Acute erythroid leukemia in a cat infected with feline leukemia virus

Background: Erythroid leukemia is a myeloproliferative hematopoietic disorder considered acute when there is a predominance of blasts in the bone marrow. It is frequently reported in cats infected with feline leukemia virus, but it is unclear whether this virus is involved in the oncogenesis. The clinical signs in cats are anorexia, apathy, weight loss, with evolution from 2 weeks to 2 months, pale mucous membranes, hemorrhages, ascites, salivation, and dyspnea due to pleural effusion. This affection responds little to chemotherapy with an unfavorable prognosis. The aim of this study is to report a case of a feline leukemia virus infected cat with the onset of severe hemolytic anemia. Case: A 8-year-old male mixed breed cat was attended with a history of anorexia, oligodipsia, apathy, progressive weight loss, and yellowish color of urine for 7 days. Laboratorial exams showed anemia (with metarubricytes, acanthocytes and ghost cells), leukocytosis and FeLV reagent test. The cat underwent treatment with methylprednisolone acetate and supportive care. One day later, the animal returned with icteric mucous membranes, and emesis. A blood count was performed that found worsening anemia, increased leukocytosis, and lymphocytosis. Abdominal ultrasound showed cholangiohepatitis and lymphadenomegaly in mesenteric lymph nodes. Treatment was started with ondansetron, metronidazole, and amoxicilin with potassium clavulanate. The cat returned after 3 days and laboratorial exams revealed worsening of blood parameters, so blood transfusion was performed. After 2 days, the patient started with dyspnea and hypothermia, that evolved to cardiorespiratory arrest. The body was sent to necropsy and histopathology, where blast cells and rubricytes were found in blood vessels of various organs. The bone marrow was markedly cellular with complete disappearance of adipose tissue. Most of the cells were blasts with abundant and eosinophilic cytoplasm, central nucleus with finely dotted chromatin and a large nucleolus. There were rubricytes, which made possible to confirm acute erythroid leukemia as a morphological diagnosis. Discussion: The clinical signs observed in acute erythroid leukemia are lethargy, inappetence, fever, splenomegaly, mild lymphadenomegaly, associated with leukocytosis, severe anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The reported animal presented signs similar to those described in the literature except that there was no change in platelet counts. The diagnosis of leukemia was reached after histopathology, and it is made when is observed more than 30% of myeloblasts and monoblasts together or when the blast cells count including rubriblasts is greater than 30%. Although chemotherapy, the prognosis is usually poor. It is essential to perform the myelogram for the diagnosis of myeloid leukemias in vivo. In this report, we only achieve final diagnosis after the cat's death, due to the aggressive behavior of the disease. Clinicians must be aware of the likely development of acute erythroid leukemia whenever a feline leukemia virus infected cat presents hemolytic anemia to get an early diagnosis, since this is an extremely aggressive disease, to propose prompt chemotherapy and give the patient a longer survival period.

Classification of lymphoma in cats and its relationship with the detection of feline leukemia vírus proviral DNA / Classificação do linfoma em gatos e sua relação com a detecção do DNA pró-viral do vírus da leucemia felina

In this retrospective and prospective study, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of 62 cases of lymphomas in cats were performed to classify the anatomic forms and subtypes, according to the WHO guidelines, and correlate it to FeLV proviral DNA detected using PCR. The most common anatomical form was gastrointestinal (40.3%, 25/62), followed by multicentric (29%, 18/62), mediastinal (17.7%, 11/62) and extranodal (12,9%, 8/62). Among the lymphoma subtypes, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (30.6%, 19/62) was the most commonly diagnosed followed by peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) (29%, 18/62) and enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma type 2 (14.5%, 9/62). DNA extraction from paraffin-embedded neoplastic tissue was obtained in 28 cases and FeLV proviral DNA was detected by PCR, in 23 of these. Of the cases presenting with FeLV proviral DNA, nine (32%) were of the multicentric form, five (22%) of the mediastinal and extranodal forms and four (17%) of the gastrointestinal form. The most frequent subtypes with FeLV proviral DNA, independent of the anatomical form, were DLBCL (39.1%, 9/23) and PTCL (34.7%, 8/23). The presence of the FeLV proviral DNA in 23 cats of this study, probably had association with the multicentric form of lymphoma and higher occurrence in the DLBCL and PTCL subtypes.

Neste estudo retrospectivo e prospectivo, análises histopatológicas e imuno-histoquímicas de 62 casos de linfomas em gatos foram realizadas para classificar as formas anatômicas o e subtipos do linfoma, de acordo com as diretrizes da OMS. Além disso, foi realizada a extração de DNA dos tumores incluídos na parafina para obtenção de DNA pró-viral do FeLV por PCR, e relacionada com os exames anteriores. A forma anatômica mais comum foi a gastrointestinal (40.3%, 25/62), seguida pela multicêntrica (29%, 18/62), mediastinal (17,7%, 11/62) e extranodal (12,9%, 8/62). Entre os subtipos de linfoma, o linfoma difuso de grandes células B (DLBCL) (30.6%, 19/62) foi o mais comumente diagnosticado, seguido por linfoma de células T periférico (PTCL) (29%, 18/62) e o linfoma de células T associado a enteropatia tipo 2 (14.5%, 9/62). A extração de DNA de tecido neoplásico emblocado em parafina foi obtida em 28 casos e o DNA pró-viral de FeLV foi detectado por PCR, em 23 deles. Dos casos com DNA pró-viral do FeLV, nove (32%) eram da forma multicêntrica, cinco (22%) das formas mediastinal e extranodal e quatro (17%) da forma gastrointestinal. Os subtipos mais frequentes com DNA pró-viral do FeLV, independente da forma anatômica, foram DLBCL (39.1%, 9/23) e PTCL (34.7%, 8/23). A presença do DNA pró-viral do FeLV em 23 gatos deste estudo, provavelmente teve associação com a forma multicêntrica do linfoma e maior ocorrência nos subtipos DLBCL e PTCL.

Unusual feline Dirofilaria immitis infection: a case report / Infecção incomum por Dirofilaria immitis em felino: relato de caso

Cats are less susceptible to Dirofilaria immitis infection than dogs. Although rare, the feline disease can be fatal even with low parasitic loads. The infection is often asymptomatic or has non-specific symptoms that are mainly associated with the death of immature worms. Microfilaremia is rare and transient. Normally, microfilaremia, when present, lasts for not more than 33 days. This study describes a feline case presenting with non-specific clinical signs and prolonged microfilaremia. Case: a random bred cat infected by feline leukemia virus (FeLV) that was found to be microfilaremic by chance. The infection was detected by the presence of microfilariae in a blood smear and was confirmed by antigen test (SNAP Feline Triple Test, Idexx®) and echocardiogram.(AU)

Gatos são menos susceptíveis à infecção por Dirofilaria immitis do que cães. Apesar de rara, a doença nos gatos pode ser fatal mesmo com baixas cargas parasitárias. Muitas vezes, a doença é assintomática ou apresenta sintomas inespecíficos, principalmente associados com a morte de formas parasitárias imaturas. Microfilaremia é rara e transitória. Normalmente, quando ocorre microfilaremia, ela permanece por, no máximo, 33 dias. Este estudo descreve o caso de um felino que apresentava sinais inespecíficos e microfilaremia prolongada: um gato sem raça definida, portador de infecção pelo vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) que foi diagnosticado como microfilaremico ao acaso. A infecção foi detectada pela presença de microfilárias em esfregaço sanguíneo e, posteriormente, confirmada pelo teste de antígenos (SNAP Feline Triple Test, Idexx®) e por ecocardiograma.(AU)

B220 expression as an immunological marker for differentiation of feline leukemia virus carrying cats / A expressão de B220 como um marcador imunológico para diferenciação de gatos portadores do vírus da leucemia felina

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) causes an infection in cats that, in some cases, can also be reported with other pathologies, such as infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and lymphoma. Although, a compromised immune response is reported in these animals, little is known about the immunological state of their cells. To shed some light in this area, we studied peripheral blood samples from both infected and non-infected cats with FeLV, with or without FIV, FIP, and lymphoma. We tested a panel of monoclonal antibodies (n=11) against mouse and human antigens and we reported that cat leukocytes can be stained with anti-mouse B220 monoclonal antibody; therefore, percentages of B cells were evaluated in different cat groups. Our results showed that cats with FeLV and FIP, or with leukemia, presented a large decrease in B220+ mononuclear cells. However, FeLV+ cats without clinical signs, or with unspecific clinical signs, had the same amount of B220+ mononuclear cells as healthy cats (control cats). Since the expression of B220 is exclusively restricted to the naïve B cell population, we inferred that the absence of these B cells in FeLV+ cats is related to other conditions that affect B cell numbers, such as viral infections and leukemias. Therefore, the amount of naïve B cells in peripheral blood (i.e., B220+ cells) can be used to identify FeLV+ cats concomitantly carrying FIP or leukemia, from FeLV+ cats with lymphoma or without any clinical signs.(AU)

O vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) causa de uma infecção em gatos, que também podem ter outras patologias, como a imunodeficiência felina (FIV), a peritonite infecciosa felina (FIP) e linfoma. Embora uma resposta imune comprometida seja encontrada nestes animais, pouco se sabe sobre o estado imunológico de suas células. Para ampliar o número de testes com a finalidade de avaliar o estado imunológico destes animais, estudamos amostras de sangue periférico de gatos infectados, ou não, com FeLV, e que apresentavam (concomitantemente) FIV, FIP e linfoma. Para isto, amostras de sangue foram marcadas com um painel de anticorpos monoclonais contra antígenos de camundongos e humanos (n = 11), para avaliar seu potencial para estudos imunológicos em gatos. De todo o painel de anticorpos testados, apenas o anticorpo anti-B220 de camundongo foi capaz de marcar leucócitos de gato. Nossos resultados mostraram que os gatos com FeLV e FIP, ou com leucemia, apresentaram uma grande diminuição nas células mononucleares B220+. No entanto, gatos FeLV+ sem sinais clínicos, ou com sinais clínicos inespecíficos, tiveram a mesma quantidade de células B220+ que os gatos saudáveis (gatos controle). Como a expressão de B220 é restrita à população de células B naïve, podemos inferir que a ausência dessas células B em gatos FeLV+ está relacionada a outras condições que afetam o número destas células, como infecções virais e leucemias. Portanto, a quantidade de células B naïve no sangue periférico pode ser usada para identificar gatos FeLV+ concomitantemente portadores de PIF ou leucemia, de gatos FeLV+ com linfoma ou sem sinais clínicos.(AU)

Avaliação de dois testes sorológicos comerciais para diagnóstico das infecções pelo FIV e pelo FeLV / Evaluation of two point-of-care tests to diagnosis of FIV and FeLV infections

FIV e FeLV são retrovírus associados principalmente com neoplasias. Dois testes rápidos são disponibilizados no Brasil para o diagnóstico dessas infecções: um kit de imunocromatografia de fluxo bidirecional (SNAP® Combo IDEXX) e um kit de imunocromatografia de fluxo lateral unidirecional (ALERE/BIONOTE Anigen Rapid). O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o teste SNAP® com o teste ALERE. Amostras de sangue de 178 gatos foram testadas utilizando-se ambos os kits. A reação em cadeia de polimerase em tempo real (qPCR) foi empregada como método confirmatório para todos os resultados. O teste SNAP® apresentou sensibilidade e especificidade de 100% para FIV; a sensibilidade e a especificidade do teste ALERE foram de 96,15% e 98,68%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade e a especificidade para o FeLV foram de 93,02% e 96,30% para o teste SNAP® e de 90,70% e 97,78% para o teste ALERE. Ainda em relação ao FeLV, três amostras com resultado positivo na qPCR obtiveram resultado falso-negativo em ambos os testes. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os métodos. Considerando a qPCR como padrão-ouro, o teste SNAP® apresentou maior sensibilidade e especificidade para o FIV, e o teste ALERE apresentou maior especificidade para o FeLV. Os resultados mostraram uma boa correlação entre os testes.(AU)

FIV and FeLV are Retrovirus associated mainly with feline neoplasms. Two point-of-care tests are commercially available in Brazil for diagnosis of these infections: a bidirectional flow immunochromatography kit (IDEXX SNAP ® Combo) and a lateral unidirectional flow immunochromatography kit (ALERE/BIONOTE Anigen Rapid). The aim of this study was to compare SNAP ® and ALERE tests. Blood samples obtained from 178 cats were evaluated using both tests. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used as confirmatory test for all samples. The sensitivity and specificity of SNAP ® test was 100% for FIV, and for ALERE test was 96.15% and 98.68%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for FeLV was 93.02% and 96.30% for SNAP ® test and 90.70% and 97.78% for ALERE test. Three samples with a qPCR positive result for FeLV obtained a false negative result in both SNAP ® and ALERE tests. There was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. Considering qPCR as gold standard method, the SNAP® test showed higher sensitivity and specificity for FIV, and the ALERE test presented higher specificity for FeLV. The results showed good agreement among the tests.(AU)

Avaliação de dois testes sorológicos comerciais para diagnóstico das infecções pelo FIV e pelo FeLV / Evaluation of two point-of-care tests to diagnosis of FIV and FeLV infections

FIV e FeLV são retrovírus associados principalmente com neoplasias. Dois testes rápidos são disponibilizados no Brasil para o diagnóstico dessas infecções: um kit de imunocromatografia de fluxo bidirecional (SNAP® Combo IDEXX) e um kit de imunocromatografia de fluxo lateral unidirecional (ALERE/BIONOTE Anigen Rapid). O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o teste SNAP® com o teste ALERE. Amostras de sangue de 178 gatos foram testadas utilizando-se ambos os kits. A reação em cadeia de polimerase em tempo real (qPCR) foi empregada como método confirmatório para todos os resultados. O teste SNAP® apresentou sensibilidade e especificidade de 100% para FIV; a sensibilidade e a especificidade do teste ALERE foram de 96,15% e 98,68%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade e a especificidade para o FeLV foram de 93,02% e 96,30% para o teste SNAP® e de 90,70% e 97,78% para o teste ALERE. Ainda em relação ao FeLV, três amostras com resultado positivo na qPCR obtiveram resultado falso-negativo em ambos os testes. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os métodos. Considerando a qPCR como padrão-ouro, o teste SNAP® apresentou maior sensibilidade e especificidade para o FIV, e o teste ALERE apresentou maior especificidade para o FeLV. Os resultados mostraram uma boa correlação entre os testes.(AU)

FIV and FeLV are Retrovirus associated mainly with feline neoplasms. Two point-of-care tests are commercially available in Brazil for diagnosis of these infections: a bidirectional flow immunochromatography kit (IDEXX SNAP ® Combo) and a lateral unidirectional flow immunochromatography kit (ALERE/BIONOTE Anigen Rapid). The aim of this study was to compare SNAP ® and ALERE tests. Blood samples obtained from 178 cats were evaluated using both tests. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used as confirmatory test for all samples. The sensitivity and specificity of SNAP ® test was 100% for FIV, and for ALERE test was 96.15% and 98.68%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for FeLV was 93.02% and 96.30% for SNAP ® test and 90.70% and 97.78% for ALERE test. Three samples with a qPCR positive result for FeLV obtained a false negative result in both SNAP ® and ALERE tests. There was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. Considering qPCR as gold standard method, the SNAP® test showed higher sensitivity and specificity for FIV, and the ALERE test presented higher specificity for FeLV. The results showed good agreement among the tests.(AU)

Feline lymphoma in the nervous system: pathological, immunohistochemical, and etiological aspects in 16 cats / Linfoma no sistema nervoso de felinos: aspectos patológicos, imuno-histoquímicos e etiológicos em 16 gatos

The pathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and etiological features of lymphoma involving the nervous system (NS) in cats were analyzed through a retrospective study (2004-2017) in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The NS involvement was observed in 16 (12.2%) of 125 felines with lymphoma. Young cats were mainly affected, with a median of 24 months old. Most cases were secondary central NS lymphoma, whereas in three cats, the NS involvement was primary. IHC revealed 14 (87.5%) FeLV-positive, six FIV-positive, and one FeLV/FIV-negative cats. Distribution of feline lymphoma in the NS was 8/16 in the spinal cord, 7/16 in the brain, and 1/16 in the paravertebral nerves and ganglia (neurolymphomatosis). The lymphoma pattern in the spinal cord was exclusively extradural, often focal (6/8), and located in the lumbar (3/6), sacral (1/6), thoracic (1/6), and cervical segments (1/6). Brain neuroanatomical patterns were: leptomeningeal lymphomatosis (4/7), lymphomatous choroiditis (2/7), and intradural lymphoma (1/7). The feline with primary neurolymphomatosis presented a marked thickening of paravertebral nerves and ganglia from the sacral region. B-cell lymphoma (75%) was often diagnosed, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (11/16) was the main subtype. T-cell lymphoma (25%) was less commonly observed and was classified as peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) (3/16) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) (1/16).(AU)

Os aspectos patológicos, imuno-histoquímicos (IHQ) e etiológicos do linfoma envolvendo o sistema nervoso de felinos foram analisados através de um estudo retrospectivo (período de 2004-2017) no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O envolvimento do sistema nervoso foi observado em 16 (12,2%) dos 125 felinos com linfoma desse estudo e afetou principalmente, jovens com idade mediana de 24 meses. A grande maioria dos casos o linfoma era secundário no sistema nervoso central e somente em três gatos o linfoma foi primário do sistema nervoso. Na IHQ, 14 (87,5%) casos foram positivos para FeLV, seis (37,5%) para FIV, e um foi negativo para ambos. A distribuição do linfoma no sistema nervoso foi em 8/16 felinos na medula espinhal, 7/16 no encéfalo e em 1/16 em nervos e gânglios paravertebrais (neurolinfomatose). Na medula espinhal, o padrão do linfoma foi exclusivamente extradural e frequentemente focal (6/8), localizadas nos segmentos lombares (3/6), sacrais (1/6), torácicos (1/6) e cervicais (1/6). No encéfalo, os padrões neuroanatômicos observados foram: linfomatose leptomeningeal (4/7), coroidite linfomatosa (2/7), linfoma intradural (1/7). No felino diagnosticado com neurolinfomatose primária, foi observado acentuado espessamento dos nervos e gânglios paravertebrais da região sacral. Os linfomas de células de células B (75%) foram os mais frequentes e o principal tipo foi o linfoma difuso de grandes células B (11/16). Os linfomas de células T (25%), menos observados, foram classificados como linfomas de células T periférico inespecífico (3/16) e linfoma linfoblástico T (1/16).(AU)

Feline lymphoma in the nervous system: pathological, immunohistochemical, and etiological aspects in 16 cats / Linfoma no sistema nervoso de felinos: aspectos patológicos, imuno-histoquímicos e etiológicos em 16 gatos

The pathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and etiological features of lymphoma involving the nervous system (NS) in cats were analyzed through a retrospective study (2004-2017) in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The NS involvement was observed in 16 (12.2%) of 125 felines with lymphoma. Young cats were mainly affected, with a median of 24 months old. Most cases were secondary central NS lymphoma, whereas in three cats, the NS involvement was primary. IHC revealed 14 (87.5%) FeLV-positive, six FIV-positive, and one FeLV/FIV-negative cats. Distribution of feline lymphoma in the NS was 8/16 in the spinal cord, 7/16 in the brain, and 1/16 in the paravertebral nerves and ganglia (neurolymphomatosis). The lymphoma pattern in the spinal cord was exclusively extradural, often focal (6/8), and located in the lumbar (3/6), sacral (1/6), thoracic (1/6), and cervical segments (1/6). Brain neuroanatomical patterns were: leptomeningeal lymphomatosis (4/7), lymphomatous choroiditis (2/7), and intradural lymphoma (1/7). The feline with primary neurolymphomatosis presented a marked thickening of paravertebral nerves and ganglia from the sacral region. B-cell lymphoma (75%) was often diagnosed, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (11/16) was the main subtype. T-cell lymphoma (25%) was less commonly observed and was classified as peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) (3/16) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) (1/16).(AU)

Os aspectos patológicos, imuno-histoquímicos (IHQ) e etiológicos do linfoma envolvendo o sistema nervoso de felinos foram analisados através de um estudo retrospectivo (período de 2004-2017) no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O envolvimento do sistema nervoso foi observado em 16 (12,2%) dos 125 felinos com linfoma desse estudo e afetou principalmente, jovens com idade mediana de 24 meses. A grande maioria dos casos o linfoma era secundário no sistema nervoso central e somente em três gatos o linfoma foi primário do sistema nervoso. Na IHQ, 14 (87,5%) casos foram positivos para FeLV, seis (37,5%) para FIV, e um foi negativo para ambos. A distribuição do linfoma no sistema nervoso foi em 8/16 felinos na medula espinhal, 7/16 no encéfalo e em 1/16 em nervos e gânglios paravertebrais (neurolinfomatose). Na medula espinhal, o padrão do linfoma foi exclusivamente extradural e frequentemente focal (6/8), localizadas nos segmentos lombares (3/6), sacrais (1/6), torácicos (1/6) e cervicais (1/6). No encéfalo, os padrões neuroanatômicos observados foram: linfomatose leptomeningeal (4/7), coroidite linfomatosa (2/7), linfoma intradural (1/7). No felino diagnosticado com neurolinfomatose primária, foi observado acentuado espessamento dos nervos e gânglios paravertebrais da região sacral. Os linfomas de células de células B (75%) foram os mais frequentes e o principal tipo foi o linfoma difuso de grandes células B (11/16). Os linfomas de células T (25%), menos observados, foram classificados como linfomas de células T periférico inespecífico (3/16) e linfoma linfoblástico T (1/16).(AU)

Poliartrite associada a FeLV: relato de caso

O Vírus da leucemia felina é um agente que acomete felinos domésticos com distribuição mundial. Ela induz alterações imunológicas no animal que podem comprometer a saúde do mesmo. Os sinais clínicos são variáveis e inespecíficos. Objetivou-se relatar um caso de poliartrite em um felino com FeLV, condição rara. Foi atendido em uma clínica veterinária um felino, com 3 anos de idade, com histórico de claudicação em membros posteriores e anteriores.Ao exame clínico, verificou-se dor e edema em articulações rádio-cárpicas e tíbio-társicas direito e esquerdas, linfadenomegalia de poplíteos. Foram solicitados exames complementares. O teste rápido para FeLV mostrou-se positivo. O hemograma apresentou neutrofilia. Na radiografia verificou-se a presença de alterações sugestivas para poliartrite. O resultado da citologia mostrou a presença de infiltrado de neutrófilos e linfócitos, sem a presença agentes infecciosos. O histopatológico dos fragmentos ósseos do calcâneo mostrou osteomielite e osteonecrose. Conclui-se que o vírus da leucemia felina induziu um quadro de poliartrite crônica, condição rara, que levou a diversas alterações articulares e ósseas no animal.(AU)

The feline leukemia virus is an agent that affects domestic cats with a worldwide distribution. It induces immune changes in the animal that can compromise the health of the animal. The clinical signs are variable and non-specific. The objective of this study was to report a case of polyarthritis in a feline with FeLV, a rare condition. A feline, 3-year-old, with a history of lameness in hind and anterior limbs was seen in a veterinary clinic. Clinical examination revealed pain and edema in the right and left tibial-tarsal radiculopathy and joints, and popliteal lymphadenomegaly. Further examinations were requested. The rapid test for FeLV was positive. The hemogram showed neutrophilia. The presence of suggestive alterations for polyarthritis was observed in the radiograph. The cytology result showed the presence of neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration, without the presence of infectious agents. The histopathological examination of the bone fragments of the calcaneus showed osteomyelitis and osteonecrosis. It is concluded that the feline leukemia virus induced a chronic condition of polyarthritis, a rare condition that led to several joint and bone changes in the animal.(AU)

Poliartrite associada a FeLV: relato de caso

O Vírus da leucemia felina é um agente que acomete felinos domésticos com distribuição mundial. Ela induz alterações imunológicas no animal que podem comprometer a saúde do mesmo. Os sinais clínicos são variáveis e inespecíficos. Objetivou-se relatar um caso de poliartrite em um felino com FeLV, condição rara. Foi atendido em uma clínica veterinária um felino, com 3 anos de idade, com histórico de claudicação em membros posteriores e anteriores.Ao exame clínico, verificou-se dor e edema em articulações rádio-cárpicas e tíbio-társicas direito e esquerdas, linfadenomegalia de poplíteos. Foram solicitados exames complementares. O teste rápido para FeLV mostrou-se positivo. O hemograma apresentou neutrofilia. Na radiografia verificou-se a presença de alterações sugestivas para poliartrite. O resultado da citologia mostrou a presença de infiltrado de neutrófilos e linfócitos, sem a presença agentes infecciosos. O histopatológico dos fragmentos ósseos do calcâneo mostrou osteomielite e osteonecrose. Conclui-se que o vírus da leucemia felina induziu um quadro de poliartrite crônica, condição rara, que levou a diversas alterações articulares e ósseas no animal.

The feline leukemia virus is an agent that affects domestic cats with a worldwide distribution. It induces immune changes in the animal that can compromise the health of the animal. The clinical signs are variable and non-specific. The objective of this study was to report a case of polyarthritis in a feline with FeLV, a rare condition. A feline, 3-year-old, with a history of lameness in hind and anterior limbs was seen in a veterinary clinic. Clinical examination revealed pain and edema in the right and left tibial-tarsal radiculopathy and joints, and popliteal lymphadenomegaly. Further examinations were requested. The rapid test for FeLV was positive. The hemogram showed neutrophilia. The presence of suggestive alterations for polyarthritis was observed in the radiograph. The cytology result showed the presence of neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration, without the presence of infectious agents. The histopathological examination of the bone fragments of the calcaneus showed osteomyelitis and osteonecrosis. It is concluded that the feline leukemia virus induced a chronic condition of polyarthritis, a rare condition that led to several joint and bone changes in the animal.

Ocorrência de doenças infecciosas em gatos do Planalto Catarinense / Occurrence of infectious diseases in cats from Catarinense Plateau

Os gatos estão entre os animais de estimação mais comuns no mundo inteiro e é cada vez mais estreito o seu convívio com os humanos, o que torna os estudos epidemiológicos sobre as doenças que afetam esta espécie de grande importância. Portanto este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a ocorrência de doenças infecciosas em gatos atendidos no Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias (HCV) da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), no município de Lages, assim como identificar os principais sinais clínicos apresentados para cada uma delas. Para isso, foram revisados 825 prontuários de consultas clínicas de gatos, arquivados no HCV, do período de fevereiro de 2013 a julho de 2015. Entre os prontuários revisados, 32/825 (3,88%) apresentaram diagnóstico de doenças infecciosas. A distribuição das enfermidades classificadas como infecciosas foram as seguintes: virais 24/32 (75,0%); bacterianas 4/32 (12,5%); fúngicas 3/32 (9,37%) e causada por protozoário 1/32 (3,13%).  Entre as doenças infecciosas a mais ocorrente foi o vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) [13/33 (39,39%)], aonde as manifestações clínicas encontradas foram a anemia (6/12 [50,00%]), seguida pela leucemia (4/12[33,33%]) e linfoma (2/12[16,67%]). Também foram obtidas a ocorrência das doenças infecciosas de acordo com alguns critérios de seleção, como raça, idade, sexo, acesso à rua, contato com outros animais e status de vacinação. Gatos machos, não vacinados, com acesso livre à rua e contato direto com outros felinos estiveram em maior número dentre os doentes, o que demonstra a íntima relação da falta de cuidados básicos de saúde desses animais com a ocorrência das doenças infecciosas na espécie.

Cats are among the most common pets in the world. The close relationship between human beings and cats supports the importance of epidemiologic studies on feline diseases. Therefore, this study showed the occurrence of infectious diseases in cats at the Veterinary Clinics Hospital (HCV) of Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), in Lages (SC, Brazil), as well as identifying the major clinical signs presented in each affection. Hence, 825 medical records were reviewed, from February 2013 to July 2015. Among the reviewed records, 20/285 (2,42%) were diagnosed with infectious diseases. The distribution of infectious diseases was: viral 12/20 (60,00%); bacterial 4/20 (20,00%); fungal 3/20 (15,00%) and caused by protozoa 1/20 (5,00%). Among these infectious diseases, the most diagnosed agent was Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) [12/20 (60,00%)]. The most observed clinical signs were anemia (6/12 [50,00%]), followed by leukemia (4/12 [33,33%]) and lymphoma (2/12 [16,67%]). The study also showed the occurrence of infectious diseases according to some selection standards, for instance, breed, age, sex, outdoor access, inhabiting with other pets and vaccination status. The most affected group of animals were non-vaccinated male cats, which had direct contact with other felines and outdoor access, demonstrating the close relationship between the lack of health care and the occurrence of feline infectious diseases.

Ocorrência de doenças infecciosas em gatos do Planalto Catarinense / Occurrence of infectious diseases in cats from Catarinense Plateau

Os gatos estão entre os animais de estimação mais comuns no mundo inteiro e é cada vez mais estreito o seu convívio com os humanos, o que torna os estudos epidemiológicos sobre as doenças que afetam esta espécie de grande importância. Portanto este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a ocorrência de doenças infecciosas em gatos atendidos no Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias (HCV) da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), no município de Lages, assim como identificar os principais sinais clínicos apresentados para cada uma delas. Para isso, foram revisados 825 prontuários de consultas clínicas de gatos, arquivados no HCV, do período de fevereiro de 2013 a julho de 2015. Entre os prontuários revisados, 32/825 (3,88%) apresentaram diagnóstico de doenças infecciosas. A distribuição das enfermidades classificadas como infecciosas foram as seguintes: virais 24/32 (75,0%); bacterianas 4/32 (12,5%); fúngicas 3/32 (9,37%) e causada por protozoário 1/32 (3,13%).  Entre as doenças infecciosas a mais ocorrente foi o vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) [13/33 (39,39%)], aonde as manifestações clínicas encontradas foram a anemia (6/12 [50,00%]), seguida pela leucemia (4/12[33,33%]) e linfoma (2/12[16,67%]). Também foram obtidas a ocorrência das doenças infecciosas de acordo com alguns critérios de seleção, como raça, idade, sexo, acesso à rua, contato com outros animais e status de vacinação. Gatos machos, não vacinados, com acesso livre à rua e contato direto com outros felinos estiveram em maior número dentre os doentes, o que demonstra a íntima relação da falta de cuidados básicos de saúde desses animais com a ocorrência das doenças infecciosas na espécie.(AU)

Cats are among the most common pets in the world. The close relationship between human beings and cats supports the importance of epidemiologic studies on feline diseases. Therefore, this study showed the occurrence of infectious diseases in cats at the Veterinary Clinics Hospital (HCV) of Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), in Lages (SC, Brazil), as well as identifying the major clinical signs presented in each affection. Hence, 825 medical records were reviewed, from February 2013 to July 2015. Among the reviewed records, 20/285 (2,42%) were diagnosed with infectious diseases. The distribution of infectious diseases was: viral 12/20 (60,00%); bacterial 4/20 (20,00%); fungal 3/20 (15,00%) and caused by protozoa 1/20 (5,00%). Among these infectious diseases, the most diagnosed agent was Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) [12/20 (60,00%)]. The most observed clinical signs were anemia (6/12 [50,00%]), followed by leukemia (4/12 [33,33%]) and lymphoma (2/12 [16,67%]). The study also showed the occurrence of infectious diseases according to some selection standards, for instance, breed, age, sex, outdoor access, inhabiting with other pets and vaccination status. The most affected group of animals were non-vaccinated male cats, which had direct contact with other felines and outdoor access, demonstrating the close relationship between the lack of health care and the occurrence of feline infectious diseases.(AU)

Osteochondroma in a young cat infected by feline leukemia virus / Ostecondroma em um felino jovem infectado pelo vírus da leucemia felina

Osteochondromas are primary bone tumors characterized by cartilage-covered bone projections involving single or multiple masses (osteochondromatosis). This study reports the clinical and pathological findings from a young domestic cat with osteochondroma in the humerus. During the clinical evaluation, the animal had pronounced right forelimb musculature atrophy and an increased distal humeral volume. Histopathological examination of the neoplasm revealed a proliferative lesion characterized mostly by endochondral ossification and peripheral foci of proliferating cartilage tissue. Further testing using immunohistochemical staining and polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of feline leukemia virus antigens in the hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow and FeLV proviral DNA in the peripheral blood lymphocytes. Clinical and pathological findings are consistent with osteochondroma. This neoplasm occurred in an eight-month-old feline with humeral enlargement that had been present since two months old.

O osteocondroma é um tumor ósseo primário que se caracteriza por apresentar uma projeção óssea recoberta por cartilagem que pode ser formado por uma única ou por múltiplas massas (osteocondromatose). O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever os achados clínicos e patológicos de um felino jovem com osteocondroma no úmero. Na avaliação clínica, o felino apresentava atrofia acentuada da musculatura do membro torácico direito além de um aumento de volume em região distal do úmero. No exame histopatológico, observou-se uma lesão proliferativa composta em sua maior parte por ossificação endocondral com focos periféricos de tecido cartilaginoso proliferado. Testes de imuno-histoquímica e reação em cadeia da polimerase revelaram a presença de antígenos de FeLV em células da linhagem hematopoiética da medula óssea e DNA proviral em linfócitos do sangue periférico, respectivamente. Os achados clínicos e patológicos foram consistentes com um osteocondroma em um felino jovem, com oito meses de idade, com lesão em úmero desde os dois meses de idade.

Osteochondroma in a young cat infected by feline leukemia virus / Ostecondroma em um felino jovem infectado pelo vírus da leucemia felina

Osteochondromas are primary bone tumors characterized by cartilage-covered bone projections involving single or multiple masses (osteochondromatosis). This study reports the clinical and pathological findings from a young domestic cat with osteochondroma in the humerus. During the clinical evaluation, the animal had pronounced right forelimb musculature atrophy and an increased distal humeral volume. Histopathological examination of the neoplasm revealed a proliferative lesion characterized mostly by endochondral ossification and peripheral foci of proliferating cartilage tissue. Further testing using immunohistochemical staining and polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of feline leukemia virus antigens in the hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow and FeLV proviral DNA in the peripheral blood lymphocytes. Clinical and pathological findings are consistent with osteochondroma. This neoplasm occurred in an eight-month-old feline with humeral enlargement that had been present since two months old.(AU)

O osteocondroma é um tumor ósseo primário que se caracteriza por apresentar uma projeção óssea recoberta por cartilagem que pode ser formado por uma única ou por múltiplas massas (osteocondromatose). O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever os achados clínicos e patológicos de um felino jovem com osteocondroma no úmero. Na avaliação clínica, o felino apresentava atrofia acentuada da musculatura do membro torácico direito além de um aumento de volume em região distal do úmero. No exame histopatológico, observou-se uma lesão proliferativa composta em sua maior parte por ossificação endocondral com focos periféricos de tecido cartilaginoso proliferado. Testes de imuno-histoquímica e reação em cadeia da polimerase revelaram a presença de antígenos de FeLV em células da linhagem hematopoiética da medula óssea e DNA proviral em linfócitos do sangue periférico, respectivamente. Os achados clínicos e patológicos foram consistentes com um osteocondroma em um felino jovem, com oito meses de idade, com lesão em úmero desde os dois meses de idade.(AU)

Oxidative stress and changes on the adenosinergic system of cats infected by feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

Background: The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is clinically important retroviruses that infect domestic and wild feline worldwide, affecting more than 3 million cats representing a great risk for premature death. Some studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress, as well as the adenosinergic system, exert an important role in the pathogenesis of viral diseases. Oxidative stress is considered a disturbance in the antioxidant/oxidant status in favor of the excessive generation or lower removal of free radicals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether changes on the adenosinergic system and oxidative stress occurred in cats positives for feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Materials, Methods & Results: Forty-nine serum samples of cats (between 4 months and 13 years of age) seen at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Santa Catarina State (UDESC - Lages, SC, Brazil) were used. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and stored in tubes without anticoagulant to obtain serum. An aliquot was used to detect both viral infections using the kit SNAP FIV/FeLV, that detects the p27 protein from FeLV and antibodies against the p24 protein from FIV. The test was performed according the manufacture’s recommendations. Based on this result, this study involved 20 FeLV negative cats, 20 FeLV positive symptomatic cats, and 9 FeLV positives asymptomatic cats. Serum samples were used to determine the activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen levels (ROS). Seric ADA and GST activities, as well as TBARS (lipid peroxidation) and ROS (free radical) levels were determined spectrophotometrically according to the specific method. Seric ADA activity was increased in symptomatic animals compared to negatives and also to asymptomatic positive animals, and the same was observed for seric TBARS levels.[...]

Oxidative Stress and Changes on the Adenosinergic System of Cats Infected by Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Background: The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is clinically important retroviruses that infect domestic and wild feline worldwide, affecting more than 3 million cats representing a great risk for premature death. Some studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress, as well as the adenosinergic system, exert an important role in the pathogenesis of viral diseases. Oxidative stress is considered a disturbance in the antioxidant/oxidant status in favor of the excessive generation or lower removal of free radicals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether changes on the adenosinergic system and oxidative stress occurred in cats positives for feline leukemia virus (FeLV).Materials, Methods & Results: Forty-nine serum samples of cats (between 4 months and 13 years of age) seen at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Santa Catarina State (UDESC - Lages, SC, Brazil) were used. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and stored in tubes without anticoagulant to obtain serum. An aliquot was used to detect both viral infections using the kit SNAP FIV/FeLV, that detects the p27 protein from FeLV and antibodies against the p24 protein from FIV. The test was performed according the manufactures recommendations. Based on this result, this study involved 20 FeLV negative cats, 20 FeLV positive symptomatic cats, and 9 FeLV positives asymptomatic cats. Ser

Oxidative stress and changes on the adenosinergic system of cats infected by feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

Background: The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is clinically important retroviruses that infect domestic and wild feline worldwide, affecting more than 3 million cats representing a great risk for premature death. Some studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress, as well as the adenosinergic system, exert an important role in the pathogenesis of viral diseases. Oxidative stress is considered a disturbance in the antioxidant/oxidant status in favor of the excessive generation or lower removal of free radicals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether changes on the adenosinergic system and oxidative stress occurred in cats positives for feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Materials, Methods & Results: Forty-nine serum samples of cats (between 4 months and 13 years of age) seen at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Santa Catarina State (UDESC - Lages, SC, Brazil) were used. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and stored in tubes without anticoagulant to obtain serum. An aliquot was used to detect both viral infections using the kit SNAP FIV/FeLV, that detects the p27 protein from FeLV and antibodies against the p24 protein from FIV. The test was performed according the manufactures recommendations. Based on this result, this study involved 20 FeLV negative cats, 20 FeLV positive symptomatic cats, and 9 FeLV positives asymptomatic cats. Serum samples were used to determine the activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen levels (ROS). Seric ADA and GST activities, as well as TBARS (lipid peroxidation) and ROS (free radical) levels were determined spectrophotometrically according to the specific method. Seric ADA activity was increased in symptomatic animals compared to negatives and also to asymptomatic positive animals, and the same was observed for seric TBARS levels.[...](AU)

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and Leishmania sp. in domestic cats in the Midwest of Brazil / Infecção por Vírus da Imunodeficiência Felina (FIV), vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) e Leishmania sp. em gatos domésticos no Centro-Oeste do Brasil

This search aimed to investigate FIV and FeLV infections in domestic cats, analysing the epidemiological profile of the disease as well as additional infection with Leishmania sp. We evaluated 88 domestic cats for the presence of FIV, FeLV and Leishmania sp. infection. Eleven (12.5%) cats were positive for FIV infection, four (4.5%) were positive for FeLV, and two were co-infected. However, none was infected with Leishmania sp. The prevalence for FIV infection was higher than FeLV, and those observed in other regions, but no factor was associated with the infection by FIV and FeLV in this study.(AU)

Esta pesquisa teve o objetivo de investigar a infecção em gatos domésticos por FIV e FeLV, analisando o perfil epidemiológico destas doenças, assim como a infecção por Leishmania sp. Oitenta e oito gatos domésticos foram avaliados pesquisando a infecção por FIV, FeLV e Leishmania sp. Onze (12,5%) gatos foram positivos para infecção por FIV, quatro (4,5%) para FeLV, e dois gatos apresentaram co-infecção pelos dois vírus. Entretanto, nenhum gato doméstico apresentou infecção por Leishmania sp. A prevalência da infecção para FIV foi maior que a observada para FeLV, e que a observada em outras regiões, mas nenhum fator teve associação à infecção neste estudo.(AU)

Dermatophytes in cats without dermatopathies in the Metropolitan Area of Florianópolis, Brazil / Dermatófitos em gatos sem dermatopatias na região metropolitana de Florianópolis, Brasil

Background: Dermatophytes are infectious agents responsible for dermatophytosis, an important worldwide zoonosis. Cats are considered potential hosts and reservoir of these fungi, especially Microsporum canis. The prevalence in cats without dermatopathies varies according to the region, climate and animal husbandry. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of dermatophytes in cats without clinical signs of dermatopathy in the Metropolitan Area of Florianópolis, situated in the coast of Southern Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 198 samples were obtained from cats without dermatopathies domiciled in the metropolitan area of Florianópolis. The collections were made through vigorous hair brushing throughout the body of the animal, using a sterile toothbrush. Mycological culture was performed onto Sabouraud Agar Chloramphenicol-Cyclohexamide (SCC), and incubated at 25-27C for 21-28 days. The diagnosis was based on the macro and micromorphological characteristics of the isolated dermatophyte. One hundred and ten samples (55.6%) were collected in veterinary clinics and 88 (44.4%) in multiple household cats (average 11). The frequency of dermatophytes corresponded to 3.0% (6/198). Only the genus Microsporum was observed with predominance of M. canis (66.7%), followed by M. gypseum (33.3%). Saprotrophic fungi were observed in 94.4% of the cultures and [...]

Haemorrhagic myelomalacia in a cat with extradural T-cell lymphoma / Mielomalacia hemorrágica em um gato com linfoma de células T extradural

Myelomalacia is a term used to indicate the softening of the spinal cord, which results from ischaemic or haemorrhagic necrosis that can occur as a sequel to acute spinal cord injury. A 10-month-old, female, mixed breed domestic cat exhibiting neurological symptoms was referred for evaluation. Neurological examination revealed symptoms consistent with thoracolumbar syndrome. Initial radiographic examination detected no changes of the thoracolumbar spine. The cat received a palliative treatment with tramadol hydrochloride and prednisolone. The patient did not respond to the treatment and one month later presented with worsening of symptoms that progressed to non-ambulatory paraplegia. Radiographic examination was performed a second time and revealed a mass inside the spinal canal at the L1 and L3 vertebral levels. The animal died and was sent for post-mortem examination. The necropsy revealed a greyish-white epidural mass inside the spinal canal that was compressing the spinal cord at the L1 and L3 vertebral levels. The spinal cord between T2 and L3 was reddish and friable. The pancreaticoduodenal lymph node was enlarged. Histologically, the spinal cord mass and pancreaticoduodenal lymph node presented neoplastic lymphocyte proliferation, and haemorrhagic myelomalacia was observed in the spinal cord from T2 to L3. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the neoplastic lymphocytes were positive for CD3 antibody (T-cell lymphoma), and the lymphoid organs showed immunostaining for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Haemorrhagic myelomalacia due to extradural lymphoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats with spinal neurological signs.(AU)

Mielomalácia é um termo utilizado para indicar amolecimento da medula espinhal, decorrente de necrose isquêmica ou hemorrágica que pode ocorrer como sequela de lesão medular aguda. Um felino doméstico, sem raça definida, fêmea, 10 meses de idade, com sintomas neurológicos foi avaliado. O exame neurológico constatou sinais clínicos compatíveis com síndrome toracolombar. Na primeira avaliação, no exame radiográfico não foram observadas alterações na coluna vertebral toracolombar. Foi realizado tratamento suporte a base de cloridrato de tramadol e prednisolona. O paciente não respondeu ao tratamento e um mês após a primeira avaliação clínica, apresentou piora do quadro clínico apresentando então paraplegia não ambulatória. No segundo exame radiográfico foi observada uma massa radiopaca no interior do canal vertebral, comprimindo a medula espinhal entre L1 e L3. O felino veio a óbito e encaminhado para exame post-mortem. Na necropsia, foi observada no canal medular a presença de uma massa branco-acinzentada, extradural, comprimindo à medula espinhal no segmento entre as vértebras lombares L1 e L3. A medula espinhal entre T2 até L3 estava hemorrágica e friável. O linfonodo pancreaticoduodenal estava aumentado. Na avaliação histológica, a massa observada no canal medular e linfonodo pancreaticoduodenal apresentaram proliferação de linfócitos neoplásicos e a medula espinhal entre T2 e L3 apresentou mielomalácia hemorrágica. No exame imuno-histoquímico, os linfócitos neoplásicos apresentaram marcação positiva para anticorpo CD3 (linfoma de células T) e os órgãos linfoides apresentaram imuno-marcação para o vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Mielomalácia hemorrágica causada por linfoma extradural deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial em felinos FeLV positivos com sinais neurológicos medulares.(AU)