Characterization of the Domestic Cat Population of Uruguay: Breeds, Coat Colors, Hair Length, Lifestyle, Sex and Spay/Neuter Status According to Guardian Report.

The objective of this study was to characterize the domestic cat population of Uruguay in relation to breed, coat color, hair length, lifestyle (indoor vs. outdoor), age, sex, and spay/neuter status according to a survey completed by their owners or guardians. An online survey, distributed to residents of Uruguay, was completed in full by 2561 cat guardians. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests were performed. The population of cats with guardians in Uruguay is characterized by the following data: higher frequency of female cats (53%), most of the cats were between two and six years old (49%), most of them were neutered (84%, mainly those older than one year of age), most of them have outdoor access (87%), a very low percentage (6%) are purebred (Siamese being the most frequent: 86%), and within the non-pure breeds, short hair cats were the most frequent (79%). This study, in addition to expanding the information on the characteristics of cats with guardians from other countries and continents, is the first study in Latin America to describe some key demographic aspects such as cat breeds, coat color, hair length, lifestyles, and frequency by age, sex, and spay/neuter status (spayed/neutered or not) at the country level.

Factors affecting the results of food preference tests in cats.

The aim of this study was to (i) gain an overview of the protocols of food preference tests in cats through a systematic review, (ii) assess the effects of test duration, time of day, and sex, and (iii) propose a statistical approach based on power analysis to determine sample size and analyze the results. The manuscripts included in this review had marked variations in the number of days (2-56), sample size (9-60 cats), feeding times (2.5-1440 min), and number of meals per day (1-2) during the test. Additionally to the literature review, three palatability tests (lasting 10 days each) were conducted with 40 cats (22 males and 18 females, 1.8 ± 0.16 years, 3.73 ± 0.90 kg) to assess the effects of test duration, time of day, and gender on the results. From the second day of the test, the sensitivity of the results was higher, because on the first day the results in one of the tests differed from the others (p = .0058). There was no difference (p > .05) between times of day (morning vs afternoon) or gender (males vs females) on the results of the feed intake ratio. For a SD of 0.20, p < .05, and delta of 0.10, the minimum number of cats for two-bowl assays is 23 (test power higher than 0.75).The sample size and test duration are critical factors in the decision making by the investigators about the design of food preference tests in cats. The use of a power test is recommended upon planning a food preference test protocol in cats.

Molecular detection, characterization of Anaplasma spp. in domestic cats from Rio de Janeiro state.

Species of the genus Anaplasma, in the family Anaplasmatacae, are responsible to vector-borne diseases that affecting animals and humans. Feline anaplasmosis is poorly reported in Brazil. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of Anaplasma spp. in domestic cats from Greater Rio de Janeiro, and evaluating hematological changes associated with this rickettsial infection. Were sampled 216 cats, we performed nested PCR (nPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) assays targeting A. platys-16S-rDNA, A. platys-gltA and A. phagocytophilum-msp2 sequences. As evaluated with gltA-qPCR the frequency of cats positive for A. platys was 3.7% (n = 8/216) and by 16S-rDNA nested-PCR it was 0.9% (n = 2/216). No cats were positive to msp2-qPCR to A. phagocytophilum. The sequences of A. platys presented 100% similarity with previously described isolates around the world and Brazil. Two cats that were positive in the gltA-qPCR reactions have platelet inclusions in the microscopic examination. However, no significant (p > 0.05) hematological changes were observed, probably due to low parasite load. This study showed that A. platys occur in domestic cats from Greater Rio de Janeiro. Further studies are needed to more precisely characterize these organisms.

LESS ovariohysterectomy in cats using a new homemade multiport / Ovário-histerectomia por LESS em gatas com um novo multiportal artesanal

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to assess the use of a homemade multiport for LESS (laparoendoscopic single-site surgery) ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in cats. Intra and postoperative variables of the surgery steps, technical challenges, complications and evolution of surgical time by a surgeon in training were evaluated. Twenty queens were selected for LESS OVH. The multiport device was manufactured of a conical-shaped ethylene polytereftalate (PET) bottle, urethral catheter no. 8, latex balloon no. 11, a 3.5mm and a 6mm laparoscopic trocars. Hemostasis was carried out using bipolar diathermy. Mean total surgical time was 14.54±5.12 minutes. Approach to right and left ovarian pedicles and abdominal access for insertion of the multiport device were the most time consuming surgical steps. LESS ovariohysterectomy using a new homemade multiport device is feasible and safe. Thus, the proposed technique may be considered as a minimally invasive alternative to ovariohysterectomy in the feline specie.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar o emprego do novo dispositivo multiportal artesanal para realização de ovariohisterectomia por LESS (cirurgia laparoendoscópica por único acesso) em gatas, analisando variáveis intraoperatórias de tempo cirúrgico das diferentes etapas que compõem o procedimento, suas possíveis dificuldades técnicas de execução e complicações trans e pós-operatórias. Avaliou-se ainda a curva de aprendizado deste procedimento, realizado por um cirurgião não proficiente na técnica. Vinte gatas foram submetidas à laparoscopia. Para a confecção do multiportal foi utilizado um recipiente de politereftalato de etileno (PET), uma sonda uretral nº8, um balão de látex nº11, um portal de videocirurgia de 3,5mm, e um de 6mm. O sistema de coagulação foi o bipolar. O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 14,54±5,12 minutos. A abordagem aos pedículos ovarianos direito e esquerdo e o acesso para introdução do portal foram as etapas que apresentaram maior tempo de execução. A OVH videoassistida empregando o novo dispositivo multiportal é factível, não demonstrando complicações. Acredita-se, portanto, que a técnica proposta torna-se uma alternativa para realização minimamente invasiva de ovariohisterectomia em felinos.