Primary hyperparathyroidism due to a cystic parathyroid adenoma in a cat.

A 15-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was presented for weight loss, polydipsia/polyuria, and lethargy. A large fluctuant mass was palpated in the ventral right cervical region. Biochemistry results were consistent with primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid hormone level in the fluid was higher to that observed in the plasma, consistent with a cystic parathyroid lesion. Right parathyroidectomy and thyroidectomy were performed without complications. Ionized calcium normalized within a few hours. Histopathology yielded a diagnosis of cystic parathyroid adenoma. Follow-up showed complete recovery of clinical signs and normalization of ionized calcium. This case shows an uncommon presentation of feline primary hyperparathyroidism secondary to a cystic parathyroid adenoma and is, to our knowledge, the first case presented with a large palpable mass in which parathyroid hormone concentration was measured. This report highlights the value of selective hormonal analyses of the cystic fluid to confirm the origin of the cystic lesion pre-operatively.

Frequency of bacteriuria in dogs with chronic kidney disease: A retrospective study of 201 cases.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown an increased prevalence of positive urine culture (PUC) in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD); no information is available in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To document the PUC frequency in a cohort of dogs with CKD, determine risk factors for PUC, and identify associations between clinicopathologic data and PUC. ANIMALS: Two hundred one client-owned dogs with CKD. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study. Dogs recruited from 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were included if they were diagnosed with CKD and had a culture performed on urine collected by cystocentesis. The PUC frequency was calculated, multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors, and associations with clinicopathologic data were investigated. RESULTS: Sixty-five dogs (32%) with CKD had PUC, including 8 (28%) in International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 1; only 8% showed signs of a urinary tract infection. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate (67%). A PUC was more likely in females (odds ratio [OR], 3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67-6.37; P < .001) than males and in dogs with isosthenuria (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.24-5.03; P = .01) than in dogs with urine-specific gravity 1.013-1.024. A positive leukocyte esterase test and microorganisms found by urine sediment analysis were significantly associated with PUC (both P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with CKD, even IRIS stage 1, have a high frequency of PUC and most cases are asymptomatic. A urine culture could be considered in the routine evaluation of dogs with CKD, but the clinical relevance of a PUC remains unknown and needs further evaluation.

An endoscopic method for semi-quantitatively measuring internal pyloric diameter in healthy cats: A prospective study of 24 cases.

The objectives of this study were to describe an endoscopic technique for semi-quantitative measurement of the internal pyloric diameter and apply this method to determine its typical size in a population of healthy cats. Twenty-four healthy adult cats, privately owned or originating from catteries, were prospectively recruited. Endoscopies were performed by the same investigator and cats with moderate to marked macroscopic inflammation were excluded. The internal pyloric diameter was measured with bespoke interchangeable biocompatible 'olives' (ranging from 4 to 12 mm in diameter) that could be attached to a guidewire. Attempts were made to pass the olives through the pylorus, in decreasing order of size, and the internal pyloric diameter was assumed to be equivalent to the size of the first olive that could successfully be passed. The median duration of the endoscopic procedure was <5 (interquartile range 2.7-5.4) minutes and all cats recovered quickly from the procedure without any complications. The median internal pyloric diameter in this population was 9 (interquartile range 9-10) mm, with most (23/24) cats having an internal pyloric diameter within ±1 mm of this measurement. There was no apparent effect of age, sex, breed or weight on the pyloric size. This study is the first to describe a quick and safe method for semi-quantitatively assessing the internal pyloric diameter in healthy adult cats. A prospective study is now warranted in order to determine the impact of gastrointestinal disease on pyloric diameter, for example cats with possible pyloric stenosis.