A case of mistaken identity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and reinvestigation of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. infection in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea).

BACKGROUND: Feline-associated hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasmas) are believed to be transmitted by two primary mechanisms: (1) direct transmission via fighting and (2) vector-borne transmission by the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). While the efficiency of transmission by C. felis appears low, most manuscripts focus on the prevalence of hemoplasmas in wild-caught fleas and report either a very low (< 3%) or a high (> 26%) prevalence. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of sample processing and PCR methods on C. felis hemoplasma infection prevalence. METHODS: A systemic review of PubMed articles identified 13 manuscripts (1,531 fleas/flea pools) that met the inclusion criteria (performed PCR for >1 hemoplasma on C. felis collected from cats). Risk of bias was assessed utilizing the ROBINS-E tool. Meta-analysis performed in R of these manuscripts found that not washing samples and a common set of 16S rRNA primers first published in Jensen et al. 2001 were associated with increased hemoplasma prevalence. To evaluate the influence of washing on newly collected fleas, we assessed the hemoplasma status of 20 pools of 5 C. felis each, half of which were washed and half not washed. RESULTS: Flea washing did not influence the detection of hemoplasma but instead amplified Spiroplasma. To assess non-specific amplification with the Jensen et al. 2001 primers, 67 C. felis samples (34% previously reported hemoplasma infected) were subject to PCR and sequencing. By this method, hemoplasma was detected in only 3% of samples. In the remaining "hemoplasma infected" fleas, PCR amplified Spiroplasma or other bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we concluded that hemoplasma infection in C. felis is rare, and future flea prevalence studies should sequence all positive amplicons to validate PCR specificity. Further investigation of alternative methods of feline-associated hemoplasma transmission and the ability of C. felis to maintain hemoplasma infection is necessary.

Recognizing uterine torsion as a differential diagnosis in pregnant cats with severe anemia to provide appropriate and timely care in the absence of a definitive presurgical diagnosis.

A pregnant female domestic longhair cat ~8 mo of age was referred to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) for a diagnostic evaluation of severe anemia (PCV: 10.8%) after a 2-day period of lethargy. A CBC, serum biochemistry profile, FeLV/FIV testing, and abdominal radiographs were completed and did not determine a cause for the anemia. Abdominal ultrasonography identified 1 viable and 6 nonviable and fetuses, anechoic fluid in the uterus, and a mild volume of peritoneal effusion. A whole-blood transfusion and C-section with ovariohysterectomy were performed even though a definitive presurgical diagnosis for the anemia had not yet been established. Exploratory surgery revealed a left uterine horn torsion with a necrotic base, severe congestion, and 7 nonviable fetuses. Following surgery, the queen made a full clinical recovery. Key clinical message: Uterine torsion can be easily overlooked as a cause of severe anemia due to the relative infrequency of this condition in cats and the low sensitivity of ultrasonography to provide a definitive presurgical diagnosis. Client communication must emphasize the need for a prompt surgical intervention to establish the diagnosis and to save the cat, despite poor rates of neonatal survival. Once the animal is stabilized after surgery, further diagnostic tests and procedures are indicated if the cause of anemia has not yet been identified.

Reconnaître la torsion utérine comme un diagnostic différentiel chez les chattes gestantes souffrant d'anémie sévère afin de fournir des soins appropriés et opportuns en l'absence d'un diagnostic pré-chirurgical définitif. Une chatte domestique à poils longs, âgée d'environ 8 mois, a été référée au Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) pour une évaluation diagnostique d'anémie sévère (hématocrite : 10,8 %) après une période de léthargie de 2 jours. Une formule sanguine complète, un profil biochimique sérique, des tests FeLV/FIV et des radiographies abdominales ont été réalisés et n'ont pas permis de déterminer la cause de l'anémie. L'échographie abdominale a identifié 1 foetus viable et 6 non viables, du liquide anéchoïque dans l'utérus et un léger volume d'épanchement péritonéal. Une transfusion de sang total et une césarienne avec ovariohystérectomie ont été réalisées même si le diagnostic pré-chirurgical définitif de l'anémie n'avait pas encore été établi. La chirurgie exploratoire a révélé une torsion de la corne utérine gauche avec une base nécrotique, une congestion sévère et 7 foetus non viables. Après l'opération, la chatte s'est complètement rétablie cliniquement.Message clinique clé:La torsion utérine peut facilement être négligée comme cause d'anémie sévère en raison de la rareté relative de cette affection chez le chat et de la faible sensibilité de l'échographie pour fournir un diagnostic pré-chirurgical définitif. La communication avec le client doit souligner la nécessité d'une intervention chirurgicale rapide pour établir le diagnostic et sauver le chat, malgré de faibles taux de survie néonatale. Une fois l'animal stabilisé après la chirurgie, d'autres tests et procédures de diagnostic sont indiqués si la cause de l'anémie n'a pas encore été identifiée.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

[Diagnosis and treatment of feline persistent ductus arteriosus: a retrospective evaluation of 17 cats]. / Diagnose und Therapie eines persistierenden Ductus arteriosus: Eine retrospektive Evaluation bei 17 Katzen.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the signalement, clinical features, and echocardiographic findings of cats diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) as well as short- and medium-term outcome after successful ligation of the PDA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a 10-year period 17 cats were diagnosed with PDA by transthoracic echocardiography. Thirteen cats were surgically treated by thoracotomy and ligation of the PDA. RESULTS: In all cats, a heart murmur was detected. In 88.2% of the cases, this presented as grade 4 out of 6 murmur (15/17 cats). A continuous murmur was more common (10/17 cats; 58.9%) than a systolic murmur (7/17 cats; 41.1%). Echocardiography showed that left ventricular internal diameter end diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular internal diameter end systole (LVIDs) were significantly above reference values in the majority of cats. Mean diameter of the PDA measured at the widest point of the vessel was 3.4 mm (± 1.08 mm) and mean maximum flow velocity amounted to 5,06 m/sec (2,6m/sec-6,4m/sec). Surgery was successfully performed in all cats treated by surgical ligation and all of these patients were discharged after postoperative inpatient therapy. One cat experienced perioperative bleeding from the PDA, which was stopped efficaciously. This cat exhibited a residual shunt directly postoperatively; this could no longer be visualized in a re-check echocardiography 3 months later. Six cats were followed over a longer period of time. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical prognosis in this case study is very good with a postoperative survival rate of 100%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical treatment of PDA is curative in animals not displaying advanced cardiac lesions. The auscultation of a heart murmur can provide initial findings indicative of PDA. Therefore, cardiac auscultation is warranted at every first presentation of a kitten. It must however be taken into consideration that not every cat with PDA necessarily has a continuous murmur but may display a systolic heart murmur. Therefore, it is important give utmost attention to the patients' clinical signs.

[Esophageal stenosis as a result of a right aortic arch in 2 cats]. / Ösophagusstenose infolge eines persistierenden rechten Aortenbogens bei 2 Katzen.

A 3-month-old and a 4-year-old cat were presented in the clinic due to regurgitation. The kitten had displayed the symptoms since it had been fed solid foods and was smaller than the litter mates. The 4-year-old cat showed sudden-onset symptoms for 5 days prior to presentation and had a good general condition. Positive contrast thoracic radiographs of both cats in lateral recumbency showed an esophageal dilatation cranial to the heart base and raised a suspicion of foreign material with soft tissue density in this area. In the 4-year-old cat, findings of ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs were compatible with a dextroposition of the aorta and a slightly marked focal left curve of the trachea. The echocardiographic examination of the kitten pictured a right sided aorta, hence a vascular ring anomaly with a dextroposition from the aorta was suspected. Aberrant blood flow as it is seen in a persistent ductus arteriosus was not apparent in the echocardiography. As a result of the sudden development of the clinical signs in the older cat without displaying any former history of regurgitation, an esophagoscopy was performed to exclude an intraluminal esophageal cause for the stricture as well as to extract the foreign material. In this cat, computed tomography imaging also displayed an aberrant left subclavian artery. Both cats recovered well after surgical correction.The diagnosis of a ring anomaly in the kitten via echocardiography is a rare situation. As is the diagnosis of a high-grade esophageal stricture due to a vascular ring anomaly at the age of 4 without a former history of regurgitation.Recovery was excellent in the younger cat. There were no signs of regurgitation 6 months after surgery. The adult cat was in good general condition without clinical symptoms according to the owners when presented for stitch removal. Unfortunately, the adult cat was lost to follow up.

Cytauxzoonosis in Indiana, USA: a case series of cats infected with Cytauxzoon felis (2018-2022).

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: This case series describes six cases involving seven cats naturally infected with Cytauxzoon felis in Indiana, USA. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and all available information on signalment, history, clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment, outcome and pathology was reported. Cats infected with C felis were domestic shorthairs, were aged between 2 and 9 years and all but one of the cats were male. The seven infected cats originated from five counties in southwestern Indiana. Six of seven cats were found to have acute cytauxzoonosis based on clinical signs, gross pathologic lesions, observation of C felis in tissues and/or detection of C felis DNA. One cat was identified as a subclinical survivor cat with no known clinical history of cytauxzoonosis. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: The reported cases are the first confirmed reports of acute and chronic cytauxzoonosis in cats from Indiana and document an expansion in the range of C felis. Veterinary practitioners in Indiana should consider infection with C felis as a differential diagnosis for cats that present with fever, inappetence, lethargy, depression, dehydration, dyspnea, hemolytic crisis, anorexia or icterus. Administration of approved acaricides to cats currently offers the best protection and control against C felis infection.

Neuropathic pain in cats: Mechanisms and multimodal management.

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic pain is a significant welfare concern in cats, and neuropathic pain, which arises from aberrant processing of sensory signals within the nervous system, is a subcategory of this type of pain. To comprehend this condition and how multimodal pharmacotherapy plays a central role in alleviating discomfort, it is crucial to delve into the anatomy of nociception and pain perception. In addition, there is an intricate interplay between emotional health and chronic pain in cats, and understanding and addressing the emotional factors that contribute to pain perception, and vice versa, is essential for comprehensive care.Clinical approach:Neuropathic pain is suspected if there is abnormal sensation in the area of the distribution of pain, together with a positive response to trial treatment with drugs effective for neuropathic pain. Ideally, this clinical suspicion would be supported by confirmation of a lesion at this neurolocalisation using diagnostic modalities such as MRI and neuroelectrophysiology. Alternatively, there may be a history of known trauma at that site. A variety of therapies, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory and adjuvant drugs, and neuromodulation (eg, TENS or acupuncture), can be employed to address different facets of pain pathways.Aim:This review article, aimed at primary care/ general practitioners, focuses on the identification and management of neuropathic pain in cats. Three case vignettes are included and a structured treatment algorithm is presented to guide veterinarians in tailoring interventions.Evidence base:The review draws on current literature, where available, along with the author's extensive experience and research.

Xanthinuria in a familial group of Munchkin cats and an unrelated domestic shorthair cat.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Four confirmed cases of xanthinuria in cats, and one suspected case based on pedigree analysis, were identified. Clinical presentations varied and included haematuria, pollakiuria, dysuria, and urethral and ureteral obstruction. All cats had upper urinary tract uroliths. Diagnosis was obtained through infrared mass spectrometry of uroliths or urine. Clinical signs commenced at 3-8 months of age and reduced in all cats in the medium to long term after the introduction of a protein-restricted diet. Four cats were castrated males and one was a spayed female. Cases consisted of four Munchkin pedigree cats and one unrelated domestic shorthair cat. All four affected Munchkin pedigree cats were related, with three cases full siblings and the fourth case a half-sibling. No connection to the Munchkin pedigree could be established for the domestic shorthair cat. A candidate causative genetic variant (XDH p.A681V) proposed for this cat was excluded in the Munchkin family. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: All affected cats presented diagnostic challenges and routine urinalysis was insufficient to obtain a diagnosis. Cases of feline xanthinuria may be underdiagnosed due to situations where uroliths cannot be retrieved for analysis and there is an inability to make a diagnosis using crystal morphology alone on routine urinalysis. Metabolic screening of urine may provide an effective mechanism to confirm xanthinuria in suspected cases where uroliths are inaccessible or absent. In this case series, male cats were more common. Their anatomy may increase the risk of lower urinary tract signs and urethral obstruction developing secondary to xanthine urolithiasis. A protein-restricted diet appears to reduce clinical signs as part of long-term management. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Four closely related Munchkin cats and one domestic shorthair cat were found with a suspected genetic disease causing high levels of xanthine in their urine. The case series looks at similarities and differences in their clinical signs, as well as difficulties experienced in obtaining a correct diagnosis. All cats had upper urinary tract stones and required metabolic testing of the stones or urine to diagnose. All cats were young when their clinical signs started and were on a high-protein diet. Four cats were desexed males and one was a desexed female. A genetic variant that may have caused the disease in the domestic shorthair cat was ruled out in the Munchkin family. Cases of high xanthine levels in feline urine may be underdiagnosed as the stones may not be accessed for testing. In this case series, male cats were more common. Their anatomy may increase the risk of lower urinary tract signs. A protein-restricted diet appears to reduce clinical signs as part of long-term management.

Symmetric dimethylarginine correlates with the urea, creatinine, potassium, and clinical scores in feline urethral obstructions.

BACKGROUND: A urethral obstruction (UO) is an emergency commonly observed in male cats, which can result in significant clinical and laboratory alterations, leading to complications and death. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to correlate symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) with the urea, creatinine, potassium, and bicarbonate levels in cats with UO. In addition, the correlation between clinical score and time of obstruction was evaluated. METHODS: Thirty male cats were selected and allocated into a control group (CG, n = 13) and an obstruction group (OG, n = 17). The laboratory analyses were conducted before treatment (M0) and at different times after treatment (12 h [M12], 24 h [M24], and 48 h [M48]). Correlations were established between SDMA and creatinine, urea, bicarbonate, potassium, time of obstruction, and the clinical score. RESULTS: A strong correlation (r > 0.6) was observed between SDMA and creatinine, urea, and potassium in the OG. Furthermore, there was substantial agreement (kappa value) between SDMA and creatinine at M24. A higher clinical score was associated with a longer time of obstruction. In the OG, at M48, the SDMA and creatinine levels were 50% and 41.2% higher, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A correlation was observed between SDMA and creatinine in obstructed cats, and significant agreement between these values was observed 24 h after the unblocking treatment. A correlation among SDMA, urea, and potassium was observed. Approximately 9% more cats continued to have elevated SDMA levels after 48 h of treatment compared to creatinine. This suggests a slightly lower sensitivity of the latter biomarker but does not exclude the possibility of congruent and normalized values after a longer evaluation period.

The Use of Diets in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Gastrointestinal Diseases in Dogs and Cats.

The nutritional health of dogs and cats is important to pet owners around the world. Nutrition is inextricably linked to the health of the gastrointestinal system and vice versa. Gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, or weight loss, are one of the most common reasons that dog and cat owners make non-routine appointments with veterinarians. Those patients are evaluated systematically to identify and/or rule out the causes of the symptoms. Some causes of chronic diarrhea are within the gastrointestinal tract while others are secondary to pathogenic factors outside the digestive system. Some useful biomarkers of chronic intestinal disease (enteropathy) exist in serum and feces. After determination that the clinical signs are due to primary gastrointestinal disease and that there is no parasitism, specific diets are used for at least two weeks. There are several types of diets for pets with chronic enteropathies. There are limited ingredient diets and hydrolyzed protein diets with reduced levels of allergens. There are also highly digestible and fiber-enhanced diets. Some diets contain probiotics and/or prebiotics. If symptoms do not improve and the patient is stable, a diet from a different class may be tried. For chronic enteropathies, the prognosis is generally good for symptom resolution or at least improvement. However, if interventions with novel diets do not ameliorate the symptoms of chronic enteropathy, then antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or immunosuppressant therapy or further, more invasive diagnostics such as taking an intestinal biopsy, may be indicated. Pancreatitis is a common gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats and patients may present with mild to severe disease. Many patients with mild to moderate disease can be successfully treated with early supportive care, including feeding a low-fat diet. A novel pharmaceutical, fuzapladib (Panoquell-CA1) looks very promising for treating more severe forms of acute pancreatitis in dogs. Maintenance on a low-fat diet may prevent pancreatitis in at-risk dogs. Future advances in medicine will allow pet owners and veterinarians to use dietary management to maximize the health of their dogs and cats.

Aberrant sparganosis in cat caused by Spirometra mansoni (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae): a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sparganosis is a rare zoonotic disease caused by plerocercoid larvae of the genera Spirometra or Sparganum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae). The larvae of Spirometra generally do not undergo asexual reproduction, whereas those of Sparganum can induce proliferative lesions in infected tissues. This paper presents an unusual case of proliferative sparganosis due to infection with Spirometra mansoni in a cat, normally considered a definitive host of the species. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year-old male domestic cat was presented with a mass on the right side of the face that underwent progressive enlargement for 1 month. The morphological and histopathological examinations revealed multiple asexual proliferative cestode larvae in the lesions, suggestive of proliferative sparganosis. Next-generation sequencing analysis of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of surgically excised tissue indicated that the worm was Spirometra mansoni. CONCLUSION: Although S. mansoni a common tapeworm species found in the small intestine of domestic cats and dogs in Japan, proliferative sparganosis is extremely rare. This is the first confirmed case of proliferative sparganosis due to infection with S. mansoni in cat.

Efficacy of Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats (280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin) in the prevention of feline Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection evaluated in a multi-diagnostic approach.

BACKGROUND: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is one of the most important respiratory nematodes of felines. Infections may lead to respiratory clinical signs with varying severity or even death, emphasizing the need for preventive treatment of cats with outdoor access to circumvent patent infections. METHODS: Therefore, the preventive efficacy of a spot-on formulation of 280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats, MSD) against A. abstrusus was evaluated in a negative controlled, randomized and partially blinded efficacy study with 28 purpose-bred cats in a non-terminal design. In three different treatment regimes, the minimum recommended dose of 40 mg fluralaner and 2.0 mg moxidectin/kg bodyweight (BW) was administered once at 12, 8 or 4 weeks (study group G1, G2 and G3, respectively) prior to experimental infection with 300 third-stage A. abstrusus larvae, while G4 served as placebo-treated control. RESULTS: From 30 to 46 days post infection (dpi; SD 114 to 130), faeces were sampled to monitor first-stage larvae (L1) excretion for efficacy determination. Secondary efficacy criteria, including respiratory parameters, serological antibody levels and computed tomography (CT) findings, were assessed once before enrolment (SD -7 to -1) and before infection (SD 75 to 83). After infection, CT evaluation was performed once at 47-50 dpi (SD 131 to 134), and respiratory parameters and antibody levels were regularly assessed twice or once a week, respectively (1 up to 78 dpi, SD 85 up to 162). All animals in the control group excreted L1 by 33-37 dpi and remained positive throughout the study period from 41 to 46 dpi (SD 125 to 130). In the treatment groups, only one animal each of G1 and G2 excreted L1 at two consecutive days, and four cats of G1, two of G2 and three of G3 were positive on single occasions. While the geometric mean (GM) of the maximum number of excreted L1 per 5 g of faeces was 7380.89 in the control group (G4), GMs were significantly lower in the treatment groups with 1.63 in G1, 1.37 in G2 and 0.79 in G3. Thus, based on GMs, the reduction in excreted L1 exceeded 99.9% in all three treatment groups. Based on CT severity scores, all lungs of the animals of the control group showed severe pulmonary changes post infection, whereas lungs of the cats of the treatment groups were either unaltered (4 animals), mildly (11 animals), or moderately altered (5 animals). Moreover, seroconversion was observed in all cats of the control group, but not in those of the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of diagnostic methods used in this non-terminal study yielded coherent and reliable results. A single administration of Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats was well tolerated and effective in the prevention of aelurostrongylosis for at least 12 weeks.

Feline leishmaniasis in an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil: Clinical aspects, coinfections, molecular detection, and serological study of a new recombinant protein.

Infection and clinical cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in cats have been increasingly reported in several countries, including Brazil. In this study, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunochromatographic test (ICT) based on a recombinant antigen (rKDDR-plus) to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies in cats from an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil. We compared the results with an ELISA using L. infantum crude antigen (ELISA-CA). We also investigated the presence of Leishmania DNA in blood or ocular conjunctival samples as well as the association between Leishmania PCR positivity and serological positivity to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Toxoplasma gondii. Concerning serological assays, a higher positivity was detected using the ICT-rKDDR-plus (7.5%; 7/93) as compared to ELISA-rKDDR-plus (5.4%; 5/93) and ELISA-CA (4.3%; 4/93). Upon PCR testing, 52.7% (49/93) of the ocular conjunctival swabs and 48.3% (44/91) of the blood samples were positive. Together, PCR and serological testing revealed overall positivities of 73.1% (68/93) and 12.9% (12/93), respectively. Among PCR-positive samples, 45.5% (31/68) showed co-infection with FIV, 17.6% (12/68) with FeLV, and 82.3% (56/68) with T. gondii. More than half of the PCR-positive cats showed at least one clinical sign suggestive of leishmaniasis (58.8%; 40/68) and dermatological signs were the most frequent ones (45.5%; 31/68). Both tests employing the recombinant antigen rKDDR-plus (i.e., ICT-rKDDR-plus and ELISA-rKDDR-plus) detected more positive cats than the ELISA-CA but presented low overall accuracy. PCR testing using either blood or ocular conjunctival samples detected much more positive cats than serological tests.

Utility of immature platelet fraction in the Sysmex XN-1000V for the differential diagnosis of central and peripheral thrombocytopenia in dogs and cats.

BACKGROUND: The immature platelet fraction (IPF), a parameter obtained by the Sysmex XN-1000V analyzer, is used in humans to differentiate between central (CEN) and peripheral (PER) thrombocytopenia (TP) but has not been evaluated in small animals. OBJECTIVES: Compare IPF between healthy, clinical non-TP and TP dogs and cats, study IPF in different causes of TP in dogs and cats and, establish IPF reference intervals (RIs), and study the effect of age and sex on IPF in healthy dogs and cats. ANIMALS: A total of 3281 dogs and 726 cats. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records. Animals were classified as nonthrombocytopenic (healthy group and group of clinical patients without TP [NTP]) or TP. These latter animals were subclassified as pseudothrombocytopenia (PSE), CEN and PER, based on evaluation of platelet clumps, estimated platelet count in blood smears and final diagnosis. Blood samples were evaluated using a Sysmex XN-1000V with a specific platelet channel (PLT-F). RESULTS: The IPF was significantly different between each subtype of TP in both species. Immature platelet fractions <6.9% in dogs or 13.6% in cats, once PSE has been eliminated by review of blood smears, are indicative of CEN. Reference intervals for IPF were 0.5%-8% in healthy dogs and 1%-40.3% in healthy cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: We determined that IPF can differentiate between CEN and PER in dogs and cats, guiding additional testing and avoiding more invasive procedures (bone marrow sampling). A blood smear always should be evaluated to rule out platelet clumping.

Traumatic and iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury in 38 dogs and 10 cats: Clinical and electrodiagnostic findings.

BACKGROUND: Reports describing sciatic nerve injuries (SNI) and their outcome are scarce in veterinary medicine. HYPOTHESIS: Describe the causes of traumatic and iatrogenic SNI and evaluate which clinical and electrodiagnostic findings predict outcome. ANIMALS: Thirty-eight dogs and 10 cats with confirmed SNI referred for neurologic and electrodiagnostic evaluation. METHODS: Clinical and electrodiagnostic examination results, including electromyography (EMG), motor nerve conduction studies, muscle-evoked potential (MEP), F-waves, sensory nerve conduction studies, and cord dorsum potential (CDP), were retrospectively evaluated. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed based on owner interviews. RESULTS: Surgery (42%) and trauma (33%) were the most common causes of SNI; in dogs, 24% were caused by bites from wild boars. Ability to flex and extend the tarsus was significantly associated with positive outcome in dogs. Mean time from onset of clinical signs until electrodiagnostic evaluation was 67 ± 65 (range, 7-300) days and 65 ± 108 (range, 7-365) days for dogs and cats, respectively. A cut-off amplitude of 1.45 mV for compound motor action potentials (CMAP) was predictive of positive outcome in dogs (P = .01), with sensitivity of 58% and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Clinical motor function predicts recovery better than sensory function. Electrodiagnostic findings also may play a role in predicting the outcome of SNI. Application of the proposed CMAP cut-off amplitude may assist clinicians in shortening the time to reassessment or for earlier suggestion of salvage procedures. Owners perceived a good quality of life (QoL), even in cases of hindlimb amputation.

Assessing breathing effort by barometric whole-body plethysmography and its relationship with prognosis in client-owned cats with respiratory distress.

BACKGROUND: Cats in respiratory distress have limited tolerance for manipulation, hindering clinical monitoring. Minute volume (MV) can be utilized to rate dyspnea in humans, but its relationship with respiratory distress in cats remains poorly investigated. HYPOTHESIS: Cats with respiratory distress will show higher MV per kg body weight (MV/BW) than normal cats, and the MV/BW increase will correlate with survival. ANIMALS: Fifty-two cats with respiratory distress from lung parenchymal disease, pleural space disease, lower airway obstruction (LAO), or upper airway obstruction were recruited since 2014. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study. Study cats were placed in a transparent chamber, allowing clinicians to easily observe their breathing status and record ventilation using barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP). Ventilatory variables of the 52 cats were compared with those of 14 historic control cats. Follow-up data, including disease category, clinical outcomes, and survival, were prospectively collected. RESULTS: Cats in respiratory distress demonstrated significantly higher MV/BW (397 mL/kg; range, 158-1240) than normal cats (269 mL/kg; range, 168-389; P < .001). Among the etiologies, cats with LAO, parenchymal, and pleural space disease exhibited higher-than-normal MV/BW trends. A cutoff value of 373 mL/kg (1.4-fold increase) indicated abnormally increased breathing efforts (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 93%). MV/BW was independently associated with increased cardiorespiratory mortality in cats with respiratory distress (adjusted hazard ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.35; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Breathing efforts in cats can be noninvasively quantified using BWBP. Measurement of MV/BW could serve as a prognostic index for monitoring cats experiencing respiratory distress.

Usefulness of serum amyloid A for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis in cats: A prospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of pyelonephritis in cats is challenging and development of a noninvasive and accurate biomarker is needed. HYPOTHESES: Serum amyloid A (SAA) is increased in cats with pyelonephritis, but not in cats with other urinary tract diseases. ANIMALS: A cohort of 125 cats (149 observations). METHODS: This was a prospective study. Group 1 included cats with a diagnosis of pyelonephritis either confirmed by bacterial culture of pelvic urine (Group 1a) or presumed (1b). Group 2 included cats for which pyelonephritis was ruled out (with certainty: Group 2a or judged unlikely: Group 2b). SAA concentration was compared between groups, and accuracy of SAA for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis was calculated using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: Median SAA concentration was significantly higher in Group 1a (86.8 mg/L [73.3; 161.5]; n = 8) than in Group 2a (4 mg/L [1.8; 5.6], n = 19; P < .001) and in Group 2b (5.4 mg/L [3.1; 9.7], n = 113; P < .001). It was also significantly higher in Group 1b (98.8 mg/L [83.1; 147.3]; n = 9) than in Group 2b (P < .001) and Group 2a (P < .001). Optimal diagnostic cut-off for SAA concentration was 51.3 mg/L. yielding a sensitivity of 88% (95% confidence interval: [64%; 99%]) and a specificity of 94% (95% confidence interval: [88%; 97%]). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Measurement of SAA could be used to rule out pyelonephritis in the case of low suspicion of the disease. Increased SAA concentration is suggestive of pyelonephritis despite a lack of specificity.

Alpha-chloralose poisoning in 25 cats: clinical picture and evaluation of treatment with intravenous lipid emulsion.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to describe the clinical picture and progression in cats with alpha-chloralose (AC) intoxication and to determine if treatment with intravenous (IV) lipid emulsion (ILE) influenced either the serum concentration of AC or the clinical signs. METHODS: Cats with suspected AC poisoning admitted to a university small animal hospital were included. The cats were randomised into two groups: one receiving 20% ILE at a dose of 300 mg/kg as a 2 min bolus, followed by a 1500 mg/kg continuous rate infusion over 30 mins (IL+ group) and the other receiving IV fluid therapy with Ringer's acetate (IL- group). Serum samples were drawn at 0, 2, 12 and 24 h after admission. Samples were tested for AC with a novel validated, quantitative, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Vital and predefined clinical signs were noted at the times of sampling and patients were scored using a previously described intoxication severity score. Telephone interviews were conducted after discharge to assess outcome. RESULTS: A total of 25 cats were enrolled: 13 cats in the IL+ group and 12 in the IL- group. The most common clinical signs at presentation were tremor (n = 22, 88.0%), cranial nerve deficits (n = 20, 80.0%) and bradycardia (n = 19, 76.0%). No significant difference in AC concentration or change in intoxication score over time was found between the IL+ and IL- groups at any time point (P >0.05). All cats recovered within 72 h. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: ILE did not have any effect on the AC serum concentration or clinical signs in AC-poisoned cats. All cats survived until follow-up. In cats with an acute onset of the described neurological signs, AC intoxication is an important differential diagnosis with an excellent prognosis.

Evaluation of a Revised Point-of-Care Test for the Detection of Feline Leukaemia p27 Antigen and Anti-p15E Antibodies in Cats.

The first point-of-care (PoC) test (v-RetroFel®; modified version 2021) determining the presence of FeLV p27 antigen and FeLV anti-p15E antibodies has become recently commercially available to identify different feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection outcomes. This study aimed to assess this PoC test's performance concerning FeLV p27 antigen and FeLV anti-p15E antibody detection. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were assessed after ten minutes (recommended) and 20 min (prolonged) incubation times. The test results were evaluated as either positive or negative. Serum samples from 934 cats were included, originating from Italy (n = 269), Portugal (n = 240), Germany (n = 318), and France (n = 107). FeLV p27 antigen and anti-p15E antibodies were measured by reference standard ELISAs and compared to the PoC test results. The PoC test was easy to perform and the results easy to interpret. Sensitivity and specificity for FeLV p27 antigen were 82.8% (PPV: 57.8%) and 96.0% (NPV: 98.8%) after both, ten and 20 minues of incubation time. Sensitivity and specificity for anti-p15E antibodies were 31.4% (PPV: 71.6%) and 96.9% (NPV: 85.1%) after ten minutes incubation time; sensitivity was improved by a prolonged incubation time (20 min) to 40.0% (PPV: 76.3%), while specificity remained the same (96.9%, NPV: 86.7%). Despite the improved sensitivity using the prolonged incubation time, lower than ideal sensitivities for both p27 antigen and especially anti-p15E antibodies were found, indicating that the PoC test in its current version needs further improvement prior to application in the field.

Evaluation of feline heartworm disease based on gross necropsy, serology, pulmonary histopathology, and radiographic evidence in adult shelter cats in northeastern Alabama.

BACKGROUND: Veterinary knowledge regarding feline heartworm has been increasing significantly over the past two decades. Necropsy surveys of shelter cats have shown feline adult heartworm infection prevalence to be 5-20% of the rate in unprotected dogs; however, other studies have shown feline heartworm antibody prevalence up to 33%, reflecting higher exposure rates and potential immature adult infections. Thus, the true prevalence of feline heartworm infection is likely underestimated due to the limitations of current diagnostic techniques, inadequate testing protocols, and the high likelihood of cats exhibiting transient clinical signs or dying without confirmation of infection. Diagnosing Feline Heartworm Disease (FHWD), also referred to as Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD), is one of the conundrums of veterinary medicine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and characterize the occurrence of Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease [HARD] in shelter cats, naturally-infected with D.immitis. METHODS: Fifty shelter cats slated for euthanasia between December 2009 and June 2010 were investigated by gross necropsy, radiography, serology, and lung histopathology using techniques that have been established in experimental models of cat heartworm infection. The relationship between pulmonary vascular disease and serological markers for heartworm was also examined using correlations and statistical modeling. Serology included standard heartworm antigen test and a commonly used heartworm antibody test. Also included were heat-treated heartworm antigen test and two additional heartworm antibody tests previously evaluated on experimentally-infected cats. RESULTS: None of the cats were heartworm antibody (HW Ab) positive on a commonly used HW Ab test used by many reference laboratories even though 20% of the study cats were heartworm antigen (HW Ag) positive on heat-treated samples. Two additional HW Ab test were positive on 26% and 22% of the study cats. The combination of heat-treated HW Ag, HW Ab tests, and histopathology indicated 34% of the study cats had HARD. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing both, the above tests, and thoracic radiographs, enhanced the ability to predict vascular disease, possibly caused by infection with immature and adult heartworms and supported the premise that cats develop heartworm disease at the same rate as dogs.

Prospective Investigation of Feline Leukemia Virus Infection in Stray Cats Subjected to a Trap-Neuter-Return Program in Switzerland.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) remains a serious concern in some countries despite advances in diagnostics and vaccines. FeLV-infected cats often have reduced lifespans due to FeLV-associated diseases. The infection is transmitted through social interactions. While Northern European countries have reported a decrease in FeLV among pet cats, Switzerland's rates remain stagnant at 2.7% (2016/17: 95% CI 1.4-5.2%). Research on FeLV in Swiss stray cats has been lacking, even though these animals could serve as a virus reservoir. Sampling stray cats that do not receive regular veterinary care can be challenging. Collaboration with the Swiss Network for Animal Protection (NetAP) allowed for the prospective collection of saliva samples from 1711 stray cats during a trap-neuter-return program from 2019 to 2023. These samples were tested for FeLV RNA using RT-qPCR as a measure for antigenemia. Viral RNA was detected in 4.0% (95% CI 3.1-5.0%) of the samples, with 7.7% (95% CI 4.9-11.3%) in sick cats and 3.3% (95% CI 2.4-4.4%) in healthy ones. We identified three geographically independent hotspots with alarmingly high FeLV infection rates in stray cats (up to 70%). Overall, including the previous data of privately owned cats, FeLV-positive cats were scattered throughout Switzerland in 24/26 cantons. Our findings underscore welfare concerns for FeLV infections among stray cats lacking veterinary attention, highlighting the potential risk of infection to other free-roaming cats, including those privately owned. This emphasizes the critical significance of vaccinating all cats with outdoor access against FeLV and developing programs to protect cats from FeLV infections.