Computed tomography angiography features of a retroperitoneal extra-adrenal paraganglioma in a cat.

A 7-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of a large-volume abdominal space-occupying lesion. A computed tomography angiography examination detected a round retroperitoneal mass, in contact with the large abdominal vessels, characterized by an external hyperattenuating capsule and a larger hypoattenuating center. The capsule was soft-tissue attenuating with marked heterogenous contrast enhancement. The center was hypoattenuating pre- and post-contrast administration. The mass displaced both kidneys laterally and the descendent colon ventrally. The mesenteric veins and both phrenicoabdominal veins were markedly increased in diameter. However, the adrenals were not involved. On the excretory phase, no contrast enhancement was observed in either ureter, except for the proximal tract of the right ureter. At laparotomy, both ureters entered the mass that was adherent to the great abdominal vessels. The cytological diagnosis was retroperitoneal extra-adrenal paraganglioma. In cats, retroperitoneal extra-adrenal paragangliomas are very rare. This is the first computed tomography angiography report of a retroperitoneal extra-adrenal paraganglioma in a domestic cat. Key clinical message: This report describes the computed tomography angiography features of a rare case of a retroperitoneal extra-adrenal paraganglioma in a cat. These features could be taken into consideration to direct the diagnosis of a possible neuroendocrine origin for a retroperitoneal mass in a cat.

Caractéristiques de l'angiographie par tomodensitométrie d'un para-gangliome extra-surrénalien rétropéritonéal chez un chatUne chatte domestique à poils courts, âgée de 7 ans, stérilisée, a été présentée pour évaluation d'une lésion abdominale de grand volume occupant de l'espace. Un examen d'angiographie tomodensitométrique a détecté une masse rétropéritonéale ronde, en contact avec les gros vaisseaux abdominaux, caractérisée par une capsule externe hyper-atténuante et un centre hypo-atténuant plus large. La capsule présentait une atténuation des tissus mous avec une prise de contraste hétérogène marquée. Le centre était hypoatténuant avant et après l'administration le milieu de contraste. La masse a déplacé latéralement les deux reins et ventralement le côlon descendant. Le diamètre des veines mésentériques et des deux veines phrénico-abdominales était nettement augmenté. Cependant, les surrénales n'étaient pas impliquées. À la phase excrétrice, aucune augmentation de contraste n'a été observée dans les deux uretères, à l'exception du tractus proximal de l'uretère droit. Lors de la laparotomie, les deux uretères pénétraient dans la masse adhérente aux gros vaisseaux abdominaux. Le diagnostic cytologique était un paragangliome extra-surrénalien rétropéritonéal. Chez le chat, les para-gangliomes extra-surrénaliens rétropéritonéaux sont très rares. Il s'agit du premier rapport d'angiographie par tomodensitométrie d'un para-gangliome extra-surrénalien rétropéritonéal chez un chat domestique.Message clinique clé:Ce rapport décrit les caractéristiques de l'angiographie par tomodensitométrie d'un cas rare de paragangliome extra-surrénalien rétropéritonéal chez un chat. Ces caractéristiques pourraient être prises en considération pour orienter le diagnostic d'une éventuelle origine neuroendocrinienne d'une masse rétropéritonéale chez un chat.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Imaging findings in otitis media and resulting secondary lesions in dogs and cats - an image essay.

Over the past 2 decades, the increasing availability of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as the growing professional expertise have significantly improved the diagnostics of middle and inner ear diseases in dogs and cats. In answering some of the diagnostic questions, CT and MRT demonstrate equivalent performance. For most questions, however, there are differences in the diagnostic performance due to the physical imaging properties of the 2 modalities.CT is more sensitive in demonstrating involvement of the bulla wall and is more effective for detecting abnormal content within the tympanic bulla. In addition, with CT it is often easier to guide tissue samplings. On the other hand, structural changes of the soft tissues of the skull, head, meninges, brain, and nerves are not or only insufficiently detectable on CT images. MRI is clearly superior here. Therefore, MRI is essential for the characterization of materials inside the bulla cavity and for demonstrating the extent of any central spread of otitis media (OM).In this image essay, CT and MRI features of OM and resulting secondary lesions described in the literature are analyzed and summarized. Own image examples are used for illustration. Information on the etiology, pathogenesis, pathomorphology, and clinical signs important for understanding these changes are presented in concise descriptions.

Computed tomographic evaluation of portal vein indices in cats with the extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

IMPORTANCE: The portal vein to aorta (PV/Ao) ratio is used to assess the clinical significance of extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS). Previous studies using computed tomography (CT) were conducted in dogs but not in cats. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish normal reference values for PV indices (PV/Ao ratio and PV diameter) in cats and determine the usefulness of these for predicting symptomatic EHPSS. METHODS: This study included 95 dogs and 114 cats that underwent abdominal CT. The canine normal (CN) group included dogs without EHPSS. The cats were classified into feline normal (FN, 88/114), feline asymptomatic (FA, 16/114), and feline symptomatic (FS, 10/114) groups. The PV and Ao diameters were measured in axial cross-sections. RESULTS: The group FN had a higher PV/Ao ratio than the group CN (p < 0.001). Within the feline groups, the PV indices were in the order FN > FA > FS (both p < 0.001). The mean PV diameter and PV/Ao ratio for group FN were 5.23 ± 0.77 mm and 1.46 ± 0.19, respectively. The cutoff values between groups FN and FS were 4.115 mm for PV diameter (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 97.7%) and 1.170 for PV/Ao ratio (90%, 92.1%). The cutoff values between group FA and FS were 3.835 mm (90%, 93.8%) and 1.010 (70%, 100%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results demonstrated significant differences in PV indices between dogs and cats. In cats, the PV/Ao ratio demonstrated high diagnostic performance for symptomatic EHPSS. The PV diameter also performed well, in contrast to dogs.

Clinical, imaging and histopathological characterization of a series of three cats with cerebellar cortical degeneration.

BACKGROUND: Neurological inherited disorders are rare in domestic animals. Cerebellar cortical degeneration remains amongst the most common of these disorders. The condition is defined as the premature loss of fully differentiated cerebellar components due to genetic or metabolic defects. It has been studied in dogs and cats, and various genetic defects and diagnostic tests (including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) have been refined in these species. Cases in cats remain rare and mostly individual, and few diagnostic criteria, other than post-mortem exam, have been evaluated in reports with multiple cases. Here, we report three feline cases of cerebellar cortical degeneration with detailed clinical, diagnostic imaging and post-mortem findings. CASE PRESENTATION: The three cases were directly (siblings, case #1 and #2) or indirectly related (same farm, case #3) and showed early-onset of the disease, with clinical signs including cerebellar ataxia and tremors. Brain MRI was highly suggestive of cerebellar cortical degeneration on all three cases. The relative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space, relative cerebellum size, brainstem: cerebellum area ratio, and cerebellum: total brain area ratio, were measured and compared to a control group of cats and reference cut-offs for dogs in the literature. For the relative cerebellum size and cerebellum: total brain area ratio, all affected cases had a lower value than the control group. For the relative CSF space and brainstem: cerebellum area ratio, the more affected cases (#2 and #3) had higher values than the control group, while the least affected case (#3) had values within the ranges of the control group, but a progression was visible over time. Post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of cerebellar cortical degeneration, with marked to complete loss of Purkinje cells and associated granular layer depletion and proliferation of Bergmann glia. One case also had Wallerian-like degeneration in the spinal cord, suggestive of spinocerebellar degeneration. CONCLUSION: Our report further supports a potential genetic component for the disease in cats. For the MRI examination, the relative cerebellum size and cerebellum: total brain area ratio seem promising, but further studies are needed to establish specific feline cut-offs. Post-mortem evaluation of the cerebellum remains the gold standard for the final diagnosis.

[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.

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).

The effect of obesity and subsequent weight reduction on cardiac morphology and function in cats.

BACKGROUND: In people, obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, associated with systemic hypertension, cardiac remodelling and systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Weight reduction can reverse myocardial remodelling and reduce risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease. In cats, far less is known regarding the effects of obesity and subsequent weight reduction on cardiovascular morphology and function. This prospective study aimed to assess cardiac morphology and function, heart rate variability, cardiac biomarkers and body composition before and after controlled weight reduction in cats with obesity. Body composition analysis (by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, DEXA) and cardiovascular assessment (echocardiography, systemic arterial systolic blood pressure, electrocardiography, plasma cardiac biomarkers) were performed prior to weight management in twenty cats with obesity. These investigations were repeated in eleven cats that reached target weight. RESULTS: At baseline, systemic hypertension was not documented, but the majority of cats with obesity (15 out of 19) showed echocardiographic evidence of diastolic dysfunction. Eleven of 20 cats had increased maximal end-diastolic septal or left ventricular free wall thickness (≥ 6.0 mm) at baseline. Median (interquartile range) percentage of weight lost in the cats reaching target weight was 26% (17-29%), with a median reduction in body fat mass of 45% (26-64%). Both the end-diastolic left ventricular free wall (median magnitude of change -0.85 mm, IQR -0.05 mm to -1.55 mm, P = 0.019; median percentage reduction 14.0%) and end-diastolic interventricular septum (median magnitude of change -0.5 mm, IQR -0.2 mm to -1.225 mm, P = 0.047; median percentage reduction 7.9%) thickness decreased after weight reduction. Following weight reduction, pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging of the left ventricular free wall was consistent with improved diastolic function in 4 out of 8 cats, however there was no significant difference in overall diastolic function class. Further, there was no change in heart rate variability or cardiac biomarkers with weight reduction. CONCLUSION: An increase in left ventricular wall thickness and diastolic dysfunction were common echocardiographic features in cats with obesity within our study and may be reversible with successful weight and fat mass loss. Further studies are required to clarify the clinical consequences of these findings.

Clinical evaluation and surgical intervention for diaphragmatic eventration mimicking peritoneopericardial hernia in a cat.

A 2-year-old spayed female British Shorthair cat presented with an increased frequency and duration of cough since infant period. Based on radiographic, ultrasonographic, and computed tomography findings, peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was considered so that repair surgery was planned. During celiotomy, lax diaphragm was identified instead of defect. Transabdominal diaphragmatic plication was performed to resolve lax diaphragm and to prevent recurrence by overlapping relatively normal part of diaphragm. Diagnosed with diaphragmatic eventration postoperatively, the cat showed improvement in clinical signs and imaging results. Transabdominal diaphragmatic plication is a suitable treatment; the patient maintained normally during a 14-month follow-up period.

Recurrent skin opening induced by chronic sternal osteomyelitis caused by a bite wound in a cat: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Chronic sternal osteomyelitis is a rare condition in felines, with limited reported cases to date. OBJECTIVES: We report the case of a 2-year-old castrated male, domestic shorthair cat, weighing 4.68 kg, that presented with skin openings every 3-4 months, despite skin debridement and reconstruction. METHODS: A subcutaneous dead space larger than the skin defect was detected. Haematological analysis revealed elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Thoracic radiography revealed sternal deformation and suspected osteomyelitis. Computed tomography revealed a fistula extending from the third to the fourth sternebrae. RESULTS: Bone and soft tissue debridement and abscess flushing were performed along with long-term antibiotic therapy. The cat remained recurrence-free throughout an 18-month post-surgery follow-up period. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of chronic osteomyelitis occurring in a cat's sternebrae and represents the first successful case of its treatment. This case showcases the potential for improved treatment outcomes in similar cases. Understanding and successful treatment of such cases can pave the way for better management of feline osteomyelitis.

Congenital right atrial diverticulum in a kitten.

A four-month-old domestic shorthair cat with no clinical signs was referred for further examination of a heart murmur. An echocardiogram revealed marked right atrial dilation, extending into the left hemithorax. Computed tomography angiography was conducted to investigate further, which revealed a balloon-shaped, contrast-filled cavity on the cranial and left side of the chest that connected to the right atrium through a narrow passage. This was diagnosed as a congenital right atrial diverticulum. Treatment included clopidogrel to reduce the risk of thrombus formation. Two months after the initial diagnosis, castration surgery was successfully performed without complications. The cat died suddenly at home 10 months after diagnosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first right atrial diverticulum reported in a cat.

Use of combined cutting balloon and high-pressure balloon technique for the treatment of double-chambered right ventricle or primary infundibular stenosis: a case series.

Five dogs and two cats with a diagnosis of double-chambered right ventricle or primary infundibular stenosis were referred to undergo a combined cutting balloon and high-pressure balloon technique. At admission five cases were asymptomatic, one had a history of syncope and one had signs of right-sided congestive heart failure. Each patient underwent a complete transthoracic echocardiogram, thoracic radiographs, an angiogram and the combined interventional procedure. Median diameter of the right mid-ventricular stenosis was 4 mm (range 2-8.7 mm) in dogs, and it measured 1.9 and 2 mm in cats. Under general anesthesia initial dilation with an 8-mm × 2-cm cutting balloon was performed from a left external jugular vein approach followed by dilation with a high-pressure balloon (1.5:1 balloon diameter-right outflow tract diameter ratio). In one dog and the two cats the procedure was not completed due to technical issues. In the other four dogs the median intracavitary proximal chamber pressure decreased from 100 mmHg (range 70-150 mmHg) before the procedure to 57 mmHg (range 45-70 mmHg) post-dilation. Long-term follow-up (from six months to two years) showed complete or partial reverse remodeling of the proximal chamber with a median residual pressure gradient below 80 mmHg (range 46-75 mmHg) for all four dogs. This case series shows that this procedure should be considered in dogs with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. In cats, the procedure might be feasible, if additional guidewire inventory were available.

Spontaneous cecal perforation in a cat diagnosed with ultrasonography.

An 8-year-old cat was presented for an acute history of anorexia, marked abdominal pain, and hyperthermia. Ultrasonography showed a cecal perforation with focal steatitis and adjacent free gas bubbles, consistent with focal peritonitis. Surgery confirmed the imaging findings. An enterectomy was performed with the removal of the cecum and ileocolic valve, and anastomosis between the ileum and colon was performed. Histology revealed transmural enteritis and chronic severe pyogranulomatous peritonitis with intralesional plant fragments.

Risk factors and implications associated with ultrasound-diagnosed nephrocalcinosis in cats with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Microscopic nephrocalcinosis is a common pathological feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. Detection of macroscopic nephrocalcinosis using ultrasonography and its implications remain unexplored. OBJECTIVES: Identify risk factors associated with ultrasound-diagnosed nephrocalcinosis and evaluate the influence of nephrocalcinosis on CKD progression. ANIMALS: Thirty-six euthyroid client-owned cats with CKD. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Cats with CKD with and without ionized hypercalcemia were enrolled for renal ultrasonography. Cats were categorized according to the presence or absence of ultrasound-diagnosed nephrocalcinosis. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify nephrocalcinosis risk factors. The influence of nephrocalcinosis on CKD progression was assessed using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Ultrasound-diagnosed nephrocalcinosis was evident in 61% of CKD cats overall, with increased prevalence (81%) in those with hypercalcemia. At enrollment, higher blood ionized calcium concentration (odds ratio [OR], 1.27 per 0.1 mg/dL; P = .01), plasma phosphate concentration (OR, 1.16 per 0.1 mg/dL; P = .05), plasma creatinine concentration (OR, 1.29 per 0.1 mg/dL; P = .02) and alanine aminotransferase activity (OR, 2.08 per 10 U/L; P = .04) were independent nephrocalcinosis risk factors. The rate of change in log-transformed fibroblast growth factor-23 differed significantly between groups (P = .04). Cats with CKD and nephrocalcinosis had increasing plasma creatinine concentrations (.03 ± .01 mg/dL/month; P = .04) and phosphate concentrations (.06 ± .02 mg/dL/month; P < .001) and decreasing body weight (.02 ± .01 kg/month; P < .001) over time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Nephrocalcinosis is prevalent in cats with CKD, especially in those with hypercalcemia. This pathological feature appears to be associated with CKD progression in cats.

Advances in the Treatment of Chylothorax.

Idiopathic chylothorax is a challenging clinical condition historically associated with poor resolution rates following surgical intervention. Recent advances in imaging and surgical techniques have revolutionized the treatment of this disease process. Computed tomographic lymphangiography has facilitated improved surgical planning and postoperative assessment, while intraoperative use of near-infrared fluorescence imaging aids in highly accurate intraoperative thoracic duct identification. Utilizing these advancements, minimally invasive surgical techniques have been successfully developed and have been associated with considerable improvements in surgical outcomes.

Oesophageal stricture in a cat with true pleuroperitoneal hernia.

A 2-year-old neutered male Bengal cat presented with solid food dysphagia and chronic regurgitation for >5 months. There were no clinical abnormalities on haematological or radiographic examinations. Thoracic radiography revealed a soft tissue opacity mass adjacent to the diaphragm in the caudoventral thorax. Ultrasonography revealed a protruding liver lobe surrounded by a hyperechoic lining from the diaphragm towards the thorax, and a pleuroperitoneal hernia was diagnosed. An endoscopy was performed to examine the cause of regurgitation, and an oesophageal stricture was observed. Endoscopic balloon dilation of the oesophageal stricture was performed, and the regurgitation was resolved immediately. However, regurgitation relapsed 2 months later, and computed tomography was performed to ascertain the cause. Computed tomography revealed oesophageal mural thickening and true pleuroperitoneal hernia with partial liver lobe herniation. A second endoscopy with balloon dilation was performed to treat the relapsing oesophageal stricture, and the clinical signs resolved without the need for herniorrhaphy. Nevertheless, oesophageal stricture could occur due to gastroesophageal reflux related to a pleuroperitoneal hernia; however, a definite link could not be elucidated in this case. This report describes a case of oesophageal stricture and concurrent true pleuroperitoneal hernia in a cat.

Physical examination and CT to assess thoracic injury in 137 cats presented to UK referral hospitals after trauma.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe clinical examination and thoracic CT (TCT) findings in cats after trauma, and to identify physical examination findings associated with both abnormalities on TCT and the need for therapeutic interventions. METHODS: A multicentre, retrospective, observational study was conducted. Cats admitted to the participating hospitals with a history of blunt trauma and that underwent TCT were eligible. Data were collected on signalment, history, physical examination, TCT findings and subsequent interventions. RESULTS: In total, 137 cats were included. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the most frequently reported cause of trauma (69%). Tachypnoea (32%), pale mucous membranes (22%) and dyspnoea (20%) were the most common abnormal findings on thoracic examination. The most frequently identified thoracic pathologies on TCT were atelectasis (34%), pulmonary contusions (33%), pneumothorax (29%) and pleural effusion (20%). Thoracocentesis was the most commonly performed intervention (12%), followed by chest drain placement (7%). A total of 45 (33%) cats had no physical examination abnormalities but did have abnormalities detected on TCT; six of these cats required interventions. Increasing numbers of thoracic abnormalities on clinical examination were associated with increasing likelihood of having abnormal findings on TCT (odds ratio [OR] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-3.44, P = 0.008) and of requiring an intervention (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.32-2.51, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: RTAs were the most common reported cause of blunt trauma. Atelectasis, pulmonary contusions and pneumothorax were the most common abnormalities identified on TCT, and thoracic drainage was the most utilised intervention. TCT may be useful in identifying cats with normal thoracic physical examination findings that have significant thoracic pathology, and a high number of abnormal findings on thoracic examination should raise suspicion for both minor and major thoracic pathology. The results of this study can be used to assist in selecting appropriate cases for TCT after blunt trauma.

Magnetic resonance and computed tomographic imaging characteristics and potential molecular mechanisms of feline meningioma associated calvarial hyperostosis.

Meningiomas are the most common feline primary brain tumours, and calvarial hyperostosis (CH) is frequently documented in association with this neoplastic entity. The clinical significance of and mechanisms driving the formation of CH in cats with meningiomas are poorly understood, although tumour invasion into the skull and tumour production of cytokines and enzymes have been implicated as causes of CH in humans. This retrospective study investigated relationships between signalment, MRI or CT imaging features, histopathologic tumour characteristics, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzyme concentrations, tumour expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and progression free survival times (PFS) following surgical treatment in 27 cats with meningiomas with (n = 15) or without (n = 12) evidence of CH. No significant differences in breed, age, sex, body weight, tumour grade, tumour volume, peritumoral edema burden, ALP isoenzyme concentrations, tumour Ki-67 labelling indices or MMP-2 or MMP-9 expression and activity, or PFS were noted between cats with or without CH. There was a trend towards higher serum (p = .06) and intratumoral (p = .07) concentrations of IL-6 in cats with CH, but these comparisons were not statistically significant. Histologic evidence of tumour invasion into bone was observed in 5/12 (42%) with CH and in no (0/6) cats without CH, although this was not statistically significant (p = .07). Tumour invasion into bone and tumour production of IL-6 may contribute to the formation of meningioma associated CH in cats, although larger studies are required to further substantiate these findings and determine their clinical relevance.

Radiographic and computed tomographic characteristics of intraluminal tracheal adenoma in a cat.

A 13-year-old spayed female Persian cat presented with dyspnea and nasal discharge. Thoracic radiography revealed a dome-shaped soft-tissue opacity in the carina. Computed tomography confirmed a soft tissue-attenuating mass in the carina and the left and right proximal main bronchi that appeared to arise from the tracheal wall. Tracheoscopy revealed an intraluminal broad-based mass with multilobulated borders at the same location. Histopathological evaluation revealed a benign neoplastic process of the glandular epithelial lineage, which was considered an adenoma. Tracheal adenomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of tracheal masses.

Arterial thromboembolism in a cat with transient myocardial thickening.

Feline arterial thromboembolism has been reported to be secondary to various feline cardiomyopathies; however, it has not been described in cats with transient myocardial thickening. A previously healthy, one-year-old, castrated male cat presented with acute paraparesis and congestive heart failure. Echocardiography revealed asymmetric left ventricular free wall thickening and left atrial enlargement. Antithrombotic treatment and cardiac medication resulted in reperfusion and mobility on day seven in one limb and on day 10 in the other. Different complications were managed successfully, including worsening acute kidney injury, inflammation, pleural effusion, and anemia. After three weeks, the cat was discharged and prescribed oral antithrombotic drugs (clopidogrel and rivaroxaban) and cardiac medication. Within five months, echocardiographic findings normalized, and medical treatment was gradually discontinued. To date, the cat remains healthy at 1735 days after the initial diagnosis and 1494 days after the last antithrombotic medication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report on feline arterial thromboembolism combined with transient myocardial thickening, with favorable long-term survival.