyanotic and there were no palpable femoral pulses. Cardiac auscultation disclosed a regular fast pace (200 bpm) and a grade 2/6 murmur heard best over the left cardiac base, but irradiating to the contralateral hemithorax. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were within the normal reference range, but the complete blood count showed microcytosis, lymphopenia, and hyperproteinemia. Also, elevated alanine aminotransferase and BUN were identified. On the echocardiogram, we observed a subvalvular aortic stenosis, which resulted in concentric remodeling of the left ventricle and a mild left atrial dilation. The stenotic lesion was classified as mild. Also, the thoracic radiography unveiled cardiomegaly. The recommended therapy included atenolol(6.25 mg/cat PO, q24h), clopidogrel (18.7 mg/cat PO, q24h), enoxaparin (1 mg/kg SC, q24 h), methadone (0.2 mg/kg IM, q8h) and amoxicillin + potassium clavulanate (20 mg/kg SC, q12h).[...]

Arterial thromboembolism secondary to subaortic stenosis in a persian kitten

Background: Aortic stenosis refers to several types of anatomic and functional obstructions of the left ventricular outflow tract. In small animals, this anomaly is most commonly documented as either a congenital lesion or an obstruction that develops soon after birth. It is a hereditary disease, caused by a dominant autosomal gene and modifying genes that interfere with phenotype expression. Even though aortic thromboembolism may be a potential complication in cats with cardiac diseases, aortic stenosis is deemed rare in that species. In this paper, we report an unusual case of a Persian kitten with aortic stenosis that eventually developed arterial thromboembolism.Case: A 7-month-old Persian kitten (3.1 kg) was admitted to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a history of hindlimbs paralysis over the past 48 h, as well as excessive vocalization. Also, the cat presented with inappetence, adipsia, urine incontinence, and hematuria. On physical examination, we observed hypothermia and cold paws. The footpads were cyanotic and there were no palpable femoral pulses. Cardiac auscultation disclosed a regular fast pace (200 bpm) and a grade 2/6 murmur heard best over the left cardiac base, but irradiating to the contralateral hemithorax. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were within the normal reference range, but the complete blood count showed microcytosis, lymphopenia, and hyperproteinemia. Also, elevated alanine aminotransferase and BUN were identified. On the echocardiogram, we observed a subvalvular aortic stenosis, which resulted in concentric remodeling of the left ventricle and a mild left atrial dilation. The stenotic lesion was classified as mild. Also, the thoracic radiography unveiled cardiomegaly. The recommended therapy included atenolol(6.25 mg/cat PO, q24h), clopidogrel (18.7 mg/cat PO, q24h), enoxaparin (1 mg/kg SC, q24 h), methadone (0.2 mg/kg IM, q8h) and amoxicillin + potassium clavulanate (20 mg/kg SC, q12h).[...](AU)

Feline neonatal toxoplasmosis and cystoisospora coinfection - case report

Toxoplasma gondii and Cystoisopora spp. are coccidian protozoa and compulsory intracellular parasites. These parasites present an enteric cycle phase, wild and domestic felines are definitive hosts capable of eliminating non-sporulated oocysts by faeces. Furthermore, they share the same transmission path, through the ingestion of infectious oocysts or the ingestion of cysts present on tissues. Most cat infections occur subclinically. Commonly, clinical and severe disease develops more often in kittens and immunocompromised animals. The present paper reports a case of coinfection of T. gondii and Cystoisospora spp in a feline of approximately 20 days old, weighing 260 grams, assisted at the Veterinary Hospital - UEM. The patient presented acute signs of limited mobility, remaining only in sternal position, cervical ventroflexion, dyspnea, lethargy and anorexia. T. gondii was identified through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test using a blood sample, whereas the co-analysis by flotation in saturated saline solution (Willis technique) was able to verify the presence of oocysts of Cystoisospora spp. After negative result from PCR test using stool sample, the presence of Cystoisospora spp. was confirmed, differentiating it from oocysts of T. gondii. The treatment based on sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim was able to control the infection and decrease disease symptoms, proving to be effective and showing significant clinical improvement within 3 days after starting the treatment.

Feline neonatal toxoplasmosis and cystoisospora coinfection - case report

Toxoplasma gondii and Cystoisopora spp. are coccidian protozoa and compulsory intracellular parasites. These parasites present an enteric cycle phase, wild and domestic felines are definitive hosts capable of eliminating non-sporulated oocysts by faeces. Furthermore, they share the same transmission path, through the ingestion of infectious oocysts or the ingestion of cysts present on tissues. Most cat infections occur subclinically. Commonly, clinical and severe disease develops more often in kittens and immunocompromised animals. The present paper reports a case of coinfection of T. gondii and Cystoisospora spp in a feline of approximately 20 days old, weighing 260 grams, assisted at the Veterinary Hospital - UEM. The patient presented acute signs of limited mobility, remaining only in sternal position, cervical ventroflexion, dyspnea, lethargy and anorexia. T. gondii was identified through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test using a blood sample, whereas the co-analysis by flotation in saturated saline solution (Willis technique) was able to verify the presence of oocysts of Cystoisospora spp. After negative result from PCR test using stool sample, the presence of Cystoisospora spp. was confirmed, differentiating it from oocysts of T. gondii. The treatment based on sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim was able to control the infection and decrease disease symptoms, proving to be effective and showing significant clinical improvement within 3 days after starting the treatment.(AU)

Pênfigo foliáceo em um gato de oito meses de idade: possível reação cutânea adversa a fármacos? / Pemphigus foliaceus in an eight-month-old cat: possible cutaneous adverse drug reaction?

Background: Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune skin disease whose the occurrence in feline clinic is uncommom. The etiology is unknown in most cases. Althought it is a rare condition in cats, pemphigus foliaceus can be induced by drugs. It may affect both adult and old cats with no sexual or racial predilection and diagnosis is based on animal historical, clinical examination and skin histopathology. Moreover, the treatment consists in immunosuppressive-based drugs. This paper describes a pemphigus foliaceus case in an eight-month-old kitten, probably due a cutaneous adverse drug reaction.Case: A 8-month-old, neutered male mongrel cat with crusted lesions located on face was examinated at the Veterinary Hospital. The owners reported that they had adopted the patient two months before the clinical presentation suggesting that this background was unknown. The cat was treated in a local veterinary clinic with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory for rhinotracheitis and herpetic dermatitis on face due to the occurrence of sneezing and crusted pruriginous dermatitis. The kitten presented erosions, purulent exudation and crusts on pinnae, nasal and supra ocular areas, paronychia with purulent exudate and alopecia at distal portion of the tail. Supplementary exams such as skin scraping, cytology and fungal culture were performed to rule out other agents and confirm the diagnosis. The parasitological and fungal examination resulted negative despite the fact that cytological exam showed coccoid bacteria. Complete blood count and biochemical profile showed no alteration and the test for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) resulted negative. Histological changes were consistent with intra-epidermal pustular subcorneal with acantholysis dermatitis. An immunosuppressive dose of prednisolona was prescribed for 15 days...

Pênfigo foliáceo em um gato de oito meses de idade: possível reação cutânea adversa a fármacos? / Pemphigus foliaceus in an eight-month-old cat: possible cutaneous adverse drug reaction?

Background: Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune skin disease whose the occurrence in feline clinic is uncommom. The etiology is unknown in most cases. Althought it is a rare condition in cats, pemphigus foliaceus can be induced by drugs. It may affect both adult and old cats with no sexual or racial predilection and diagnosis is based on animal historical, clinical examination and skin histopathology. Moreover, the treatment consists in immunosuppressive-based drugs. This paper describes a pemphigus foliaceus case in an eight-month-old kitten, probably due a cutaneous adverse drug reaction.Case: A 8-month-old, neutered male mongrel cat with crusted lesions located on face was examinated at the Veterinary Hospital. The owners reported that they had adopted the patient two months before the clinical presentation suggesting that this background was unknown. The cat was treated in a local veterinary clinic with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory for rhinotracheitis and herpetic dermatitis on face due to the occurrence of sneezing and crusted pruriginous dermatitis. The kitten presented erosions, purulent exudation and crusts on pinnae, nasal and supra ocular areas, paronychia with purulent exudate and alopecia at distal portion of the tail. Supplementary exams such as skin scraping, cytology and fungal culture were performed to rule out other agents and confirm the diagnosis. The parasitological and fungal examination resulted negative despite the fact that cytological exam showed coccoid bacteria. Complete blood count and biochemical profile showed no alteration and the test for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) resulted negative. Histological changes were consistent with intra-epidermal pustular subcorneal with acantholysis dermatitis. An immunosuppressive dose of prednisolona was prescribed for 15 days...(AU)

Schistosomus reflexus in a dog and a cat

Background: Schistosomus reflexus (SR) is a congenital anomaly, that the animal presents exposed abdominal and thoracic organs. The alterations includes limbs malformation, abnormal spinal column, liver and diaphragm hypoplasia, genitourinary and gastrointestinal changes, on this way, the fetus can not survive. The aim of this study was to report the first SR case in dog and cat in Brazil, and describe anatomical, pathological and radiographic changes. Case: The puppy had ventral midline defect in the abdominal and thoracic wall extending from the sternum to the pubis with viscera exposition, including the heart, lung, liver, stomach, intestine, spleen, kidneys, moreover right army was abnormal, however no spinal column was present. It was performed radiography to evaluate bone abnormalities, and was diagnosed agenesis of carpal, metacarpal and phalange bones. The kitten had ventral midline defect measuring 4 x 2 cm, in the abdominal wall and exposition of liver, stomach, intestine and spleen, as well as tibiotarsal joint arthrogryposis on both lags. It was performed fetus radiography and no spinal column change was diagnosed. Discussion: Schistosomus reflexus is a congenital abnormality common in ruminants. Although it was few reported in dogs and cats. The two cases in this study are the firsts reposts in Brazil in these especies. In our case, the dog had exposition of abdominal and thoracic organs and died one hour after born, similar to this, another author reported a case where the thoracic and abdominal evisceration and the puppy died ten minutes after born. However, in another case with abdominal evisceration only, the puppy survived for eight days. Probably it happened because respiratore function was not compromised. The kitten had abdominal opening only, in turn, other authors reported a case whose abdominal viscera exposition was by pelvic fissure, and another case, what presented thoracic and abdominal evisceration, like our dog case...

Schistosomus reflexus in a dog and a cat

Background: Schistosomus reflexus (SR) is a congenital anomaly, that the animal presents exposed abdominal and thoracic organs. The alterations includes limbs malformation, abnormal spinal column, liver and diaphragm hypoplasia, genitourinary and gastrointestinal changes, on this way, the fetus can not survive. The aim of this study was to report the first SR case in dog and cat in Brazil, and describe anatomical, pathological and radiographic changes. Case: The puppy had ventral midline defect in the abdominal and thoracic wall extending from the sternum to the pubis with viscera exposition, including the heart, lung, liver, stomach, intestine, spleen, kidneys, moreover right army was abnormal, however no spinal column was present. It was performed radiography to evaluate bone abnormalities, and was diagnosed agenesis of carpal, metacarpal and phalange bones. The kitten had ventral midline defect measuring 4 x 2 cm, in the abdominal wall and exposition of liver, stomach, intestine and spleen, as well as tibiotarsal joint arthrogryposis on both lags. It was performed fetus radiography and no spinal column change was diagnosed. Discussion: Schistosomus reflexus is a congenital abnormality common in ruminants. Although it was few reported in dogs and cats. The two cases in this study are the firsts reposts in Brazil in these especies. In our case, the dog had exposition of abdominal and thoracic organs and died one hour after born, similar to this, another author reported a case where the thoracic and abdominal evisceration and the puppy died ten minutes after born. However, in another case with abdominal evisceration only, the puppy survived for eight days. Probably it happened because respiratore function was not compromised. The kitten had abdominal opening only, in turn, other authors reported a case whose abdominal viscera exposition was by pelvic fissure, and another case, what presented thoracic and abdominal evisceration, like our dog case...(AU)

Estudo ultrassonográfico, morfométrico e de perfusão renal em gatos domésticos até três meses de idade

A população de gatos tem ampliado consideravelmente, cada vez tendo mais importância como bicho de estimação dentro dos lares, necessitando de uma atenção mais importante para a manutenção de sua qualidade de vida. Como observado em humanos, os rins são órgãos que sofrem grande influência da idade, sendo considerados imaturos ao nascimento. Os rins dos gatos amadurecem durante as primeiras semanas de vida, resultando em mudanças no parênquima e vascularização renal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar os achados ultrassonográficos (Modo-B e Doppler) dos rins entre filhotes de gato com até três meses de vida e jovens adultos. Foi observada evidente diferença dos índices Doppler e das dimensões renais entre filhotes e jovens adultos de gatos, com maiores valores dos índices Doppler e menores valores de dimensões renais durante primeiras semanas de vida. Recomenda-se utilizar 0,75 ± 0,06 como limite superior para o índice de resistividade (IR), e 1,25 ± 0,19 para o índice de pulsatilidade (IP) em filhotes de gatos com até três meses de vida. Como foi observado valores de comprimento renal em até duas vezes menores em filhotes recém-nascidos, em relação aos jovens adultos, sugere-se utilizar a razão entre o comprimento renal e comprimento das últimas vértebras lombares para inferir o comprimento renal, de acordo com a faixa etária.

The population of cats has expanded considerably and has become an important pet within homes, requiring special attention to maintain their quality of life. As observed in humans, the kidneys are organs that are influenced by age and considered immature at birth. In cats the kidney matures during the first weeks of life, occurring changes in the renal parenchyma and vascularization. The aim of this study was to compare the renal ultrasound aspect (B-mode and Doppler) among kittens and young adults. An evident difference of Doppler-based indexes and renal dimensions were observed among kittens and young adults, with higher values of Doppler-based indexes and lower values of dimensions in the first weeks of live. Due this, it is recommended to use 0.75 ± 0.06 as an upper limit for the resistive index (RI) and 1.25 ± 0.19 for pulsatility index (PI) in kittens up to three months old. It was observed that newborn kittens have a renal length up to two times smaller than young adults, and due to this finding, it is suggested to use the ratio between renal length and the length of the last lumbar vertebrae to infer the renal size, according to the kittens age.